Apparatus and method for terminal device and apparatus and method for network device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for terminal equipment and a device and a method for network equipment. An apparatus for a terminal device includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to: determine first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, where the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided by the first device to the terminal device, the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided by the second device to the terminal device; and transmitting the first information to at least a network device associated with the first radio cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to an apparatus for a terminal device. Further embodiments relate to a method for a terminal device. Further embodiments relate to an apparatus for a network device. Further embodiments relate to a method for a network device. Background Art

[0002] A communication system such as for example a wireless communication system may be used for wireless exchange of information between two or more entities including for example: one or more terminal devices, such as for example user equipment (UE), and one or more network devices, such as for example base stations.

[0003] Some communication systems may support non-terrestrial devices or networks, where, for example, a base station or at least some aspects of its functionality may be deployed, for example, on a satellite (e.g., a satellite in low earth orbit (LEO)). In some conventional approaches, satellite handoff is considered, which involves techniques for switching radio coverage of one or more terminal devices from a first satellite to a second satellite. Summary of the invention

[0004] The independent claims set forth various embodiments of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments and features described in this specification that do not belong to the scope of the independent claims, if any, are to be construed as examples useful for understanding various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] An exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for a terminal device, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the terminal device to: determine first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, wherein the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by a first device, and the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by a second device, and send the first information to a network device associated with at least the first radio cell. In some embodiments, this facilitates, for example, aspects of the operation of the terminal device, such as in the event of a transition between the first device and the second device.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first device may be an aerospace device. In some embodiments, the second device may be an aerospace device. In some embodiments, at least one of the first device and the second device may be a land device, such as a land terrestrial device.

[0007] Although for illustrative purposes, the following exemplary description mainly relates to first and second devices that are exemplarily configured as aerospace devices, without loss of generality, the principles according to the embodiments may also be applied to other devices and / or other device types besides the exemplarily mentioned aerospace devices, i.e., for example, land devices or any combination thereof. Therefore, in other words, the principles according to the embodiments are not limited to aerospace devices.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one of the terminal device and / or network device may comply with and / or may be based on some accepted (and / or planned) standard, such as, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G or some other wireless communication standard.

[0009] In some embodiments, the terminal device may be a user equipment (UE).

[0010] In some embodiments, the network device may be a base station, such as a gNB. In some embodiments, the network device may be, for example, a base station currently serving the terminal device, for example via a first radio cell, the first radio cell being at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first aerospace device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first radio cell and the second radio cell may be the same cell (eg having the same cell identifier, eg Physical Cell Identity PCI), but may be provided, for example, by different equipment (eg aerospace equipment).

[0012] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of: a) a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value (ie, two timing advance values), b) a difference between the first timing advance value and the second timing advance value (ie, a single value characterizing the difference).

[0013] However, in some embodiments, it is also possible that the first information may, for example, only comprise the second timing advance value.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the first device and the second device may be any of the following: a) a spacecraft, such as a satellite, b) a high altitude platform system HAPS, c) a terrestrial device. In some embodiments, the timing advance values ​​associated with aerospace devices, such as satellites or HAPS devices, as seen, for example, from a particular terminal device, may differ significantly, such that in some embodiments, the principles of the embodiments enable efficient conversion to be performed between these aerospace devices for the terminal device.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the first device and the second device is not an aerospace device, but is, for example, a land device. In some embodiments, in such a configuration, the associated timing advance values ​​may also be significantly different, so that in some embodiments, according to the principles of the embodiments, effective switching between these devices in such a configuration is also enabled for the terminal device.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, the terminal device performs at least one of the following: a) determining a first timing advance value, and / or b) determining a second timing advance value, and / or c) determining first information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the terminal device to: perform a switching process from a first radio cell provided by the first device to a second radio cell provided by the second device; determine a second timing advance value before performing the switching process; and send first information to a network device associated with at least the first radio cell before performing the switching process. In some embodiments, this enables optimization of scheduling of resources for the terminal device of the second radio cell, which resources can be used by the terminal device, for example, after the switching process.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the instructions are executed by at least one processor, the terminal device performs at least one of the following: a) sending second information to a network device, the second information indicating a time point from which the second timing advance value can be used by the terminal device (for example, the time point when the terminal device wants to use or recommends using the second timing advance value, respectively), and / or b) receiving an indication from the network device, which instructs the terminal device when to use the second timing advance value.

[0019] A further exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for a terminal device, comprising components for causing the terminal device to perform the following: determine first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, wherein the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first device, and the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the second device, and send the first information to a network device associated with at least the first radio cell.

