Time synchronization method and device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a time synchronization method and device and a storage medium, and is applied to a TSCTSF network element, and the method comprises the steps: determining a working clock domain corresponding to a terminal based on the position relation between the terminal and a group region, and distributing at least one working clock domain in the group region; sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used for performing time synchronization on the time of the terminal and a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; wherein the group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, subscription information and a port management information container (PMIC). According to the invention, the corresponding work clock domain is dynamically selected for the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a time synchronization method, device and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The 5G system (5G System, 5GS) supports providing time synchronization services for UE in a specific coverage area based on application function (Application Function, AF) request or terminal (User Equipment, UE) subscription.

[0003] The existing technology supports providing a time synchronization service synchronized to a specific clock domain for one or a group of UEs indicated in a specific coverage area, but cannot dynamically select a corresponding working clock domain for the terminal. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, the embodiments of the present application provide a time synchronization method, device and storage medium to solve the problem of being unable to dynamically select a corresponding working clock domain for a terminal.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a time synchronization method, which is applied to a time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network element, including:

[0006] Determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area;

[0007] Sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal;

[0008] The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

[0009] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0010] The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0011] The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0013] A terminal group corresponding to the working clock domain in the group area is updated, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

[0014] In some embodiments, determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0015] When the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0017] In a case where a plurality of working clock domains are allocated within the group area, determining a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC;

[0018] The target working clock domain is determined as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0019] In some embodiments, after determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the method further includes:

[0020] Determine whether to change a master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group or a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group corresponding to the terminal, the method further includes:

[0022] A terminal group corresponding to the terminal is determined according to the domain information or the subscription information.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0024] Activate a time synchronization service of the terminal based on a precision clock protocol or an access layer.

[0025] In some embodiments, determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0026] When the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0028] Determining the location status of the terminal includes any of the following:

[0029] Move out of the group area;

[0030] Move into the group area; or

[0031] About to move out of the group area.

[0032] In some embodiments, determining the location status of the terminal includes:

[0033] Receiving a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area;

[0034] Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or,

[0035] Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element;

[0036] Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or,

[0037] Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal;

[0038] Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0040] When the location status of the terminal is that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the information related to the terminal is deleted from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0042] In the case that the terminal is the master clock device, re-determination of the master clock device is triggered.

[0043] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0044] When the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the master clock function of the terminal is reactivated.

[0045] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0046] Sending configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

[0047] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0048] Sending a request message to an application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information;

[0049] Receive request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

[0050] In a second aspect, a time synchronization method is applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0051] Receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0052] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0053] Receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

[0054] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network element, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0055] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0056] Determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area;

[0057] Sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal;

[0058] The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

[0059] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0060] The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0061] The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0062] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0063] A terminal group corresponding to the working clock domain in the group area is updated, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

[0064] In some embodiments, determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0065] When the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

[0066] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0067] In a case where a plurality of working clock domains are allocated within the group area, determining a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC;

[0068] The target working clock domain is determined as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0069] In some embodiments, after determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the operation further includes:

[0070] Determine whether to change a master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group or a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group corresponding to the terminal, the operation further includes:

[0072] A terminal group corresponding to the terminal is determined according to the domain information or the subscription information.

[0073] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0074] Activate a time synchronization service of the terminal based on a precision clock protocol or an access layer.

[0075] In some embodiments, determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0076] When the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

[0077] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0078] Determining the location status of the terminal includes any of the following:

[0079] Move out of the group area;

[0080] Move into the group area; or

[0081] About to move out of the group area.

[0082] In some embodiments, determining the location status of the terminal includes:

[0083] Receiving a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area;

[0084] Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or,

[0085] Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element;

[0086] Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or,

[0087] Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal;

[0088] Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0089] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0090] When the location status of the terminal is that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the information related to the terminal is deleted from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

[0091] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0092] In the case that the terminal is the master clock device, re-determination of the master clock device is triggered.

[0093] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0094] When the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the master clock function of the terminal is reactivated.

