Apparatus, method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for non-terrestrial network connection

Abstract

Disclosed are devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for non-terrestrial network connections. An example terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to at least perform: entering into a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with the first network device; determining whether a condition associated with the measurement at least for the location information is satisfied; and based on determining that the condition is satisfied, refraining from reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with the second network device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to devices, methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connections. Background Art

[0002] In NTNs (such as narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) NTNs, enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) NTNs, etc.), for occasional short connections, a user equipment (UE) in radio resource control (RRC) connection mode should return to idle mode and reacquire a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) position fix if the GNSS becomes outdated. In addition, the UE may need to reacquire the GNSS position fix immediately before establishing an RRC connection. For the purpose of establishing a connection, the UE may autonomously determine its remaining GNSS validity duration and report information associated with the validity duration to the network via RRC signaling. On the other hand, simultaneous GNSS and NTN NB-IoT / eMTC operations are not assumed. Therefore, if the UE is generally connected to the network for a long time, during which the UE may temporarily enter a non-connected mode, GNSS position acquisition may not always be necessary. In this case, GNSS position acquisition may unnecessarily affect NTN NB-IoT / eMTC operations and consume power of the UE, and the remaining GNSS validity duration report may unnecessarily cause uplink signaling overhead. Summary of the invention

[0003] The following provides a brief summary of exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. It should be noted that this summary is not intended to identify key features of essential elements or to limit the scope of the embodiments, and its sole purpose is to introduce some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.

[0004] In a first aspect, disclosed is a terminal device. The terminal device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to at least perform: enter a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with a first network device; determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied; and avoid reporting a remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with a second network device based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0005] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to further perform: based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding performing measurement acquisition.

[0006] In some example embodiments, the condition may be satisfied if at least one of: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

[0007] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

[0008] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the first network device is a remaining service time of a previous serving cell.

[0009] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the second network device may be a remaining service time of the target cell.

[0010] In some example embodiments, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be the expected duration of the connection with the target cell.

[0011] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving an indication from a second network device; and reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device in a case where the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the second network device.

[0012] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving an indication from the second network device; and performing measurement acquisition in a case where the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0013] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving a remaining service time of a previous serving cell from a first network device, or receiving a remaining service time of a target cell from a second network device; and performing measurement acquisition in the case where the target cell is a previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time.

[0014] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0015] In a second aspect, disclosed is a network device. The network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the network device associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device to at least perform: determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the previous serving cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein the remaining service time may be used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0016] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0017] In a third aspect, disclosed is a network device. The network device may include at least one processor and at least one memory. The at least one memory may store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the network device associated with a target cell of a terminal device to at least perform: determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell; and based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein the indication may be used by the terminal device to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0018] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the network device to further perform: based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the network device to further perform: in a case where there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the network device, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that there is no remaining measurement validity duration.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the network device to further perform: determining a remaining service time for the terminal device of the target cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, may cause the network device to further perform: identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, the network device maintaining a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

[0022] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, disclosed is a method performed by a terminal device. The method may include: entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with a first network device; determining whether a condition associated with measurement of at least location information is satisfied; and based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding reporting a remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with a second network device.

[0024] In some example embodiments, the method may further comprise: based on determining that the condition is satisfied, refraining from performing the measurement acquisition.

[0025] In some example embodiments, the condition may be satisfied if at least one of: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

[0026] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the first network device is a remaining service time of a previous serving cell.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the second network device may be a remaining service time of the target cell.

[0029] In some example embodiments, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be the expected duration of the connection with the target cell.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving an indication from the second network device; and in a case where the indication indicates that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the second network device, reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving an indication from the second network device; and in a case where the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient, performing the measurement acquisition.

[0032] In some example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving a remaining service time of a previous serving cell from the first network device, or receiving a remaining service time of a target cell from the second network device; and performing measurement acquisition in a case where the target cell is the previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, disclosed is a method performed by a network device associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device. The method may include: determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the previous serving cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein the remaining service time may be used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0035] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, disclosed is a method performed by a network device, the network device being associated with a target cell of a terminal device. The method may include: determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell; and based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein the indication may be used by the terminal device to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the method may further comprise: based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0038] In some example embodiments, the method may further comprise: in a case where the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the network device, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist.

[0039] In some example embodiments, the method may further comprise: determining a remaining service time for the terminal device for the target cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the method may further comprise: identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, the network device maintaining a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

[0041] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0042] In a seventh aspect, disclosed is an apparatus. The apparatus as a terminal device may include: a component for entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with a first network device; a component for determining whether a condition associated with measurement of at least location information is satisfied; and a component for avoiding reporting a remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with a second network device based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise means for avoiding performing the measurement acquisition based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0044] In some example embodiments, the condition may be satisfied if at least one of: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

[0045] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

[0046] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the first network device is a remaining service time of a previous serving cell.

[0047] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the second network device may be a remaining service time of the target cell.

[0048] In some example embodiments, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be the expected duration of the connection with the target cell.

[0049] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving an indication from the second network device; and means for reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device if the indication indicates that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the second network device.

[0050] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include: means for receiving an indication from the second network device; and means for performing measurement acquisition in a case where the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further include: a component for receiving a remaining service time of a previous serving cell from the first network device, or receiving a remaining service time of a target cell from the second network device; and a component for performing measurement acquisition in a case where the target cell is the previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time.

