Method for unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context and unmanned aerial vehicle base station

Abstract

The present application provides a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context and an unmanned aerial vehicle base station, and relates to the field of satellite communication technology. In the method for the unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context, first, the identification information of the UE in the target area is obtained; secondly, the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined, and the first indication information or the second indication information is generated according to the parameter information; finally, a first message is sent to the core network control plane network element, and the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE, so as to avoid the loss of the service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the time when the unmanned aerial vehicle leaves the target area exceeding the timing duration of the NAS timer related to the UE, and there is no need to rebuild the connection between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, thereby reducing the signaling overhead and improving the overall performance of the communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context and an unmanned aerial vehicle base station. Background Art

[0002] In order to expand the coverage of backpack base stations, backpack base stations can work together with unmanned aerial vehicles to provide network coverage for temporary communication islands that are difficult to reach. The specific operation is: by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle to an area 10 to 20 kilometers away from the vehicle-mounted backpack base station and keeping it below 120 meters in vertical height. The unmanned aerial vehicle is connected to the vehicle-mounted backpack base station through a direct line of sight (LOS) path, thereby providing stable communication services for user equipment (UE) in the temporary communication island. In this configuration, the communication transmission path of the UE is: UE-unmanned aerial vehicle-backpack base station-satellite-core network.

[0003] However, due to the limited endurance of the UAV, a single charge can only maintain communication time of 10 to 30 minutes. Therefore, when the UAV is low on power, it needs to return to the communication vehicle for charging, and can only perform communication tasks again after charging is completed.

[0004] Every time the UAV leaves the target area for charging and returns to the target area after charging is completed, the connection between the UE and the core network will be reestablished, which adds unnecessary signaling overhead, increases the burden on the communication system, and reduces the overall performance of the communication system. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context and an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to solve the problem in the prior art that each time the unmanned aerial vehicle leaves a target area for charging and returns to the target area after charging is completed, the connection between the UE and the core network will be rebuilt.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context, the method comprising:

[0007] The unmanned aerial vehicle base station obtains identification information of a user equipment UE in a target area; wherein the target area is an area where the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is in communication connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station;

[0008] The unmanned aerial vehicle base station determines parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and generates first indication information or second indication information according to the parameter information; wherein the parameter information includes parameters for determining a time during which the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; the first indication information is a duration for the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle; the second indication information is a configuration operation for a non-access layer NAS timer related to the UE; the NAS timer related to the UE includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in a core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer;

[0009] The unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a first message to the core network control plane network element, wherein the first message carries the identification information of the UE, and the first indication information or the second indication information; wherein the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE; the first NAS timer is configured to enable the core network control plane network element to retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; the second NAS timer is configured to enable the UE not to initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0010] In one possible design, when the UE-related NAS timer includes the first NAS timer, after the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message to the core network control plane network element, the method further includes:

[0011] The unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a second message to the UE, the second message carrying the identification information of the UE and the second indication information; wherein the second message is used to instruct the UE to configure the second NAS timer so that the UE does not initiate an operation to establish a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0012] In one possible design, the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle includes the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle and / or the charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle; wherein, the charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle is the time required for the unmanned aerial vehicle to charge from a first preset power to a second preset power.

[0013] In one possible design, the first indication information includes a first timing duration, which is the sum of the current battery life of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The current battery life of the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station based on the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0014] In one possible design, the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the timing duration of the UE-related NAS timer to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration.

[0015] In one possible design, the first indication information is generated by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station when the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle is greater than the first preset power and the current power is less than a third preset power; wherein the third preset power is less than the second preset power.

[0016] In one possible design, the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction, and the second indication information is generated by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station when the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle is less than or equal to the first preset power.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context, the method comprising:

[0018] The core network control plane network element receives a first message sent by an unmanned aerial vehicle base station; the first message carries identification information of a user equipment UE, and first indication information or second indication information; wherein the identification information of the UE is the identification information of the UE in a target area acquired by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the target area is an area where the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is communicatively connected with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station; the first indication information or the second indication information is generated by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station according to parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station; the parameter information includes parameters for determining the time when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; the first indication information is the duration for the next time the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage; the second indication information is for the The configuration operation of the NAS timer related to the UE; the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE, and the NAS timer related to the UE includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer; configuring the first NAS timer is used to enable the core network control plane network element to retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; configuring the second NAS timer is used to enable the UE not to initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0019] In a third aspect, the present application provides an unmanned aerial vehicle base station, including: a memory and a processor;

[0020] The memory is configured to store computer program instructions;

[0021] The processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions so that the unmanned aerial vehicle base station implements the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising: a module for executing the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect, or a module for executing the method described in the second aspect.

[0023] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: an unmanned aerial vehicle base station for executing the method described in the first aspect and various possible designs of the first aspect, and a core network control plane network element for executing the method described in the second aspect.

[0024] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory and at least one processor;

[0025] The memory stores computer-executable instructions;

[0026] The at least one processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the at least one processor executes the method described in the first aspect, various possible designs of the first aspect, or the second aspect.