[0095] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0096] Sending configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

[0097] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0098] Sending a request message to an application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information;

[0099] Receive request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

[0100] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a terminal, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0101] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0102] Receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0103] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0104] Receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

[0105] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a time synchronization device, including:

[0106] A first determination module is used to determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area;

[0107] A synchronization module, used to send time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal;

[0108] The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

[0109] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0110] The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0111] The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0112] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0113] An updating module is used to update a terminal group corresponding to a working clock domain in the group area, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

[0114] In some embodiments, the first determining module further includes:

[0115] The first determining submodule is configured to determine, when the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

[0116] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0117] A second determination module is used to determine a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC when multiple working clock domains are allocated within the group area;

[0118] The third determining module is used to determine the target working clock domain as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0119] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0120] The fourth determination module is used to determine whether to change the master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device is the terminal group corresponding to the terminal or the working clock domain.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0122] A fifth determining module is used to determine a terminal group corresponding to the terminal according to the domain information or the contract information.

[0123] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0124] The activation module is used to activate the time synchronization service of the terminal based on the precision clock protocol or the access layer.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first determining module further includes:

[0126] The second determining submodule is configured to determine, when the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

[0127] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0128] The sixth determining module is used to determine the location state of the terminal, including any one of the following:

[0129] Move out of the group area;

[0130] Move into the group area; or

[0131] About to move out of the group area.

[0132] In some embodiments, the sixth determination module is specifically used to: receive a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area;

[0133] Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or,

[0134] Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element;

[0135] Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or,

[0136] Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal;

[0137] Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0138] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0139] The deleting module is used to delete the information related to the terminal from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal when the location status of the terminal is moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area.

[0140] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0141] The trigger module is used to trigger the re-determination of the master clock device when the terminal is the master clock device.

[0142] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0143] The reactivation module is used to reactivate the master clock function of the terminal when the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device.

[0144] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0145] The first sending module is used to send configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

[0146] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0147] A second sending module is used to send a request message to the application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information;

[0148] The first receiving module is used to receive the request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

[0149] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a time synchronization device, including:

[0150] The second receiving module is used to receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0151] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0152] The third receiving module is used to receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

[0153] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the time synchronization method described in the first aspect or the second aspect as described above.

[0154] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a computer to execute the time synchronization method described in the first aspect or the second aspect as described above.

[0155] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the communication device to execute the time synchronization method described in the first aspect or the second aspect as described above.

[0156] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip product, wherein a computer program is stored in the chip product, and the computer program is used to enable the chip product to execute the time synchronization method described in the first aspect or the second aspect as described above.

[0157] The time synchronization method, device and storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present application first determine the group area through at least one of the domain information, contract information and port management information container PMIC, thereby dynamically determining the scope of the group area, and then dynamically determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal through the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, thereby dynamically selecting the corresponding working clock domain for the terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0158] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0159] Figure 1 This is the TSN network architecture diagram supported by 5GS;

[0160] Figure 2 This is the network architecture diagram of 5GS supporting TSC and time synchronization;

[0161] Figure 3 This is one of the application scenario diagrams provided by this application;

[0162] Figure 4 This is the second application scenario diagram provided by this application;

[0163] Figure 5 This is one of the flow charts of the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0164] Figure 6 This is the second flow chart of the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0165] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a time synchronization service based on (g)PTP provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0166] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the process of the access layer-based time synchronization service provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0167] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0168] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0169] Fig.11 This is one of the structural diagrams of the time synchronization device provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0170] Fig.12 This is the second structural diagram of the time synchronization device provided in the embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0171] Currently, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1 Time Sensitive Network (TSN) is becoming the standard Ethernet technology for Industry 4.0 aggregation networks. 5G networks and TSN networks can coexist in factory deployments and meet major requirements, such as the flexibility of 5G and the extremely low latency of TSN networks. 5G TSN technology will be widely used in industrial control, machine manufacturing, high-definition audio and video transmission and other fields.

[0172] 5G TSN technology requires transformation of terminals, base stations, transmission and core networks. Terminals and user plane functions (UPF) need to support TSN translator (TT) functions. 5G System 5GS can be regarded as a bridge, which consists of a port on the UPF (PDU session anchor (PSA)) side, a user plane tunnel between UE and UPF, and a port on the terminal side time-sensitive network translator (DS-TT).

[0173] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is the TSN network architecture diagram supported by 5GS. 5GS presents the system architecture of the bridge. The main network functions are introduced as follows:

[0174] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): registration, connection management, etc.