[0052] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0053] In an eighth aspect, disclosed is an apparatus. The apparatus as a network device associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device may include: a component for determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the previous serving cell; and a component for sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein the remaining service time may be used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0054] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0055] In a ninth aspect, disclosed is an apparatus. The apparatus as a network device associated with a target cell of a terminal device may include: a component for determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell; and a component for sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, wherein the indication can be used by the terminal device to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise means for sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for, in a case where the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the network device, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the target cell; and means for sending the remaining service time to the terminal device.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may further comprise: means for identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, the network device maintaining a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0061] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a terminal device, may cause the terminal device to at least: enter a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with a first network device; determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied; and avoid reporting a remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with a second network device based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0062] In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding performing measurement acquisition.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the condition may be satisfied if at least one of: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the threshold may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

[0065] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the first network device is a remaining service time of a previous serving cell.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the threshold received from the second network device may be a remaining service time of the target cell.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be the expected duration of the connection with the target cell.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving an indication from a second network device; and in a case where the indication indicates that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the second network device, reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving an indication from the second network device; and performing measurement acquisition if the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions that, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving a remaining service time of a previous serving cell from a first network device, or receiving a remaining service time of a target cell from a second network device; and performing measurement acquisition in the case where the target cell is a previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0072] In an eleventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a network device associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device, cause the network device to at least perform: determining a remaining service time for the terminal device of the previous serving cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein the remaining service time may be used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0074] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions that, when executed by a network device associated with a target cell of a terminal device, cause the network device to at least perform: determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell; and based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein the indication can be used by the terminal device to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further execute: in a case where there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the network device, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that there is no remaining measurement validity duration.

[0077] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: determining a remaining service time for the terminal device of the target cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, the network device maintaining a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

[0080] Other features and advantages of example embodiments of the present disclosure will also be apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of example embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 1 An exemplary sequence diagram for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0083] Figure 2 An exemplary scenario is shown, where measurement acquisition and related reporting may be skipped.

[0084] Figure 3 An exemplary process for NTN connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0085] Figure 4A flow chart illustrating an example method 400 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0086] Figure 5 Shown is a flow chart illustrating an example method 500 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 6 Shown is a flow chart illustrating an example method 600 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example device 700 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0089] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example device 800 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0090] Fig. 9 A block diagram illustrating an example device 900 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0091] Fig.10 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1000 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0092] Fig.11 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1100 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0093] Fig.12 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1200 for NTN connections according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0094] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, and repeated description of the same elements will be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] Hereinafter, some example embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts, the following description includes specific details. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts can be practiced without the specific details. In some instances, well-known circuits, techniques, and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts and features described.

[0096] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions for NTN connections. According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, if a UE temporarily enters a non-connected mode during a generally long connection period, the UE may not be forced to perform measurements for at least location information based on, for example, GNSS, NTN positioning signals, ground network (TN) positioning signals, etc., and thus UE energy saving may be achieved. In addition, the UE may not be forced to report the remaining validity duration of the measurement result, and thus unnecessary uplink signaling overhead may be reduced, and further, the network may avoid updating the remaining validity duration variable of the measurement result, and thus save some processing power.

[0097] Figure 1 An exemplary sequence diagram for NTN connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 , UE 110 may represent any terminal device in the NTN. The first network device 120 may act as a base station (BS) in the NTN and be associated with a cell that previously served UE 110. The second network device 130 may act as a BS in the NTN and be associated with a target cell to which UE 110 will connect after temporarily entering non-connected mode relative to the previous serving cell. In the NTN, the BS may be located, for example, at a satellite.

[0098] Initially, UE 110 is in RRC connected mode with a serving cell associated with first network device 120. In RRC connected mode, UE 110 has performed measurements for at least location information and has reported the measurement results and remaining measurement validity duration 112 to first network device 120.

[0099] In an example embodiment, the measurement for at least the location information may be based on at least one of the following: GNSS, NTN positioning signal, or TN positioning signal. In an embodiment, the measurement may be based on GNSS, such as a global positioning system (GPS), a Galileo satellite navigation system, a BeiDou navigation satellite system, etc. In this case, the GNSS-based measurement may provide both UE location information and accurate time. Alternatively or additionally, the measurement for the location information may be based on an NTN positioning signal or a TN positioning signal.

[0100] In an example embodiment, the remaining measurement validity duration may refer to a remaining duration during which a previous measurement result obtained from a previous measurement acquisition may be valid. For example, the remaining GNSS validity duration may be a remaining duration during which a previous GNSS measurement result may be valid. Assuming that the measurement validity duration obtained from the previous measurement acquisition is d1, and a duration d2 has elapsed from the previous measurement acquisition, the remaining measurement validity duration obtained from the previous measurement acquisition is a value of (d1-d2).

[0101] It will be understood that in the present disclosure, the terms "acquire" and "reacquire" with respect to measurement of at least location information refer to the same or substantially the same meaning and do not lead to substantially different results, and that the term "acquire" is used in the present disclosure and may also refer to the situation of the term "reacquire".

[0102] In operation 114, UE 110 may enter into a non-connected mode with respect to a previous serving cell associated with first network device 120. The non-connected mode may be, for example, an RRC idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, an RRC suspend mode, etc. In a case where UE 110 is temporarily in the non-connected mode, when UE 110 is to establish a connection with a target cell, for example, in a case such as attempting random access (RA), reestablishing an RRC connection, resuming an RRC connection, handover, etc., in operation 140, UE 110 may determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied, and decide whether to perform measurement acquisition and / or report a remaining measurement validity duration based on the determination.

[0103] In an embodiment, before operation 114, when UE 110 is RRC-connected to a serving cell associated with first network device 120, first network device 120 may determine a remaining service time 124 of UE 110 for the serving cell, which becomes a previous serving cell when UE 110 may enter non-connected mode in operation 114. For example, when UE 110 will enter non-connected mode with respect to the serving cell, first network device 120 may estimate a remaining service time 124 of the serving cell in operation 122. Remaining service time 124 may be a remaining service duration for a previously reported location of UE 110. For example, remaining service time 124 may be a remaining duration that the serving cell may serve UE 110 at the previously reported location. Then, first network device 120 may send remaining service time 124 to UE 110, for example, as part of an RRC connection release message.