[0027] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer execution instructions are stored. When the computer execution instructions are executed, the method described in the first aspect, various possible designs of the first aspect, or the second aspect is implemented.

[0028] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer implements the method described in the first aspect, various possible designs of the first aspect, or the second aspect.

[0029] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method described in the first aspect, various possible designs of the first aspect, or the second aspect.

[0030] The embodiment of the present application provides a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain the UE context and an unmanned aerial vehicle base station. In the method for the unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain the UE context, first, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station obtains the identification information of the UE in the target area; secondly, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station determines the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and generates the first indication information or the second indication information according to the parameter information, the first indication information is the duration of the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the second indication information is the configuration operation for the NAS timer related to the UE; wherein the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the core network control plane network element, and the second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer; finally, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the identification information of the UE and the first indication information to the core network control plane network element. The first message of the UE information or the second indication information is sent, so that the core network control plane network element that receives the first message configures the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer. By configuring the first NAS timer, the core network control plane network element can retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage. By configuring the second NAS timer, the UE will not initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage, thereby avoiding the loss of service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the brief departure of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Therefore, there is no need to rebuild the connection between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, thereby reducing signaling overhead, alleviating the burden on the communication system, and improving the overall performance of the communication system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the network structure of an existing cellular communication system;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a satellite communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 A flowchart of another method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 5 A flowchart of another method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 6A flowchart of another method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for retaining UE context in a UAV base station provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an unmanned aerial vehicle base station provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of the application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0042] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase "embodiments" in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists, A and B can exist at the same time, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0044] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0045] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" and "at least two" mean more than two (including two). Similarly, "multiple groups" and "at least two groups" mean more than two groups (including two).

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" or "connection" can refer to not only physical connection, but also electrical connection or signal connection. For example, it can be directly connected, that is, physically connected, or indirectly connected through at least one intermediate element, as long as the circuit is connected, or it can be the internal connection of two elements; signal connection can refer to signal connection through a circuit or through a media medium, such as radio waves. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0047] In order to make those skilled in the art better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that different technical features in the present application can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0048] First, the terms involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are explained.

[0049] Backpack base station is a base station that relies on a high-throughput satellite platform as a transmission carrier to provide communication between user equipment and satellites. Backpack base stations can also be called portable backpack base stations or mobile backpack base stations. Backpack base stations communicate with the core network of the communication network through satellites. The mobile communication system can be a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) system, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system or a fifth generation mobile communication (5G) system, as well as other such communication systems.

[0050] UE can be a wireless terminal, which can be a device that provides voice and / or other business data connectivity to users, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing equipment connected to a wireless modem. A wireless terminal can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). A wireless terminal can be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal, for example, a portable, pocket, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device, which exchanges voice and / or data with a radio access network.

[0051] The Mobility Management Entity (MME) is a key control node in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) access network, responsible for managing UE mobility, access control, paging, authentication, and bearer establishment and maintenance. The MME processes signaling related to the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) and coordinates communications with base stations and other core network elements.

[0052] NAS is a protocol layer used for signaling interaction between UE and core network in mobile communication system. NAS is mainly responsible for functions such as mobility management and session management; it processes signaling related to user identity authentication, registration, location update, session establishment and maintenance, and is a key part of communication between core network and UE.

[0053] The following is an introduction to the implementation background of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0054] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the network structure of an existing cellular communication system. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the UE is connected to the base station through a wireless interface, and the base station is connected to the core network through a fiber optic interface. However, in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, the fiber optic interface is easily damaged, resulting in the disconnection of the base station and the core network, thus forming a temporary communication island, and the UE cannot communicate normally. In addition, in temporary communication islands naturally formed in deserts and oceans, although there may be multiple UEs with communication needs in a small area, traditional solutions are difficult to work due to the difficulty and high cost of laying optical fibers.

[0055] In order to solve the above problems, backpack base stations came into being. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the backpack base station is connected to the satellite through a wireless interface, and the satellite is then connected to the core network element on the ground through a wireless interface, so that UE within the coverage of the backpack base station can communicate normally, and reliable communication services can still be provided even when the traditional communication infrastructure is damaged or difficult to build.

[0056] However, continuous power supply can be a challenge during natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, or when using backpack base stations in environments such as deserts. Backpack base stations usually rely on batteries, and the battery life is usually between 2 and 4 hours.

[0057] In addition, backpack base stations can also cooperate with unmanned aerial vehicles to provide network coverage for temporary communication islands that are difficult to reach. The specific operation is: by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle to an area 10 to 20 kilometers away from the vehicle-mounted backpack base station and keeping it below a vertical height of 120 meters, the unmanned aerial vehicle connects to the vehicle-mounted backpack base station through a LOS direct connection path, thereby providing signal coverage for the UE in the temporary communication island; under this condition, the UE's communication transmission path is: UE-unmanned aerial vehicle-backpack base station-satellite-core network. However, the endurance of unmanned aerial vehicles is limited, and a single charge can only maintain a communication time of 10 to 30 minutes. After that, it must return to the communication vehicle for charging before it can perform communication tasks again.