[0020] In some embodiments, the component for enabling the terminal device to determine the first information and send the first information may, for example, include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, enables the terminal device to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0021] In some embodiments, the apparatus for causing the terminal device to determine the first information and send the first information may, for example, include a circuit system configured to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0022] A further exemplary embodiment relates to a terminal device comprising at least one apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0023] A further exemplary embodiment relates to a method for a terminal device, comprising: determining first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, wherein the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first device, and the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the second device, and sending the first information to a network device associated with at least the first radio cell.

[0024] A further exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for a network device, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions, which instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to: receive first information from a terminal device, the first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, the first timing advance value being associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first device, and the second timing advance value being associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the second device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the network device to receive second information indicating a point in time from which the second timing advance value may be used by the terminal device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the network device to send an indication to the terminal device, the indication notifying the terminal device when to use the second timing advance value.

[0027] A further exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for a network device, the apparatus comprising components for causing the network device to perform each of the following: receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, the first timing advance value being associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first device, and the second timing advance value being associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the second device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the means for causing the network device to receive the first information may, for example, include at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0029] In some embodiments, means for causing the network device to receive the first information may, for example, include a circuit system configured to perform the aforementioned aspects.

[0030] A further exemplary embodiment relates to a terminal device comprising at least one apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0031] A further exemplary embodiment relates to a network device comprising at least one apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0032] A further exemplary embodiment relates to a method for a network device, comprising: receiving first information from a terminal device, the first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, the first timing advance value being associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first device, and the second timing advance value being associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the second device.

[0033] A further exemplary embodiment relates to a device, e.g. a first device, e.g. a first aerospace device, configured to receive first information from a terminal device, e.g. via a service link, the first information characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, the first timing advance value being associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by, e.g. the first device, the second timing advance value being associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by a second device, e.g. the second aerospace device, and to send the first information to a terrestrial network device, e.g. associated with at least the first radio cell, e.g. via a feeder link.

[0034] Further exemplary embodiments relate to a communication system comprising at least one of: a) an apparatus according to an embodiment, and / or b) a terminal device according to an embodiment, and / or c) a network device according to an embodiment, and / or d) a device according to an embodiment, e.g. aerospace equipment.

[0035] In some embodiments, the communication system may, for example, be a non-terrestrial communication system that complies with and / or is based on some accepted standard, such as, for example, a 5G or 6G standard. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0037] Figure 1B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0038] Figure 2 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0039] Figure 3 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0040] Figure 4 schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0041] Figure 5 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0042] Figure 6 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0043] Figure 7 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0044] Fig. 8A schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0045] Figure 8B schematically depicts a simplified block diagram according to some embodiments,

[0046] Fig. 9 schematically depicts a simplified flow chart according to some embodiments,

[0047] Fig.10 schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments,

[0048] Fig.11 schematically depicts a simplified timing diagram according to some embodiments,

[0049] Fig.12 A simplified flow chart according to some embodiments is schematically depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Example Embodiments ( Figure 1A , 2 , 3) relates to a terminal device 10 ( Figure 2 ) of the device 100( Figure 1A ), the apparatus 100 includes at least one processor 102 and at least one memory 104 storing instructions 106, which, when executed by the at least one processor 102, causes the terminal device 10 to: determine 300( Figure 3) first information I-1 representing a difference between a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 being associated with a first radio cell C-1 at least temporarily provided to the terminal device 10 by the first device ASD-1, the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 being associated with a second radio cell C-2 at least temporarily provided to the terminal device 10 by the second device ASD-2, and sending 302 the first information I-1 to the network device 20 associated with at least the first radio cell C-1. In some embodiments, this facilitates aspects of the operation of the terminal device 10, for example in the case of switching between the devices ASD-1, ASD-2, or between the radio cells C-1, C-2 provided thereby, respectively.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least one of the first device ASD-1 and the second device ASD-2 may be a land device, such as a terrestrial land device.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first device ASD-1 may be an aerospace device, for example, a first aerospace device ASD-1. In some embodiments, the second device ASD-2 may be an aerospace device, for example, a second aerospace device ASD-2.

[0053] Although for illustrative purposes, the following exemplary description mainly relates to devices ASD-1, ASD-2 configured as aerospace equipment, without loss of generality, the principles of the embodiments may also be applied to other types of equipment besides the aerospace equipment mentioned exemplarily, such as land equipment.

[0054] In some embodiments, Figure 2 , at least one of the terminal device 10 and / or the network device 20 may comply with and / or may be based on some accepted (and / or planned) standard, such as, for example, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G or some other wireless communication standard.

[0055] In some embodiments, the terminal device 10 may be a user equipment (UE).

[0056] In some embodiments, the network device 20 may be a base station, such as a gNB. In some embodiments, the network device 20 may be, for example, a base station currently serving the terminal device 10, for example via a first radio cell C-1, which is at least temporarily provided to the terminal device 10 by the first aerospace device ASD-1.