[0104] In this embodiment, the remaining service time 124 may be used by the UE 110 as a threshold to determine whether the condition is satisfied in operation 140. For example, in operation 140, if the remaining measurement validity duration 112 exceeds the remaining service time 124, the UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied. In this case, before establishing a connection, in operation 142, the UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition based on determining that the condition is satisfied. After establishing the connection, in operation 144, the UE 110 may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell associated with the second network device 130 based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the threshold value may be predefined in a specification or standard. In operation 140, if the remaining measurement validity duration 112 exceeds the threshold value, the UE 110 may determine that the condition is met. In this case, in operation 142, the UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition, and in operation 144, the UE 110 may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the threshold value may be determined by the UE 110. For example, in operation 116, the UE 110 may determine an expected duration of the connection with the target cell. The UE 110 may estimate the duration of the connection with the target cell as the threshold value. In this case, the threshold value may be specific to the UE 110. Then, if the remaining measurement validity duration 112 exceeds the expected duration of the connection with the target cell, the UE 110 may determine in operation 140 that the condition is satisfied.

[0107] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the threshold value may be received from the second network device 130. For example, in operation 132, upon discovering that the UE 110 will establish a connection with the target cell, the second network device 130 may determine a remaining service time 134 for the UE 110 for the target cell. Similar to the remaining service time 124, the remaining service time 134 may be a remaining duration that the target cell may serve the UE 110 at the previously reported location. If the second network device 130 is not the first network device 120, the second network device 130 may obtain the previously reported location of the UE 110 from the first network device 120. Then, the second network device 130 may send the remaining service time 134 to the UE 110, for example, as part of a message 2 (Msg2), which may be a random access response (RAR), a message 4 (Msg4), or a message B (Msgb) of a RA procedure.

[0108] In the event that more than one threshold exists at UE 110, UE 110 may apply the maximum, minimum, or average of the thresholds as the threshold for determining whether the condition is satisfied. It will be appreciated that the remaining measurement validity duration, remaining service time 124, and remaining service time 134 vary over time.

[0109] Prior to operation 132, in operation 131, second network device 130 may identify UE 110 as a UE of a previous serving cell, so that second network device 130 may link UE 110 to a measurement result for at least the location information and a remaining measurement validity duration 112 previously reported to first network device 120. If second network device 130 is not first network device 120, second network device 130 may obtain and maintain the measurement result including at least the location information, and the remaining measurement validity duration of the UE of the previous serving cell associated with first network device 120 from first network device 120.

[0110] For example, a preamble identifier (ID) assigned by the network in a contention-free random access (CFRA) may be used to identify UE 110 as a UE of a previous serving cell, for example, during a handover. Alternatively, if UE 110 is to reestablish an RRC connection, UE 110 may provide a former cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) as part of an RRC reestablishment message in message 3 (Msg3). Alternatively, if UE 110 is to resume an RRC connection, UE 110 may provide a former C-RNTI in a resume identifier as part of an RRC resume message. The former C-RNTI may be used to identify UE 110 as a UE of a previous serving cell.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, in operation 136, the second network device 130 may determine whether the remaining measurement validity duration 112 of the UE 110 is sufficient for connection with the target cell. For example, the second network device 130 may discover that the second network device maintains the remaining measurement validity duration 112 of the UE 110 by identifying that the UE 110 is a UE of a previous serving cell. Then, based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 of the UE 110 is sufficient for connection with the target cell, the second network device 130 may send an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 is sufficient to the UE 110. The indication 138 may be sent, for example, as part of Msg2, which may be a RAR, Msg4, or MsgB of the RA procedure.

[0112] In this case, on the UE side, if the UE 110 receives an indication from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, then in operation 140, the UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, if the target cell is a previous serving cell (in which case UE 110 will establish a connection with the previous serving cell), then in operation 140, UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied because UE 110 has reported measurement results and a remaining measurement validity duration 112 for at least the location information to first network device 120.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, if the first network device 120 is the second network device 130 (in which case the target cell and the previous serving cell are associated with the same BS), the UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied because the BS may share measurement results for at least the location information and the remaining measurement validity duration 112 between cells of the BS.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the condition may be satisfied if at least one of the following is met: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device 120 is the second network device 130; the remaining measurement validity duration 112 exceeds a threshold; or an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 is sufficient is received from the second network device 130. If the condition is satisfied (the "yes" branch of operation 140), then in operation 142, UE 110 may refrain from performing measurement acquisition and in operation 144, UE 110 may refrain from reporting the remaining measurement validity duration 112 to the target cell. In this case, in an embodiment, as part of the RA procedure, UE 110 may indicate that the target cell may reuse the previously reported remaining measurement validity duration 112.

[0116] In an embodiment, in the case where the indication 138 indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 does not exist in the second network device 130, the UE 110 may determine that the condition is not satisfied in operation 140. For example, in the case where the remaining measurement validity duration 112 does not exist in the second network device 130, the second network device 130 may send an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 does not exist to the UE 110. In this case (the "No" branch of operation 140), the UE 110 may report the remaining measurement validity duration 112 to the second network device 130 after establishment of the connection.

[0117] In an embodiment, in the case where the indication 138 indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 is insufficient, the UE 110 may determine that the condition is not satisfied in operation 140. For example, based on determining in operation 136 that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 of the UE 110 is insufficient for connection with the target cell, the second network device 130 may send an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration 112 is insufficient to the UE 110. In this case (the "No" branch of operation 140), the UE 110 may abort the connection setup and perform measurement acquisition in operation 146 to acquire measurement results for at least location information, and then report the newly acquired measurement results and the corresponding remaining measurement validity duration 148 to the second network device 130 after establishment of the connection.

