Method, apparatus and device for determining timer parameter, and storage medium

Abstract

A method, device and equipment for determining a timer parameter, and a storage medium, belong to the field of communication. The method comprises determining a timer parameter of a target timer according to a time sequence relationship and / or a reference node, the timer parameter comprising at least one of a starting time, a restarting time, an ending time and a validity period. The above method can avoid the inconsistency between the network device and the terminal device in understanding the validity period of the timer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for determining timer parameters. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is researching Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology. In NTN systems, satellite communication is typically used to provide communication services to ground terminals (User Equipment, UE).

[0003] In NTN systems, network devices need to send synchronization assistance information to terminal devices. This information is used by the terminal devices to complete time-domain and / or frequency-domain synchronization. Since the synchronization assistance information changes over time, timers need to be configured for both network devices and terminal devices in NR-NTN (New Radio NTN) and IoT-NTN (Internet of Things NTN) systems. These timers are used by the terminal devices to determine whether the acquired synchronization assistance information is valid.

[0004] However, in the timing relationships of the NTN system, the uplink and downlink timings of network devices and terminal devices are different, which leads to inconsistent understandings of the validity period of timers by network devices and terminal devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for determining timer parameters. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for determining timer parameters is provided. The method includes determining timer parameters of a target timer based on timing relationships and / or reference nodes. The timer parameters include at least one of a start time, a restart time, an end time, and a validity period.

[0007] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a timer parameter determination device is provided, the device comprising:

[0008] The determination module is used to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on timing relationships and / or reference nodes. The timer parameters include at least one of the following: start time, restart time, end time, and validity period.

[0009] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a communication device is provided, the communication device comprising:

[0010] Processor and memory; the memory stores a computer program, which is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the method for determining the timer parameters as described above.

[0011] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, which includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, to implement the timer parameter determination method as described above when the chip is running.

[0012] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program for a processor to execute in order to implement the timer parameter determination method as described above.

[0013] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment may include the following beneficial effects:

[0014] By defining the start time, restart time, end time, and validity period of the target timer based on the timing relationships in the NTN system, inconsistencies in the understanding of the timer's validity period between network devices and terminal devices can be avoided.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship of a reference point in the NTN system of a network device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship of a reference point in a satellite's NTN system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the timing relationship of an NTN system where the reference point is not in the network device and the satellite, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, the determination of a start-up time or a restart time based on a first timing relationship;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to another exemplary embodiment, the determination of a start-up time or a restart time based on a first timing relationship;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to another exemplary embodiment, the determination of a start-up time or a restart time based on a first timing relationship;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, the determination of an end time or validity period based on a second timing relationship;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to another exemplary embodiment, the determination of an end time or validity period based on a second timing relationship;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to an exemplary embodiment, the determination of an end time or validity period based on a third timing relationship;

[0034] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, according to another exemplary embodiment, the determination of an end time or validity period based on a third timing relationship;

[0035] Figure 19 This is a structural block diagram of a timer parameter determination device provided according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0038] Currently, 3GPP is researching Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology. NTN typically uses satellite communication to provide communication services to terrestrial users. NTN systems currently include NR-NTN and IoT-NTN systems. Among them, IoT-NTN systems include at least NB-IoT-NTN (Narrow Band Internet of Things NTN) and eMTC-NTN (Enhanced Machine Type Communication NTN) systems.

[0039] For example, Figure 1 A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 1 As shown in Figure A, the communication system may include a network device 1201, which may be a device that communicates with a terminal device 1101 (or a communication terminal, terminal). The network device 1201 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminal devices located within that coverage area.

[0040] Figure 1 An exemplary illustration shows a network device and two terminal devices. In some embodiments of this application, the communication system may include multiple network devices and each network device may include other numbers of terminal devices within its coverage area. This application does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0041] For example, Figure 1 B illustrates a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1B. The communication system includes terminal device 1102 and satellite 1301, which can communicate wirelessly. The network formed between terminal device 1102 and satellite 1301 can also be called an NTN. Figure 1 In the communication system architecture shown in B, satellite 1301 can function as a base station, and terminal device 1102 and satellite 1301 can communicate directly. In this system architecture, satellite 1301 can be referred to as a network device. In some embodiments of this application, the communication system may include multiple network devices 1102, and the coverage area of ​​each network device 1301 may include other numbers of terminal devices; this application does not limit this aspect.

[0042] For example, Figure 1 C is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 C includes terminal device 1103, satellite 1302, and base station 1202. Terminal device 1103 and satellite 1302 can communicate wirelessly, and satellite 1302 can communicate with base station 1202. The network formed by terminal device 1103, satellite 1302, and base station 1202 can also be called an NTN. Figure 1 In the communication system architecture shown in C, satellite 1302 may not function as a base station, and communication between terminal device 1103 and base station 1202 requires relay through satellite 1302. In this system architecture, base station 1202 can be referred to as a network device. In some embodiments of this application, the communication system may include multiple network devices 1202, and the coverage area of ​​each network device 1202 may include other numbers of terminal devices; this application does not limit this aspect.

[0043] In one embodiment, in an NR-NTN system, the network device can be a gNB (generation NodeB, 5G base station), and in an IoT-NTN system, the network device can be an eNB (evolved NodeB, 4G base station).

[0044] In one embodiment, a feeder link refers to a link used for communication between network devices and satellites.

[0045] In one embodiment, a service link refers to a link used for communication between a terminal device and a satellite.

[0046] This application describes various embodiments in conjunction with network devices and terminal devices. The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user equipment, etc.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device may be a station (ST) in a WLAN, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a next-generation communication system such as an NR network, or a terminal device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, etc.

[0048] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, and can be used to connect people, objects, and machines, such as handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, etc. The terminal device in the embodiments of this application can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, PDA, mobile internet device (MID), wearable device, virtual reality (VR) device, augmented reality (AR) device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc. Optionally, the UE can be used to act as a base station. For example, the UE can act as a scheduling entity, providing sidelink signals between UEs in V2X or D2D, etc. For example, cellular phones and cars communicate with each other using sidelink signals. Cellular phones and smart home devices can communicate without relaying communication signals through base stations.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships); and it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites).

[0050] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal device may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical care, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, or wireless terminal device in smart home, etc. The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), access terminal device, vehicle-mounted terminal, industrial control terminal, UE unit, UE station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal device, mobile device, UE terminal device, wireless communication device, UE agent, or UE device, etc. The terminal device may also be fixed or mobile.

[0051] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0052] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device for communicating with a terminal device. This network device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device, such as a base station. In this application embodiment, the network device can refer to a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) that connects the terminal device to the wireless network. A base station can broadly encompass, or be replaced by, various names including: NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), relay station, access point, transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), master MeNB, auxiliary SeNB, multi-mode radio (MSR) node, home base station, network controller, access node, wireless node, access point (AP), transmission node, transceiver node, baseband unit (BBU), remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), remote radio head (RRH), central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), positioning node, etc. A base station can be a macro base station, micro base station, relay node, donor node, or similar entities, or combinations thereof. A base station can also refer to a communication module, modem, or chip installed within the aforementioned equipment or apparatus. A base station can also be a mobile switching center, or a device that performs base station functions in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, a network-side device in a 6G network, or a device performing base station functions in future communication systems. Base stations can support networks using the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the network equipment.