[0175] User Plan Function (UPF): External PDU session node interconnected with the data network, message routing and forwarding.

[0176] Session Management Function (SMF): session establishment and deletion, user plane selection and control, UE IP allocation, etc.

[0177] Application Function (AF): interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services. Based on the operator's deployment, the trusted AF can interact directly with the relevant network functions (NF), while the untrusted AF cannot interact directly with the NF, but should use the public framework through the network exposure function (NEF). TSN AF is the AF that interacts with the 5G system control plane on behalf of the TSN domain (including centralized network configuration (CUC) / centralized user configuration (CNC)).

[0178] Policy Control Function (PCF): Supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provides policy rules for control plane NF execution.

[0179] Unified Data Management (UDM): stores UE information, such as subscription information and information about established PDU sessions.

[0180] Network Exposure Function (NEF): Provides functions related to securely exposing the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP network to external networks.

[0181] Unified Data Repository (UDR): storage of contract data, retrieval of contract data by the UDM front end (FE), storage of policy information, and retrieval of policy information by the PCF.

[0182] 5G defines AF, which sends AF requests to the non-trusted domain (NEF) or the trusted domain (PCF), which include a series of parameters such as the target data network name (DNN), application ID, N6 routing requirements, and application location. Based on these information parameters provided by AF and its own policy control, PCF generates PCC (Policy and Charging Control) rules for the target PDU session service flow and selects a suitable UPF for it through SMF. TSN AF can interact with the 5G system control plane on behalf of the TSN domain (including CNC / CUC).

[0183] Based on the 3GPP Rel-16 standard, the 5G system is a transparent transmission bridge of the TSN network, and the entire 5G system is regarded as a time-aware system. The UE / terminal side TSN translator (Device-side TSN translator, DS-TT) and the UPF / network side TSN translator (Network-side TSN translator, NW-TT) are required to implement TSN translators and meet all functions defined by IEEE 802.1AS, such as supporting the generalized precision time protocol ((generalized) Precision Time Protocol, (g) PTP), timestamp, best master clock algorithm (Best Master Clock Algorithm, BMCA), etc. The UE, 5G base station (the next Generation Node B, gNB), and UPF are synchronized to the 5GGM to maintain the synchronization of network entities and synchronize with the TSN domain, achieving end-to-end downlink and uplink time synchronization.

[0184] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is the network architecture diagram of 5GS supporting TSC and time synchronization. Based on the 3GPP Rel-17 standard, the 5G system supports TSC (Time Sensitive Communication) and time synchronization services when TSN (including TSN CUC and TSN CNC) is not deployed.

[0185] In this architecture, a new core network element TSCTSF (Time Sensitive Communication and Time Synchronization function) is introduced. TSCTSF contains TSC and time synchronization service logic, and can control DS-TT(s) and NW-TT to form (g) PTP instance. UPF can support one or more NW-TT.

[0186] In industrial communication networks, a working clock domain is a TSN synchronization domain that is synchronized with a universal time and is used to synchronize a group of localized devices that collaborate to complete a specific task or work function. A working clock domain covers all devices in a local area that need to collaborate in the physical world, such as robots, robotic arms, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and conveyor belts. Working clock domains are constructed according to the needs of the production process.

[0187] A gNB usually serves multiple UEs. In some scenarios, multiple clock domains communicate with the same gNB. It is generally assumed that network planning will avoid spatial reuse of different clock domains communicating with the same gNB.

[0188] Figure 3 This is one of the application scenario diagrams provided by this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, there are working clock domains A to E, and the working clock domains A to E all communicate with gNB1. The working clock domains A to E constitute a global time domain, which is a synchronization domain using the International Atomic Time (Temps Atomique International, TAI) or a similar time scale.

[0189] For example, working clock domain A covers UE A1 and UE A2, the backend of UE A1 is connected to the TSN network, and the synchronization master clock (sync master) is a device serving as the master clock of the synchronization domain in the TSN network; working clock domain B covers UE B1 and UE B2, and the synchronization master clock is on a UE B2; working clock domain C covers UE C1 and UE C2, and the synchronization master clock is on a UE C1; working clock domain D covers UE D1 and UE D2, the backends of UE D1 and UE D2 are respectively connected to the TSN network, and the synchronization master clock is on the TSN network to which the backend of UE D2 is connected; working clock domain E covers UE E1 and UE E2, and the synchronization master clock is on the TSN network to which the backend of UE D2 is connected.