[0057] In some embodiments, Figure 4, the first information I-1 includes at least one of the following: a) a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 (i.e., two timing advance values), b) a difference TA-DIFF between the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 (i.e., a single value representing the difference TA-DIFF).

[0058] In some embodiments, Figure 2 Each of the first aerospace device ASD-1 and the second aerospace device ASD-2 may be any one of the following: a) a spacecraft, such as a satellite, b) a high altitude platform system HAPS.

[0059] In some embodiments, and without loss of generality, as indicated by Figure 2 Exemplarily depicted, the aerospace devices ASD-1, ASD-2 are satellites. Based on this and for the sake of understandability, the further explanations exemplarily refer to the satellites ASD-1, ASD-2. However, it should be noted that in some other embodiments, at least one of the aerospace devices ASD-1, ASD-2 may be another type of aerospace device, i.e. different from a satellite.

[0060] return Figure 2 , a double arrow L1 symbolizes a feeder link between the network device 20 and the first satellite ASD-1, and a double arrow L2 symbolizes a corresponding service link between the first satellite ASD-1 and the terminal device 10, which service link is for example associated with the first radio cell C-1 as provided by the first satellite ASD-1.

[0061] Similarly, the double arrow L3 symbolizes a feeder link between the network device 20 and the second satellite ASD-2, and the double arrow L4 symbolizes a corresponding service link between the second satellite ASD-2 and the terminal device 10, which service link is for example associated with the second radio cell C-2 as provided by the second satellite ASD-2.

[0062] Thus, in some embodiments, the network device 20 (e.g. a gNB) may, for example, additionally include a gateway functionality, e.g. operate as an NTN gateway, for providing connectivity symbolically represented by the satellite links L1, L3.

[0063] In some embodiments, at least one of the satellites ASD-1, ASD-2 may be mobile, for example, in a low earth orbit LEO, while the terminal device 10 may be ground-based, i.e. a terrestrial device, for example. Due to different relative positions relative to the terminal device 10 and / or different velocity vectors v-1, v-2 of the satellites ASD-1, ASD-2, different first and second timing advance values ​​TA-VAL-1, TA-VAL-2 may be associated with, for example use and / or require, communicating via the respective radio cells C-1, C-2 for the terminal device 10.

[0064] In some embodiments, these different first and second timing advance values ​​TA-VAL-1, TA-VAL-2 or information characterizing these different first and second timing advance values ​​TA-VAL-1, TA-VAL-2 can be sent by the terminal device 10 to the currently serving network device 20, for example in the form of first information I-1.

[0065] Note that although Figure 2 The transmission of the first information I-1 from the terminal device 10 to the network device 20 is exemplarily represented by symbols, however, for the sake of clarity and for illustrative purposes only, a box arrow I-1 is used pointing directly from the terminal device 10 to the network device 20. In some embodiments, for example, the transmission of the first information I-1 from the terminal device 10 to the network device 20 can be performed in a manner known per se using links L1, L2, for example from the terminal device 10 via the service link L2 to the first satellite ASD-1, and from the first satellite ASD-1 to the network device 20 via the feeder link L1.

[0066] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, for example as seen from a specific terminal device 10, the timing advance values ​​TA-VAL-1, TA-VAL-2 associated with the aerospace equipment AS-1, ASD-2 may be significantly different, so that in some embodiments, according to the principles of the embodiments, it is possible to perform an effective conversion between these aerospace devices for the terminal device, for example because with the knowledge of the first information I-1, in some embodiments, the network device 20 can take into account different timing advance values, for example for scheduling resources for the terminal device 10.

[0067] In some embodiments, Figure 5 , instruction 106 ( Figure 1A ) when executed by at least one processor 102, enables the terminal device 10( Figure 2) performs at least one of the following: a) determining 310 a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1, and / or b) determining 312 a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, and / or c) determining 314 first information I-1, for example, based on the timing advance values ​​TA-VAL-1, TA-VAL-2.

[0068] In some embodiments, Figure 2 , the terminal device 10 may determine (eg estimate) the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 based on system information of a current serving cell (eg the first radio cell C-1) as temporarily provided by, for example, the first satellite ASD-1.

[0069] In some embodiments, Figure 2 , the terminal device 10 may obtain information associated with the second satellite ASD-2, such as satellite system information of the second satellite ASD-2. In some embodiments, as shown by Figure 2 This is possible, for example, if the radio cell C- 2 , as provided by the second satellite AS2 - 2 , also covers the location of the terminal 10 , as depicted by way of example.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 2 , the terminal device 10 can determine the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 based on the satellite system information of the second satellite ASD-2 thus obtained.

