Signal measurement method and communication device

Abstract

A signal measurement method and a communication device, a terminal obtaining measurement configuration information, the measurement configuration information including information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, the at least one satellite cell including a first satellite cell, the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of the time length of the coverage range of the first satellite cell in the first area, and the first area is the area where the terminal is located; and the terminal measures the signal of the at least one satellite cell in the first area according to the measurement configuration information to obtain a measurement value, and the measurement value is used for indicating the signal quality fluctuation of the at least one satellite cell in the measurement time range.

Description

Signal measurement method and communication device Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a signal measurement method and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR) has moved from standardization to commercial deployment. NR standards are designed based on the characteristics of terrestrial communications, providing high-speed, high-reliability, and low-latency communications for user terminals. Compared to terrestrial communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) offer wide coverage and flexible networking. Currently, various research institutes, communications organizations, and companies are participating in the research of NTN communication technologies and standards, striving to build a unified communication network for space, air, and ground communications.

[0003] In terrestrial communications, after a user equipment (UE) establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a 5G base station (gNodeB, gNB), the gNB sends measurement control information. If the gNB detects a target cell that meets the requirements based on measurement reports regularly submitted by the UE, it instructs the UE to switch to the target cell to receive service. However, in NTN communication scenarios, if a satellite in orbit A is closer to the UE but is obscured within a given area, communication quality will degrade. Satellites in orbit B, covering the same given area, may not be affected by obscuration. However, based on the existing cell handover mechanism, even if the satellite signal in orbit A is obscured at some point during communication, the UE will still choose to receive communication services from the satellite in orbit A, resulting in a poor user experience. Furthermore, the overhead of regularly reporting measurement reports by the UE is high.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a signal measurement method and a communication device to reduce the overhead of signal measurement and improve the efficiency of cell switching, cell reselection and cell access.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a signal measurement method that can be performed by a terminal. The terminal can be understood as a user equipment (UE), an on-board device, a terminal chip, etc., and this application does not specifically limit the type of terminal. The terminal can communicate with a satellite. In this application, the satellite can be a geostationary satellite, a non-geostationary satellite, an artificial satellite, a low-orbit satellite, a medium-orbit satellite, or a high-orbit satellite, etc., and this application does not specifically limit it.

[0007] The terminal obtains measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, where the at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell, and the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of a time length during which the coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area, where the first area is an area where the terminal is located. The terminal measures a signal of at least one satellite cell in the first area according to the measurement configuration information to obtain a measurement value.

[0008] In this application, when the terminal performs cell signal measurement, it uses the correlation of satellite coverage in the orbit or trajectory and is based on the measurement time range of the series of satellites in the measurement configuration information. There are clear constraints on the measurement object and the start and end time range. This method can reduce unnecessary switching and reselection, thereby reducing signaling interaction and improving data processing efficiency. In an optional embodiment, the satellites corresponding to at least one satellite cell include satellites in the first satellite series and the second satellite series, and the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit or the same ground projected trajectory.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the measurement start and end times of satellite cells of different satellites in the same satellite series are different.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the measurement configuration information further includes: an identifier of a satellite cell and a measurement frequency of at least one satellite cell.

[0011] In an optional implementation manner, the terminal measures N signal quality parameters within a measurement time range of the first satellite cell, and the measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following:

[0012] The worst signal quality parameter among N signal quality parameters;

[0013] The variance of N signal quality parameters;

[0014] The ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters;

[0015] a first time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter that is higher than a first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0016] a second time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter lower than a second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0017] a ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell;

[0018] A ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

[0019] By indicating the fluctuation of the cell signal quality of at least one satellite within the measurement time range through the above-mentioned measurement value, the terminal can avoid selecting a satellite that is closer to the terminal but may actually have signal obstruction to receive communication services based only on short-term signal quality, thereby ensuring communication quality.

[0020] In an optional embodiment, the signal quality parameter is one of the following: reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR).

[0021] In an optional implementation, the measurement configuration information further includes a report configuration, and the report configuration includes: report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement values ​​included in the measurement report; and a trigger event, used to indicate a trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the triggering event includes at least one of the following:

[0023] The first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold;

[0024] The second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold;

[0025] A third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold;

[0026] A fourth trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in the first satellite series;

[0027] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0028] In an optional implementation, the measurement configuration information further includes: a measurement condition of an adjacent satellite cell; the measurement condition of the adjacent satellite cell includes at least one of the following:

[0029] Satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located have higher priority than satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located;

[0030] The priority of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0031] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0032] In an optional implementation manner, the measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for the satellite cell, where the reselection condition includes at least one of the following:

[0033] Within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0034] Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of the satellite cell of the satellite series where the terminal is located.

[0035] In an optional implementation, the measurement configuration information further includes: a series identifier of the first satellite series and a series identifier of the second satellite series.

[0036] In an optional implementation, the satellite cells of the satellites in the first satellite series constitute a super cell; and the satellite cells of the satellites in the second satellite series constitute a super cell.

[0037] In an optional implementation manner, the terminal receives measurement configuration information from the network device.

[0038] In an optional implementation, if the terminal is in a radio resource control RRC connected state, the terminal reports the measurement value; or, if the terminal is in an RRC unconnected state, the terminal determines whether to start signal measurement of the satellite cell or determines whether to perform satellite cell reselection.

[0039] On the second aspect, the present application provides a signal measurement method, which can be executed through a network device. The network device can be understood as a satellite, a transmission reception point (TRP), etc., which is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0040] The network device determines measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, where the at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell, and the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of a time length during which the coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area, where the first area is an area where the terminal is located; the network device sends the measurement configuration information.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the satellites corresponding to at least one satellite cell include satellites in a first satellite series and a second satellite series, and the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit or the same projected trajectory on the ground.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the measurement start and end times of satellite cells of different satellites in the same satellite series are different.

[0043] In an optional implementation manner, the measurement configuration information further includes a report configuration, and the report configuration includes:

[0044] Report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement values ​​included in the measurement report;

[0045] The trigger event is used to indicate the trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the triggering event includes at least one of the following:

[0047] The first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold;

[0048] The second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold;

[0049] A third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold;

[0050] A fourth trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report should be reported when a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located;

[0051] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0052] In an optional implementation, the network device receives a measurement report reported by the terminal according to the measurement configuration information, where the measurement report includes a measurement value obtained by the terminal measuring a cell signal of at least one satellite in the first area according to the measurement configuration information;

[0053] The network device makes a satellite cell handover decision for the terminal based on the measurement report.

[0054] In an optional implementation, the terminal measures N signal quality parameters within a measurement time range of the first satellite cell, and the measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following:

[0055] The worst signal quality parameter among N signal quality parameters;

[0056] The variance of N signal quality parameters;

[0057] The ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters;

[0058] a first time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter that is higher than a first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0059] a second time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter lower than a second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0060] a ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell;

[0061] A ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

[0062] In an optional implementation manner, the signal quality parameter is one of the following: RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and SINR.

[0063] In an optional implementation, the measurement configuration information further includes: adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions;

[0064] The adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions include at least one of the following:

[0065] Satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located have higher priority than satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located;

[0066] The priority of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0067] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0068] In an optional implementation manner, the measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for the satellite cell, where the reselection condition includes at least one of the following:

[0069] Within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0070] Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of the satellite cell of the satellite series where the terminal is located.

[0071] In an optional implementation manner, the measurement configuration information further includes: a series identifier of the first satellite series and a series identifier of the second satellite series.

[0072] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be a terminal (such as the terminal in the first aspect, the terminal in the second aspect) or a chip arranged inside the terminal, or a network device (such as the network device in the first aspect, the network device in the second aspect) or a chip arranged inside the network device. The communication device has the function of implementing any aspect of the first to second aspects above. For example, the communication device includes a module or unit or means corresponding to the steps involved in any aspect of the first to second aspects above. The function or unit or means may be implemented by software, or by hardware, or the corresponding software may be implemented by hardware.

[0073] In one possible design, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, wherein the transceiver unit can be used to transmit and receive signals to implement communication between the communication device and other devices, for example, the transceiver unit is used to send measurement configuration information; the processing unit can be used to perform some internal operations of the communication device. The transceiver unit can be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and the transceiver unit can be a transceiver; the processing unit can be a processor. When the communication device is a module (such as a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., and can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc.; the processing unit can be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc.

[0074] In another possible design, the communication device includes a processor and may also include a transceiver, the transceiver is used to send and receive signals, and the processor executes program instructions to complete the method in any possible design or implementation of the first to second aspects above. The communication device may also include one or more memories, the memory is used to couple with the processor, and the memory can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in any of the first to second aspects above. The processor can execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method in any possible design or implementation of the first to second aspects above.

[0075] In another possible design, the communication device includes a processor, which can be coupled to a memory. The memory can store the necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions of any of the first and second aspects. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication device implements the method of any possible design or implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0076] In another possible design, the communication device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices through the interface circuit and execute the method in any possible design or implementation of the first to second aspects above.

[0077] It can be understood that in the third aspect above, the processor can be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading the software code stored in the memory. In addition, the above processors can be one or more, and the memories can be one or more. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor can be set separately. In the specific implementation process, the memory can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be set on different chips respectively. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0078] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes the terminal, network equipment and satellite in the above-mentioned first to second aspects.

[0079] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and may also include a memory, for implementing the method described in any possible design of the first to second aspects above. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0080] In a sixth aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-readable instructions are stored. When the computer-readable instructions are run on a computer, the computer executes a method in any possible design of the first aspect to the second aspect.

[0081] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods of the various embodiments of the first to second aspects above.