[0190] It can be seen that a UE backend may be connected to a TSN network, and the synchronization master clock of a working clock domain is in the working clock domain, and may be in one of the TSN networks of these UE backends (such as working clock domains A and D) or on one of the UEs (such as working clock domains B and C). TSN messages for time synchronization are sent in different working clock domains, for example, the path is from UE A1 via gNB to UE A2, and from UE D1 via gNB to UE D2. A device can belong to multiple working clock domains. An application can use one of the working clock domains as a reference clock for synchronization.

[0191] In an industrial communication network, a terminal can be a mobile machine. For example, when a mobile machine has moved to a desired location and stopped to remain stationary, the two interactive working clock domains of the stationary production line and the mobile machine must be synchronized with each other, otherwise subsequent interaction and collaboration will not be possible.

[0192] Figure 4 This is the second application scenario diagram provided by this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the left side is the process of mobile machine moving in, mobile machine 1 and mobile machine 2 are in working clock domain 1, and mobile machine 3 moves into working clock domain 1. After mobile machine 3 enters working clock domain 1, mobile machine 3 immediately synchronizes to the master clock of working clock domain 1, and mobile machine 3 forms a terminal group with mobile machine 1 and mobile machine 2. The right side is the process of mobile machine moving out, mobile machine 1 and mobile machine 2 are in working clock domain 1, mobile machine 3 moves out of working clock domain 1 and moves into working clock domain 2. After mobile machine 3 moves into working clock domain 2, mobile machine 3 immediately synchronizes to the master clock of working clock domain 2. The terminal group composition in working clock domain 1 changes from mobile machine 1, mobile machine 2 and mobile machine 3 to mobile machine 1 and mobile machine 2.

[0193] It can be seen that mobile machines can dynamically move in and out of the working clock domain / terminal group. For a newly moved mobile device, it can immediately synchronize with the terminal group (that is, synchronize to the master clock of the working clock domain), and for a mobile device that moves out, it can choose to synchronize to a new master clock and immediately synchronize with other terminal group members.

[0194] The existing technology uses the location of the UE to achieve synchronization of multiple UEs in the synchronization coverage area by establishing or removing the PTP port when the UE moves into or out of the time synchronization coverage area. Time synchronization services include time synchronization based on the (generalized) Precision Time Protocol ((g)PTP) and time synchronization based on the 5G access layer (Access Stratum, AS). For UE mobility, the following scenarios are supported:

[0195] 1) When the UE is located within the time synchronization coverage area, the TSCTSF determines to activate the time synchronization service for the UE / DS-TT, creates a PTP port on the DS-TT, and adds it to the PTP instance.

[0196] 2) When the UE is located outside the time synchronization coverage area, the TSCTSF determines not to activate the time synchronization service for the UE / DS-TT, and does not create a PTP port on the DS-TT.

[0197] 3) When the UE moves out of the time synchronization coverage area, the TSCTSF temporarily deletes the PTP port on the UE / DS-TT from the PTP instance.

[0198] 4) When the UE moves into the time synchronization coverage area, the TSCTSF adds the PTP port on the UE / DS-TT to the PTP instance.

[0199] The prior art utilizes the location of the UE to establish and remove PTP instances when moving into or out of a time synchronization coverage area, thereby achieving synchronization of multiple UEs within the time synchronization coverage area, but is unable to dynamically select a corresponding working clock domain for the terminal.

[0200] In response to the above technical problems, the present application proposes a time synchronization method to solve the problem of being unable to dynamically select a corresponding working clock domain for a terminal.

[0201] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0202] Figure 5 This is one of the flow charts of the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 5 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a time synchronization method, the execution subject of which may be a TSCTSF network element, and the method includes:

[0203] Step 510, based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, determine the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0204] Specifically, the TSCTSF network element obtains available subscription information from the UDM through the user permanent identifier (SUbs cription Permanent Identifier, SUPI).