[0118] In an embodiment, UE 110 may receive the remaining service time 124 of the previous serving cell from first network device 120, or the remaining service time 134 of the target cell from second network device 130. In the case where the target cell is the previous serving cell (in this case, remaining service time 124 is remaining service time 134, and remaining measurement validity duration 112 is less than remaining service time 124 or remaining service time 134), then in operation 140, UE 110 may determine that the condition is not satisfied. In this case ("No" branch of operation 140), UE 110 may perform measurement acquisition in operation 146 to acquire measurement results for at least location information, and then report the newly acquired measurement results and the corresponding remaining measurement validity duration 148 to second network device 130 after establishment of the connection.

[0119] Figure 2 An exemplary scenario is shown in which measurement acquisition and related reporting can be skipped. Assume that UE 110, first network device 120, and second network device 130 operate in the exemplary scenario. Figure 1 The details of the description are briefly described or omitted.

[0120] refer to Figure 2Initially, UE 110 is in RRC connected mode with a serving cell denoted as cell A, which is associated with a first network device 120 on a satellite (SAT) 1, and in operation 210, UE 110 performs measurement acquisition. The measurement may be based on at least one of the following: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal, and the measurement result may include at least location information. In operation 210, UE 110 may also determine a remaining measurement validity duration and in operation 220, UE 110 reports the remaining measurement validity duration to the first network device 120. Then, UE 110 temporarily enters a non-connected mode with respect to cell A, and cell A becomes a previous serving cell of UE 110. When UE 110 is to establish a connection with a target cell, in some exemplary scenarios, UE 110 may skip measurement acquisition and skip reporting the remaining measurement validity duration.

[0121] For example, if the target cell is cell A, which is a previous serving cell of UE 110, then in operation 230, UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, for example, in the case where the target cell is cell B different from cell A, if cell B is also associated with the first network device 120 on SAT 1, then in operation 240, UE 110 can avoid performing measurement acquisition and can avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, for example, in the case where the target cell is a cell C associated with a second network device 130 on a SAT 2 different from SAT 1, if the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold value (e.g., as relative to Figure 1 As described, when UE 110 is about to establish a connection with cell C), then in operation 250, UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell.

[0124] It will be appreciated that the order for determining whether a condition (eg, as described with respect to operation 140) is satisfied is not limited to Figure 2 For example, the determination relative to a threshold value may be performed before the determination relative to the same cell or the same satellite.

[0125] Figure 3 An exemplary process for NTN connection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. It is assumed that UE 110, first network device 120, and second network device 130 operate according to the exemplary process. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The details of the description are briefly described or omitted.

[0126] refer to Figure 3 In operation 310, UE 110 is in an RRC connected mode with a serving cell associated with first network device 120, performs measurement acquisition, and reports the measurement result and the remaining measurement validity duration to first network device 120. Then, in operation 312, UE 110 temporarily enters a non-connected mode with respect to a previous serving cell associated with first network device 120. When UE 110 is to establish a connection with a target cell, UE 110 may determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information (e.g., as described with respect to operation 140) is satisfied, and decide whether to perform measurement acquisition and / or report the remaining measurement validity duration based on the determination.

[0127] In operation 314, UE 110 may determine whether the target cell is the same as the previous serving cell. If the target cell is the same as the previous serving cell ("yes" branch of operation 314), in an embodiment, UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied. In this case, UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition in operation 322, and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 324.

[0128] Alternatively, as an option, if the target cell is the same as the previous serving cell (the "yes" branch of operation 314), in an embodiment, in operation 330, UE 110 may determine whether the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds the remaining service duration of the target cell that is also the previous serving cell. If the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds the remaining service duration of the target cell (the "yes" branch of operation 330), UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition in operation 322, and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 324. If the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service duration of the target cell (the "no" branch of operation 330), UE 110 may perform measurement acquisition in operation 326, and may report a new remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 328.

[0129] If the target cell is different from the previous serving cell (the "No" branch of operation 314), then in operation 316, UE 110 may determine whether the target cell is associated with the same BS as the previous serving cell. If the target cell and the previous serving cell are associated with the same BS (e.g., the same satellite) (in this case, the first network device 120 is the second network device 130 (the "Yes" branch of operation 316)), then UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied. In this case, UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition in operation 322, and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 324.

[0130] If the target cell and the previous serving cell are associated with different BSs (e.g., the first network device 120 is not the second network device 130 (the "No" branch of operation 316)), then in operation 318, UE 110 may determine whether the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold. The threshold may be, for example, relative to Figure 1 If the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds the threshold (the "yes" branch of operation 318), the UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied. In this case, the UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition in operation 322, and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 324.

[0131] If the remaining measurement validity duration is indeed less than the threshold (the "No" branch of operation 318), then in operation 320, UE 110 may determine whether an indication from second network device 130 is received and whether the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient for connection with the target cell. The indication may be, for example, relative to Figure 1 Instructions 138 described.

[0132] If UE 110 has received an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient (the "yes" branch of operation 320), UE 110 may determine that the condition is satisfied. In this case, UE 110 may avoid performing measurement acquisition in operation 322, and may avoid reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 324.

[0133] If UE 110 has not received an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, or UE 110 has received an indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient for connection with the target cell (the "No" branch of operation 320), UE 110 may perform measurement acquisition in operation 326 and may report a new remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 328.

[0134] Alternatively, if UE 110 has received indication 138 indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in second network device 130 (“No” branch of operation 320 ), UE 110 may report the remaining measurement validity duration to the target cell in operation 328 .

[0135] It is understood that the order used to determine whether the conditions are met is not limited to Figure 3 , and not all operations 314, 316, 318, 320, 330, etc. need to be performed. For example, operation 320 and / or operation 318 may be performed before operation 314.

[0136] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating an example method 400 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example method 400 may be performed by a terminal device such as UE 110, for example.

[0137] refer to Figure 4 , the example method 400 may include an operation 410 of entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with a first network device; an operation 420 of determining whether a condition associated with measurement of at least location information is satisfied; and an operation 430 of avoiding reporting a remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with a second network device based on determining that the condition is satisfied.