[0082] For the technical effects that can be achieved in the above-mentioned second to seventh aspects, please refer to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the corresponding possible design schemes in the above-mentioned first aspect, and this application will not repeat them here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a transparent forwarding architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a regeneration architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of another communication scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG5A is a schematic diagram of a co-trajectory satellite on the ground;

[0088] FIG5B is a schematic diagram of the motion of a co-trajectory satellite on the ground;

[0089] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a terminal communication scenario;

[0090] FIG7 is a flow chart of a signal measurement method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of multiple series of satellites serving a terminal;

[0092] FIG9A is a schematic diagram of a satellite array of a conventional orbiting satellite;

[0093] FIG9B is a schematic diagram of a satellite array of terrestrial co-orbital satellites;

[0094] FIG10 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG11 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG12 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more. Therefore, the implementation of the device and method can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0098] The NTN system may include a satellite system. Based on satellite altitude, i.e., satellite orbit height, satellite systems can be categorized as high elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellites, GEO satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, and LEO satellites. Furthermore, the NTN system may also include aerial network equipment such as high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication systems. The network equipment involved in this application is not limited to the examples listed above.

[0099] As an example, see Figure 1, which shows a schematic diagram of the NTN network architecture. The NTN network includes a first network device, a second network device, and a terminal. The first network device can be a satellite, such as a HEO satellite, a GEO satellite, a MEO satellite, a LEO satellite, or a HAPS satellite, etc., without limitation. The second network device can be a gateway station (also known as a ground station, earth station, or gateway), which can be used to connect the second network device to the core network. In Figure 1, the communication mode of the first network device is transparent mode, that is, the first network device acts as a base station for wireless communication, and the second network device acts as a relay for the first network device, transparently transmitting signals between the first network device and the terminal. For example, the second network device can access the core network through the base station, and then access the data network.

[0100] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication mode of the first network device can also be a regenerative mode. Referring to Figure 2, another schematic diagram of the NTN network architecture is shown. In Figure 2, the communication mode of the first network device is a regenerative mode, meaning that the first network device can serve as a base station for wireless communication. For example, the first network device can serve as a base station for wireless communication using artificial satellites and high-altitude aircraft, such as an evolved Node B (eNB) or gNB. The second network device can transparently transmit signaling between the first network device and the core network.

[0101] It should be understood that Figures 1 and 2 illustrate only one first network device and one second network device. In actual use, an architecture with multiple first network devices and / or one second network device may be employed as needed. Each first network device may provide services to one or more terminals, each second network device may correspond to one or more first network devices, and each first network device may correspond to one or more second network devices. This is not specifically limited in this application.

[0102] The NTN communication system provides seamless coverage for terminal devices by deploying all or part of the functions of access network equipment on NTN equipment (such as high-altitude platforms or satellites). Since non-ground equipment is less affected by natural disasters, it can improve the reliability of the communication system.

[0103] For example, Figure 3 illustrates a possible network architecture, in which the NTN device architecture can be in transparent transmission mode. Figure 4 illustrates another possible network architecture, in which the NTN device architecture can be in regeneration mode.

[0104] In one example, NTN equipment and terrestrial access network equipment can interconnect through a common core network. Alternatively, NTN equipment and terrestrial access network equipment can achieve more timely collaboration and interconnection through interfaces defined between access network devices. Referring to NR, the interface between access network devices can be called an Xn interface, and the interface between access network devices and the core network can be called an NG interface. NTN equipment and terrestrial access network equipment can achieve interoperability and collaboration through either the Xn interface or the NG interface.

[0105] Optionally, the link between the NTN device and the terminal device may be called a service link, and the link between the NTN device and the gateway device may be called a feeder link.

[0106] Among them, the network device can be an NTN device with all or part of the functions of an access network device, or it can also be an access network device on the ground. The access network device is an entity on the network side for transmitting or receiving signals, such as a gNB. The access network device can be a device for communicating with mobile devices. The access network device can be an AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), an eNB in ​​long-term evolution (LTE), or a relay station or access point or integrated access and backhaul (IAB), or an access network device in a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, or a future 5G network, or an access network device in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN) network, or a gNB in ​​an NR system, etc. In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the access network device provides services for a cell, and the terminal device communicates with the access network device through the transmission resources used by the cell (for example, frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources). The access network device in the embodiment of the present application can refer to a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). Alternatively, the access network device may also be composed of a CU and a DU. The CU and the DU may be physically separated or deployed together, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. A CU may be connected to a DU, or multiple DUs may share a CU, which can save costs and facilitate network expansion. The CU and the DU may be divided according to the protocol stack. One possible way is to deploy the RRC, service data adaptation protocol stack (SDAP) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers in the CU, and the remaining radio link control (RLC) layers, media access control (MAC) layers and physical layers in the DU. The above-mentioned protocol stack division method is not fully limited in the embodiments of the present application, and other division methods may be used. The CU and the DU are connected via the F1 interface. The CU represents the gNB and is connected to the core network via the Ng interface. The access network device in the embodiments of the present application may also refer to a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) node or a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) node, or the access network device may also be a CU-CP and a CU-UP. The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, mainly including RRC and PDCP-C.The PDCP-C is primarily responsible for control plane data encryption, integrity protection, and data transmission. The CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions, primarily including SDAP and PDCP-U. SDAP is primarily responsible for processing core network data and mapping flows to bearers. The PDCP-U is primarily responsible for data plane encryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. The CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via the E1 interface. The CU-CP represents the gNB and connects to the core network via the Ng interface. It connects to the DU via F1-C (control plane). The CU-UP connects to the DU via F1-U (user plane). Of course, another possible implementation is to also include the PDCP-C in the CU-UP. The access network equipment referred to in the embodiments of this application may include a CU, a DU, or both a CU and a DU, or a control plane CU node (CU-CP node), a user plane CU node (CU-UP node), and a DU node. In other possible cases, the access network equipment may be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies and device forms used by the access network equipment. For the convenience of description, in the embodiment of the present application, the device that provides wireless communication function for the terminal device is called an access network device.

[0107] A terminal device can be a device capable of receiving scheduling and instruction information from an access network device (or NTN device). A terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, or a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. A terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (e.g., a radio access network, RAN). A terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (also known as a "cellular" phone, mobile phone), a computer, and a data card. For example, a mobile device can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, built-in, or in-vehicle, and can exchange voice and / or data with a radio access network. Examples include personal communications service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. A terminal device may also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, UE, mobile terminal (MT), etc. A terminal device may also be a wearable device or a next-generation communication system, such as a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN network, or a terminal device in an NR communication system. A terminal device may also be a terminal that communicates with an NTN device.

[0108] In addition, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other future-oriented communication technologies, such as the sixth-generation mobile communication network (6G). The network architecture and service scenarios described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by this application. It is known to those skilled in the art that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0109] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief explanation of the terms involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0110] 1) Cell switching / cell reselection

[0111] It should be noted that cell switching / cell reselection is mainly to ensure that the terminal device receives services in a cell with better signal quality. However, when the terminal device is in different states, the terminal operation is different. The following describes cell switching / cell reselection in different situations:

[0112] 1.1) The terminal device is in connected state

[0113] After the UE establishes an RRC connection with the gNB, the gNB will send relevant measurement configuration information to configure the UE's measurement behavior. When the gNB finds a target cell that meets the requirements through the UE's measurement report, the gNB will instruct the UE to perform a cell handover. The handover process is mainly as follows:

[0114] Step 1: The gNB sends the measurement configuration information to the UE via an RRCReconfiguration message.

[0115] Step 2: The UE measures the cell signal according to the measurement configuration information and obtains the cell measurement result.

[0116] Step 3: The UE reports the measurement results to the gNB via a measurement report.

[0117] Step 4: The gNB determines whether there is a suitable new serving cell based on the measurement report.

[0118] Step 5: The gNB determines the new serving cell and instructs the UE to perform cell handover.

[0119] The measurement configuration information includes at least one or more of the following:

[0120] Measurement objects: Measurement objects are objects that the UE needs to measure, including synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SSB) / channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) frequency, SSB / CSI-RS subcarrier spacing, SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC), whitelist cells, and blacklist cells. For LTE, a measurement object refers to a single carrier frequency; for NR, the essence of measurement is to measure the reference signals of the serving cell and neighboring cells, so a measurement object refers to the time-frequency position and subcarrier spacing of the reference signal to be measured. The NR measurement object indicates the information used for SSB-based measurement or CSI-RS-based measurement.

[0121] Measurement gaps: The time period during which the UE moves away from the current frequency to measure on another frequency. This is only applicable to inter-frequency and inter-system measurements.

[0122] Reporting configurations: Reporting configurations are the criteria for triggering measurement reports and the format of the measurement reports. They are categorized by type as event-triggered reporting and periodic reporting. Event-triggered reporting configurations include various event types and thresholds, the duration required to meet the trigger condition, the measurement quantities to be reported, and the reference signal type, as shown in Table 1.

[0123] Table 1

[0124]

[0125] The specific meanings of the relevant variables in the conditional formula are as follows:

[0126] Ms represents the measurement result of the serving cell, and Mn represents the measurement result of the neighboring cell.

[0127] Hys represents the amplitude hysteresis of the measurement result.

[0128] TimeToTrig indicates the duration for which the event entry condition is continuously met, that is, the time delay.

[0129] Thresh, Thresh1, and Thresh2 indicate the threshold values.

[0130] Ofs and Ofn represent the frequency offsets of the serving cell and the neighboring cell respectively.

[0131] Ocs and Ocn represent the cell offsets CIO of the serving cell and the neighboring cell, respectively.

[0132] Off indicates an offset in the measurement result.

[0133] Triggering quantity: The triggering quantity is the strategy for triggering event reporting.

[0134] Measurement identities: Measurement identities associate measurement objects with reporting configurations as a set.

[0135] Measurement report reporting methods: event-triggered one-time reporting, event-triggered periodic reporting, and periodic reporting. Among them, event-triggered one-time reporting indicates that the sending of the measurement report will be triggered only after the entry threshold of a certain measurement event is met and lasts for a period of time (time to trigger). After the measurement report is sent once, the process ends. Event-triggered periodic reporting indicates that the sending of the measurement report will be triggered only after the entry threshold of a certain measurement event is met and lasts for a period of time (time to trigger). After the report is triggered, the timer (reportinterval) between multiple measurements and the counter of the number of measurements (reportamount) will be started. The process will not end until the number of reports reaches the requirement. If the counter is infinite, it will continue to report periodically. Periodic reporting instructs the UE to send measurement reports according to the specified reporting interval (reportinterval).