[0205] The UE establishes a protocol data unit (PDU) session. During the session establishment process, the TSCTSF network element obtains the PMIC provided by the DS-TT.

[0206] The domain information may be stored locally or provided by the AF network element. When provided by the AF network element, the AF network element sends the domain information to the TSCTSF network element through the NEF network element.

[0207] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0208] The contract information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0209] PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0210] Specifically, the domain information includes: service area information, such as: tracking area (TA) list, cell identification code (Cell ID) list, etc.; working clock domain information, such as: domain number (domainNumber) list, 5G clock, 5G access stratum time distribution indication, etc.; terminal group information, such as: terminal group identifier, terminal identifier, etc.

[0211] The subscription information includes: the time synchronization coverage area (Time Synchronization Coverage Area) authorized for use by the terminal and the PTP domain (domain number) authorized for use by the terminal. The time synchronization coverage area is defined as a TA list or a Cell ID list.

[0212] The PMIC includes port management capabilities supported by DS-TT, such as clock quality, domain number, gPTP grandmaster capable, etc.

[0213] The group area is determined based on one or more of the domain information, the subscription information, and the port management information container PMIC.

[0214] For example, the TSCTSF network element confirms the TA / Cell IDs that allow the UE to activate the time synchronization service based on the TA list / Cell ID list in the subscription information, and uses these TA / Cell IDs as the Area of ​​Interest.

[0215] For example, the TSCTSF network element uses the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal as the group area according to the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal in the subscription information.

[0216] For example, the TSCTSF network element uses the working clock domain corresponding to the domain number in the domain number list as the group area according to the domain number list in the domain information.

[0217] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection domain number according to the domain number in the contract information and the domain number in the PMIC, and uses the working areas corresponding to these domain numbers as the group area.

[0218] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection TA in the two TA lists according to the TA list in the subscription information and the TA list in the domain information, and uses the intersection TA as the group area.

[0219] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection domain numbers according to the domain number list in the domain information and the domain numbers in the PMIC, and uses the areas corresponding to these domain numbers as group areas.

[0220] The group area may be an interest area, a time synchronization coverage area, a working clock domain, etc. At least one working clock domain is allocated in a group area, for example, 4 working clock domains are allocated in the group area.

[0221] After determining the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the position relationship between the terminal and the group area. The position relationship includes: the terminal is in the group area and the terminal is not in the group area.

[0222] When the terminal is in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the working clock domain allocated in the group area; when the terminal is not in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not the working clock domain allocated in the group area.

[0223] Step 520, sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0224] Specifically, after determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the TSCTSF network element sends time synchronization information to the terminal, and the time synchronization information may include Follow_Up and Announce messages, etc. The terminal synchronizes the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal according to the time synchronization information. The TSCTSF network element activates the time synchronization service for the UE / DS-TT, creates a PTP port on the DS-TT, and adds the PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0225] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application first determines the group area through at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC, thereby dynamically determining the scope of the group area, and then dynamically determines the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal through the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, thereby dynamically selecting the corresponding working clock domain for the terminal.

[0226] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0227] Sending request information to the application function AF network element; the request information is used to request domain information;

[0228] Receive the request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries domain information.

[0229] Specifically, before determining the group area, the TSCTSF network element needs to obtain domain information from the AF network element.

[0230] The process of obtaining domain information may be: the TSCTSF network element sends a request message to the AF network element to request domain information. After the AF network element receives the request message, the AF network element sends a request feedback message to the TSCTSF network element, and the request feedback message carries the domain information. The TSCTSF network element receives the request feedback message sent by the AF network element, parses the request feedback message, and thereby obtains the domain information carried in the request feedback message.

[0231] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes the acquisition of domain information by sending request information to the AF network element and receiving request feedback information sent by the AF network element, which is beneficial to the subsequent determination of the group area.

[0232] In some embodiments, determining a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0233] When the position relationship is that the terminal is not in the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

[0234] Specifically, when the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area is that the terminal is not in the group area, it means that the terminal cannot perform time synchronization with the working clock domain allocated in the group area, that is, the TSCTSF network element determines that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain allocated in the group area.

[0235] The TSCTSF network element does not add the UE / DS-TT to any terminal group / working clock domain in the group area, and determines that clock synchronization does not need to be activated and does not create a PTP port on the DS-TT.