[0138] The details of operation 410 have been described in the above description with respect to at least operation 114 and operation 312 , and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0139] With respect to at least operation 140, Figure 2 The details of operation 420 have been described in the above description of operation 314, operation 316, operation 318, operation 320, and operation 330, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0140] The details of operation 430 have been described in the above description with respect to at least operation 324 , operation 230 , operation 240 , and operation 250 , as well as operation 324 , and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0141] In an embodiment, the example method 400 may further include an operation of avoiding performing measurement acquisition based on determining that the condition is satisfied. More details have been described above with respect to at least operations 142, 230, 240, 250, and 322, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0142] In an embodiment, the condition may be satisfied when at least one of the following items is met: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient. Figure 2 More details have been described in the above description of operation 314, operation 316, operation 318, and operation 320, and repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0143] In an embodiment, the threshold value may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device. More details have been described above with respect to at least the threshold value, the remaining service time 124, the operation 116, and the remaining service time 134, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0144] In an embodiment, the threshold received from the first network device may be the remaining service time of the previous serving cell.More details have been described above with respect to at least the remaining service time 124, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0145] In an embodiment, the threshold received from the second network device may be the remaining service time of the target cell.More details have been described above with respect to at least the remaining service time 134, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0146] In an embodiment, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be an expected duration of the connection with the target cell.More details have been described above with respect to at least operation 116, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0147] In an embodiment, the example method 400 may further include an operation of receiving an indication from the second network device; and in a case where the indication indicates that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the second network device, an operation of reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device. More details have been described in the above description with respect to at least the indication 138, the remaining measurement validity duration 112, the operation 320, and the operation 328, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0148] In an embodiment, the example method 400 may also include an operation of receiving an indication from a second network device; and an operation of performing measurement acquisition in the case where the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient. More details have been described in the above description with respect to at least indication 138, operation 146, operation 320, and operation 326, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0149] In an embodiment, the example method 400 may further include an operation of receiving a remaining service time of a previous serving cell from the first network device, or receiving a remaining service time of a target cell from the second network device; and an operation of performing measurement acquisition in the case where the target cell is a previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time. More details have been described in the above description with respect to at least operation 140, operation 146, operation 314, operation 330, and operation 326, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0150] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0151] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating an example method 500 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example method 500 may be performed, for example, by a network device (such as the first network device 120) associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device (such as the UE 110).

[0152] refer to Figure 5 , the example method 500 may include an operation 510 of determining a remaining service time for a terminal device for a previously served cell; and an operation 320 of sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein the remaining service time may be used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0153] The details of operation 310 have been described above with respect to at least operation 122 and remaining service time 124 , and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0154] The details of operation 320 have been described above with respect to at least the remaining service time 124 and operation 140 , and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0155] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0156] Figure 6 A flow chart illustrating an example method 600 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The example method 600 may be performed, for example, by a network device (such as the second network device 130) associated with a target cell of a terminal device (such as the UE 110).

[0157] refer to Figure 6, the example method 600 may include an operation 610 of determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to a target cell; and an operation 420 of sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to the target cell, wherein the indication can be used by the terminal device to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is satisfied.

[0158] The details of operation 610 have been described above with respect to at least operation 136 , and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0159] The details of operation 620 have been described above with respect to at least indication 138 , operation 140 , and operation 320 , and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0160] In an embodiment, the example method 600 may further include an operation of sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection with the target cell. More details have been described in the above description with respect to at least indication 138, operation 140, and operation 320, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0161] In an embodiment, the example method 600 may further include, in the case where there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the network device, an operation of sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that there is no remaining measurement validity duration. More details have been described in the above description with respect to at least indication 138, operation 140, and operation 320, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0162] In an embodiment, the example method 600 may also include an operation of determining a remaining service time for a terminal device of a target cell; and an operation of sending the remaining service time to the terminal device. More details have been described in the above description with respect to at least operation 132 and remaining service time 134, and a repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0163] In an embodiment, the example method 600 may also include identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, and the network device maintaining the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device. More details have been described in the above description relative to at least operation 131, and the repeated description of the details is omitted here.

[0164] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0165] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating an example device 700 for NTN connectivity according to example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, in the above examples, the device may be at least part of a terminal device such as UE 110.

[0166] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 7 , the example device 700 may include at least one processor 710 and at least one memory 720, which may store instructions 730. The instructions 730, when executed by the at least one processor 710, may cause the device 700 to perform at least the example method 400 described above.

[0167] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 710 in the example device 700 may include, but is not limited to: at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU); a portion of at least one hardware processor; and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as those developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 710 may also include Figure 7 At least one other circuit or element not shown.

[0168] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 720 in the example device 700 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as transient memory and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). In addition, at least memory 720 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0169] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 700 may further include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0170] In various example embodiments, circuits, parts, elements, and interfaces in the example device 700 including at least one processor 710 and at least one memory 720 may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connections (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and / or wireless links).

[0171] It should be understood that the structure of the device on the UE 110 side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 700.

[0172] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example device 800 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, in the above example, the device may be at least part of a network device (such as the first network device 120) associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device (such as UE 110).

[0173] like Figure 8 As shown in , the example device 800 may include at least one processor 810 and at least one memory 820, which may store instructions 830. The instructions 830, when executed by the at least one processor 810, may cause the device 800 to perform at least the example method 500 described above.

[0174] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 810 in the example device 800 may include, but is not limited to: at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU); a portion of at least one hardware processor; and any other suitable special-purpose processor, such as those developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 810 may also include Figure 8 At least one other circuit or element not shown.

[0175] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 820 in the example device 800 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as transient memory and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). In addition, at least memory 820 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0176] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 800 may further include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0177] In various example embodiments, circuits, parts, elements, and interfaces in the example device 800 including at least one processor 810 and at least one memory 820 may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connections (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and / or wireless links).