[0136] Trigger quantity: This refers to the parameters of the policy that triggers event reporting, including one or more of the following:

[0137] RSRP: reflects the received strength of the reference signal.

[0138] RSSI: reflects the total signal strength of the current signal.

[0139] RSRQ: reflects the signal-to-noise ratio and interference level of the current signal quality, approximately the ratio of RSRP to RSSI.

[0140] SINR: reflects the signal-to-interference ratio of the current signal and is an important indicator for measuring UE performance.

[0141] The measurement events used by the switching strategy are mainly SSB-based RSRP and SSB-based RSRQ as trigger quantities, that is, the trigger quantities corresponding to the measurement events are RSRP and RSRQ.

[0142] RSRP-only triggering: Indicates that measurement triggering and stopping are based on RSRP. The gNB only issues RSRP event measurement control information, and the UE performs measurements based on the measurement control information. When the UE determines that the RSRP of a measurement frequency (or measurement cell) meets the entry conditions for the corresponding event, the UE reports a measurement report.

[0143] Simultaneous RSRP and RSRQ triggering: This indicates that measurement triggering and stopping procedures are based on RSRP and RSRQ, and the RSRP-based and RSRQ-based procedures are independent of each other. The gNB simultaneously issues event measurement control for RSRP and RSRQ. The UE performs measurements based on this measurement control information. When the UE determines that the RSRP or RSRQ of a measurement frequency (or measurement cell) meets the event entry conditions, the UE reports a measurement report.

[0144] RSRP-triggered RSRQ filtering: Measurement triggering and stopping are based on RSRP, but the measurement report includes both RSRP and RSRQ measurements. Neighbor cell filtering is performed based on the RSRQ measurement results. The gNB issues event measurement control for both RSRP and RSRQ. The UE performs measurements based on the measurement control information. When the UE determines that the RSRP of a measured frequency (or measured cell) meets the entry criteria for the corresponding event, it submits a measurement report containing both RSRP and RSRQ measurements. Upon receiving the measurement report, the gNB generates a candidate cell list or a candidate frequency list based on the RSRP measurement results and filters the candidate cells based on the RSRQ measurement results.

[0145] In typical aperiodic measurement feedback, the UE measures one or more reference signals according to the gNB's measurement configuration. If the measurement result meets a trigger condition (e.g., exceeds a threshold), a reporting event is triggered and the measurement result is fed back to the gNB. The gNB then uses the UE's feedback to decide whether to perform a handover or perform appropriate resource scheduling.

[0146] 1.2) The terminal device is in a disconnected state

[0147] The overall process of cell reselection includes three stages: starting neighboring cell measurement, reselection evaluation and decision, and cell reselection.

[0148] Similar to the connected state, the gNB configures the UE's measurement and reselection behavior, but the purpose of the UE measurement in the unconnected state is different. The measurement configuration information includes at least:

[0149] Criteria for starting neighbor cell measurement:

[0150] The UE needs to meet certain conditions to start neighbor cell measurement, and make a judgment on the current serving cell based on this condition. The UE will start neighbor cell measurement only after the judgment is passed. This is done to save energy and power for the UE by limiting the measurement action. After the UE starts the neighbor cell measurement, it will calculate the R value (R criterion variable, reflecting the signal quality level of the cell) of the current serving cell and the neighboring cell respectively, and queue up for cell reselection judgment. Whether to start neighbor cell measurement mainly considers two factors: cell reselection priority and signal quality of the current serving cell. The R value of the serving cell R s and the R value of the neighboring area R n Please refer to the relevant description in TS38.304 of the 3GPP protocol, which will not be elaborated here.

[0151] If the neighboring cell priority is higher than the serving cell: regardless of the signal quality of the serving cell, the UE will unconditionally start neighboring cell measurement.

[0152] If the neighboring cell priority is lower than or equal to the serving cell: the UE will measure the signal quality of the current serving cell and compare it with the signal quality standard issued by the network.

[0153] If the signal quality is better than this standard, the neighboring cell measurement will not be started.

[0154] If the signal quality is lower than or equal to this standard, neighboring cell measurement is started.

[0155] Re-evaluation decision:

[0156] After the neighboring cell measurement is completed, the UE begins to evaluate and decide whether to perform cell reselection to the neighboring cell. Neighboring cells of different priorities have different decision methods. Taking the same priority as an example, the reselection of cells of the same priority is performed according to the R criterion: the cell signal quality level of each neighboring cell and the current serving cell is calculated; then the cell signal quality level is sorted according to the cell signal quality level, and the cell with the largest or close to the largest cell signal quality level is selected; finally, among these cells, the cell with the largest number of beams whose beam signal quality meets the requirements is selected as the best cell, and the cell is said to meet the cell reselection criteria. If the selected best cell continues to meet the cell reselection criteria during the TreselectionNR period, and the UE resides in the current serving cell for more than 1s, the UE initiates cell reselection to the neighboring cell.

[0157] Cell reselection execution:

[0158] After completing neighbor cell measurements and confirming the existence of a new cell that meets the cell reselection criteria, the UE will begin attempting to camp on the new cell. The UE searches for the target cell. The UE receives system information from the target cell. If access is not restricted (e.g., the target cell's system information indicates whether it is barred or reserved), the UE camps on the target cell, i.e., reselects to the target cell. Otherwise, the UE remains in the current serving cell.

[0159] 2) Ground co-track satellite chain: includes a group of satellites with the same orbital inclination, but each satellite is on a discrete orbit and projects the same trajectory on the ground. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3 are a group of satellites with the same orbital inclination, and their projected trajectories on the ground are all trajectory 1. In order to make the trajectory of the ground co-track satellite chain the same on the ground, in addition to the orbital inclination of all satellites in the satellite chain, the ratio of the right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN) difference (the ascending node is the point where the satellite crosses the equator from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere) and the argument of latitude (AoL) difference (the ascending node angular distance difference indicates the angular distance between any position of a planet or satellite in its orbit and the ascending node) of any two satellites is the same, and this ratio can compensate for the longitude drift caused by the rotation of the earth and orbital perturbations, that is, it satisfies the following formula:

[0160]

[0161] Among them, ω E is the angular velocity of the Earth's rotation, n0 is the angular velocity of the satellite's motion; is the orbital perturbation of the right ascension of the ascending node; is the orbital perturbation of the mean anomaly; is the orbital perturbation of the perigee angular distance; δRAAN is the right ascension difference of the ascending node between satellite orbits, and δAoL is the ascending node angular distance difference between satellites.

[0162] As shown in Figure 5B below, satellites S1 and S2 are two satellites in a co-orbiting ground satellite chain. Both satellites S1 and S2 are in independent orbits with the same orbital inclination, I. At time t1, satellite S1 crosses the equator from south to north, with its ground projection located exactly at the UE. Satellite S2 is south of the equator and west of S1. Due to the Earth's rotation, at time t2, satellite S2 also passes the same point on the equator, with its ground projection also located exactly at the UE (assuming the UE is stationary relative to the Earth). Although satellites S1 and S2 operate in different orbits, their trajectories on the ground are identical.

[0163] 3) Ground co-orbital constellation: A constellation consisting of one or more satellite chains on the ground co-orbital.

[0164] 4) Traditional satellite orbits and satellites within them: Different satellites within the same orbit have the same altitude, RAAN, and orbital inclination, but their positions within the orbit are different at a given reference time.

[0165] 5) Hypercell: In existing terrestrial communication networks, multiple base stations in tunnels or high-speed railways are often treated as multiple Transit Relays (TRPs) within a cell. These TRPs are configured as a single logical cell, each using the same physical cell identity document (PCI), cell global identity document (CGI), frequency, and bandwidth. Because each TRP uses the same PCI and CGI, the UE is unaware of the presence of multiple TRPs when moving between them, eliminating the need for cell handover.

[0166] There are many different ways to implement hypercells. The fundamental purpose is to reduce the overhead of switching between different TRPs within the hypercell and improve the performance of UEs at the edge of the coverage area. A typical hypercell implementation is as follows:

[0167] Each TRP uses the same PCI, CGI, frequency, and bandwidth. Since each TRP uses the same PCI and CGI, the UE does not perceive the existence of multiple TRPs when moving between TRPs, so there is no need to switch cells.

[0168] It should be noted that the existing method for terminal devices to perform cell handover in the connected state can be applied to NTN systems. However, in scenarios such as satellite communications, decisions based on shorter or more recent measurement results may not necessarily lead to the optimal selection of the appropriate serving cell (i.e., the cell covered by the satellite) over a longer period of time. As shown in Figure 6, the UE can transmit data with satellites in two different orbits. The satellites in each orbit can be considered a satellite series, with the satellites moving in the direction of the arrows and sequentially covering the UE. The satellite in series #2 is closer to the UE than the satellite in series #1, but due to terrain, there is an obstruction between Satellite 3 and the UE.

[0169] Due to its closer distance to the UE, the satellite coverage quality in series #2 within the time slice is better. However, due to the presence of obstruction, the signal deteriorates sharply. The signal perceived by the UE changes over time as shown in Figure 6. The satellite signal perceived by the UE in series #1 within the time slice changes over time as shown in Figure 6.

[0170] From a short-term perspective, it is more appropriate for the UE to connect to or reside on satellites in series #2, but if it needs to connect to or reside on satellites in other orbits for a period of time, there will be signal interruption and other signaling overhead. Therefore, from a long-term perspective, it is more appropriate to keep the UE connected to satellites in series #1. However, the existing measurement reporting mechanism lacks long-term granularity measurement and reporting. The UE will still choose to connect or reside on satellites in series #2, and cannot effectively utilize the strong predictability of the above-mentioned satellite scenarios, resulting in a suboptimal user experience. In addition, the measurement reporting time range is not specifically configured for satellite coverage. In addition, periodic triggered reporting can achieve the effect of obtaining long-term signal quality, but the overhead of frequent reporting is very high. For long-term reporting that only requires obtaining measurement statistical characteristics, frequent reporting causes excessive overhead.