[0053] Base stations can be fixed or mobile. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move depending on the location of the mobile base station. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another base station.

[0054] In some deployments, the network device in this application embodiment may refer to a CU or a DU, or the network device may include both a CU and a DU. The gNB may also include an AAU.

[0055] Network devices and terminal devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the scenario in which the network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0056] By way of example and not limitation, in the embodiments of this application, the network device may have mobility characteristics; for example, the network device may be a mobile device. In some embodiments of this application, the network device may be a satellite or a balloon station. For example, the satellite may be a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, etc. In some embodiments of this application, the network device may also be a base station located on land, water, or other similar locations.

[0057] In this embodiment, the network device can provide services to a cell. The terminal device communicates with the network device through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the network device (e.g., a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. The small cell can include: metro cell, micro cell, pico cell, femto cell, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0058] In the related technologies of this application, in a TN (Terrestrial Network) system, when a terminal device is scheduled to perform uplink transmission on uplink time unit n, the terminal device needs to consider the effect of Timing Advance (TA) during uplink transmission, so that the uplink transmission arrives at the network device on the network device's uplink time unit n. In an NTN system, the terminal device also needs to consider the effect of TA during uplink transmission. Due to the large propagation delay in NTN systems, the range of TA values ​​is usually quite large to ensure alignment between the uplink and downlink time units n of the network device. Therefore, a reference point is introduced in the NTN system, ensuring that the uplink and downlink time units n are aligned at the reference point. In one embodiment, in an NR-NTN system, the unit of time unit can be a time slot; in an IoT-NTN system, the unit of time unit can be a time slot or a subframe.

[0059] In one embodiment, the reference point can be a network device, a satellite, or a location other than a network device or a satellite, and the timing relationships in the NTN system include at least one of the following:

[0060] The first scenario: The reference point is on the network device;

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the downlink time unit n and uplink time unit n of the network device are aligned. There is an offset value of 1 between the uplink time unit n and downlink time unit n of the terminal device. This offset value 1 can be considered as the offset between the uplink and downlink timing of the terminal device, or in other words, the TA used by the terminal device for uplink synchronization. To ensure that the uplink transmission from the terminal device in uplink time unit n is aligned with the uplink time unit n of the network device, the offset value 1 is relatively large.

[0062] The second scenario: The reference point is on a satellite;

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, there is an offset value of 2 between the downlink time unit n and the uplink time unit n of the network device. This offset value 2 can be considered as the offset between the downlink timing and the uplink timing of the network device. There is also an offset value 3 between the uplink time unit n and the downlink time unit n of the terminal device. This offset value 3 can be considered as the offset between the uplink timing and the downlink timing of the terminal device, or in other words, the TA used for uplink synchronization by the terminal device. The downlink time unit n and the uplink time unit n of the satellite are aligned.

[0064] The third scenario: The reference point is not on the network equipment or satellite.

[0065] At this point, the reference point is usually located between the network equipment and the satellite, such as... Figure 4 As shown, there is an offset value of 4 between the downlink time unit n and the uplink time unit n of the network device. This offset value 4 can be considered as the offset value between the downlink timing and the uplink timing of the network device. There is also an offset value 5 between the uplink time unit n and the downlink time unit n of the terminal device. This offset value 5 can be considered as the offset value between the uplink timing and the downlink timing of the terminal device, or in other words, the TA used by the terminal device for uplink synchronization. The downlink time unit n and the uplink time unit n on the reference point side are aligned.

[0066] Timers: In NTN systems, such as those based on NR or IoT systems, network devices need to send synchronization assistance information to terminal devices. This information is used by the terminal devices to complete time-domain and / or frequency-domain synchronization. Since the synchronization assistance information changes over time, network devices can configure at least one timer for the terminal devices to determine whether the acquired synchronization assistance information is valid. Furthermore, in NR or IoT systems, network devices configure various timers for terminal devices for different purposes, and these timers are typically also applicable to the corresponding NTN systems. For example, network devices can configure an uplink synchronization timer for the terminal devices to maintain uplink timing synchronization. This uplink synchronization timer controls the timeframe within which a MAC entity considers the uplink of the serving cell associated with the Timing Advance Group (TAG) corresponding to the uplink synchronization timer to be timing synchronized.

[0067] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be executed by a terminal device or a network device, and includes:

[0068] Step 520: Determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the timing relationship and / or reference node.

[0069] The terminal device and / or network device determine the timer parameters of the target timer according to the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node, so that at least one of the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent, or the uplink time unit corresponding to at least one of the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent, or the downlink time unit corresponding to at least one of the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent.

[0070] The timer parameters include at least one of the following: start time, restart time, end time, and validity period.

[0071] In one embodiment, the target timer is a timer in an NTN system. For example, the target timer is a timer in an NR-NTN system. Another example is a timer in an IoT-NTN system.

[0072] In one embodiment, the target timer is a timer configured in the NR system for the NR-NTN system, and / or, the target timer is a timer configured in the IoT system for the IoT-NTN system. For example, the target timer is an uplink synchronization timer.

[0073] In one embodiment, the target timer is a timer corresponding to the synchronization auxiliary information. For example, the target timer includes at least one of the following:

[0074] The timers corresponding to ephemeris information; the timers corresponding to common timing advance values ​​and / or the offset values ​​of common timing advance values; the timers corresponding to uplink synchronization validity periods (validity timers for UL synchronization); the timers corresponding to GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System); and the timers corresponding to common transmission delays.

[0075] Indicatively, in an NTN system, network devices need to send synchronization assistance information to terminal devices. This synchronization assistance information is used by the terminal devices to complete time-domain and / or frequency-domain synchronization. The information obtained by the terminal devices based on the synchronization assistance information includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information, common timing advance value, offset of the common timing advance value, common transmission delay, reference time t0 (epoch time), and reference point position.

[0076] The terminal device acquires information based on synchronization assistance information and performs corresponding time-domain and / or frequency-domain synchronization based on its own GNSS capabilities. The terminal device can obtain at least one of the following information based on its GNSS capabilities: the terminal device's location, time reference, and frequency reference. Furthermore, based on the above information and the information acquired from the synchronization assistance information, the terminal device can calculate timing and / or frequency offset, and apply timing advance compensation and / or frequency offset adjustment in idle, inactive, or connected states.

[0077] Optionally, the service link timing advance (TA) can refer to the round-trip transmission delay between the satellite and the terminal equipment.