[0058] In the related technology, no matter the UE is in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state or the RRC connected state, NAS will maintain a series of timers to manage the UE's status, context, security keys and other information. The timer in the UE corresponds to the timer in the MME, and the MME configures and determines the duration of the timer in the UE. When the timer in the UE is started, the corresponding timer in the MME will also be started synchronously; if the timer in the MME times out, the MME will delete the UE context and other information it retains.

[0059] When the time that the UAV leaves the target area (the area where the UAV provides signal coverage) exceeds the timer duration in the UE and MME, the UE cannot initiate an update process to the core network due to the lack of wireless signal coverage in the target area, causing the timer maintained by the MME to time out and delete the UE's context information. When the UAV returns to the target area, that is, when the target area resumes signal coverage, the UE needs to re-initiate a connection process to the core network, re-establish the context and restart the timer. This frequent reconnection process consumes communication resources between backpack base stations, satellites and the core network, increases unnecessary signaling overhead, increases the burden on the communication system, and reduces the overall performance of the communication system.

[0060] Based on the problems existing in the related technology, the present application provides a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain the UE context. First, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station obtains the identification information of the UE in the target area; secondly, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station determines the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and generates a first indication information or a second indication information according to the parameter information, the first indication information is the duration of the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the second indication information is the configuration operation for the NAS timer related to the UE; wherein the NAS timer related to the UE includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer; finally, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a message carrying the UE's identification to the core network control plane network element. Information, as well as a first message of the first indication information or the second indication information, so that the core network control plane network element that receives the first message configures the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, and by configuring the first NAS timer, the core network control plane network element retains the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage, and by configuring the second NAS timer, the UE does not initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage, thereby avoiding the loss of service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the brief departure of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and eliminating the need to rebuild the connection between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, thereby reducing signaling overhead, alleviating the burden on the communication system, and improving the overall performance of the communication system.

[0061] Next, some specific embodiments and drawings are used to describe in detail how the present application solves the above-mentioned problem that each time the UAV leaves the target area for charging and returns to the target area after charging is completed, the connection between the UE and the core network will be reestablished.

[0062] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the method for the unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain the UE context provided in the embodiment of the present application specifically includes S301 to S303, and S301 to S303 are described in detail below.

[0063] S301. The UAV base station obtains identification information of UE in a target area.

[0064] Among them, the target area is the area where the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage; the unmanned aerial vehicle is communicatively connected with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station.

[0065] It should be noted that the target area is the area within the geographical range that can be currently covered by the wireless signal emitted by the UAV. The target area is the place where the signal emitted by the UAV through its communication equipment (such as a radio transmitter) can effectively reach. In the target area, the UE can communicate with the UAV base station.

[0066] The identification information of the UE may be a serving temporary mobile user identity (Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity, S-TMSI) of the UE, or may be other information used to uniquely identify the UE, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0067] It should be noted that S-TMSI is a temporary identifier used in LTE and 5G mobile communication systems. The S-TMSI of a user equipment is allocated to the user equipment by the core network control plane network element, and different S-TMSIs are used to identify different user equipment.

[0068] The core network control plane network element may be a mobility management entity (MME) of an LTE communication system, or an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity of a 5G communication system, but this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0069] S302. The UAV base station determines parameter information of the UAV, and generates first indication information or second indication information according to the parameter information.

[0070] The parameter information includes parameters used to determine the time when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0071] It should be noted that the parameter information of the UAV refers to the parameters related to the state of the UAV. The parameter information of the UAV reflects the stability and continuity of the UAV signal and is a key factor in determining how to configure the NAS timer related to the UE.

[0072] The first indication information is the duration of the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle. The second indication information is the configuration operation of the non-access layer NAS timer related to the UE.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present application, the NAS timer related to the UE includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in a core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE.

[0074] In another embodiment of the present application, the UE-related NAS timer includes a first NAS timer.

[0075] S303: The UAV base station sends a first message to the core network control plane network element. Correspondingly, the core network control plane network element receives the first message.

[0076] The first message carries the identification information of the UE, and the first indication information or the second indication information. The first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE.

[0077] It should be noted that, by configuring the first NAS timer, the core network control plane network element is used to retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0078] By configuring the second NAS timer, the UE does not initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present application, the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the first indication information. After the core network control plane network element receives the first message sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the core network control plane network element can configure the timing duration of the NAS timer related to the UE based on the duration included in the first indication information.

[0080] In another embodiment of the present application, the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information. After the core network control plane network element receives the first message sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the core network control plane network element can configure the NAS timer related to the UE based on the configuration operation corresponding to the second indication information.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present application, first, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station obtains the identification information of the UE in the target area; secondly, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station determines the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and generates the first indication information or the second indication information according to the parameter information, the first indication information is the duration of the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the second indication information is the configuration operation for the NAS timer related to the UE; wherein the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the core network control plane network element, and the second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer; finally, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the identification information of the UE and the first indication information or the second indication information to the core network control plane network element. The first message of the indication information is used to enable the core network control plane network element that receives the first message to configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer. By configuring the first NAS timer, the core network control plane network element retains the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage. By configuring the second NAS timer, the UE does not initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage, thereby avoiding the loss of service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the brief departure of the unmanned aerial vehicle. There is no need to rebuild the connection between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, thereby reducing signaling overhead, alleviating the burden on the communication system, and improving the overall performance of the communication system.