[0171] Existing methods for terminal devices to reselect cells in a non-connected state, when applied to NTN systems, lack a mechanism for making optimal decisions based on previous satellite coverage information. Decisions are easily made based only on short-term measurements, resulting in unnecessary reselection cycles.

[0172] Taking the above situation into consideration, the present application provides a signal measurement method, which reduces unnecessary switching and reselection under clear constraints on the measurement object and the start and end time range, thereby reducing signaling overhead and ensuring signal communication quality, and is applied to cell switching, reselection and access scenarios. In the following introduction, the method is applied to the communication architecture shown in Figures 1 and 2 as an example. The data interaction between the terminal and the first network device (such as the first network device in Figures 1 and 2, or also referred to as a satellite base station) can be used as an example to illustrate. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application is only an example of the communication system through Figures 1 and 2, and is not limited to this scenario. Figure 7 takes the data interaction between the terminal and the first network device as an example to illustrate.

[0173] In step 701, the terminal obtains measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range. The at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell. The measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of the time length during which the coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area. The first area is the area where the terminal is located.

[0174] It should be noted that the measurement configuration information may come from the first network device. If the terminal is already connected to the network, the first network device can obtain the terminal's location information and know which satellites can cover the area where the terminal is located. The first network device can then send information about these satellite cells and the measurement time range of the satellite cells to the terminal so that the terminal can measure the signals of the satellite cells. Of course, there are also cases where the terminal is not connected to the network. There may be multiple first network devices that can send information about the satellite cells they serve and the measurement time range of the satellite cells via a reference signal. If the terminal is able to receive the reference signal, it can obtain the measurement configuration information.

[0175] Optionally, before executing step 701 , step 700 may be executed, where the first network device sends measurement configuration information.

[0176] In addition, it should be noted that the area where the terminal is located may be covered by multiple satellite cells, so the measurement configuration information may include information of multiple satellite cells. Information of different satellite cells may be indicated by different cell identifiers, such as PCI, CGI, etc.

[0177] Since the position of the terminal and the position of the satellite may be constantly changing, the above-mentioned measurement configuration information can be updated regularly, such as every day, or once every 10 hours, etc., or it can be triggered based on the change in the terminal position. For example, the measurement configuration information obtained when the terminal is in position 1 (located in the southern hemisphere) is different from the measurement configuration information obtained when the terminal is in position 2 (located in the northern hemisphere). This application does not specifically limit this.

[0178] Optionally, the satellites corresponding to the at least one satellite cell include satellites in the first satellite series and the second satellite series, wherein the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit (i.e., are located in the same orbit) or are satellites with the same ground-projected trajectory (i.e., are satellites in a ground co-orbit satellite chain). In addition, the measurement configuration information may further include a series identifier of the first satellite series and a series identifier of the second satellite series. As shown in Figure 8, there are four series of satellites around the terminal, and the measurement configuration information includes four series of satellite cell information and a measurement time range. The terminal needs to measure the signal quality of the four series of satellite cells.

[0179] For traditional satellites, that is, satellites in the same orbit, the multiple satellite series visible to the terminal are shown in Figure 8. For example, the orbital information (including altitude, inclination, and ascending node angle) of each series of satellites can be used to determine the satellite's orbit. The range within the orbit can then be described by comparing the angular offset range (for example, the angle between the current satellite position and the ascending node and the center of the Earth) relative to a predetermined reference point on the orbit. As shown in Figure 9A, the region where a certain series of satellites resides is the area between PH1 and PH2.

[0180] As shown in Table 2 below, repeated information such as orbital altitude information and inclination is omitted (if different, it cannot be omitted). The first network device can inform the terminal of a large range of satellite ephemeris information, and then inform the terminal of the selection criteria for the series of satellites. The terminal can calculate the real-time positions of the satellites in the orbit corresponding to the series at a given time, and then compare whether these satellites are within the specific area required by the series of satellites. If so, it means that the satellite belongs to the specific satellite series. The ascending node altitude of satellite series 1 is RAAN1, and the area it is located in is [PH11, PH12]. The satellite cell measurement time range of satellite series 1 is t1s (measurement start time) - t1e (measurement end time).

[0181] Table 2

[0182]

[0183] It should be noted that Table 2 above is for conventional orbit satellites. However, different satellite series may include multiple satellites. Different satellite cells can be indicated by different cell identifiers, such as PCIs and CGIs. Furthermore, the measurement start and end times for different satellite cells in the same series are different. The measurement frequencies corresponding to different satellite cells may be the same or different. For example, the measurement frequencies of adjacent satellite cells are different, while the measurement frequencies of non-adjacent satellite cells can be configured to be the same. The measurement configuration information may be as shown in Table 3 below. Assuming that satellite series 1 is the satellite series currently serving the terminal, the satellite series includes multiple satellite cells. Different satellite cells are indicated by different PCIs. For example, PCI is ID#1a, the measurement time range for the satellite cell is t1a-s (measurement start time) to t1a-e (measurement end time), and the measurement frequencies are 1a and SCS1a. This is merely an example and does not specifically limit the satellite cell identifier, measurement time range, and measurement frequency. Of course, in actual applications, the measurement configuration information may also include other information, which is not illustrated here.

[0184] Table 3

[0185]

[0186] For satellites with the same projected trajectory on the ground, for example, the orbital information (including altitude, inclination, starting RAAN, and starting AoL) of each satellite series can be used to determine the satellite's orbit. The range within the orbit is then described by the offset range relative to a designated reference point on the orbit (a certain intersection of the orbit and the equator, or the starting RAAN and starting AoL). As shown in Figure 9B, the region where a certain series of satellites resides is between PH11 and PH12.

[0187] As shown in Table 4 below, repeated information such as orbital altitude information and inclination is omitted (if different, it cannot be omitted). The first network device can inform the terminal of a large range of satellite ephemeris information and then inform the terminal of the selection criteria for the satellite series. The terminal can calculate the real-time positions of the satellites in the orbit corresponding to the series at a given time, and then compare whether these satellites are within the specific area required by the satellite series. If so, it indicates that the satellite belongs to the specific satellite series. The starting RAAN of satellite series 2 is RANN1, the starting AoL is AoL1, and the area is [PH21, PH22]. The satellite cell measurement time range of satellite series 2 is t2s (measurement start time) - t2e (measurement end time).

[0188] Table 4

[0189]

[0190] It should be noted that Table 4 above describes satellites in a terrestrial co-orbital satellite chain. However, different satellite series may include multiple satellites. Different satellite cells can be indicated by different cell identifiers, such as PCIs and CGIs. The measurement start and end times for different satellite cells in the same series are different, and the measurement frequencies corresponding to different satellite cells may be the same or different. For example, the measurement frequencies of adjacent satellite cells are different, while the measurement frequencies of non-adjacent satellite cells can be configured to be the same. The measurement configuration information may be as shown in Table 5 below. Assuming that satellite series 1 is the satellite series currently serving the terminal, the satellite series includes multiple satellite cells, and different satellite cells are indicated by different PCIs. For example, PCI is ID#1a, the measurement time range for the satellite cell is t1a-s (measurement start time) to t1a-e (measurement end time), and the measurement frequency is frequency 1, SCS1. This is merely an example and does not specifically limit the satellite cell identifier, measurement time range, and measurement frequency.

[0191] Table 5

[0192]

[0193] The same time offset is used to configure the measurement time range of each satellite cell in Table 3, which can reduce instruction overhead. For the sake of generality, in the above Table 5, the time offset of configuring the measurement time range of each satellite cell is indicated by △ and δ. △ and δ can be the same or different, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0194] In step 702, the terminal measures the signal of at least one satellite cell in the first area according to the measurement configuration information to obtain a measurement value, wherein the measurement value is used to indicate the signal quality fluctuation of at least one satellite cell within the measurement time range. Optionally, the measurement value includes the measurement value of the first satellite series and the measurement value of the second satellite series. Usually, the terminal will measure the measurement value of the satellite cells of the satellites in the first satellite series and the satellite cells of the satellites in the second satellite series. Of course, in actual applications, when the measurement configuration information includes multiple satellite series, the terminal will measure the signals of the satellite cells of the multiple satellite series according to the measurement configuration information of the multiple satellite series, and then compare the measurement values ​​of the different satellite series to determine which satellite series has the larger signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells. Since the measurement values ​​of different satellite series are similar, here only the N signal quality parameters measured by the terminal within the measurement time range of the first satellite cell are used. The measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following:

[0195] Measurement value 1: the worst signal quality parameter among N signal quality parameters.

[0196] It should be noted that the signal quality parameters are usually indicated by one of the following: RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ and SINR, or variations of the above parameters, such as the trigger amount introduced in 1.1) above, RSRP triggering RSRQ filtering, etc., which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0197] In actual applications, one satellite may cover multiple satellite cells. This article simplifies the description and only uses one satellite under one satellite cell as an example. However, in actual applications, there is no limit on the number of cells covered by a satellite.

[0198] Assuming N is greater than 1, the worst signal quality parameter among the N signal quality parameters is used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assuming the signal quality parameter is RSRP, the first satellite series includes three satellites: Satellite 1, Satellite 2, and Satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers Satellite Cell 1, Satellite 2 covers Satellite Cell 2, and Satellite 3 covers Satellite Cell 3. The measurement time range for Satellite Cell 1 is from Time 1 to Time 2, the measurement time range for Satellite Cell 2 is from Time 3 to Time 4, and the measurement time range for Satellite Cell 3 is from Time 5 to Time 6. From Time 1 to Time 2, the worst RSRP measured by the terminal for Satellite Cell 1 is X1. From Time 3 to Time 4, the worst RSRP measured by the terminal for Satellite Cell 2 is X2. From Time 5 to Time 6, the worst RSRP measured by the terminal for Satellite Cell 3 is X3. X1 is less than X2, and X2 is less than X3. Therefore, measurement value 1 is the worst RSRP of Satellite Cell 3, that is, X1.