[0078] Optionally, the round-trip transmission time (RTT) of the terminal device can refer to the sum of the round-trip transmission time values ​​between the satellite and the terminal device, between the satellite and the reference point, and between the network device and the reference point.

[0079] Optionally, the complete TA of the terminal equipment can refer to the sum of the round-trip transmission delay between the satellite and the terminal equipment and the round-trip transmission delay between the satellite and the reference point.

[0080] Optionally, the Common Timing Advance (CTA) can be at least one of the following: for example, the round-trip transmission delay between the network device and the reference point, and / or, the round-trip transmission delay between the network device and the satellite, and / or, the round-trip transmission delay between the satellite and the reference point.

[0081] Optionally, the common timing advance value offset (Common TA drift) can be the first derivative and / or the second derivative of the common timing advance value.

[0082] Optionally, the common delay can be at least one of the following: for example, one-way transmission delay between the network device and the reference point, and / or, one-way transmission delay between the network device and the satellite, and / or, one-way transmission delay between the satellite and the reference point.

[0083] Optionally, the ephemeris information includes satellite position, velocity, and time (PVT) vector information. The ephemeris information is transmitted in an ephemeris format, and the ephemeris information format transmitted by the network device can include at least one of the following two methods:

[0084] Method 1: Ephemeris information format based on orbital information. In this method, the network device broadcasts the ephemeris parameters (α(km), e, I(deg), Ω(deg), ω(deg), M(deg)) at time t0.

[0085] Method 2: Ephemeris information format based on instantaneous state vector. In this method, the network device broadcasts the satellite's geocentric coordinate-based PVT vector (SX, SY, SZ, VX, VY, VZ) at time t0 to the terminal device.

[0086] Since synchronization assistance information changes over time, at least one timer needs to be configured for the terminal device in NR-NTN and / or IoT-NTN systems. This timer can be used by the terminal device to determine whether the acquired synchronization assistance information is valid.

[0087] For example, ephemeris information corresponds to a first timer. When the terminal device starts or restarts this first timer, the terminal device can determine that the ephemeris information acquired by the terminal device is valid before the first timer expires.

[0088] For example, the common timing advance value corresponds to the second timer. When the terminal device starts or restarts the second timer, the terminal device can determine that the common timing advance value acquired by the terminal device is valid before the second timer expires.

[0089] For example, the uplink synchronization validity period corresponds to a third timer. When the terminal device starts or restarts this third timer, the terminal device can determine that the uplink synchronization validity period of the terminal device is valid before the third timer expires.

[0090] For example, GNSS corresponds to a fourth timer. When the terminal device starts or restarts this fourth timer, the terminal device can determine that the information obtained by the terminal device based on GNSS, such as the terminal device's location, time reference, or frequency reference, is valid before the fourth timer expires.

[0091] For example, the common transmission delay corresponds to the fifth timer. When the terminal device starts or restarts the fifth timer, the terminal device can determine that the common transmission delay acquired by the terminal device is valid before the fifth timer expires.

[0092] It should be understood that the first to fifth timers mentioned above can be the same timer, or correspond to the same timer length; they can also be different timers or correspond to different timer lengths; or some of the timers from the first to the fifth timers can be the same timer or correspond to the same timer length. Of course, some of the above information may not correspond to timers.

[0093] In one embodiment, when the terminal device is configured with both a third timer corresponding to the uplink synchronization validity period and an uplink synchronization timer, the terminal device can assume that uplink synchronization fails as soon as either the third timer or the uplink synchronization timer expires. Optionally, in this case, the behavior of the terminal device when the third timer expires is different from the behavior of the terminal device when the uplink synchronization timer expires; or, the behavior of the terminal device when the third timer expires is the same as the behavior of the terminal device when the uplink synchronization timer expires.

[0094] It's important to note that the timer's length is a base duration configured by the network device for the terminal device. The timer's length is different from its validity period. The timer's validity period is the actual duration the timer operates, determined based on its length. However, the timer's validity period can differ from its length; for example, it could be shorter or longer than the timer's length.

[0095] In summary, by defining the start time, restart time, end time, and validity period of the target timer based on the timing relationships in the NTN system, inconsistencies in the understanding of the timer's validity period between network devices and terminal devices can be avoided.

[0096] In one embodiment, based on Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, step 520 can be replaced by step 620. Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be executed by a terminal device or a network device, and includes:

[0097] Step 620: Determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node.

[0098] The terminal device and / or network device determine the timer parameters of the target timer according to the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node, so that at least one of the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent, or the uplink time unit corresponding to at least one of the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent, or the downlink time unit corresponding to at least one of the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent.

[0099] For example, the terminal device and the network device determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node, so that the start time, restart time and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device are consistent.

[0100] First reference node: refers to the node used to determine the timer parameters of the target timer. The first reference node can be one of the following: terminal equipment, satellite, reference point, or network equipment.

[0101] Reference Point: To ensure the alignment of uplink and downlink time units of network devices and terminal devices, a reference point is set in the NTN system. The downlink and uplink time units of the reference point are aligned. Optionally, the location of the reference point is determined based on the location of the network device (e.g., the reference point is on the network device); or the location of the reference point is determined based on the location of the satellite (e.g., the reference point is on the satellite); or the location of the reference point is determined by the network device (e.g., the reference point is neither on the network device nor on the satellite, or the reference point is between the network device and the satellite).

[0102] The first time series relation is one of the following time series relations:

[0103] • Downlink timing of terminal devices;

[0104] • Satellite downlink timing;

[0105] • Downlink timing of the reference point;

[0106] • Downlink timing of network devices;

[0107] • Uplink timing of terminal devices;

[0108] • Satellite uplink timing;

[0109] • The uplink timing of the reference point;

[0110] • Uplink timing of network devices;

[0111] The first reference node can be one of the following: terminal equipment, satellite, reference point, or network equipment.

[0112] illustrative, for reference only Figures 2 to 4 , Figures 2 to 4 The timing relationships of the reference point are shown at the network device, the satellite, and the NTN system between the network device and the satellite.

[0113] In one embodiment, based on Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, step 620 can be replaced by steps 720 and 740. Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method can be executed by a terminal device or a network device, and includes:

[0114] Step 720: Determine the target time unit n based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node;

[0115] Optionally, the target time unit n includes a first time unit n1, which is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

[0116] Indicatively, the first time unit n1 is a time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to a first timing relationship; or, the first time unit n1 is a time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to a first reference node.

[0117] Schematic, the first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to a first timing relationship; or, the first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to a first reference node.

[0118] Optionally, the configuration parameters include at least one of the target timer's start time, restart time, length, and validity period.

[0119] Optionally, the target time unit n includes a second time unit n2, which is determined based on the length of the target timer; or, the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer. The length of the target timer is predefined or configured by the network device.

[0120] Step 740: Determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n.