[0178] It should be understood that the structure of the device on the first network device 120 side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 800.

[0179] Fig. 9 A block diagram illustrating an example device 900 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, in the above example, the device may be at least part of a network device (such as the second network device 130) associated with a target cell of a terminal device (such as the UE 110).

[0180] like Fig. 9 As shown in , the example device 900 may include at least one processor 910 and at least one memory 920, which may store instructions 930. The instructions 930, when executed by the at least one processor 910, may cause the device 900 to perform at least the example method 600 described above.

[0181] In various example embodiments, at least one processor 910 in the example device 900 may include, but is not limited to: at least one hardware processor, including at least one microprocessor such as a central processing unit (CPU); a portion of at least one hardware processor; and any other suitable dedicated processor, such as those developed based on, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, the at least one processor 910 may also include Fig. 9 At least one other circuit or element not shown.

[0182] In various example embodiments, at least one memory 920 in the example device 900 may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as transient memory and / or non-transient memory. Transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM), cache, etc. Non-transient memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-transient" as used herein is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). In addition, at least memory 920 may include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment, or any combination of the above.

[0183] Furthermore, in various example embodiments, the example device 900 may further include at least one other circuit, element, and interface, such as at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0184] In various example embodiments, circuits, parts, elements, and interfaces in the example device 900 including at least one processor 910 and at least one memory 920 may be coupled together in any suitable manner (e.g., electrically, magnetically, optically, electromagnetically, etc.) via any suitable connection (including, but not limited to, buses, crossbars, wiring, and / or wireless links).

[0185] It should be understood that the structure of the device on the second network device 130 side is not limited to the above-mentioned example device 900.

[0186] Fig.10 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1000 for NTN connectivity according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, in the above examples, the apparatus may be at least part of a terminal device such as UE 110.

[0187] like Fig.10 As shown in , the example apparatus 1000 may include a component 1010 for performing operation 410 of the example method 400, a component 1020 for performing operation 420 of the example method 400, and a component 1030 for performing operation 430 of the example method 400. In one or more other example embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example apparatus 1000.

[0188] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1000 may further include means for refraining from performing measurement acquisition based on determining that a condition is satisfied.

[0189] In an embodiment, the condition may be satisfied when at least one of the following items: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

[0190] In an embodiment, the threshold value may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

[0191] In an embodiment, the threshold received from the first network device may be a remaining service time of a previous serving cell.

[0192] In an embodiment, the threshold received from the second network device may be a remaining service time of the target cell.

[0193] In an embodiment, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be the expected duration of the connection with the target cell.

[0194] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1000 may further include means for receiving an indication from the second network device; and means for reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device if the indication indicates that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the second network device.

[0195] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1000 may further include means for receiving an indication from the second network device; and means for performing measurement acquisition in a case where the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0196] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1000 may further include a component for receiving a remaining service time of a previous serving cell from a first network device, or receiving a remaining service time of a target cell from a second network device; and a component for performing measurement acquisition in a case where the target cell is a previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time.

[0197] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0198] In some example embodiments, examples of components in example apparatus 1000 may include circuits. For example, examples of components 1010 may include circuits configured to perform operation 410 of example method 400, examples of components 1020 may include circuits configured to perform operation 420 of example method 400, and examples of components 1030 may include circuits configured to perform operation 430 of example method 400.

[0199] The example apparatus 1000 may also include a component including circuitry configured to perform the example method 400. In some example embodiments, examples of a component may also include a software module and any other suitable functional entity.

[0200] Fig.11 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1100 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, in the above example, the apparatus may be at least part of a network device (such as the first network device 120) associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device (such as UE 110).

[0201] like Fig.11As shown in , the example apparatus 1100 may include a component 1110 for performing the operation 510 of the example method 500, and a component 1120 for performing the operation 520 of the example method 500. In one or more other example embodiments, at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, etc. may also be included in the example apparatus 1100.

[0202] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0203] In some example embodiments, examples of components in the example apparatus 1100 may include circuitry. For example, examples of components 1110 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 510 of the example method 500, and examples of components 1120 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 520 of the example method 500.

[0204] The example apparatus 1100 may also include a component including circuitry configured to perform the example method 500. In some example embodiments, examples of a component may also include a software module and any other suitable functional entity.

[0205] Fig.12 A block diagram illustrating an example apparatus 1200 for NTN connection according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example, in the above example, the apparatus may be at least part of a network device (such as the second network device 130) associated with a target cell of a terminal device (such as the UE 110).

[0206] like Fig.12 As shown in , the example apparatus 1200 may include a component 1210 for performing operation 610 of the example method 600, and a component 1220 for performing operation 620 of the example method 600. In one or more other example embodiments, the example apparatus 1200 may further include at least one I / O interface, at least one antenna element, and the like.

[0207] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1200 may further include means for sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell.

[0208] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1200 may further include means for sending an indication indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist to the terminal device in the event that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the network device.

[0209] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1200 may further include a component for determining a remaining service time of a terminal device for a target cell; and a component for sending the remaining service time to the terminal device.

[0210] In an embodiment, the example apparatus 1200 may further include means for identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, the network device maintaining a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

[0211] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0212] In some example embodiments, examples of components in the example apparatus 1200 may include circuitry. For example, examples of components 1210 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 610 of the example method 600, and examples of components 1220 may include circuitry configured to perform operation 620 of the example method 600.

[0213] The example apparatus 1200 may also include a component including circuitry configured to perform the example method 600. In some example embodiments, examples of a component may also include a software module and any other suitable functional entity.

[0214] An example embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium, which includes program instructions. In the above example, when the program instructions are executed by a terminal device (such as UE 110), the terminal device can at least perform: entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with a first network device; determining whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met; and avoiding reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with a second network device based on determining that the condition is met.