[0071] As an example, in some embodiments, Figure 5 , the determination box 312 may include: the terminal device 10 obtains information associated with the second satellite ASD-2, such as satellite system information of the second satellite ASD-2, and determines the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 based on the satellite system information of the second satellite ASD-2 thus obtained.

[0072] In some embodiments, Figure 6 , the instructions 106, when executed by at least one processor 102, cause the terminal device 10 to: perform 324 a switching process from a first radio cell C-1 provided by a first aerospace device ASD-1 to a second radio cell C-2 provided by a second aerospace device ASD-2; determine 320 a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 before performing 324 the switching process; and send 322 first information I-1 to a network device 20 associated with at least the first radio cell C-1 before performing 324 the switching process. In some embodiments, this enables optimization of the scheduling of resources of the terminal device 10 for the second radio cell C-2, which resources can be used by the terminal device, for example, after the switching process.

[0073] In some embodiments, Figure 7, when the instruction 106 is executed by at least one processor 102, the terminal device 10 ( Figure 2 ) performs at least one of the following: a) sends 330( Figure 7 ) second information I-2, the second information I-2 indicating a point in time from which the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 can be used by the terminal device 10, and / or b) receiving 332 an indication IND from the network device 20, the indication IND notifying the terminal device 10 when to use the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2. In some embodiments, this enables further flexibility to be provided regarding the conversion process associated with at least one aerospace device ASD-1, ASD-2. In this regard, it should be noted that although some embodiments consider conversion between different aerospace devices ASD-1, ASD-2, according to other embodiments, the principles according to the embodiments can also be applied to conversion situations, where at least one aerospace device and at least one other device, such as, for example, a land device, are involved.

[0074] In some embodiments, the transmission of the second information I-2 (see Figure 7 The block 330 of FIG. 1 may also be combined with the transmission of the first information I-1 (see, for example, Figure 3 Therefore, in some embodiments, the terminal device 10 ( Figure 2 ) can provide a report to the network device 20, which includes both the first information I-1 and the second information I-2.

[0075] Further example embodiments ( Figure 1B ) relates to a terminal device 10 ( Figure 2 ), the apparatus 100' comprising a component 102' for causing the terminal device 10 to perform the following: determine 300 first information I-1 representing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, wherein the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell C-1 at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the first aerospace device, and the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell C-2 at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by the second aerospace device, and send 302 the first information I-1 to a network device 20 associated with at least the first radio cell C-1.

[0076] In some embodiments, Figure 1B , the component 102' for causing the terminal device 10 to determine 300 the first information I-1 and send 302 the first information I-1 may for example include at least one processor 102( Figure 1A ) and at least one memory 104 storing instructions 106, which, when executed by at least one processor 102, causes the terminal device 10 to perform the aforementioned aspects 300, 302.

[0077] In some embodiments, Figure 1B The means 102 ′ for causing the terminal device 10 to determine 300 the first information I- 1 and to send 302 the first information I- 1 may for example comprise a circuit system configured to perform the aforementioned aspects 300 , 302 .

[0078] Further exemplary embodiments ( Figure 2 ) relates to a terminal device 10, which includes at least one device 100, 100' according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the at least one device 100, 100' or its function can be integrated into the terminal device 10 respectively. However, in some other embodiments, the at least one device 100, 100' or its function is provided outside the terminal device 10 respectively.

[0079] Further exemplary embodiments ( Figure 3 ) relates to a method for a terminal device 10, comprising: determining 300 first information I-1 representing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, wherein the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell provided at least temporarily to the terminal device by a first device (e.g. a first aerospace device), and the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell provided at least temporarily to the terminal device by a second device (e.g. a second aerospace device); sending 302 the first information I-1 to a network device associated at least with the first radio cell.

[0080] Further exemplary embodiments ( Fig. 8A , 2 9) relates to an apparatus 200 for a network device 20, the apparatus 200 comprising at least one processor 202 and at least one memory 204 storing instructions 206, the instructions 206 when executed by the at least one processor 202, causing the network device 20 to: receive 350( Fig. 9 ) represents first information I-1 of a difference TA-DIFF between a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, wherein the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 is associated with a first radio cell C1 provided at least temporarily to the terminal device 10 by a first device ASD-1 (e.g., a first aerospace device ASD-1), and the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 is associated with a second radio cell C-2 provided at least temporarily to the terminal device 10 by a second device ASD-2 (e.g., a second aerospace device ASD-2).

[0081] In some embodiments, Fig. 9When instruction 206 is executed by the at least one processor 202, the network device 20 receives 352 second information I-2, which indicates a time point from which the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 can be used by the terminal device 10.

[0082] In some embodiments, Fig. 9 , instruction 206, when executed by the at least one processor 202, causes the network device 20 to use 354 at least one of the first information I-1 and / or the second information I-2, for example for aspects of scheduling for the terminal device 10, such as associated with conversion between aerospace equipment ASD-1, ASD-2.