[0199] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about a satellite cell in a second satellite series and the measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, Satellite A and Satellite B. Satellite A covers Satellite Cell A1, and Satellite B covers Satellite Cell B1. The measurement time range for Satellite Cell A1 is from Time 1 to Time 2, and the measurement time range for Satellite Cell B1 is from Time 7 to Time 8. The worst RSRP measured by the terminal for Satellite Cell A1 between Time 1 and Time 2 is Y1, and the worst RSRP measured by the terminal for Satellite Cell B1 between Time 7 and Time 8 is Y2. Y1 is less than Y2, so Measurement Value 1 is the worst RSRP of Satellite Cell A1 for Satellite A, that is, Y1.

[0200] However, X1 is smaller than Y1. Since a smaller worst RSRP indicates a more unstable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series is more stable, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series fluctuates greatly.

[0201] Measurement 2: Variance of N signal quality parameters.

[0202] Assuming N is greater than 1, the variances of the N signal quality parameters are used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assume that the signal quality parameter is RSRP. The first satellite series includes three satellites: Satellite 1, Satellite 2, and Satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers Cell 1, Satellite 2 covers Cell 2, and Satellite 3 covers Cell 3. The measurement time range for Cell 1 is from Time 1 to Time 2, the measurement time range for Cell 2 is from Time 3 to Time 4, and the measurement time range for Cell 3 is from Time 5 to Time 6. The terminal measures the RSRP of Cell 1 from Time 1 to Time 2 and calculates the variance of the RSRP of Cell 1, which is Variance 1. The terminal measures the RSRP of Cell 2 from Time 3 to Time 4 and calculates the variance of the RSRP of Cell 2, which is Variance 2. The terminal measures the RSRP of Cell 3 from Time 5 to Time 6 and calculates the variance of the RSRP of Cell 3, which is Variance 3. Therefore, Measurement Value 2 is Variance 1, Variance 2, and Variance 3. Among them, variance 1 is smaller than variance 2, and variance 2 is smaller than variance 3.

[0203] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about satellite cells in a second satellite series and the measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, Satellite A and Satellite B. Satellite A covers Satellite Cell A1, and Satellite B covers Satellite Cell B1. The measurement time range for Satellite Cell A1 is from Time 1 to Time 2, and the measurement time range for Satellite Cell B1 is from Time 7 to Time 8. The terminal measures the RSRP of Satellite Cell A1 from Time 1 to Time 2 and calculates the variance of the RSRP of Satellite Cell 1, which is Variance 4. The terminal measures the RSRP of Satellite Cell B1 from Time 7 to Time 8 and calculates the variance of the RSRP of Satellite Cell B1, which is Variance 5. Therefore, Measurement Value 2 is Variance 4 and Variance 5. Variance 4 is smaller than Variance 5.

[0204] However, variance 3 is smaller than variance 5. Since a smaller variance value indicates a more stable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series fluctuates greatly, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series is stable.

[0205] Measurement value 3: the ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters.

[0206] Assuming N is greater than 1, the ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average of the signal quality parameters is used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assume that the signal quality parameter is RSRP. The first satellite series includes three satellites, namely satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers cell 1, satellite 2 covers cell 2, and satellite 3 covers cell 3. The measurement time range of satellite cell 1 is from time 1 to time 2, the measurement time range of satellite cell 2 is from time 3 to time 4, and the measurement time range of satellite cell 3 is from time 5 to time 6. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the ratio of the RSRP variance of satellite cell 1 to the RSRP average, i.e., ratio 1. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and calculates the ratio of the RSRP variance of satellite cell 2 to the RSRP average, i.e., ratio 2. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 3 from time 5 to time 6, and calculates the ratio of the RSRP variance of satellite cell 3 to the RSRP average, i.e., ratio 3. Therefore, measurement value 3 is ratio 1, ratio 2, and ratio 3. Ratio 1 is smaller than ratio 2, and ratio 2 is smaller than ratio 3.

[0207] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about satellite cells in a second satellite series and the measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, Satellite A and Satellite B. Satellite A covers Satellite Cell A1, and Satellite B covers Satellite Cell B1. The measurement time range for Satellite Cell A1 is from Time 1 to Time 2, and the measurement time range for Satellite Cell B1 is from Time 7 to Time 8. The terminal measures the RSRP of Satellite Cell A1 from Time 1 to Time 2 and calculates the ratio of the RSRP variance of Satellite Cell 1 to the RSRP average, which is a ratio of 4. The terminal measures the RSRP of Satellite Cell B1 from Time 7 to Time 8 and calculates the ratio of the RSRP variance of Satellite Cell B1 to the RSRP average, which is a ratio of 5. Therefore, Measurement Value 3 is the ratio of 4 and 5. Ratio 4 is smaller than ratio 5.

[0208] However, the ratio 3 is smaller than the ratio 5. Since a smaller ratio indicates a more stable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series fluctuates greatly, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series is stable.

[0209] Measurement value 4: the first time length and start and end time of the time period corresponding to the signal quality parameter that is higher than the first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters.

[0210] Assuming N is greater than 1, the first duration and start and end times of the time period corresponding to the signal quality parameter that is greater than the first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters are used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assuming that the signal quality parameter is RSRP, the first satellite series includes three satellites, namely satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers satellite cell 1, satellite 2 covers satellite cell 2, and satellite 3 covers satellite cell 3. The measurement time range of satellite cell 1 is from time 1 to time 2, the measurement time range of satellite cell 2 is from time 3 to time 4, and the measurement time range of satellite cell 3 is from time 5 to time 6. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 1 is higher than the first quality parameter threshold W and the start and end time of the time length (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell 1 measured by the terminal from time 1.2 to time 1.8 is higher than W, then 0.6 (1.8-1.2=0.6) is recorded as the first time length, time 1.2 to time 1.8 are recorded as the start and end time of the first time length, and 0.6 and time 1.2 to 1.8 are recorded as measurement value 4); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and calculates the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 2 is higher than W and the start and end time of the time length (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal from time 3.1 to time 3.2 is higher than W, and at time If the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal from time 3.5 to time 3.9 is higher than W, 0.6 ((3.2-3.1)+(3.9-3.5)=0.5) is recorded as the first time length, time 3.1-time 3.2 and time 3.5-time 3.9 are recorded as the start and end times of the first time length, respectively, and 0.6 as well as time 3.1-time 3.2 and time 3.5-time 3.9 are recorded as measurement value 4); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 3 from time 5 to time 6, and calculates the time length that the RSRP of satellite cell 3 is higher than W and the start and end times of the time length. (For example, if the RSRP of satellite cell 3 measured by the terminal from time 5.5 to time 5.7 is higher than W, 0.2 (5.7-5.5=0.2) is recorded as the first time length, time 5.5-time 5.7 is recorded as the start and end times of the first time length, and 0.2 as well as time 5.5-time 5.7 are recorded as measurement value 4). Among them, 0.2 is less than 0.5, and 0.5 is less than 0.6.

[0211] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about a satellite cell in a second satellite series and a measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, satellite A and satellite B. Satellite A covers satellite cell A1, and satellite B covers satellite cell B1. The measurement time range for satellite cell A1 is from time 1 to time 2, and the measurement time range for satellite cell B1 is from time 7 to time 8. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the duration that the RSRP of satellite cell A1 exceeds the first quality parameter threshold W, as well as the start and end times of the duration (e.g., if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell A1 measured by the terminal is higher than W from time 1.5 to time 1.8, then 0.3 (1.8-1.5=0.3) is recorded as the first duration, time 1.5 to time 1.8 are recorded as the start and end times of the first duration, and 0.3 and time 1.5 to time 1.8 are recorded as measurement value 4). The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 7 to time 8. The RSRP of satellite cell B1 is measured, and the duration during which the RSRP of satellite cell B1 is higher than W and the start and end times of the duration are calculated (for example, if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell B1 from time 7 to time 8, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal is higher than W from time 7.1 to time 7.9, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal is higher than W from time 7.1 to time 7.9, then 0.8 (7.9-7.1=0.8) is recorded as the first duration, time 7.1 to time 7.9 are recorded as the start and end times of the first duration, and 0.8 and time 7.1 to time 7.9 are recorded as measurement value 4). 0.3 is less than 0.8.

[0212] However, the time length greater than the threshold, 0.2, is less than 0.3. Since a longer first time length indicates a more stable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series fluctuates greatly, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series is stable.

[0213] Measurement value 5: the second time length and start and end time of the time period corresponding to the signal quality parameter that is lower than the second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters.

[0214] It should be noted that the second quality parameter threshold shown in measurement value 5 can be set to the same value as the first quality parameter threshold in the above measurement value 4, or it can be set to a different value. This application does not specifically limit this. The following is an example of the difference between the first quality parameter threshold and the second quality parameter threshold.

[0215] Assuming that N is greater than 1, the second time length and start and end times of the time period corresponding to the signal quality parameter that is lower than the second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters are used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assuming that the signal quality parameter is RSRP, the first satellite series includes three satellites, namely satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers cell 1, satellite 2 covers cell 2, and satellite 3 covers satellite cell 3. The measurement time range of satellite cell 1 is from time 1 to time 2, the measurement time range of satellite cell 2 is from time 3 to time 4, and the measurement time range of satellite cell 3 is from time 5 to time 6. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the time length during which the RSRP of satellite cell 1 is lower than the second quality parameter threshold S and the start and end time of the time length (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell 1 measured by the terminal from time 1.8 to time 2 is lower than S, then 0.2 (2-1.8=0.2) is recorded as the second time length, time 1.8 to time 2 is recorded as the start and end time of the second time length, and 0.2 and time 1.8 to time 2 are taken as measurement value 5); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and calculates the time length during which the RSRP of satellite cell 2 is lower than S and the start and end time of the time length (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal from time 3.3 to time 3.5 is lower than S). At S, if the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal from time 3.9 to time 4 is lower than S, 0.3 ((3.5-3.3)+(4-3.9)=0.3) is recorded as the second time length, time 3.3-time 3.5 and time 3.9-time 4 are recorded as the start and end times of the second time length, respectively, and 0.3 as well as time 3.3-time 3.5 and time 3.9-time 4 are taken as measurement value 5); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 3 from time 5 to time 6, and calculates the time length during which the RSRP of satellite cell 3 is lower than S and the start and end times of the time length. (For example, if the RSRP of satellite cell 3 measured by the terminal from time 5 to time 5.5 is lower than S, 0.5 (5.5-5=0.5) is recorded as the second time length, time 5 to time 5.5 are recorded as the start and end times of the second time length, and 0.5 as well as time 5 to time 5.5 are taken as measurement value 5). Among them, 0.2 is less than 0.3, and 0.3 is less than 0.5.