[0215] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions, which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding performing measurement acquisition.

[0216] In an embodiment, the condition may be satisfied when at least one of the following items: the target cell is a previous serving cell; the first network device is a second network device; the remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or an indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

[0217] In an embodiment, the threshold value may be predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

[0218] In an embodiment, the threshold received from the first network device may be a remaining service time of a previous serving cell.

[0219] In an embodiment, the threshold received from the second network device may be a remaining service time of the target cell.

[0220] In an embodiment, the threshold determined by the terminal device may be the expected duration of the connection with the target cell.

[0221] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions, which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving an indication from a second network device; and in a case where the indication indicates that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the second network device, reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to the second network device.

[0222] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions, which when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving an indication from the second network device; and performing measurement acquisition when the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0223] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may also include instructions, which, when executed by the terminal device, may cause the terminal device to further perform: receiving the remaining service time of the previous service cell from the first network device, or receiving the remaining service time of the target cell from the second network device; and performing measurement acquisition in the case where the target cell is the previous service cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time.

[0224] In one embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0225] An example embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium including program instructions. In the above example, when the program instructions are executed by a network device (such as a first network device 120) associated with a previous service cell of a terminal device (such as UE 110), the network device can at least perform: determining a remaining service time for the terminal device of the previous service cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein the remaining service time can be used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met.

[0226] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0227] An example embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer-readable medium, which includes program instructions. In the above example, when the program instructions are executed by a network device (such as a second network device 130) associated with a target cell of a terminal device (such as UE 110), the network device can at least perform: determining whether the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to the target cell; and based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein the indication can be used by the terminal device to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met.

[0228] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further execute: based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

[0229] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions which, when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further execute: in the event that there is no remaining measurement validity duration in the network device, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that there is no remaining measurement validity duration.

[0230] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions, which when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the target cell; and sending the remaining service time to the terminal device.

[0231] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium may further include instructions, which when executed by the network device, may cause the network device to further perform: identifying the terminal device as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, and the network device maintaining a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

[0232] In an embodiment, the measurements may be based on at least one of: a GNSS, an NTN positioning signal, or a TN positioning signal.

[0233] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0234] The term "circuitry" throughout this disclosure may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a hardware circuit implementation only (such as an implementation in analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry only); (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (as applicable) (i) a combination of (multiple) analog hardware circuits and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of (multiple) hardware processors with software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuitry and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions of (multiple) microprocessors, which require software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when the software is not required for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to one or all uses of the term in this disclosure (including any claims). As another example, as used in this disclosure, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or its) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers (for example, and if applicable to a claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking equipment.

[0235] Another example embodiment may be related to a computer program code or instruction that can cause an apparatus to perform at least the corresponding method described above. Another example embodiment may be related to a computer readable medium on which such a computer program code or instruction is stored. In some embodiments, such a computer readable medium may include at least one storage medium in various forms, such as a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, RAM, cache, etc. Non-volatile memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disk, flash memory, etc. Non-volatile memory may also include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor systems, devices, or equipment or any combination of the above.

[0236] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", etc. should be interpreted in an inclusive sense, rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to". The word "coupled" as used herein generally refers to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Similarly, the word "connected" as used herein generally refers to two or more elements that can be directly connected or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, when used in this application, the words "herein", "above", "below" and similar imported words should refer to this application as a whole, rather than any particular part of this application. Where the context permits, words used in the description in the singular or plural may also include the plural or singular, respectively. With respect to the word "or" for a list of two or more items, the word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any item in the list, all items in the list, and any combination of items in the list.

[0237] Furthermore, conditional language used herein, such as "can," "capable of," "possibly," "may," "for example," "such as," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context of use, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include and other embodiments do not include certain features, elements, and / or states. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or to imply that one or more embodiments must include logic for determining, with or without author input or prompting, whether the features, elements, and / or states are included in any particular embodiment or will be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0238] As used herein, the term "determine / determining" (and grammatical variations thereof) may include, but are not limited to, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, searching (e.g., searching in a table, a database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. In addition, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. In addition, "determine / determining" may include solving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0239] Although some embodiments have been described, the embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In fact, the devices, methods, and systems described herein may be embodied in various other forms; in addition, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, various omissions, replacements, and changes may be made to the forms of the methods and systems described herein. For example, although the frames are presented in a given arrangement, alternative embodiments may utilize different components and / or circuit topologies to perform similar functions, and some frames may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified. At least one frame in the frame may be implemented in various different ways. The order of the frame may also be changed. Any suitable combination of the elements and actions of some embodiments described above may be combined to provide additional embodiments. The attached claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0240] Abbreviations used in the description and / or drawings are defined as follows:

[0241] BS Base Station

[0242] CFRA Contention-free random access

[0243] C-RNTI Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier

[0244] eMTC Enhanced Machine Type Communication

[0245] GNSS Global Navigation Satellite SystemGPS Global Positioning SystemID IdentifierMsg2 Message 2Msg3 Message 3Msg4 Message 4MSGB Message B NB-IoT Narrowband Internet of ThingsNTN Non-Terrestrial NetworkRA Random AccessRAR Random Access ResponseRRC Radio Resource ControlSAT SatelliteTN Terrestrial NetworkUE User Equipment

Claims

1. A terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device at least performs: entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with the first network device; determining whether a condition associated with measuring at least the location information is satisfied; and Based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with the second network device.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: Based on determining that the condition is met, performing the measurement acquisition is avoided.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the condition is satisfied in the case of at least one of the following items: The target cell is the previous serving cell; The first network device is the second network device; The remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or An indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient. 4 . The terminal device according to claim 3 , wherein the threshold is predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device. 5 . The terminal device according to claim 4 , wherein the threshold received from the first network device is a remaining service time of the previous serving cell. 6 . The terminal device according to claim 4 , wherein the threshold received from the second network device is a remaining service time of the target cell.