[0083] In some embodiments, Fig. 9 When the instruction 206 is executed by the at least one processor 202, the network device 20 sends 356 to the terminal device 10 an indication IND indicating when the terminal device 10 uses the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2.

[0084] Further exemplary embodiments ( Figure 8B ) relates to an apparatus 200' for a network device 20, the apparatus 200' comprising a component 202' for causing the network device 20 to perform the following: receiving 350 ( Fig. 9 ) first information I-1 characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value, wherein the first timing advance value is associated with a first radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by a first device (e.g. aerospace device), and the second timing advance value is associated with a second radio cell at least temporarily provided to the terminal device by a second device (e.g. aerospace device),

[0085] In some embodiments, Figure 8B , the means 202' for causing the network device 20 to receive 350 the first information I-1 may for example comprise at least one processor 202( Fig. 8A ) and at least one memory 204 storing instructions 206, which, when executed by the at least one processor 202, cause the network device 20 to perform (one or more) the aforementioned aspects 350.

[0086] In some embodiments, Figure 8B , the means 202 ′ for causing the network device 20 to receive 350 the first information I- 1 may, for example, comprise a circuit system configured to perform (one or more) of the aforementioned aspects 350 .

[0087] Further exemplary embodiments ( Figure 2 ) relates to a network device 20, which includes at least one device 200, 200' according to an embodiment.

[0088] In some embodiments, the at least one device 200, 200' or its functions may be integrated into the network device 20, respectively. However, in some other embodiments, the at least one device 200, 200' or its functions are provided outside the network device 20, respectively.

[0089] Further exemplary embodiments ( Fig. 9 ) relates to a method for a network device 20, comprising: receiving 350 first information I-1 representing the difference between a first timing advance value and a second timing advance value from a terminal device 10, the first timing advance value being associated with a first radio cell provided at least temporarily to the terminal device by a first device (e.g., an aerospace device), and the second timing advance value being associated with a second radio cell provided at least temporarily to the terminal device by a second device (e.g., an aerospace device).

[0090] Fig.10 Schematically depicts a simplified signaling diagram according to some embodiments. Element E1 symbolically represents a terminal device, e.g. Figure 2 10 is similar or identical to the terminal device 10, and element E2 symbolically represents a (current) serving cell and / or a network device associated with the serving cell, for example Figure 2 The network device 20 is similar or identical to the network device 20, wherein the current serving cell is, for example, Figure 2 The arrow a1 symbolizes information associated with a (e.g. currently serving) satellite system (e.g. satellite ASD-1), and the box E3 symbolizes that the terminal device E1 determines (e.g. estimates) a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 associated with the first cell C-1 based on the received information a1. The arrow a2 symbolizes the timing advance value TA-VAL-1 associated with the first cell C-1 by the serving cell E2 (e.g. Figure 2 The scheduling information sent by the terminal device 10 to the cell C-1 of the terminal device 10 is symbolically represented by the arrow a3, for example, by the terminal device 10 via the links L2, L1 ( Figure 2) is sent to the serving cell E2. Arrow a4 symbolizes information associated with a target satellite system (e.g., satellite ASD-2), wherein in the future, the terminal device 10 can perform a switching process, such as satellite switching, from the first satellite ASD-1 (e.g., the "source satellite system") to the second satellite ASD-2 (e.g., the "target satellite system"). Box E4 symbolizes that the terminal device E1 determines (e.g., estimates) a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 associated with the second cell C-2 based on the received information a4. Arrow a5 symbolizes that the terminal device E1 sends first information I-1 to the serving cell E2 (e.g., the gNB 20), the first information representing the difference between a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 being associated with the first (e.g., the "source") satellite ASD-1 and its radio cell C-1, and the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 being associated with the second (e.g., the "target") satellite ASD-1 and its radio cell C-2. Arrow a6 symbolically represents scheduling information provided by the service cell E2 (e.g. gNB 20) to the terminal device E1, wherein, for example, gNB 20 has determined the scheduling information a6 based on the first information a5, and wherein the scheduling information a6, for example, relates to at least resources associated with the second cell C-2 of the target satellite. Fig.10 The dashed line E5 symbolizes a satellite switch, according to which the terminal equipment E1 switches from the radio coverage of the cell C-1 to the radio coverage of the cell C-2 and thus from the first satellite ASD-1 to the second satellite ASD-2. Fig.10 The element E6 of ET 1 symbolizes that the terminal equipment E1 applies a new (e.g. second) timing advance value TA-VAL-2, e.g. when it is now served by the corresponding second cell C-2. The arrow a7 symbolizes that the terminal equipment E1 uses the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, e.g. via the links L4, L3 ( Figure 2 ) sends uplink data to the serving cell (e.g., gNB E2).