[0082] In the above embodiments, it should be noted that a UE in an RRC connected state refers to a UE that has established a communication connection with the network (including an unmanned aerial vehicle base station and a core network), and a UE in an RRC connected state will maintain a continuous communication connection under the monitoring of the unmanned aerial vehicle base station for transmitting data or signaling. A UE in an RRC idle state refers to a UE that does not maintain a continuous connection with the network, and a UE in an RRC idle state does not continuously communicate with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, and usually enters a power saving mode, and will only be reactivated when it is necessary to initiate data transmission or receive notifications.

[0083] For UE in RRC connected state, since the UE in RRC connected state maintains communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can accurately obtain the identification information of all UE in RRC connected state within its coverage area.

[0084] For UE in RRC idle state, since the UE in RRC idle state does not maintain connection with the network, especially when a new UE in RRC idle state enters the target area, if the UE in RRC idle state does not initiate any communication process, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station cannot know the existence of the UE in RRC idle state. Therefore, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station cannot obtain the identification information of the UE in RRC idle state in the target area; that is, the configuration message sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station to the core network control plane network element may lack some identification information of the UE in RRC idle state.

[0085] In this case, the core network control plane network element cannot configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer corresponding to the unreported UE in the configuration message. The unreported UE is an RRC idle state UE that is located in the target area and has never established a communication connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station. After the unreported UE establishes a communication connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station for the first time, when the unmanned aerial vehicle leaves the target area for charging, the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer corresponding to the unreported UE will time out according to the original duration, causing the core network to delete the context information of the unreported UE; at the same time, since the unreported UE has established a communication connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can obtain the identification information of the unreported UE. The unmanned aerial vehicle base station repeats the above steps S301 to S303 to configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer corresponding to the unreported UE, so that the core network control plane network element retains the service connection context information established between the unreported UE and the core network the next time the unmanned aerial vehicle leaves the target area.

[0086] In this embodiment, although the unmanned aerial vehicle base station may not be able to fully grasp the identification information of the UE in the RRC idle state in the target area in the initial stage, after a certain period of time, as the UE in the RRC idle state establishes a communication connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can gradually grasp the identification information of all UEs in the target area, and the core network control plane network element manages the timing duration of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer corresponding to the UE in the target area, thereby effectively preventing the UE context loss problem caused by the timeout of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer of the UE.

[0087] In the above embodiment, when the UE-related NAS timer includes the first NAS timer, the core network control plane network element can configure the first NAS timer, and at this time, the second NAS timer has not been configured. Next, the specific process of configuring the second NAS timer is described in detail.

[0088] Figure 6 A flowchart of another method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, in a possible embodiment, after S303, the method for the UAV base station to retain the UE context also includes S304, and S304 is described in detail below.

[0089] S304. The UAV base station sends a second message to the UE.

[0090] The second message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information.

[0091] It should be noted that the second message is used to instruct the UE to configure the second NAS timer so that the UE does not initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0092] In another embodiment of the present application, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can send a first message and a second message to the core network control plane network element and the UE respectively. Accordingly, the core network control plane network element receives the first message sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, and the UE receives the second message sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station.

[0093] Specifically, the first message carries the identification information and the second indication information of the UE, and the core network control plane network element can configure the first NAS timer based on the configuration operation corresponding to the second indication information in the first message; the second message carries the identification information and the second indication information of the UE, and the UE can configure the second NAS timer based on the configuration operation corresponding to the second indication information in the first message; that is, the core network control plane network element and the UE configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer respectively.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present application, the first message and the second message are sent to the core network control plane network element and the UE respectively through the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, so as to realize independent configuration of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, which helps to optimize network performance and improve communication efficiency.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the UAV base station needs to determine the parameter information of the UAV and generate the first indication information or the second indication information according to the parameter information. Next, the parameter information of the UAV is described in detail.

[0096] In a possible embodiment, the parameter information of the UAV includes the current power level of the UAV and / or the charging time of the UAV.

[0097] Among them, the current battery power of the UAV reflects the remaining flight time of the UAV, which directly determines the duration of the signal coverage of the UAV.

[0098] It should be noted that if the UAV is low on power, it will leave the target area and return to the communication vehicle for charging in a short time. When the UAV returns to the communication vehicle for charging, the signal coverage in the target area will be interrupted, thus affecting the connection between the UE and the core network.

[0099] The charging time of the UAV is the time required for the UAV to charge from the first preset power to the second preset power. When the UAV returns to the communication vehicle, the current power of the UAV is the first preset power, and the charging time of the UAV refers to the time required from the time the UAV is connected to the charging power source (first preset power) in the communication vehicle until the power of the UAV reaches the second preset power.