[0121] In a first possible implementation, to ensure that the start or restart time of the target timer is consistent on both the terminal device and the network device side, the following steps are provided:

[0122] The target time unit n includes the first time unit n1, and step 740 can be replaced by one of the following:

[0123] First, the start time of the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer;

[0124] Second, the end time of the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer;

[0125] Third, the start time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer;

[0126] Fourth, the end time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0127] The following example illustrates how this method will be applied to a terminal device, with the first timing relationship being the satellite's downlink timing:

[0128] When the reference point is a network device Figure 8This diagram illustrates how a terminal device determines the start or restart time of a target timer when the satellite's downlink timing is used as the first timing relationship. Indicatively, the network device sends the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1. The terminal device receives these configuration parameters on the first time unit n1. Then, the terminal device determines the start or restart time of the target timer based on the satellite's first time unit n1 (e.g., the start or end time of the first time unit n1, or the start time of the first symbol transmitting the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1, or the end time of the last symbol transmitting the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1, etc.). Figure 8 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the first time unit n1 (shown as the start time of the first time unit n1).

[0129] When the reference point is a satellite Figure 9 This diagram illustrates how a terminal device determines the start or restart time of a target timer when the satellite's downlink timing is used as the first timing relationship. Indicatively, the network device sends the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1. The terminal device receives these configuration parameters on the first time unit n1. Then, the terminal device determines the start or restart time of the target timer based on the satellite's first time unit n1 (e.g., the start or end time of the first time unit n1, or the start time of the first symbol transmitting the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1, or the end time of the last symbol transmitting the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1, etc.). Figure 9 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the first time unit n1 (shown as the start time of the first time unit n1).

[0130] When the reference point is neither on the network equipment nor on the satellite. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates how a terminal device determines the start or restart time of a target timer when the satellite's downlink timing is used as the first timing relationship. Indicatively, the network device sends the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1. The terminal device receives these configuration parameters on the first time unit n1. Then, the terminal device determines the start or restart time of the target timer based on the satellite's first time unit n1 (e.g., the start or end time of the first time unit n1, or the start time of the first symbol transmitting the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1, or the end time of the last symbol transmitting the target timer's configuration parameters on the first time unit n1, etc.). Figure 10 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the first time unit n1 (shown as the start time of the first time unit n1).

[0131] In one embodiment, after determining the start time or restart time of the target timer, step 740 further includes:

[0132] The end time or validity period of the target timer can be determined based on the start time and length of the target timer; or the end time or validity period of the target timer can be determined based on the restart time and length of the target timer.

[0133] Optionally, the length of the target timer is predefined or configured by the network device.

[0134] The second possible implementation method, in order to ensure that the end time of the target timer is consistent on both the terminal device and the network device side, provides the following steps:

[0135] The target time unit n includes the second time unit n2, and step 740 can be replaced by one of the following:

[0136] First, the start time of the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer;

[0137] Second, the end time of the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer;

[0138] Third, the start time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer;

[0139] Fourth, the end time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer;

[0140] Fifth, determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second time unit n2;

[0141] Sixth, determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2;

[0142] Optionally, the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer; or, the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer, the length of which is predefined or configured by the network device.

[0143] In summary, by having the terminal device and / or network device determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node, at least one of the start time, restart time, and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and network device is kept consistent, or the uplink time unit corresponding to at least one of the start time, restart time, and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and network device is kept consistent, or the downlink time unit corresponding to at least one of the start time, restart time, and end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and network device is kept consistent, and the terminal device and network device have a consistent understanding of the start time, restart time, and end time of the target timer.

[0144] based on Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, step 520 can be replaced by step 1120. Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method is executed by a terminal device and includes:

[0145] Step 1120: Determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0146] The terminal device determines the timer parameters of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node, so that the understanding of the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent, or the understanding of the uplink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent, or the understanding of the downlink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is consistent.

[0147] Second reference node: refers to the node used to determine the timer parameters of the target timer. The second reference node can be either a terminal device or a satellite.

[0148] Reference Point: To ensure the alignment of uplink and downlink time units of network devices and terminal devices, a reference point is set in the NTN system. The downlink and uplink time units of the reference point are aligned. Optionally, the location of the reference point is determined based on the location of the network device (e.g., the reference point is on the network device); or the location of the reference point is determined based on the location of the satellite (e.g., the reference point is on the satellite); or the location of the reference point is determined by the network device (e.g., the reference point is neither on the network device nor on the satellite, or the reference point is between the network device and the satellite).

[0149] The second time series relation is one of the following time series relations:

[0150] • Downlink timing of terminal devices;

[0151] • Satellite downlink timing;

[0152] • Uplink timing of terminal devices;

[0153] • Satellite uplink timing;

[0154] The second reference node is a satellite or terminal equipment.

[0155] illustrative, for reference only Figures 2 to 4 , Figures 2 to 4 The timing relationships of the reference point are shown at the network device, the satellite, and the NTN system between the network device and the satellite.

[0156] In one embodiment, the terminal device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0157] Optionally, if the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or if the second reference node is the terminal device, the terminal device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer; for details, please refer to the first possible implementation in step 1220 below.

[0158] Optionally, when the second timing relationship is the satellite's downlink timing or satellite uplink timing, or when the second reference node is a satellite, the terminal device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value. Optionally, the first offset value is determined based on the terminal device's service link timing advance (TA). For a detailed description, refer to the second possible implementation in step 1220 below.

[0159] based on Figure 11 In the optional embodiment shown, step 1120 can be replaced by step 1220. Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method is executed by a terminal device and includes:

[0160] Step 1220: Determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node; or, determine the end time of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, according to the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0161] Methods for determining the validity period:

[0162] When the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or when the second reference node is the terminal device, the terminal device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node, and the length of the target timer. Illustratively, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the length of the target timer.

[0163] When the second timing relationship is the satellite's downlink timing or satellite uplink timing, or when the second reference node is a satellite, the terminal device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value. Illustratively, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the sum of the target timer's length and the first offset value.

[0164] Methods for determining the end time:

[0165] When the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or when the second reference node is the terminal device, the terminal device determines the end time of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node, and the length of the target timer, and based on the start time or restart time of the target timer. Illustratively, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start time or restart time and the length of the target timer.

[0166] When the second timing relationship is the satellite's downlink timing or satellite uplink timing, or when the second reference node is a satellite, the terminal device determines the end time of the target timer based on the target timer's length and the first offset value, according to the target timer's start time or restart time. Illustratively, the target timer's end time is equal to the sum of the start time or restart time, the target timer's length, and the first offset value.

[0167] Methods for determining the start or restart time of the target timer:

[0168] The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the third time unit n3, which is determined according to the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0169] Optionally, the start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third time unit n3; or, the start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third time unit n3; or, the start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3; or, the start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3; wherein, the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

[0170] Optionally, the third time unit n3 is a time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second timing relationship; or, the third time unit n3 is a time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second reference node.

[0171] Optionally, the third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second timing relationship; or, the third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second reference node.