[0091] In other words, in some embodiments, for example, once the terminal device E1 acquires the a4 system information of the upcoming (e.g., "target") satellite ASD-2, the terminal device 10 estimates E4 a new (e.g., second) timing advance value TA-VAL-2, for example based on the ephemeris of the new satellite and optionally based on the common timing advance. In some embodiments, for example, after box E4, the terminal device sends the timing advance value (e.g., TA-VAL-2) of the target cell (C-2) and the TA currently in use (e.g., TA-VAL-1) to the gNB E2, for example in the form of first information I-1 according to some embodiments. Based on the first information I-1, in some embodiments, the gNB 20 can, for example, schedule (e.g., reschedule) downlink and / or uplink transmissions taking into account at least one of: a) the first information I-1, and / or b) the point in time when the service of the first cell C-1 is terminated, for example, due to lack of radio coverage of the first cell C-1, for example, "t-Service", and / or c) the interruption time, for example, due to satellite switching (if applicable, in some embodiments). In some embodiments, the terminal device receives new scheduling data, see Fig.10 See arrow a6 and start sending accordingly, see arrow a7, so as to avoid repeated transmission and maximize cell resources, for example.

[0092] In the following, reference Fig.11 The simplified timing diagram discloses further exemplary aspects and exemplary embodiments, which in some embodiments may be combined with each other and / or with at least one of the aforementioned aspects. Arrow a10 symbolically indicates that the terminal device 10 obtains the system information block SIB of the target cell C-2. Arrow a11 symbolically indicates that the terminal device 10 estimates a new (e.g. second) timing advance value TA-VAL-2, e.g. for use with the target cell C-2, for example based on the obtained SIB a10. After that, the terminal device reports the new (e.g. second) timing advance value TA-VAL-2, e.g. to the network device 20, e.g. in the form of first information I-1, see Fig.11 After receiving the first information I-1, the network device 20 sends scheduling information based on the first information I-1, see arrow a13. Fig.11 The arrow a14 indicates the current serving cell, for example, the first cell C-1 ( Figure 2) stops coverage, for example according to some plan and / or accepted standard, characterised as "t-Service" which may be indicated, for example, in a system information block (e.g. SIB19). Arrow a15 symbolises that the terminal device 10 resumes transmission operation, arrow a16 symbolises that the target cell C-2 starts coverage (e.g., "t-Start"), and arrow a16 symbolises that the terminal device 10 resumes reception operation, for example associated with the target cell C-2.

[0093] In the following, further exemplary aspects and exemplary embodiments are disclosed, which in some embodiments may be combined with each other and / or with at least one of the aforementioned aspects.

[0094] In some embodiments, the network device 20 is connected to the first satellite ASD-1 ( Figure 2 ) in a first (e.g. source) cell C-1 ( FIG. 1 ) provided by a serving (e.g. source) cell, for example, to schedule (one or more) downlink (DL) / uplink (UL) transmissions for a given terminal device (e.g., UE 10). In some embodiments, UE 10 estimates a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1, for example based on serving (e.g. source) cell system information, and sends UL radio frames accordingly.

[0095] In some embodiments, for example, before t-Service (eg, coverage is stopped by the source cell), the UE 10 acquires new satellite system information for a new satellite, for example, the second satellite ASD-2.

[0096] In some embodiments, for example, before t-Service, the UE 10 estimates a new (eg, second) timing advance value TA-VAL-2.

[0097] In some embodiments, after estimating the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, UE 10 sends first information I-1 to a serving cell (e.g., gNB 20), and the first information I-1, for example, includes an old timing advance value and a new timing advance (e.g., "TA") value TA-VAL-1, TA-VAL-2.

[0098] In some embodiments, an alternative method is that the UE sends the difference TA-DIFF between the old TA and the new TA to gNB 20.

[0099] In some embodiments, an alternative approach is that the UE only sends a new TA (e.g., TA-VAL-2) to gNB 20.

[0100] In some embodiments, the UE may apply the new TA TA-VAL-2 at the epoch time in the SIB of the target cell (C-2), but in some embodiments, the UE 10 may include the application time of the new TA in a report to the gNB 20 (the report, for example, includes the first information I-1), so that the gNB 20 may take this value into account.

[0101] In some embodiments, the gNB 20 considers the first information I-1, such as the TA difference TA-DIFF, to, for example, avoid the need for the UE 10 to be scheduled to the old cell C-1 and the new cell C-2 at the same time.

[0102] In some embodiments, the gNB 20 indicates to the UE 10 when a new TA needs to be considered (TA-VAL-2).

[0103] In some embodiments this indication may be done explicitly, e.g. using dedicated signaling, wherein one option according to some embodiments is to add this indication to the grant, e.g. indicating that for this particular grant the UE 10 needs to consider a new TA (TA-VAL-2).