[0100] It should be noted that the second preset power is greater than the first preset power. The first preset power and the second preset power can be set by the communication management personnel according to actual conditions, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present application, the communication manager can set the first preset power level and the second preset power level according to the battery type and capacity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. For example, the first preset power level is 20% and the second preset power level is 100%.

[0102] In another embodiment of the present application, the communication manager can estimate the flight time that the UAV can maintain with the remaining power and set the first preset power to ensure that the UAV still has enough time to return or complete key operations when the power is running out. For example, the first preset power is 10%.

[0103] In an embodiment of the present application, by considering the two parameters of the current power level and / or charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can generate a first indication information or a second indication information based on the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and dynamically adjust the duration of the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle indicated by the first indication information, thereby ensuring that in the case of discontinuous signal coverage of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the UE's context information will not be deleted due to the timeout of its corresponding first NAS timer and second NAS timer, thereby effectively reducing unnecessary signaling overhead and improving the stability and reliability of the communication system.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the UAV base station needs to generate the first indication information according to the parameter information. Next, the first indication information is described in detail.

[0105] In a possible embodiment, the first indication information includes a first timing duration, where the first timing duration is the sum of the current flight time of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0106] Among them, the current flight time of the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station according to the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0107] It should be noted that the current flight time of the UAV refers to the remaining time that the UAV can provide signal coverage in the target area this time.

[0108] The current endurance of the UAV can be determined based on the energy consumption model of the UAV and the current power of the UAV. The method of determining the current endurance of the UAV based on the energy consumption model of the UAV and the current power of the UAV is an existing method, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0109] In this embodiment, by determining the current flight time of the UAV, it is possible to know when the UAV is likely to leave the target area, thereby being able to predict in advance the time when the signal coverage of the target area will be interrupted.

[0110] Among them, the first timing duration is the sum of the current endurance duration of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle, that is, the first timing duration refers to the time required for the unmanned aerial vehicle to provide signal coverage from the current moment to the next time the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area.

[0111] It should be noted that the charging time of the UAV varies depending on the different charging devices and the battery capacity of the UAV. By understanding the charging time of the UAV and the current endurance of the UAV, the UAV base station can determine a more reasonable first timing duration, so that the subsequent core network control plane network element can configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer corresponding to the UE based on the first timing duration, so that the timing durations of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer are both greater than or equal to the first timing duration, thereby ensuring that the context information of the UE will not be deleted due to the timeout of its corresponding first NAS timer and second NAS timer during the charging of the UAV.

[0112] In an embodiment of the present application, by considering the current power level and charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can dynamically calculate the first timing duration included in the first indication information, so that the core network control plane network element can subsequently configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer corresponding to the UE based on the first timing duration in the first indication information, thereby ensuring that the UE's context information will not be deleted due to the timeout of its corresponding first NAS timer and second NAS timer during the charging of the unmanned aerial vehicle, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead, improving the stability and reliability of the communication system, and thereby improving the user experience.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the first indication information includes the first timing duration, and the first message sent by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station to the core network control plane network element carries the identification information of the UE and the first indication information. Next, the specific process of configuring the NAS timer related to the UE based on the first message after the core network control plane network element receives the first message is described in detail.

[0114] In a possible embodiment, the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure a timing duration of a UE-related NAS timer that is greater than or equal to a first timing duration.

[0115] Figure 4 A flowchart of another method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the first message carries the identification information and the first indication information of the UE, and the first indication information includes the first timing duration. In S303, after the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message to the core network control plane network element, the core network control plane network element executes the method steps shown in S401 and S402, and the UE executes the method steps shown in S403. S401 to S403 are described in detail below.

[0116] S401. A core network control plane network element configures a first NAS timer with a timing duration greater than or equal to the first timing duration based on a first timing duration in a first message.

[0117] S402: The core network control plane network element sends a third message to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the third message. The third message carries the identification information of the UE and the first indication information, and the first indication information includes the first timing duration.

[0118] S403: The UE configures a timing duration of a second NAS timer to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration based on the first timing duration in the third message.

[0119] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first indication information includes the first timing duration, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a first message carrying the UE's identification information and the first indication information to the core network control plane network element, so that the core network control plane network element first configures the timing duration of the first NAS timer corresponding to the UE in the target area to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration, and then sends a third message carrying the UE's identification information and the first indication information to the UE, so that the UE that receives the third message configures the timing duration of the second NAS timer to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration, thereby completing the configuration of the timing durations of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer related to the UE, avoiding the duration of the unmanned aerial vehicle leaving the target area exceeding the timing durations of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, thereby avoiding the loss of service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the brief departure of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and there is no need to rebuild the connection between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, thereby reducing signaling overhead, alleviating the burden on the communication system, and improving the overall performance of the communication system.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the UAV base station can generate the first indication information or the second indication information according to the parameter information of the UAV. Next, the specific conditions for the UAV base station to generate the first indication information and the second indication information according to the parameter information of the UAV are described in detail.

[0121] In a possible embodiment, the second indication information includes a temporary timing instruction.

[0122] The second indication information is generated by the UAV base station when the current power level of the UAV is less than or equal to the first preset power level.