[0172] The following will introduce two possible implementation methods for terminal devices to determine the termination time or validity period of a timer:

[0173] In a first possible implementation, if the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or if the second reference node is the terminal device, the terminal device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node; or, the terminal device determines the end time of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, according to the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0174] Figure 13 The diagram illustrates how the downlink timing relationship of the second timing relationship determines the end time or validity period of the target timer for the terminal device. Indicatively, the network device sends the configuration parameters of the target timer in the third time unit n3, and the terminal device receives the configuration parameters of the target timer in the third time unit n3.

[0175] The terminal device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer. For example, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the length of the target timer.

[0176] The third time unit n3 of the downlink timing of the terminal device (e.g., the start or end time of the third time unit n3, or the start time of the first symbol of the transmission of the configuration parameters of the target timer on the third time unit n3, or the end time of the transmission of the last symbol of the transmission of the configuration parameters of the target timer on the third time unit n3, Figure 13 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the third time unit n3 (shown as the start time). Then, the end time of the target timer is determined based on its length. Illustratively, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start or restart time and its length.

[0177] In this example, when the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device, the start time or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third time unit n3 of the uplink timing of the terminal device. Figure 13 The end time of the time unit marked in black is the end time of the target timer.

[0178] In a second possible implementation, where the second timing relationship is the satellite's downlink timing or uplink timing, or the second reference node is a satellite, the terminal device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value; or, the terminal device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, using the length of the target timer and the first offset value. The first offset value is determined based on the service link timing advance (TA) of the terminal device.

[0179] Figure 14 The diagram illustrates how the second timing relationship, representing the satellite's downlink timing, determines the end time or validity period of the target timer. Indicatively, the network device sends the target timer's configuration parameters in the third time unit n3, and the terminal device receives these parameters in the third time unit n3.

[0180] The terminal device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value. Schematic, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the sum of the length of the target timer and the first offset value.

[0181] The terminal equipment uses the third time unit n3 of the satellite downlink timing (e.g., the start or end time of the third time unit n3, or the start time of the first symbol of the transmission of the configuration parameters of the target timer on the third time unit n3, or the end time of the transmission of the last symbol of the transmission of the configuration parameters of the target timer on the third time unit n3) to determine the timing of the transmission of the target timer. Figure 13 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the third time unit n3 (shown as the start time). Then, the end time of the target timer is determined based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value. Illustratively, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start or restart time, the length of the target timer, and the first offset value.

[0182] Optionally, the first offset value is determined based on the service link timing advance (TA) of the terminal device. For example, the first offset value is the round-trip transmission delay between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0183] In this example, Figure 14 The end time of the time unit marked in black is the end time of the target timer.

[0184] In summary, by having the terminal device determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node, at least one of the end time and validity period of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, or the uplink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, or the downlink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, and the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of at least one of the end time and validity period of the target timer.

[0185] based on Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, step 520 can be replaced by step 1520. Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method is performed by a network device and includes:

[0186] Step 1520: Determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

[0187] The network device determines the timer parameters of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node, so that the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of the end time of the same target timer, or the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of the uplink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer, or the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of the downlink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer.

[0188] Third reference node: refers to the node used to determine the timer parameters of the target timer. The third reference node can be either a reference point or a network device.

[0189] Reference Point: To ensure the alignment of uplink and downlink time units of network devices and terminal devices, a reference point is set in the NTN system. The downlink and uplink time units of the reference point are aligned. Optionally, the location of the reference point is determined based on the location of the network device (e.g., the reference point is on the network device); or the location of the reference point is determined based on the location of the satellite (e.g., the reference point is on the satellite); or the location of the reference point is determined by the network device (e.g., the reference point is neither on the network device nor on the satellite, or the reference point is between the network device and the satellite).

[0190] The third time series relation is one of the following time series relations:

[0191] • Downlink timing of the reference point;

[0192] • Downlink timing of network devices;

[0193] • The uplink timing of the reference point;

[0194] • Uplink timing of network devices;

[0195] The third reference node is either a reference point or a network device.

[0196] illustrative, for reference only Figures 2 to 4 , Figures 2 to 4 The timing relationships of the reference point are shown at the network device, the satellite, and the NTN system between the network device and the satellite.

[0197] In one embodiment, the network device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on a third timing relationship and / or a third reference node.

[0198] Optionally, when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or uplink timing of the network device, or when the third reference node is the network device, the network device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value. Optionally, the second offset value is determined based on the round-trip transmission time (RTT) of the terminal device. For a detailed description, refer to the first possible implementation in step 1620 below.

[0199] Optionally, when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or uplink timing of the reference point, or when the third reference node is the reference point, the terminal device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value. Optionally, the third offset value is determined based on the complete TA of the terminal device. For details, refer to the second possible implementation in step 1620 below.

[0200] based on Figure 15 In the optional embodiment shown, step 1520 can be replaced by step 1620. Figure 16 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining timer parameters provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. This method is performed by a network device and includes:

[0201] Step 1620: Determine the validity period of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node; or, determine the end time of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, according to the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

[0202] Methods for determining the validity period:

[0203] When the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or uplink timing of the network device, or when the third reference node is the network device, the network device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node, as well as the length of the target timer and the second offset value. Illustratively, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the sum of the length of the target timer and the second offset value.

[0204] When the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or uplink timing reference point, or when the third reference node is the reference point, the network device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value. Illustratively, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the sum of the target timer's length and the third offset value.

[0205] Methods for determining the end time:

[0206] When the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or uplink timing of the network device, or when the third reference node is the network device, the network device determines the end time of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node, the length of the target timer, and the second offset value, based on the start time or restart time of the target timer. Illustratively, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start time or restart time, the length of the target timer, and the second offset value.

[0207] When the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or uplink timing reference point, or when the third reference node is the reference point, the network device determines the end time of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value, according to the start time or restart time of the target timer. Illustratively, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start time or restart time, the length of the target timer, and the third offset value.

[0208] Optionally, the second offset value is determined based on the round-trip time (RTT) of the terminal device, and the third offset value is determined based on the complete transfer time (TA) of the terminal device.

[0209] Methods for determining the start or restart time of the target timer:

[0210] The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, which is determined according to the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

[0211] Optionally, the start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth time unit n4; or, the start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth time unit n4; or, the start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4; or, the start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4; wherein, the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

[0212] Optionally, the fourth time unit n4 is a time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third timing relationship; or, the fourth time unit n4 is a time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third reference node.

[0213] Optionally, the fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third timing relationship; or, the fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third reference node.

[0214] The following will introduce two possible implementations of methods for network devices to determine the termination time or validity period of a timer:

[0215] In a first possible implementation, when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing of the network device or the uplink timing of the network device, or when the third reference node is the network device, the network device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value; or, based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value, the network device determines the end time of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0216] Figure 17 The third timing relationship is shown as the downlink timing of the network device, determining the end time or validity period of the target timer. Illustratively, the network device sends the configuration parameters of the target timer in the fourth time unit n4, and the terminal device receives the configuration parameters of the target timer in the fourth time unit n4.