[0216] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about a satellite cell in a second satellite series and a measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, satellite A and satellite B. Satellite A covers satellite cell A1, and satellite B covers satellite cell B1. The measurement time range for satellite cell A1 is from time 1 to time 2, and the measurement time range for satellite cell B1 is from time 7 to time 8. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the duration that the RSRP of satellite cell A1 is below the second quality parameter threshold S, as well as the start and end times of the duration (e.g., if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell A1 measured by the terminal is below S from time 1.5 to time 1.8, then 0.3 (1.8-1.5=0.3) is recorded as the second duration, time 1.5 to time 1.8 are recorded as the start and end times of the second duration, and 0.3 and time 1.5 to time 1.8 are recorded as measurement value 5). The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 7 to time 8. The RSRP of satellite cell B1 is measured, and the duration during which the RSRP of satellite cell B1 is lower than S and the start and end times of the duration are calculated (for example, if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell B1 from time 7 to time 8, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal from time 7.1 to time 7.9 is lower than S, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal from time 7.1 to time 7.9 is lower than S, then 0.8 (7.9-7.1=0.8) is recorded as the second duration, and time 7.1 to time 7.9 are recorded as the start and end times of the second duration, and 0.8 and time 7.1 to time 7.9 are recorded as measurement value 5). 0.3 is less than 0.8.

[0217] However, the signal quality parameter below the second quality parameter threshold corresponds to a time period of 0.5 that is less than 0.8. Since a longer second time length indicates a more unstable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series fluctuates greatly, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series is stable.

[0218] Measurement value 6: a ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

[0219] Assuming N is greater than 1, the ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assume that the signal quality parameter is RSRP, and the first satellite series includes three satellites, namely satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers cell 1, satellite 2 covers cell 2, and satellite 3 covers cell 3. The measurement time range of satellite cell 1 is from time 1 to time 2, the measurement time range of satellite cell 2 is from time 3 to time 4, and the measurement time range of satellite cell 3 is from time 5 to time 6. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 1 is higher than the first quality parameter threshold W to the measurement time range (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell 1 measured by the terminal from time 1.2 to time 1.8 is higher than W, then 0.6 ((1.8-1.2=0.6) / (2-1=1)) is recorded as the measurement value 6); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 2 is higher than W to the measurement time range (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, If the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal from time 3.1 to time 3.2 is higher than W, and the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal from time 3.5 to time 3.9 is higher than W, then 0.6 (((3.2-3.1)+(3.9-3.5)=0.5) / (4-3)=0.6) is recorded as measurement value 6). The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 3 from time 5 to time 6, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 3 is higher than W to the measurement time range (for example, if the RSRP of satellite cell 3 measured by the terminal from time 5.5 to time 5.7 is higher than W, then 0.2 ((5.7-5.5=0.2) / (6-5)=0.2) is recorded as measurement value 6). Where 0.2 is less than 0.5, and 0.5 is less than 0.6.

[0220] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about a satellite cell in a second satellite series and a measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, satellite A and satellite B. Satellite A covers satellite cell A1, and satellite B covers satellite cell B1. The measurement time range for satellite cell A1 is from time 1 to time 2, and the measurement time range for satellite cell B1 is from time 7 to time 8. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell A1 is higher than the first quality parameter threshold W to the measurement time range (e.g., if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell A1 measured by the terminal from time 1.5 to time 1.8 is higher than W, then 0.3 ((1.8-1.5=0.3) / (2-1)) is recorded as measurement value 6); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 7 to time 8. The RSRP of satellite cell B1 is measured, and the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell B1 is higher than W to the measurement time range is calculated (for example, if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell B1 from time 7 to time 8, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal from time 7.1 to time 7.9 is higher than W, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal from time 7.1 to time 7.9 is higher than W, then 0.8 ((7.9-7.1=0.8) / (8-7)) is recorded as measurement value 6). 0.3 is less than 0.8.

[0221] However, 0.2 is less than 0.3. Since a larger ratio indicates a more stable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series fluctuates greatly, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series is stable.

[0222] Measurement value 7: a ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

[0223] Assuming N is greater than 1, the ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is used as the measurement value. This can be understood through the following example. Assume that the signal quality parameter is RSRP, and the first satellite series includes three satellites, namely satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3. Satellite 1 covers cell 1, satellite 2 covers cell 2, and satellite 3 covers cell 3. The measurement time range of satellite cell 1 is from time 1 to time 2, the measurement time range of satellite cell 2 is from time 3 to time 4, and the measurement time range of satellite cell 3 is from time 5 to time 6. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 1 is lower than the second quality parameter threshold S to the measurement time range (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell 1 measured by the terminal from time 1.8 to time 2 is lower than S, then 0.2 ((2-1.8=0.2) / (2-1=1)) is recorded as the measurement value 7); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 2 is lower than S to the measurement time range (for example, the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 2 from time 3 to time 4). From time 3.3 to time 3.5, the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal is lower than S, and from time 3.9 to time 4, the RSRP of satellite cell 2 measured by the terminal is lower than S. In this case, 0.3 (((3.5-3.3)+(4-3.9)=0.3) / (4-3)) is recorded as measurement value 7). The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell 3 from time 5 to time 6, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell 3 is lower than S to the measurement time range (for example, if the RSRP of satellite cell 3 measured by the terminal from time 5 to time 5.5 is lower than S, then 0.5 ((5.5-5=0.5) / (6-5)) is recorded as measurement value 7). Here, 0.2 is less than 0.3, and 0.3 is less than 0.5.

[0224] Assume that the measurement configuration information also includes information about a satellite cell in a second satellite series and a measurement time range. The second satellite series includes two satellites, satellite A and satellite B. Satellite A covers satellite cell A1, and satellite B covers satellite cell B1. The measurement time range for satellite cell A1 is from time 1 to time 2, and the measurement time range for satellite cell B1 is from time 7 to time 8. The terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 1 to time 2, and calculates the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell A1 is lower than the second quality parameter threshold S to the measurement time range (e.g., if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 1 to time 2, and the RSRP of satellite cell A1 measured by the terminal from time 1.5 to time 1.8 is lower than S, then 0.3 ((1.8-1.5=0.3) / (2-1)) is recorded as measurement value 7); the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell A1 from time 7 to time 8. The RSRP of satellite cell B1 is calculated, and the ratio of the length of time that the RSRP of satellite cell B1 is lower than S to the measurement time range is calculated (for example, if the terminal measures the RSRP of satellite cell B1 from time 7 to time 8, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal from time 7.1 to time 7.9 is lower than S, and the RSRP of satellite cell B1 measured by the terminal from time 7.1 to time 7.9 is lower than S, then 0.8 ((7.9-7.1=0.8) / (8-7)) is recorded as measurement value 7). 0.3 is less than 0.8.

[0225] However, 0.5 is less than 0.8. Since a longer ratio indicates a more unstable satellite cell signal, it can be seen that the signal quality of the satellite cells in the second satellite series fluctuates greatly, while the signal quality of the satellite cells in the first satellite series is stable.

[0226] In addition, it should be noted that, in actual applications, the above-mentioned multiple measurement values ​​can be used to jointly indicate the signal quality fluctuations of the satellite cell. For example, measurement value 1 and measurement value 2 are jointly indicated, and the satellite cell with the worst signal quality parameter in measurement value 1 and the satellite cell with the largest variance of the quality parameter in measurement value 2 are determined as cells with large signal quality fluctuations, or the satellite cell with a signal quality parameter in measurement value 1 greater than a certain threshold and a variance of the quality parameter in measurement value 2 greater than a certain threshold is determined as a cell with large signal quality fluctuations. In addition, other determination methods may be involved, which are not exemplified one by one in this application.

[0227] In addition, it should be noted that in actual applications, the above-mentioned measurement values ​​can be set in a priority order, and the signal quality of the satellite cell can be determined based on the priority situation. Assuming that there are 3 measurement values, among which the priority of measurement value 3 is greater than measurement value 2, and the priority of measurement value 2 is greater than measurement value 1. In actual applications, if the cells with different signal quality fluctuations reported by different measurement values ​​are different, the cell with the signal quality fluctuation can be determined by the measurement value with a higher priority, such as the fluctuation of the satellite cell determined by measurement value 3. This application is only described here as an example and is not specifically limited.

[0228] Furthermore, based on the aforementioned measurement values, signal quality fluctuations of satellite cells in different satellite series can be determined. Based on these measurement values, the network device can instruct the terminal to switch to receiving service from a satellite cell in a satellite series with more stable signal quality. The terminal can also select a satellite cell in a satellite series with more stable signal quality based on the signal quality fluctuations of satellite cells in different satellite series. In actual applications, the specific selection of a satellite cell in a satellite series with more stable signal quality is not specifically limited herein. For example, the selection can be based on the time period during which the satellite cell can provide service to the terminal and the current time period, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0229] In addition, if the terminal is in an RRC connected state, the terminal reports the measurement value to the network device so that the network device decides whether to perform a cell switching operation, or, if the terminal is in an RRC unconnected state, the terminal determines whether to start signal measurement of the satellite cell or determine whether to perform satellite cell reselection.

[0230] In this application, when the terminal performs cell signal measurement, it uses the correlation of satellite coverage in the orbit or trajectory and is based on the measurement time range of a series of satellites in the measurement configuration information. There are clear constraints on the measurement object and the start and end time range. This method can reduce unnecessary switching and reselection, thereby reducing signaling interaction and improving data processing efficiency. And by indicating the fluctuation of the cell signal quality of at least one satellite within the measurement time range through the above-mentioned measurement value, it can avoid the terminal receiving communication services only on the satellite closer to the terminal for a long time (the actual satellite may have signal obstruction, etc., which is the situation in Figure 6), thereby ensuring communication quality.