[0236] In some embodiments, determining a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0237] When the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

[0238] Specifically, when the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area is that the terminal is within the group area, it means that the terminal can perform time synchronization with the working clock domain allocated in the group area, that is, the TSCTSF network element determines that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated in the group area.

[0239] In the case where a working clock domain is allocated in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain.

[0240] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0241] In the case where multiple working clock domains are allocated within the group area, determining a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information, and the PMIC;

[0242] The target working clock domain is determined as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0243] Specifically, when multiple working clock domains are allocated in the group area, the TSCTSF network element needs to determine a target working clock domain from the multiple working clock domains, and determine the target working clock domain as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0244] The TSCTSF network element determines the target working clock domain according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC.

[0245] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the current domain number to which the DS-TT belongs according to the PMIC, and determines the working clock domain corresponding to the current domain number as the target working clock domain.

[0246] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the working clock domain authorized to the terminal based on the contract information, and determines the target working clock domain from the working clock domain by random selection, priority of the working clock domain, and timing accuracy of the clock source corresponding to the working clock domain.

[0247] For example, the TSCTSF network element first determines the domain numbers supported by all terminals based on the domain information and PMIC; then determines the working clock domain corresponding to the domain numbers supported by all terminals and the same working clock domain among multiple working clock domains allocated in the group area, and determines the target working clock domain from the same working clock domain by random selection, based on the priority of the working clock domain, and based on the timing accuracy of the clock source corresponding to the working clock domain.

[0248] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application determines the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal according to at least one of the domain information, contract information and PMIC when multiple working clock domains are allocated in the group area, and further realizes dynamic selection of the working clock domain for the terminal.

[0249] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0250] A terminal group corresponding to a working clock domain in the group area is updated, wherein the terminal group includes terminals that are time synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

[0251] Specifically, all terminals executing a task can be regarded as a terminal group. There are one or more terminal groups in the group area. A terminal group includes terminals that are time synchronized with one or more clock domains in the group area, that is, a terminal group corresponds to one or more working clock domains. Terminals in multiple terminal groups can be time synchronized with one working clock domain.

[0252] According to actual task execution requirements, the TSCTSF network element may update the terminal groups within the group area, and the updating method may be to adjust the number of terminal groups and / or adjust the number of terminals within the terminal groups.

[0253] For example, the TSCTSF network element updates 5 terminal groups in the group area to 4 terminal groups. For another example, the TSCTSF network element adjusts 2 terminals in terminal group 1 to terminal group 2 in the group area.

[0254] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application dynamically establishes or updates the terminal group by updating the terminal group in the group area, thereby being more conducive to completing the tasks that the terminal group needs to perform.

[0255] In some embodiments, after determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes:

[0256] Determine whether to change the master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device is the terminal group corresponding to the terminal or the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0257] Specifically, after determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the TSCTSF network element determines whether to change the master clock device. The master clock device corresponds to the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, or it may correspond to the terminal group corresponding to the terminal. One terminal group corresponds to one master clock device, and one working clock domain corresponds to one master clock device.

[0258] The TSCTSF network element determines whether to change the master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC.

[0259] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines whether the terminal can serve as a master clock device based on the PMIC (the PMIC indicates gPTPgrandmaster capable).

[0260] When it is determined that the terminal can serve as the master clock device, the TSCTSF network element may determine to change the master clock device and use the terminal as the master clock device.

[0261] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the working clock domain according to the domain information, determines whether the terminal can be used as a master clock device according to the PMIC (indicated in the PMIC as gPTP grandmaster capable), and determines whether the terminal supports the determined working clock domain.

[0262] When it is determined that the terminal can serve as a master clock device and the terminal supports the determined working clock domain, the TSCTSF network element may determine to change the master clock device and use the terminal as the master clock device.

[0263] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines whether the working clock domain used by the authorized terminal is the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the contract information, and determines whether the terminal can be used as a master clock device based on the PMIC.

[0264] When it is determined that the terminal can serve as the master clock device and the working clock domain authorized for use by the terminal is the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the TSCTSF network element may determine to change the master clock device and use the terminal as the master clock device.