[0123] It should be noted that the second indication information is used to instruct to suspend the timing of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer related to the UE.

[0124] When the current power of the UAV is less than or equal to the first preset power, it means that the power of the UAV is about to run out, or the UAV needs to immediately leave the target area and return to the communication vehicle for charging. Therefore, when the current power of the UAV is less than or equal to the first preset power, a second indication information is generated to indicate the suspension of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, so that the subsequent core network control plane network elements and UE can suspend the timing of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer based on the second indication information.

[0125] When the timing of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer is paused, the loss of the service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the brief departure of the unmanned aerial vehicle can be avoided, and the integrity of the service connection context information established between the UE and the core network can be ensured, so that the service connection between the UE and the core network can be quickly restored after the unmanned aerial vehicle re-enters the target area, avoiding the frequent re-establishment of the connection process and improving the communication reliability.

[0126] In addition, by pausing the timing of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, when the UAV is low on battery or leaves the target area, unnecessary network resource consumption can be avoided by reducing redundant timing and connection attempts, thereby facilitating more efficient use of network resources and improving the overall performance of the communication system.

[0127] In an embodiment of the present application, by considering the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can generate a second indication information when the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle is lower than the first preset power, so that the subsequent core network control plane network element and the UE can suspend the timing of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer based on the second indication information, ensuring that when the unmanned aerial vehicle temporarily leaves the target area, the UE's service connection context information will not be deleted due to the timeout of its corresponding first NAS timer and second NAS timer, thereby reducing unnecessary signaling overhead, improving the stability and reliability of the communication system, and thereby improving the user experience.

[0128] Figure 5 A flowchart of another method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain UE context is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment of the present application, when the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information, and the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction, at S303, after the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message to the core network control plane network element, the core network control plane network element executes the method steps shown in S501 and S502, and the UE executes the method steps shown in S503. S501 to S503 are described in detail below.

[0129] S501. A core network control plane network element configures a first NAS timer to pause timing based on second indication information in a first message.

[0130] S502: The core network control plane network element sends a fourth message to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the fourth message. The fourth message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information, and the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction.

[0131] S503: The UE configures a second NAS timer to pause timing based on the second indication information in the fourth message.

[0132] It is understandable that when the UAV returns to the target area again, the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer can be configured to resume timing through the method steps shown in S504 to S507. S504 to S507 are described in detail below.

[0133] S504: The UAV base station sends a fifth message to the core network control plane network element. Correspondingly, the core network control plane network element receives the fifth message. The fifth message carries the identification information of the UE and the third indication information, and the third indication information includes a timing recovery instruction.

[0134] S505. The core network control plane network element configures the first NAS timer to resume timing based on the third indication information in the fifth message.

[0135] S506: The core network control plane network element sends a sixth message to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the sixth message. The sixth message carries the identification information of the UE and the third indication information.

[0136] S507: The UE configures the second NAS timer to pause timing based on the third indication information in the sixth message.

[0137] In the embodiment of the present application, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message and the fifth message to the core network control plane network element, so that the core network control plane network element controls the first NAS timer corresponding to the UE to suspend and resume timing, and then the core network control plane network element sends the fourth message and the sixth message to the UE based on the first message, so that the UE controls the second NAS timer corresponding to it to suspend and resume timing. This embodiment realizes the precise management of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer related to the UE through the centralized control of the core network control plane network element, can ensure the consistency of the operation of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, and enhances the maintainability and scalability of the communication system.

[0138] like Figure 6 As shown, in another embodiment of the present application, when the first message carries the identification information and the second indication information of the UE, and the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction, after S303, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message to the core network control plane network element, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station also executes the method steps shown in S304, and the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a second message to the UE, and the second message carries the identification information and the second indication information of the UE.

[0139] It should be noted that after S303, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message to the core network control plane network element, the core network control plane network element executes the method steps shown in S601; after S304, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the second message to the UE, the UE executes the method steps shown in S602. S601 and S602 are described in detail below.

[0140] S601. A core network control plane network element configures a first NAS timer to pause timing based on second indication information in a first message.

[0141] S602: The UE configures a second NAS timer to pause timing based on the second indication information in the second message.

[0142] It is understandable that when the UAV returns to the target area again, the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer can be configured to resume timing through the method steps shown in S603 to S606. S603 to S606 are described in detail below.

[0143] S603: The UAV base station sends a seventh message to the core network control plane network element. Correspondingly, the core network control plane network element receives the seventh message. The seventh message carries the identification information of the UE and the third indication information, and the third indication information includes a timing recovery instruction.

[0144] S604: The UAV base station sends an eighth message to the UE. Correspondingly, the UE receives the eighth message. The eighth message carries the identification information of the UE and the third indication information.

[0145] S605. The core network control plane network element configures the first NAS timer to resume timing based on the third indication information in the seventh message.

[0146] S606. The UE configures a second NAS timer to resume timing based on the third indication information in the eighth message.