[0217] The network device determines the validity period of the target timer based on its length and a second offset value. Illustratively, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the sum of its length and the second offset value.

[0218] The network device determines the timing of the transmission of the target timer's configuration parameters based on the fourth time unit n4 of the network device's downlink timing (e.g., the start or end time of the fourth time unit n4, or the start time of the first symbol of the transmission of the target timer's configuration parameters on the fourth time unit n4, or the end time of the transmission of the last symbol of the transmission of the target timer's configuration parameters on the fourth time unit n4). Figure 17 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the fourth time unit n4 (shown as the start time of this unit). Then, the end time of the target timer is determined based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value. Illustratively, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start or restart time, the length, and the second offset value of the target timer.

[0219] Optionally, the second offset value is determined based on the round-trip time (RTT) of the terminal device. For example, the second offset value is the sum of the RTT values ​​between the satellite and the terminal device, between the satellite and the reference point, and between the network device and the reference point. (Illustratively, in conjunction with reference...) Figure 4 The second offset value is the sum of offset value 4 and offset value 5.

[0220] In this example, Figure 17 The end time of the time unit marked in black is the end time of the target timer.

[0221] In a second possible implementation, when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing or the uplink timing of the reference point, or when the third reference node is the reference point, the network device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value; or, the network device determines the end time of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, according to the length of the target timer and the third offset value.

[0222] Figure 18 The diagram illustrates the downlink timing with the third timing relationship as a reference point, showing how the network device determines the end time or validity period of the target timer. Indicatively, the network device sends the configuration parameters of the target timer on the fourth time unit n4, and the terminal device receives these configuration parameters on the fourth time unit n4.

[0223] The network device determines the validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value. Illustratively, the validity period of the target timer is equal to the sum of the target timer's length and the third offset value.

[0224] The network device uses the fourth time unit n4 of the downlink timing reference point (e.g., the start or end time of the fourth time unit n4, or the start time of the first symbol transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer on the fourth time unit n4, or the end time of the last symbol transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer on the fourth time unit n4) to determine the timing of the target timer. Figure 18 The start or restart time of the target timer is determined by the start time of the fourth time unit n4 (shown as the start time of this unit). Then, the end time of the target timer is determined based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value. Schematic, the end time of the target timer is equal to the sum of the start or restart time, length, and third offset value of the target timer.

[0225] Optionally, the third offset value is determined based on the complete transfer time (TA) of the terminal equipment. For example, the third offset value is the sum of the round-trip transmission delay between the satellite and the terminal equipment and the round-trip transmission delay between the satellite and the reference point. (Illustratively, in conjunction with a reference...) Figure 4 The complete TA is offset by 5.

[0226] In this example, Figure 18 The end time of the time unit marked in black is the end time of the target timer.

[0227] In summary, by having the network device determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node, at least one of the end time and validity period of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, or the uplink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, or the downlink time unit corresponding to the end time of the same target timer on the terminal device and the network device is kept consistent, and the terminal device and the network device have a consistent understanding of at least one of the end time and validity period of the target timer.

[0228] It should be understood that, without contradiction, the various embodiments in this application can be combined in any way, and the technical solutions obtained by such combinations all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments in this application.

[0229] Figure 19 This application shows a structural block diagram of a timer parameter determination apparatus provided in an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprising:

[0230] The determination module 1901 is used to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on timing relationships and / or reference nodes. The timer parameters include at least one of the following: start time, restart time, end time, and validity period.

[0231] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node;

[0232] The first time series relation is one of the following time series relations:

[0233] Downlink timing of terminal devices;

[0234] Satellite downlink timing;

[0235] Downlink timing of the reference point;

[0236] Downlink timing of network devices;

[0237] Uplink timing of terminal devices;

[0238] Satellite uplink timing;

[0239] Uplink timing of the reference point;

[0240] Uplink timing of network devices;

[0241] The first reference node can be one of the following:

[0242] Terminal equipment, satellites, reference points, and network equipment.

[0243] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the target time unit n based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node.

[0244] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n.

[0245] In an optional embodiment, the target time unit n includes a first time unit n1, and the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the start time of the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0246] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time of the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0247] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the start time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0248] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0249] Wherein, the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

[0250] In an optional embodiment, the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including:

[0251] The first time unit n1 is a time unit used for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first timing relationship; or,

[0252] The first time unit n1 is a time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first reference node.

[0253] In an optional embodiment, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including:

[0254] The first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first timing relationship; or,

[0255] The first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first reference node.

[0256] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time of the target timer and the length of the target timer.

[0257] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the restart time of the target timer and the length of the target timer.

[0258] In an optional embodiment, the target time unit n includes a second time unit n2, and the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the start time of the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer.

[0259] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time of the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer.

[0260] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the start time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer.

[0261] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer.

[0262] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second time unit n2.

[0263] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2.

[0264] Wherein, the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer; or, the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer.

[0265] In one alternative embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one of a terminal device and a network device.

[0266] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0267] The second time series relation is one of the following time series relations:

[0268] Downlink timing of terminal devices;

[0269] Satellite downlink timing;

[0270] Uplink timing of terminal devices;

[0271] Satellite uplink timing;

[0272] The second reference node is a satellite or terminal equipment.

[0273] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0274] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer, when the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or when the second reference node is the terminal device.

[0275] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value when the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the satellite or the uplink timing of the satellite, or when the second reference node is the satellite.

[0276] In an optional embodiment, the first offset value is determined based on the service link timing advance (TA) of the terminal device.

[0277] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0278] The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the third time unit n3, which is determined according to the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

[0279] In an optional embodiment, the start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on a third time unit n3, including:

[0280] The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third time unit n3;

[0281] or,

[0282] The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third time unit n3;

[0283] or,

[0284] The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3;

[0285] or,

[0286] The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3.

[0287] Specifically, the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

[0288] In an optional embodiment, the third time unit n3 is associated with configuration parameters of the target timer, including:

[0289] The third time unit n3 is a time unit used to transmit configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second timing relationship; or,

[0290] The third time unit n3 is a time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second reference node.

[0291] The third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is related to the configuration parameters of the target timer, including:

[0292] The third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used to transmit configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second timing relationship; or,

[0293] The third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second reference node.

[0294] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node;

[0295] The third time series relation is one of the following time series relations:

[0296] Downlink timing of the reference point;

[0297] Downlink timing of network devices;

[0298] Uplink timing of the reference point;

[0299] Uplink timing of network devices;

[0300] The third reference node is either a reference point or a network device.

[0301] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

[0302] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing of the network device or the uplink timing of the network device, or when the third reference node is the network device.

[0303] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value, when the downlink timing or uplink timing of the third timing relationship is the reference point, or when the third reference node is the reference point.

[0304] In an optional embodiment, the second offset value is determined based on the round-trip transmission time (RTT) of the terminal device.

[0305] In an optional embodiment, the third offset value is determined based on the complete TA of the terminal device.