7. The terminal device of claim 4, wherein the threshold determined by the terminal device is an expected duration of a connection with the target cell.

8. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: receiving an indication from the second network device; and In case the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the second network device, the remaining measurement validity duration is reported to the second network device.

9. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: receiving an indication from the second network device; and In case the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient, measurement acquisition is performed.

10. The terminal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the terminal device further executes: receiving the remaining service time of the previous serving cell from the first network device, or receiving the remaining service time of the target cell from the second network device; and In a case where the target cell is the previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time, measurement acquisition is performed.

11. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the measurement is based on at least one of the following: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

12. A network device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device associated with a previous serving cell of the terminal device to execute: Determining a remaining service time for the terminal device for the previous serving cell; as well as Sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein The remaining service time is used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met.

13. The network device of claim 12, wherein the measurements are based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

14. A network device comprising: at least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device associated with the target cell of the terminal device to execute: determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to the target cell; and Based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein The indication is used by the terminal device to determine whether conditions associated with measurement of at least location information are met.

15. The network device of claim 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to further perform: Based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell, an indication is sent to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

16. The network device of claim 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to further perform: In a case where the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the network device, an indication indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist is sent to the terminal device.

17. The network device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to further perform: determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the target cell; and The remaining service time is sent to the terminal device.

18. The network device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the network device to further perform: The terminal device is identified as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, and the network device maintains the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

19. The network device of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the measurements are based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

20. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with the first network device; determining whether a condition associated with measuring at least the location information is satisfied; as well as Based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with the second network device.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: Based on determining that the condition is met, performing the measurement acquisition is avoided.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the condition is satisfied if at least one of the following conditions is met: The target cell is the previous serving cell; The first network device is the second network device; The remaining measurement validity duration exceeds a threshold; or An indication is received from the second network device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the threshold is predefined, received from the first network device, received from the second network device, or determined by the terminal device.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the threshold received from the first network device is a remaining service time of the previous serving cell.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the threshold received from the second network device is a remaining service time of the target cell.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the threshold determined by the terminal device is an expected duration of a connection with the target cell.

27. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising: receiving an indication from the second network device; as well as In case the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the second network device, the remaining measurement validity duration is reported to the second network device.

28. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising: receiving an indication from the second network device; as well as In case the indication indicates that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient, measurement acquisition is performed.

29. The method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising: receiving the remaining service time of the previous serving cell from the first network device, or receiving the remaining service time of the target cell from the second network device; as well as In a case where the target cell is the previous serving cell and the remaining measurement validity duration is less than the remaining service time, measurement acquisition is performed.

30. The method of any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein the measurements are based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

31. A method performed by a network device, the network device being associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device, the method comprising: Determining a remaining service time for the terminal device for the previous serving cell; as well as Sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein The remaining service time is used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the measurements are based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

33. A method performed by a network device, the network device being associated with a target cell of a terminal device, the method comprising: determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell; as well as Based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein The indication is used by the terminal device to determine whether conditions associated with measurement of at least location information are met.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising: Based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is insufficient for connection to the target cell, an indication is sent to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is insufficient.

35. The method of claim 33, further comprising: In a case where the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist in the network device, an indication indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration does not exist is sent to the terminal device.

36. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, further comprising: Determining a remaining service time of the terminal device for the target cell; as well as The remaining service time is sent to the terminal device.

37. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, further comprising: The terminal device is identified as a terminal device of a previous serving cell, and the network device maintains the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device.

38. The method of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the measurements are based on at least one of: a global navigation satellite system, a non-terrestrial network positioning signal, or a terrestrial network positioning signal.

39. A device as a terminal device, comprising: means for entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with the first network device; means for determining whether a condition associated with measuring at least the position information is satisfied; as well as Means for refraining from reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with the second network device based on determining that the condition is met.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 21 to 30.

41. An apparatus as a network device, the network device being associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device, the apparatus comprising: means for determining a remaining service time for said terminal equipment for said previous serving cell; as well as A component for sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein The remaining service time is used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 further comprising means for performing the method of claim 32.

43. An apparatus as a network device, the network device being associated with a target cell of a terminal device, the apparatus comprising: means for determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal equipment is sufficient for connection to the target cell; as well as means for sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to the target cell, wherein The indication is used by the terminal device to determine whether conditions associated with measurement of at least location information are met.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 34 to 38.

45. A computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, the program instructions, when executed by a terminal device, causing the terminal device to at least perform: entering a non-connected mode relative to a previous serving cell associated with the first network device; determining whether a condition associated with measuring at least the location information is satisfied; and Based on determining that the condition is satisfied, avoiding reporting the remaining measurement validity duration to a target cell associated with the second network device.

46. ​​The computer-readable medium according to claim 45, further comprising instructions which, when executed by the terminal device, cause the terminal device to perform the method according to any one of claims 21 to 30.

47. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a network device associated with a previous serving cell of a terminal device, cause the network device to at least: determining a remaining service time for the terminal device for the previous serving cell; and Sending the remaining service time to the terminal device, wherein The remaining service time is used by the terminal device as a threshold to determine whether a condition associated with at least measurement of location information is met.

48. The computer-readable medium of claim 47, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the network device, cause the network device to perform the method of claim 32.

49. A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by a network device associated with a target cell of a terminal device, cause the network device to at least perform: determining whether a remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection to the target cell; and Based on determining that the remaining measurement validity duration of the terminal device is sufficient for connection with the target cell, sending an indication to the terminal device indicating that the remaining measurement validity duration is sufficient, wherein The indication is used by the terminal device to determine whether conditions associated with measurement of at least location information are met.

50. The computer-readable medium of claim 49, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the network device, cause the network device to perform the method of any one of claims 34 to 38.

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