[0231] Next, we will introduce other possible measurement configuration information according to different situations.

[0232] Case 1: The terminal is in RRC connected state

[0233] Optionally, the measurement configuration information also includes a report configuration, which may include: report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement value included in the measurement report (that is, which measurement value is reported in the measurement report); a trigger event, used to indicate the trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

[0234] Optionally, the triggering event may include at least one of the following:

[0235] The first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report should be reported when a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in a satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold.

[0236] The second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report should be reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold.

[0237] The third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report should be reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold.

[0238] The fourth trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report should be reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the first satellite series.

[0239] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the serving satellite cell of the terminal belongs. The higher the signal quality fluctuation of the cell, the more unstable the cell signal.

[0240] In addition, it should be noted that the above-mentioned first fluctuation threshold, second fluctuation threshold and third fluctuation threshold can be set to the same threshold or different thresholds, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0241] As shown in Table 6 below, Table 6 only uses four trigger events as examples for illustration. However, in actual applications, other trigger events may also be included, which will not be elaborated here.

[0242] Table 6

[0243]

[0244]

[0245] Among them, Ls: represents the ratio of the quality variance and average quality of the series of satellite cells where the current terminal is located; Ln: represents the ratio of the quality variance and average quality of other series of satellite cells; Thresh: the first fluctuation threshold; Offset: offset used to avoid ping-pong effect, the offset is optional.

[0246] Taking trigger event L3 as an example, if the UE finds that the fluctuation of another series of satellites is better than that of the current series of satellites (that is, the signal of the other series of satellites is more stable), it triggers a report. The base station can then instruct the UE to switch to the satellite cell of the other series.

[0247] Similar to the existing multiple trigger quantity design, multiple trigger events can be designed. For example, you can trigger only on "worst quality" (similar to RSRP triggering), or you can trigger on "worst quality" and "quality variance" simultaneously (similar to RSRP and RSRQ triggering simultaneously). You can also trigger based on a certain indicator, such as "worst quality", but the measurement report also includes multiple measurement results, such as "worst quality" and "quality variance" (similar to RSRP triggering RSRQ filtering). You can also combine variables such as RSRP and RSRQ with fluctuation indicators for triggering, and the specific combination is not limited.

[0248] Case 2: The terminal is in RRC non-connected state

[0249] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: measurement conditions of adjacent satellite cells; the measurement conditions include at least one of the following:

[0250] The priority of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located; wherein, the satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the serving satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0251] For example, if the satellite series currently serving the terminal is satellite series 1, and satellite series 1 is adjacent to satellite series 2 and satellite series 3, where satellite series 3 has a higher priority than satellite series 1 and satellite series 2 has a lower priority than satellite series 1, signal measurement of the satellite cell of satellite series 3 is triggered. Furthermore, if both satellite series 2 and satellite series 3 have higher priorities than satellite series 1, the priorities of satellite series 2 and satellite series 3 can be sorted, and the satellite cell of the satellite series with the highest priority is selected for signal measurement.

[0252] The priority of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold.

[0253] For example, the satellite series currently serving the terminal is satellite series 1, and the satellite series adjacent to satellite series 1 include satellite series 3, where the priority of satellite series 3 is not higher than that of satellite series 1, but the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cell of satellite series 1 is higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold, that is, the signal stability of the satellite cell of the current satellite series 1 is poor, so signal measurement will be performed on the satellite cell in satellite series 3.

[0254] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for the satellite cell; the reselection condition includes at least one of the following:

[0255] Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold; within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located. In other words, within the preset time threshold, the signal of a cell adjacent to the satellite cell currently serving the terminal is more stable than the signal of the satellite cell currently serving the terminal, and therefore the adjacent cell can be used as a new satellite cell serving the terminal.

[0256] In addition, it should be noted that the preset time threshold can be set based on user needs, such as 1 day, 1 week, or 10 hours, etc. This application does not limit the specific time range of the preset time threshold.

[0257] The base station configures (or agrees with) the UE on reselection conditions related to large temporal granularity fluctuations between different satellite series. The base station considers the low long-term fluctuations in coverage of the satellite series in which the UE resides during reselection, prioritizing the UE to reside in the satellite series with smaller long-term fluctuations. For example, if the recent signal quality of target satellites in two different orbits is similar (the difference is less than a threshold), but the signal stability of the target satellite in one orbit is higher, the UE should reside in the satellite cell with the higher long-term signal quality.

[0258] In addition, it is also possible to add long-term measurement constraints to the measurement behavior of existing indicators. For example, in the prior art, the reselection of cells of equal priority is performed based on the R criterion. The R criterion calculates an R (Rank) value for the measurement results of each neighboring cell and the current serving cell based on the cell signal quality, and then sorts them according to the size of the R value. If the R value is greater than the current serving cell, it meets the reselection criteria. If there are multiple cells that meet the criteria, the best one is selected. If the TreselectionRAT is continuously exceeded, the R criterion is always met. The UE initiates the reselection operation to the cell. The R value is calculated as follows

[0259] R s =Q meas,s +Q hyst -Qoffset temp

[0260] R n =Q meas,n –Qoffset-Qoffset temp

[0261] Among them, Q meas,s It is a parameter for calculating the R criterion, used to indicate the signal quality of the cell of the currently serving satellite, and can be obtained through the system message NA. meas，nIt is a parameter for calculating the R criterion, used to indicate the signal quality of the neighboring cells of the currently serving satellite cell, and can be obtained through the system message NA. Hyst It is a parameter for calculating the R criterion, which is used to indicate the reselection hysteresis value of the cell of the currently serving satellite and can be obtained through the system message SIB2. Qoffset is a parameter for calculating the R criterion. In the scenario of same-frequency reselection, this value is Qoffsetcell and is taken from SIB3; in the case of different-frequency reselection, this value is equal to QoffsetCell+QoffsetFreq, and both values ​​are taken from SIB4. Qoffsettemp is a parameter for calculating the R criterion and can be obtained through the system message SIB1. meas,s , Q meas，n is the measured value.

[0262] Optionally, the satellite cells of satellites in the first satellite series can form a supercell, and the satellite cells of satellites in the second satellite series can form a supercell. Cell reselection and handover of satellites within the supercell do not require signaling interaction between the network device and the terminal. This approach reduces signaling overhead and improves data processing efficiency. Only satellite cell handovers of satellites with different series identifiers trigger signaling interaction between the network device and the terminal.

[0263] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of device interaction. It is understandable that, in order to implement the above functions, each device may include a hardware structure and / or software module that performs each function. Those skilled in the art should easily appreciate that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0264] In the embodiments of the present application, the functional units of the device can be divided according to the above method examples. For example, each functional unit can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0265] In the case of adopting an integrated unit, Figure 10 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of the communication device involved in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 may include: a processing unit 1001 and a transceiver unit 1002. The processing unit 1001 is used to control and manage the actions of the communication device 1000. The transceiver unit 1002 is used to support communication between the communication device 1000 and other devices. Optionally, the transceiver unit 1002 may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, which are used to perform receiving and sending operations respectively. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may also include a storage unit for storing program code and / or data of the communication device 1000. The transceiver unit may be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc. The transceiver unit may be a transceiver; the processing unit may be a processor. When the communication device is a module (such as a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., and may also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc.; the processing unit may be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc. Specifically, the device may be the above-mentioned terminal, network equipment, satellite, etc.

[0266] In one embodiment, the transceiver unit 1002 is configured to obtain measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, where the at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell, and the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of a time length during which the coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area, where the first area is an area where the terminal is located. The processing unit 1001 is configured to measure a signal of at least one satellite cell in the first area according to the measurement configuration information to obtain a measurement value, where the measurement value is used to indicate a fluctuation in signal quality of the at least one satellite cell within the measurement time range.

[0267] Optionally, in an optional embodiment, the satellites corresponding to at least one satellite cell include satellites in the first satellite series and the second satellite series, and the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit or the same ground projected trajectory.

[0268] Optionally, the measurement start and end times of satellite cells of different satellites in the same satellite series are different.

[0269] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: an identifier of a satellite cell and a measurement frequency of at least one satellite cell.

[0270] Optionally, the terminal measures N signal quality parameters within a measurement time range of the first satellite cell, and the measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following:

[0271] The worst signal quality parameter among N signal quality parameters;

[0272] The variance of N signal quality parameters;

[0273] The ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters;

[0274] a first time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter that is higher than a first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0275] a second time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter lower than a second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0276] a ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell;

[0277] A ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

[0278] Optionally, the signal quality parameter is one of the following: RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and SINR.

[0279] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes a report configuration, and the report configuration includes: report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement values ​​included in the measurement report; and a trigger event, used to indicate a trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

[0280] Optionally, the triggering event includes at least one of the following:

[0281] The first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold;

[0282] The second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold;

[0283] A third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold;

[0284] A fourth trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in the first satellite series;

[0285] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0286] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions; the adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions include at least one of the following:

[0287] Satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located have higher priority than satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located;

[0288] The priority of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0289] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0290] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for the satellite cell, where the reselection condition includes at least one of the following:

[0291] Within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0292] Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of the satellite cell of the satellite series where the terminal is located.

[0293] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: a series identifier of the first satellite series and a series identifier of the second satellite series.

[0294] Optionally, the satellite cells of the satellites in the first satellite series constitute a super cell; and the satellite cells of the satellites in the second satellite series constitute a super cell.

[0295] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1002 is further configured to receive measurement configuration information from a network device.

[0296] Optionally, if the terminal is in a radio resource control RRC connected state, the transceiver unit 1002 is further used to report the measurement value; or if the terminal is in an RRC non-connected state, the processing unit 1001 is further used to determine the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cell based on the measurement value.

[0297] Optionally, if the terminal is in an RRC connected state, the terminal reports the measurement value; or if the terminal is in an RRC unconnected state, the terminal determines whether to start signal measurement of the satellite cell or determines whether to perform satellite cell reselection.