[0306] In an optional embodiment, the determining module 1901 is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer.

[0307] The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, which is determined according to the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

[0308] In an optional embodiment, the start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, including:

[0309] The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth time unit n4;

[0310] Alternatively, the start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth time unit n4;

[0311] Alternatively, the start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4;

[0312] Alternatively, the start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4.

[0313] Specifically, the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

[0314] In an optional embodiment, the fourth time unit n4 is associated with configuration parameters of the target timer, including:

[0315] The fourth time unit n4 is a time unit used to transmit configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third timing relationship; or,

[0316] The fourth time unit n4 is a time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, as determined by the third reference node.

[0317] The fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including:

[0318] The fourth sub-time unit is the sub-time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third timing relationship; or,

[0319] The fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, as determined by the third reference node.

[0320] In an optional embodiment, the length of the target timer is configured by the network device or predefined.

[0321] In an optional embodiment, the target timer is a timer in the NTN system.

[0322] In an optional embodiment, the target timer includes at least one of the following:

[0323] Timers corresponding to ephemeris information;

[0324] The timer corresponding to the common timing advance value and / or the offset value of the common timing advance value;

[0325] The timer corresponding to the uplink synchronization validity period;

[0326] GNSS corresponding timer;

[0327] The timer corresponding to the common transmission delay.

[0328] In summary, the aforementioned timer parameter determination device determines the start time, restart time, end time, and validity period of the target timer based on the timing relationship in the NTN system, which can avoid inconsistencies in the understanding of the timer's validity period between network devices and terminal devices.

[0329] The aforementioned timer parameter determination device further determines the start and restart times of the target timer based on a first timing relationship and / or a first reference node in the NTN system. The first timing relationship includes the downlink timing of the terminal device, the downlink timing of the satellite, the downlink timing of the reference point, the downlink timing of the network device, the uplink timing of the terminal device, the uplink timing of the satellite, the uplink timing of the reference point, and the uplink timing of the network device. The first reference node includes one of the terminal device, the satellite, the reference point, and the network device, which can avoid inconsistencies in the understanding of the timer's validity period between the network device and the terminal device.

[0330] The aforementioned timer parameter determination device further determines the end time and validity period of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node in the NTN system. The third timing relationship includes one of the downlink timing of the reference point, the downlink timing of the network device, the uplink timing of the reference point, and the uplink timing of the network device. The third reference node is either the network device or the reference point, which can avoid inconsistencies in the understanding of the timer's validity period between the network device and the terminal device.

[0331] Figure 20 The diagram shows a schematic representation of a communication device (UE or network device) provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The communication device includes: a processor 2001, a receiver 2002, a transmitter 2003, a memory 2004, and a bus 2005.

[0332] The processor 2001 includes one or more processing cores, and the processor 2001 executes various functional applications and information processing by running software programs and modules.

[0333] The receiver 2002 and the transmitter 2003 can be implemented as a communication component, which can be a communication chip.

[0334] The memory 2004 is connected to the processor 2001 via the bus 2005.

[0335] The memory 2004 can be used to store at least one instruction, and the processor 2001 is used to execute the at least one instruction to implement the various steps in the above method embodiments.

[0336] Furthermore, the memory 2004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, including but not limited to: magnetic disks or optical disks, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), static random-access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, and programmable read-only memory (PROM).

[0337] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory including instructions that can be executed by a processor of a communication device to complete the aforementioned method for determining the coverage enhancement level. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random-access memory (RAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0338] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, wherein when instructions in the non-transitory computer storage medium are executed by a processor of a communication device, the communication device is able to execute the aforementioned method for determining timer parameters.

[0339] An exemplary embodiment of this application also provides a network device, the network device comprising: a processor; a transceiver connected to the processor; wherein the processor is configured to load and execute executable instructions to implement the timer parameter determination method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0340] An exemplary embodiment of this application also provides a chip, the chip including programmable logic circuits and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running, implement the timer parameter determination method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0341] An exemplary embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one instruction, at least one program, code set, or instruction set, wherein the at least one instruction, the at least one program, the code set, or the instruction set is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the timer parameter determination method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0342] It should be understood that "multiple" as used in this article refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0343] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0344] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining timer parameters, characterized in that, The method includes: The timer parameters of the target timer are determined based on the timing relationship and reference nodes. The timer parameters include at least one of the following: start time, restart time, end time, and validity period. The step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on timing relationships and reference nodes includes: The timer parameters of the target timer are determined based on the first timing relationship and the first reference node; The step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the first timing relationship and the first reference node includes: The target time unit n is determined based on the first timing relationship and the first reference node; The timer parameters of the target timer are determined based on the target time unit n; Wherein, the target time unit n includes a first time unit n1, and the step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n includes: The end time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer; wherein, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; Wherein, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit within the first time unit n1 that is used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first timing relationship.

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The first timing relationship is one of the following timing relationships: Downlink timing of terminal devices; Satellite downlink timing; Downlink timing of the reference point; Downlink timing of network devices; The uplink timing sequence of the terminal device; The uplink timing of the satellite; The uplink timing of the reference point; The uplink timing of the network device; The first reference node can be one of the following: The terminal device, the satellite, the reference point, and the network device.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n further includes: The start time of the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer; or, The end time of the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer; or, The start time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is determined as the start time or restart time of the target timer; The first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The first time unit n1 is a time unit determined according to the first timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The first time unit n1 is a time unit determined according to the first reference node for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, and further includes: The first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first reference node.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n further includes: Based on the start time and length of the target timer, the end time or validity period of the target timer is determined; or, The end time or validity period of the target timer is determined based on the restart time of the target timer and the length of the target timer.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target time unit n includes a second time unit n2, and the step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n further includes: The start time of the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer; or, The end time of the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer; or, The start time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer; or, The end time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined as the end time of the target timer; or, The validity period of the target timer is determined based on the second time unit n2; or, The validity period of the target timer is determined based on the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2; Wherein, the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer; or, the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal device; and / or, the method is executed by a network device.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal device; the step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on timing relationships and / or reference nodes further includes: The timer parameters of the target timer are determined based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node; The second timing relationship is one of the following timing relationships: The downlink timing sequence of the terminal device; Satellite downlink timing; The uplink timing sequence of the terminal device; The uplink timing of the satellite; The second reference node is either the satellite or the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node includes: The end time or validity period of the target timer is determined based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Determining the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node includes: When the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or when the second reference node is the terminal device, the end time or validity period of the target timer is determined according to the length of the target timer; or, When the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the satellite or the uplink timing of the satellite, or when the second reference node is the satellite, the end time or validity period of the target timer is determined based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first offset value is determined based on the service link timing advance (TA) of the terminal device.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Determining the end time or validity period of the target timer includes: Based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, determine the end time or validity period of the target timer; The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the third time unit n3, which is determined according to the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the third time unit n3, including: The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third time unit n3; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third time unit n3; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3; Wherein, the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The third time unit n3 is a time unit determined according to the second timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The third time unit n3 is a time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, as determined by the second reference node; The third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second timing relationship; or, The third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second reference node.