[0104] In some other embodiments, the UE 10 may also be implicitly signaled when an indication of a new TA needs to be considered.

[0105] In some embodiments, for example, before t-Service, the gNB 20 sends a new schedule to the UE 10 based on the first information I-1, for example, based on the new TA TA-VAL-2. In some embodiments, for example, such a schedule may be valid only after t-Service (for example, of the first (for example, source) cell C-1), for example, after the new satellite ASD-2 is available, the second (for example, target) cell C-2 is available.

[0106] In some embodiments, for example, based on t-Start, the UE 10 applies a new TA TA-VAL-2 and starts sending UL frames accordingly.

[0107] In some embodiments, the UE 10 is enabled to report the target cell C-2 ( Figure 2 ), the reporting being performed, for example, via the serving cell C-1, so that the gNB 20 is aware of the new TA TA-VAL-2 associated with the target cell C-2, and in some embodiments, the gNB 20 can, for example, optimize the scheduling accordingly.

[0108] In some embodiments, principles according to embodiments may be applied to target scenarios based on Quasi Earth Fixed Cell (EFC) deployments, where, for example, satellite handoffs occur without Layer 3 (L3) mobility.

[0109] In some embodiments, the principles of the embodiments enable at least temporarily achieving one or more of the following advantages: reducing interruption time during satellite switching, avoiding lost scheduling opportunities, avoiding ambiguity in scheduling grants, for example, for configurations with an unchanged PCI (Physical Cell Identifier), where the PCI does not change, for example, between cells C-1, C-2.

[0110] In some embodiments, the principles of the embodiments enable scheduling optimization to be provided, wherein the UE 10, for example, before the satellite switch, for example, for the target cell C-2, for example, utilizes timing advance estimation to assist the network, such as the gNB 20, so that the network can, for example, schedule the DL / UL frames in the target cell C-2 to be as close as possible to the t-Service of the source cell C-1.

[0111] In some conventional methods, scheduling that switches across satellites is possible so that a source cell can be scheduled in a target cell (i.e., source and target cells with the same PCI). In these conventional methods, problems may arise, for example, when the TA of the target cell is greater than the TA of the current (e.g., source) cell, because the first scheduling in the target cell may need to occur at the same time as the last scheduling in the source cell. In other words, in these conventional methods, this may result in the UE needing to transmit to each of the multiple cells in the same frame, which is not possible. In some embodiments, this problem can be solved by applying the principles of the embodiments, thereby avoiding ambiguity in scheduling grants.

[0112] Further exemplary embodiments ( Figure 2 ) relates to an aerospace device ASD-1, which is configured to receive first information I-1 from a terminal device 10, for example via a service link L2, the first information I-1 representing the difference between a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 being associated with a first radio cell C-1 provided at least temporarily to the terminal device 10 by the first aerospace device ASD-1, and the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 being associated with a second radio cell C-2 provided at least temporarily to the terminal device 10 by the second aerospace device ASD-2, and to send the first information I-1 to a terrestrial network device 20, for example associated with at least the first radio cell C-1, for example via a feeder link L1.

[0113] Further exemplary embodiments ( Fig.12) relates to a method for an aerospace device ASD-1, the method comprising: receiving 380 first information I-1 from a terminal device 10, for example via a service link L2, the first information I-1 representing the difference between a first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 and a second timing advance value TA-VAL-2, the first timing advance value TA-VAL-1 being associated with a first radio cell C-1 provided at least temporarily by the first aerospace device ASD-1 to the terminal device 10, the second timing advance value TA-VAL-2 being associated with a second radio cell C-2 provided at least temporarily by the second aerospace device ASD-2 to the terminal device 10, and sending 382 the first information I-1 to a terrestrial network device 20, for example associated with at least the first radio cell C-1, for example via a feeder link L1.

[0114] Further exemplary embodiments ( Figure 2 ) relates to a communication system 1000, such as a non-terrestrial communication system, comprising at least one of the following: an apparatus 100, 100', 200, 200' according to an embodiment, and / or a terminal device 10 according to an embodiment, and / or a network device 20 according to an embodiment, and / or at least one aerospace device ASD-1 according to an embodiment.

[0115] In some embodiments, the communication system may, for example, be a non-terrestrial communication system that complies with and / or is based on some accepted or planned standard, such as, for example, a 5G or 6G standard.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for a terminal device (10), the apparatus (100) comprising at least one processor (102) and at least one memory (104) storing instructions (106), the instructions (106) when executed by the at least one processor (102) causing the terminal device (10) to: determine (300) first information (I-1) characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2), the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) being associated with a first radio cell (C-1) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a first device (ASD-1), and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) being associated with a second radio cell (C-2) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a second device (ASD-2); and send (302) the first information (I-1) to a network device (20) associated with at least the first radio cell (C-1).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first information (I-1) comprises at least one of the following items: a) the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2), b) the difference (TA-DIFF) between the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2).

3. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first device (ASD-1) and the second device (ASD-2) can be any one of the following items: a) a spacecraft, such as a satellite, b) a high altitude platform system HAPS, c) a land device.

4. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions (106) when executed by the at least one processor (102) cause the terminal device (10) to perform at least one of the following items: a) determine (310) the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1), and / or b) determine (312) the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2), and / or c) determine (314) the first information (I-1).

5. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions (106) when executed by the at least one processor (102) cause the terminal device (10) to: perform (324) a switching process from the first radio cell (C-1) provided by the first device (ASD-1) to the second radio cell (C-2) provided by the second device (ASD-2); before performing (324) the switching process, determine (320) the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2); and before performing (324) the switching process, send (322) the first information (I-1) to the network device (20) associated with at least the first radio cell (C-1).

6. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the instructions (106) when executed by the at least one processor (102) cause the terminal device (10) to perform at least one of the following items: a) sending (302a; 330) second information (I-2) to the network device (20), the second information (I-2) indicating a time point from which the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) can be used by the terminal device (10), and / or b) receiving (332) an indication (IND) from the network device (20), the indication (IND) notifying the terminal device (10) when to use the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2).

7. An apparatus (100') for a terminal device (10), the apparatus (100') comprising a component (102'), the component (102' being configured to cause the terminal device (10): to determine (300) first information (I-1) characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2), the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) being associated with a first radio cell (C-1) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a first device (ASD-1), and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) being associated with a second radio cell (C-2) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a second device (ASD-2); and to send (302) the first information (I-1) to a network device (20) associated with at least the first radio cell (C-1).

8. A terminal device (10), comprising: At least one device (100; 100') according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for a terminal device (10), comprising: Determine (300) first information (I-1) characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) associated with a first radio cell (C-1) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a first device (ASD-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) associated with a second radio cell (C-2) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a second device (ASD-2); send (302) the first information (I-1) to a network device (20) associated with at least the first radio cell (C-1).

10. An apparatus (200) for a network device (20), the apparatus (200) comprising at least one processor (202) and at least one memory (204) storing instructions (206), the instructions (206) when executed by the at least one processor (202) causing the network device (20) to: receive (350) from a terminal device (10) first information (I-1) characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2), the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) being associated with a first radio cell (C-1) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a first device (ASD-1), and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) being associated with a second radio cell (C-2) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a second device (ASD-2).

11. An apparatus (200) according to claim 10, wherein the instruction (206) when executed by the at least one processor (202) causes the network device (20) to receive (352) second information (I-2), wherein the second information (I-2) indicates a time point from which the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) can be used by the terminal device (10).

12. An apparatus (200) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the instruction (206), when executed by the at least one processor (202), causes the network device (20) to send (356) an indication (IND) to the terminal device (10), the indication (IND) notifying the terminal device (10) when to use the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2).

13. An apparatus (200') for a network device (20), the apparatus (200') comprising a component (202'), the component (202' being configured to enable the network device (20) to: receive (350) from a terminal device (10) first information (I-1) characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2), the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) being associated with a first radio cell (C-1) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a first device (ASD-1), and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) being associated with a second radio cell (C-2) at least temporarily provided to the terminal device (10) by a second device (ASD-2).

14. A network device (20), comprising: At least one device (200; 200') according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. A method for a network device (20), comprising: First information (I-1) characterizing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) is received (350) from a terminal device (10), wherein the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) is associated with a first radio cell (C-1) provided at least temporarily to the terminal device (10) by a first device (ASD-1), and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) is associated with a second radio cell (C-2) provided at least temporarily to the terminal device (10) by a second device (ASD-2).

16. An aerospace device (ASD-1), configured to: receive (380) first information (I-1) representing a difference between a first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) and a second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) from a terminal device (10), wherein the first timing advance value (TA-VAL-1) is associated with a first radio cell (C-1) provided at least temporarily to the terminal device (10) by the device (ASD-1), and the second timing advance value (TA-VAL-2) is associated with a second radio cell (C-2) provided at least temporarily to the terminal device (10) by another device (ASD-2); and send the first information (I-1) to a network device (20), such as a terrestrial network device, associated with at least the first radio cell (C-1).

17. A communication system (1000), comprising at least one of the following items: a) an apparatus (100; 100') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and / or b) a terminal device (10) according to claim 8, and / or c) an apparatus (200; 200') according to any one of claims 10 to 13, and / or d) a network device (20) according to claim 14, and / or e) an aerospace device (ASD-1) according to claim 16.

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