[0298] In another embodiment, the processing unit 1001 is used to determine measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, where the at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell, and the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of the time length during which the coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area, where the first area is the area where the terminal is located; and the transceiver unit 1002 is used to send the measurement configuration information.

[0299] Optionally, the satellites corresponding to at least one satellite cell include satellites in the first satellite series and the second satellite series, and the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit or the same ground projected trajectory.

[0300] Optionally, the measurement start and end times of satellite cells of different satellites in the same satellite series are different.

[0301] Optionally, the measurement configuration information also includes report configuration, which includes:

[0302] Report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement values ​​included in the measurement report;

[0303] The trigger event is used to indicate the trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

[0304] Optionally, the triggering event includes at least one of the following:

[0305] The first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold;

[0306] The second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when the signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold;

[0307] A third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold;

[0308] A fourth trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report should be reported when a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located;

[0309] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0310] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1002 is also used to receive a measurement report reported by the terminal according to the measurement configuration information, where the measurement report includes a measurement value obtained by the terminal according to the measurement configuration information by measuring the cell signal of at least one satellite in the first area; the processing unit 1001 is also used to make a satellite cell switching decision for the terminal based on the measurement report.

[0311] Optionally, the terminal measures N signal quality parameters within a measurement time range of the first satellite cell, and the measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following:

[0312] The worst signal quality parameter among N signal quality parameters;

[0313] The variance of N signal quality parameters;

[0314] The ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters;

[0315] a first time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter that is higher than a first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0316] a second time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter lower than a second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters;

[0317] The ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell

[0318] A ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

[0319] Optionally, the signal quality parameter is one of the following: RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and SINR.

[0320] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: measurement conditions of adjacent satellite cells;

[0321] The adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions include at least one of the following:

[0322] Satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located have higher priority than satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located;

[0323] The priority of satellite cells in satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0324] The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the service satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

[0325] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for the satellite cell, where the reselection condition includes at least one of the following:

[0326] Within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold;

[0327] Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of the satellite cell of the satellite series where the terminal is located.

[0328] Optionally, the measurement configuration information further includes: a series identifier of the first satellite series and a series identifier of the second satellite series.

[0329] As shown in Figure 11, this application also provides a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 can be a chip or a chip system. The communication device can be located in the device involved in any of the above method embodiments, such as a satellite, network equipment, terminal, etc., to perform the corresponding actions of the device.

[0330] Optionally, the chip system may consist of the chip, or may include the chip and other discrete devices.

[0331] The communication device 1100 includes a processor 1110 .

[0332] The processor 1110 is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory 1120 to implement the actions of each device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0333] The communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1120 for storing computer programs.

[0334] Optionally, memory 1120 and processor 1110 are coupled. Coupling is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. Optionally, memory 1120 and processor 1110 are integrated.

[0335] The processor 1110 and the memory 1120 can be one or more without limitation.

[0336] Optionally, in actual applications, the communication device 1100 may or may not include a transceiver 1130, as illustrated by a dashed box in the figure. The communication device 1100 can exchange information with other devices via the transceiver 1130. The transceiver 1130 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver, or any other device capable of exchanging information.

[0337] In a possible implementation, the communication device 1100 may be the first satellite or ground equipment in the implementation of the above methods.

[0338] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1130, processor 1110, and memory 1120 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In FIG11 , the memory 1120, processor 1110, and transceiver 1130 are connected via a bus. The bus is represented by a bold line in FIG11 . The connection between other components is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, FIG11 uses only a single bold line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or a single type of bus. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly executed by a hardware processor or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0339] In an embodiment of the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc., or a volatile memory (volatile memory), such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory may also be any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in an embodiment of the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing computer programs, program instructions and / or data.

[0340] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG12 , the embodiment of the present application also provides another communication device 1200, including: an interface circuit 1210 and a logic circuit 1220; the interface circuit 1210 can be understood as an input and output interface, which can be used to execute the receiving and sending steps of each device in any of the above method embodiments; the logic circuit 1220 can be used to run code or instructions to execute the method executed by each device in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated.

[0341] Based on the above embodiments, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method executed by each device in any of the above method embodiments to be implemented. The computer-readable storage medium may include any medium capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard drive, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0342] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the satellite, terminal and network equipment mentioned in any of the above method embodiments, and can be used to execute the method executed by each device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0343] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0344] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0345] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0346] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

Claims

1. A signal measurement method, characterized in that: include: The terminal obtains measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, where the at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell, and the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of a time length during which coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area, where the first area is an area where the terminal is located; The terminal measures the signal of the at least one satellite cell in the first area according to the measurement configuration information to obtain a measurement value, where the measurement value is used to indicate signal quality fluctuation of the at least one satellite cell within the measurement time range.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The satellites corresponding to the at least one satellite cell include satellites in the first satellite series and the second satellite series, and the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit or the same ground projected trajectory.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The measurement start and end times of satellite cells of different satellites in the same satellite series are different.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The terminal measures N signal quality parameters within a measurement time range of the first satellite cell, and the measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following: The signal quality parameter with the worst signal among the N signal quality parameters; variances of the N signal quality parameters; a ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters; a first time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter that is higher than a first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters; a second time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter lower than a second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters; a ratio of the first time length to a measurement time range of the first satellite cell; A ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The signal quality parameter is one of the following: reference signal received power RSRP, received signal strength indicator RSSI, reference signal received quality RSRQ and signal to interference plus noise ratio SINR.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The measurement configuration information also includes a report configuration, and the report configuration includes: Report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement values ​​included in the measurement report; The trigger event is used to indicate the trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The triggering event includes at least one of the following: A first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold; A second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold; A third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold; A fourth trigger event is configured to indicate that a measurement report is to be reported when a fluctuation in signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a fluctuation in signal quality of a satellite cell in the first satellite series; The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the serving satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The measurement configuration information further includes: adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions; the adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions include at least one of the following: The priority of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located; The priority of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold; The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the serving satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for a satellite cell, where the reselection condition includes at least one of the following: Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold; Within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of the satellite cells of the satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of the satellite cells of the satellite series where the terminal is located.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that The measurement configuration information also includes: The series identifier of the first satellite series and the series identifier of the second satellite series.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The satellite cells of the satellites in the first satellite series constitute a super cell; the satellite cells of the satellites in the second satellite series constitute a super cell.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The terminal obtains measurement configuration information, including: The terminal receives the measurement configuration information from a network device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that Also includes: If the terminal is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, the terminal reports the measurement value; or, If the terminal is in the RRC unconnected state, the terminal determines whether to start signal measurement of the satellite cell or determines whether to perform satellite cell reselection.

14. A signal measurement method, characterized in that: include: The network device determines measurement configuration information, where the measurement configuration information includes information of at least one satellite cell and a measurement time range, where the at least one satellite cell includes a first satellite cell, and the measurement time range of the first satellite cell is all or part of a time length during which coverage of the first satellite cell is located in a first area, where the first area is an area where the terminal is located; The network device sends the measurement configuration information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The satellites corresponding to the at least one satellite cell include satellites in the first satellite series and the second satellite series, and the satellites in the same satellite series have the same orbit or the same ground projected trajectory.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The measurement start and end times of satellite cells of different satellites in the same satellite series are different.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The measurement configuration information also includes a report configuration, and the report configuration includes: Report content configuration information, used to indicate the type of measurement values ​​included in the measurement report; The trigger event is used to indicate the trigger condition for reporting the measurement report.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The triggering event includes at least one of the following: A first trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a first fluctuation threshold; A second trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located is lower than a second fluctuation threshold; A third trigger event is used to indicate that a measurement report is reported when a fluctuation in the signal quality of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located exceeds a third fluctuation threshold; A fourth trigger event is configured to indicate that a measurement report is to be reported when a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a signal quality fluctuation of a satellite cell in the satellite series where the terminal is located; The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the serving satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: The network device receives a measurement report reported by the terminal according to the measurement configuration information, where the measurement report includes a measurement value obtained by the terminal measuring a cell signal of the at least one satellite in the first area according to the measurement configuration information; The network device makes a satellite cell handover decision for the terminal according to the measurement report.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that The terminal measures N signal quality parameters within a measurement time range of the first satellite cell, and the measurement value of the first satellite cell includes at least one of the following: The signal quality parameter with the worst signal among the N signal quality parameters; variances of the N signal quality parameters; a ratio of the variance of the N signal quality parameters to the average value of the signal quality parameters; a first time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter that is higher than a first quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters; a second time length and start and end time of a time period corresponding to a signal quality parameter lower than a second quality parameter threshold among the N signal quality parameters; The ratio of the first time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell A ratio of the second time length to the measurement time range of the first satellite cell.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that The signal quality parameter is one of the following: reference signal received power RSRP, received signal strength indicator RSSI, reference signal received quality RSRQ and signal to interference plus noise ratio SINR.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The measurement configuration information also includes: adjacent satellite cell measurement conditions; The adjacent satellite cell measurement condition includes at least one of the following: The priority of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located; The priority of satellite cells of satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than that of satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located, and the signal quality fluctuation of the satellite cells in the satellite series where the terminal is located is higher than a fourth fluctuation threshold; The satellite series where the terminal is located is the satellite series to which the serving satellite cell of the terminal belongs.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The measurement configuration information further includes: a reselection condition for a satellite cell, where the reselection condition includes at least one of the following: Within a preset time threshold, the signal quality of satellite cells of a satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the fourth fluctuation threshold; Within the preset time threshold, the signal quality of the satellite cells of the satellite series other than the satellite series where the terminal is located is not higher than the signal quality of the satellite cells of the satellite series where the terminal is located.

24. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that The measurement configuration information also includes: The series identifier of the first satellite series and the series identifier of the second satellite series.

25. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A functional module for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-13, or any one of claims 14-24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: include: at least one processor coupled to the memory; The at least one processor is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 14 to 24 is performed.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 14 to 24 is executed.

28. A computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that When the method is executed on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or any one of claims 14 to 24 is executed.

Images