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method is executed by a network device; the step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on timing relationships and / or reference nodes further includes: The timer parameters of the target timer are determined based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node; The third time sequence relationship is one of the following time sequence relationships: Downlink timing of the reference point; The downlink timing of the network device; The uplink timing of the reference point; The uplink timing of the network device; The third reference node is either the reference point or the network device.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The step of determining the timer parameters of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node includes: The end time or validity period of the target timer is determined based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Determining the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node includes: When the third timing relationship is the downlink timing of the network device or the uplink timing of the network device, or when the third reference node is the network device, the end time or validity period of the target timer is determined based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value. or, When the third timing relationship is the downlink timing of the reference point or the uplink timing of the reference point, or when the third reference node is the reference point, the end time or validity period of the target timer is determined based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second offset value is determined based on the round-trip time (RTT) of the terminal device.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The third offset value is determined based on the complete TA of the terminal device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that, Determining the end time or validity period of the target timer includes: Based on the start time or restart time of the target timer, determine the end time or validity period of the target timer; The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, which is determined according to the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, including: The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth time unit n4; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth time unit n4; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4; Wherein, the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The fourth time unit n4 is a time unit determined according to the third timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The fourth time unit n4 is a time unit determined according to the third reference node for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; The fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit determined according to the third timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third reference node.

24. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, 18 to 20, characterized in that, The length of the target timer is configured by the network device or is predefined.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The target timer is a timer in the NTN system.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The target timer includes at least one of the following: Timers corresponding to ephemeris information; The timer corresponding to the common timing advance value and / or the offset value of the common timing advance value; The timer corresponding to the uplink synchronization validity period; GNSS corresponding timer; The timer corresponding to the common transmission delay.

27. A device for determining timer parameters, characterized in that, The device includes: The determination module is used to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on timing relationships and / or reference nodes. The timer parameters include at least one of start time, restart time, end time, and validity period. The determining module is further configured to determine the target time unit n based on the first timing relationship and / or the first reference node; The determining module is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the target time unit n; The target time unit n includes a first time unit n1. The determining module is further configured to determine the start time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer. Wherein, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; Wherein, the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit within the first time unit n1 that is used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first timing relationship.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The first timing relationship is one of the following timing relationships: Downlink timing of terminal devices; Satellite downlink timing; Downlink timing of the reference point; Downlink timing of network devices; The uplink timing sequence of the terminal device; The uplink timing of the satellite; The uplink timing of the reference point; The uplink timing of the network device; The first reference node can be one of the following: The terminal device, the satellite, the reference point, and the network device.

29. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the start time of the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time of the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time of the first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 as the start time or restart time of the target timer; The first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that, The first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The first time unit n1 is a time unit determined according to the first timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The first time unit n1 is a time unit determined according to the first reference node for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that, The first sub-time unit in the first time unit n1 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, and further includes: The first sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the first reference node.

32. The apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time of the target timer and the length of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the restart time of the target timer and the length of the target timer.

33. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The target time unit n includes a second time unit n2, and the determining module is further configured to determine the start time of the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time of the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the start time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time of the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 as the end time of the target timer; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second time unit n2; or, The determining module is further configured to determine the validity period of the target timer based on the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2; Wherein, the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer; or, the second sub-time unit in the second time unit n2 is determined based on the length of the target timer.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that, The device includes at least one of terminal equipment and network equipment.

35. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node; The second timing relationship is one of the following timing relationships: Downlink timing of terminal devices; Satellite downlink timing; The uplink timing sequence of the terminal device; The uplink timing of the satellite; The second reference node is either the satellite or the terminal device.

36. The apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer when the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the terminal device or the uplink timing of the terminal device, or the second reference node is the terminal device. or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the first offset value when the second timing relationship is the downlink timing of the satellite or the uplink timing of the satellite, or the second reference node is the satellite.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that, The first offset value is determined based on the service link timing advance (TA) of the terminal device.

39. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer; The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the third time unit n3, which is determined according to the second timing relationship and / or the second reference node.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, characterized in that, The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the third time unit n3, including: The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third time unit n3; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third time unit n3; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3; Wherein, the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

41. The apparatus according to claim 40, characterized in that, The third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The third time unit n3 is a time unit determined according to the second timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The third time unit n3 is a time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, as determined by the second reference node; The third sub-time unit in the third time unit n3 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit used to transmit the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second timing relationship; or, The third sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the second reference node.

42. The apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the timer parameters of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node; The third time sequence relationship is one of the following time sequence relationships: Downlink timing of the reference point; Downlink timing of network devices; The uplink timing of the reference point; The uplink timing of the network device; The third reference node is either the reference point or the network device.

43. The apparatus according to claim 42, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

44. The apparatus according to claim 42, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the second offset value when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing of the network device or the uplink timing of the network device, or the third reference node is the network device. or, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the length of the target timer and the third offset value, when the third timing relationship is the downlink timing of the reference point or the uplink timing of the reference point, or the third reference node is the reference point.

45. The apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that, The second offset value is determined based on the round-trip time (RTT) of the terminal device.

46. ​​The apparatus according to claim 44, characterized in that, The third offset value is determined based on the complete TA of the terminal device.

47. The apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 46, characterized in that, The determining module is further configured to determine the end time or validity period of the target timer based on the start time or restart time of the target timer; The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, which is determined according to the third timing relationship and / or the third reference node.

48. The apparatus according to claim 47, characterized in that, The start or restart time of the target timer is determined based on the fourth time unit n4, including: The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth time unit n4; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth time unit n4; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the start time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4; or, The start or restart time of the target timer is the end time of the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4; Wherein, the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, the fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, characterized in that, The fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The fourth time unit n4 is a time unit determined according to the third timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The fourth time unit n4 is a time unit determined according to the third reference node for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; The fourth sub-time unit in the fourth time unit n4 is associated with the configuration parameters of the target timer, including: The fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit determined according to the third timing relationship for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer; or, The fourth sub-time unit is a sub-time unit for transmitting the configuration parameters of the target timer, determined according to the third reference node.

50. The apparatus according to any one of claims 37 to 41, 44 to 46, characterized in that, The length of the target timer is configured by the network device or is predefined.

51. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that, The target timer is a timer in the NTN system.

52. The apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 33, characterized in that, The target timer includes at least one of the following: Timers corresponding to ephemeris information; The timer corresponding to the common timing advance value and / or the offset value of the common timing advance value; The timer corresponding to the uplink synchronization validity period; GNSS corresponding timer; The timer corresponding to the common transmission delay.

53. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the method for determining timer parameters as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

54. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes programmable logic circuitry and / or program instructions, which, when the chip is running, implement the method for determining timer parameters as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

55. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program, which is executed by a processor to implement the method for determining timer parameters as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

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