[0147] In the embodiment of the present application, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message and the seventh message to the core network control plane network element so that the core network control plane network element controls the first NAS timer corresponding to the UE to suspend and resume timing. At the same time, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station also sends the second message and the eighth message to the UE so that the UE controls the second NAS timer corresponding to it to suspend and resume timing. In the scenario where there is a delay or interruption in the communication link, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station can configure the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer by sending messages to the core network control plane network element and the UE respectively, reducing the burden on the core network control plane network element and ensuring the efficiency of the configuration operation of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer.

[0148] Figure 7A flowchart of a method for reserving UE context in an unmanned aerial vehicle base station provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown below. Figure 7 As shown, in another embodiment of the present application, the UE can detect in real time whether there is wireless signal coverage around it. When the UE detects that there is no wireless signal coverage around it, the UE configures the second NAS timer to stop timing; when the UE detects that there is wireless signal coverage around it, the UE configures the second NAS timer to start timing.

[0149] In the case where the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information, and the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction, after the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message to the core network control plane network element in S303, the core network control plane network element executes the method steps shown in S701.

[0150] S701. A core network control plane network element configures a first NAS timer to pause timing based on second indication information in a first message.

[0151] It should be noted that after S701, if the UAV leaves the target area, the UE can detect that there is no wireless signal coverage around it. At this time, the UE configures the second NAS timer to stop timing.

[0152] It is understandable that when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, the UE can detect that there is wireless signal coverage around it. At this time, the UE configures the second NAS timer to start timing; at the same time, the first NAS timer is configured to resume timing through the method steps shown in S702 and S703. S702 and S703 are described in detail below.

[0153] S702, the UAV base station sends a ninth message to the core network control plane network element. Correspondingly, the core network control plane network element receives the ninth message. The ninth message carries the identification information of the UE and the third indication information, and the third indication information includes a timing recovery instruction.

[0154] S703. The core network control plane network element configures the first NAS timer to resume timing based on the third indication information in the ninth message.

[0155] In an embodiment of the present application, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends the first message and the ninth message to the core network control plane network element, so that the core network control plane network element controls the first NAS timer corresponding to the UE to pause and resume timing. At the same time, the UE detects in real time whether there is wireless signal coverage around it, and intelligently stops the timing of the second NAS timer when the wireless signal coverage is lost, and automatically resumes the timing of the second NAS timer when the signal coverage is restored, effectively reducing the power consumption of the communication system and unnecessary communication overhead.

[0156] In a possible embodiment, the first indication information is generated by the UAV base station when the current power of the UAV is greater than the first preset power and the current power is less than the third preset power.

[0157] The third preset power level is smaller than the second preset power level.

[0158] It should be noted that the third preset power is a power between the first preset power and the second preset power. The third preset power can be set by the communication management personnel according to actual conditions, and this embodiment does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0159] For example, the third preset power level is 30%.

[0160] In this embodiment, when the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle is sufficient but close to the first preset power, a first indication information including a first timing duration is generated. The first indication information is used to inform the core network control plane network element to configure the timing duration of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer related to the UE to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration, so as to avoid the charging duration of the unmanned aerial vehicle leaving the target area for charging exceeding the timing duration of the first NAS timer and the second NAS timer, thereby avoiding the loss of service connection context information established between the UE and the core network due to the brief departure of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and eliminating the need to rebuild the connection between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle returns to the target area again, thereby reducing signaling overhead, alleviating the burden on the communication system, and improving the overall performance of the communication system.

[0161] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an unmanned aerial vehicle base station provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station 800 provided in this embodiment can exist independently and be used to implement the operations corresponding to the unmanned aerial vehicle base station in the above method embodiment.

[0162] The UAV base station 800 may include: a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802. The processing module 802 is used for data processing, and the transceiver module 801 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 801 may also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0163] Optionally, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station 800 may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 802 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the unmanned aerial vehicle base station 800 implements the steps implemented by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0164] The transceiver module 801 is used to perform the reception-related operations of the UAV base station in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 802 is used to perform the processing-related operations of the UAV base station in the above method embodiment.

[0165] Optionally, the transceiver module 801 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0166] It should be noted that the UAV base station 800 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the UAV base station 800 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the UAV base station 800 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0167] As an example, the unmanned aerial vehicle base station 800 is used to perform the above Figure 3 Actions performed by the UAV base station in the illustrated embodiment.

[0168] The UAV base station 800 may include: a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802 .

[0169] The processing module 802 is used to obtain the identification information of the UE in the target area; wherein the target area is an area where the UAV provides signal coverage, and the UAV is in communication connection with the UAV base station.

[0170] Processing module 802 is also used to determine parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle and generate first indication information or second indication information based on the parameter information; wherein the parameter information includes parameters used to determine the time when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; the first indication information is the duration of the next signal coverage provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle; the second indication information is the configuration operation for the UE-related NAS timer; the UE-related NAS timer includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the UE-related NAS timer includes a first NAS timer.

[0171] The transceiver module 801 is used to send a first message to a core network control plane network element, where the first message carries UE identification information, and first indication information or second indication information; wherein the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE; the first NAS timer is configured to enable the core network control plane network element to retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; the second NAS timer is configured to enable the UE not to initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

[0172] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0173] The processing module 802 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver module 801 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver module 801 can also be called a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0174] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the electronic device 900 provided in this embodiment includes: a memory 901 and a processor 902 .

[0175] The memory 901 may be an independent physical unit, and may be connected to the processor 902 via a bus 903. The memory 901 and the processor 902 may also be integrated together and implemented by hardware, etc. The memory 901 is used to store program instructions, and the processor 902 calls the program instructions to execute the operations performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station in any of the above method embodiments.

[0176] Optionally, when part or all of the methods of the above embodiments are implemented by software, the electronic device 900 may also include only a processor 902. The memory 901 for storing programs is located outside the electronic device 900, and the processor 902 is connected to the memory through circuits / wires to read and execute the programs stored in the memory. The processor 902 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP) or a combination of a CPU and a NP. The processor 902 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD) or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL) or any combination thereof.

[0177] The memory 901 may include a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD); the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0178] Exemplarily, the present application provides a chip, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is used to execute the operations performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station in the above method embodiment.

[0179] Exemplarily, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, and the computer program instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device so that the electronic device executes the operations performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station in the above method embodiment.

[0180] Exemplarily, the present application provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is run on an electronic device, the electronic device executes the operations performed by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station in the above method embodiment.

[0181] The above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context, characterized in that: The method comprises: The unmanned aerial vehicle base station obtains identification information of a user equipment UE in a target area; wherein the target area is an area where the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is in communication connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station; The UAV base station determines parameter information of the UAV, and generates first indication information or second indication information according to the parameter information; wherein the parameter information includes parameters for determining the time when the UAV does not provide signal coverage; the parameter information includes the current power of the UAV and / or the charging time of the UAV, and the charging time of the UAV is the time required for the UAV to charge from a first preset power to a second preset power; the first indication information is the time when the UAV provides signal coverage next time, and the first indication information includes a first timing time, which is the sum of the current endurance of the UAV and the charging time of the UAV, and the current endurance of the UAV is determined by the UAV base station according to the current power of the UAV; the second indication information is a configuration operation for the non-access layer NAS timer related to the UE, and the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction; the NAS timer related to the UE includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE located in the core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer; The unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a first message to the core network control plane network element, and the first message carries the identification information of the UE, and the first indication information or the second indication information; wherein the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE; the first NAS timer is configured to enable the core network control plane network element to retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; the second NAS timer is configured to enable the UE not to initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; when the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the first indication information, the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the timing duration of the NAS timer related to the UE to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration; when the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information, the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE to pause timing.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In a case where the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer, after the unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a first message to the core network control plane network element, the method further includes: The unmanned aerial vehicle base station sends a second message to the UE, the second message carrying the identification information of the UE and the second indication information; wherein the second message is used to instruct the UE to configure the second NAS timer so that the UE does not initiate an operation to establish a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first indication information is generated by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station when the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle is greater than the first preset power and the current power is less than a third preset power; wherein the third preset power is less than the second preset power.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second indication information is generated by the UAV base station when the current power of the UAV is less than or equal to the first preset power.

5. A method for an unmanned aerial vehicle base station to retain a UE context, characterized in that: The method comprises: A core network control plane network element receives a first message sent by an unmanned aerial vehicle base station; the first message carries identification information of a user equipment UE, and first indication information or second indication information; wherein the identification information of the UE is identification information of the UE in a target area acquired by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station, the target area is an area where the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage, and the unmanned aerial vehicle is communicatively connected with the unmanned aerial vehicle base station; the first indication information or the second indication information is generated by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station according to parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the parameter information of the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station; the parameter information includes information for determining the unmanned aerial vehicle The first indication information is the duration for the next time the unmanned aerial vehicle provides signal coverage, and the first indication information includes a first timing duration, which is the sum of the current flight time of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the charging time of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the current flight time of the unmanned aerial vehicle is determined by the unmanned aerial vehicle base station according to the current power of the unmanned aerial vehicle; the second indication information is for The configuration operation of the NAS timer related to the UE, the second indication information includes a pause timing instruction; the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE, and the NAS timer related to the UE includes a first NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the core network control plane network element, and a second NAS timer corresponding to the UE and located in the UE; or, the NAS timer related to the UE includes the first NAS timer; configuring the first NAS timer to enable the core network control plane network element to retain the service connection context established between the UE and the core network when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; configuring the second NAS timer to enable the UE not to initiate the operation of establishing a connection between the UE and the core network control plane network element when the unmanned aerial vehicle does not provide signal coverage; when the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the first indication information, the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the timing duration of the NAS timer related to the UE to be greater than or equal to the first timing duration; when the first message carries the identification information of the UE and the second indication information, the first message is used to instruct the core network control plane network element to configure the NAS timer related to the UE to pause timing.

6. An unmanned aerial vehicle base station, characterized in that: include: Memory and processor; The memory is configured to store computer program instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions so that the UAV base station implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A core network control plane network element and the unmanned aerial vehicle base station as claimed in claim 6, wherein the core network control plane network element is communicatively connected to the unmanned aerial vehicle base station.

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