[0265] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application determines whether to change the master clock device based on at least one of domain information, contract information and PMIC, thereby dynamically determining the master clock device.

[0266] In some embodiments, when the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group corresponding to the terminal, the time synchronization method provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes:

[0267] Determine the terminal group corresponding to the terminal based on the domain information or contract information.

[0268] Specifically, for example, when the terminal is in a group area, the TSCTSF network element determines a specific working clock domain according to the domain information.

[0269] For example, when the terminal is in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the working clock domain of the authorized terminal according to the subscription information, and determines a specific working clock domain from the working clock domains of the authorized terminal.

[0270] For example, when the terminal is in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection domain number according to the domain number in the subscription information or domain information and the domain number in the PMIC, and determines a specific working clock domain from the working clock domains corresponding to the intersection domain number.

[0271] The method for determining the specific working clock domain can be random selection; or it can be to determine the priority corresponding to each working clock domain, and use the working clock domain corresponding to the highest priority as the specific working clock domain; it can also be to determine the working clock domain with the least number of corresponding terminals, and use the working clock domain with the least number of corresponding terminals as the specific working clock domain; it can also be to determine the specific working clock domain based on the timing accuracy of the clock source corresponding to the working clock domain.

[0272] After determining the specific working clock domain, the TSCTSF network element can synchronize the terminal to the specific working clock domain. The terminals synchronized to the same specific working clock domain will form a terminal group, thereby determining the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

[0273] A terminal group identifier is assigned to each terminal group, and identifiers are also assigned to the terminals in the terminal group, and the terminal group information is stored. For example, Group 1:{Internal Group ID 1(UE ID1,UE ID2),domain number 1,TAlist 1 / Cell ID list 1}, indicating that the terminal members in terminal group 1 are UE ID1, UE ID2, and terminal group 1 corresponds to domain number 1 and TA list 1 / Cell ID list 1.

[0274] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application determines the terminal group corresponding to the terminal according to the domain information or the contract information, and further realizes the dynamic establishment or update of the terminal group, which is more conducive to completing the tasks that the terminal group needs to perform.

[0275] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0276] Activate the terminal's time synchronization service based on the precision clock protocol or the access layer.

[0277] Specifically, after the terminal performs grouping and determines the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the TSCTSF network element activates the time synchronization service of the terminal based on the precise clock protocol or the access layer.

[0278] The TSCTSF network element activates the time synchronization service of the terminal based on the precision time protocol, and accordingly creates a PTP port in the DS-TT and adds the PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0279] The TSCTSF network element activates the terminal's access layer-based time synchronization service, that is, the TSCTSF network element instructs the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) through the AMF network element to activate the terminal to start the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0280] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0281] Determine the terminal's location status, including any of the following:

[0282] Move out of the group area;

[0283] Move into a group area; or

[0284] Moving out of group area.

[0285] Specifically, after determining the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the location state of the terminal, that is, the location state between the terminal and the group area. The location state includes: moving out of the group area, moving into the group area, and about to move out of the group area.

[0286] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application determines the location status of the terminal and subsequently confirms whether to perform a time synchronization operation based on the location status of the terminal.

[0287] In some embodiments, determining the location status of the terminal includes:

[0288] Receiving a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area;

[0289] Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or,

[0290] Receive the terminal's mobility information sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element;

[0291] Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or,

[0292] Obtaining location awareness information of the terminal;

[0293] Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0294] Specifically, the TSCTSF network element determines whether it has subscribed to the notification that the terminal is in the group area. If not, the TSCTSF network element discovers one or more AMF network elements that can serve the group area, and calls the Namf_EventExposure service operation to subscribe to the AMF network element serving the group area for notifications about whether the terminal is in the group area.

[0295] After determining to subscribe to the AMF network element for notifications about whether the terminal is in the group area, when the terminal enters or moves out of the group area, the AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to send a notification message to the TSCTSF network element to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area.

[0296] The TSCTSF network element receives the notification message sent by the AMF network element. Based on the notification message, the TSCTSF network element determines whether the terminal moves out of or into the group area.

[0297] For example, when receiving a notification message about the terminal for the first time, the TSCTSF network element determines that the terminal moves into the group area; when receiving a notification message about the terminal for the second time, the TSCTSF network element determines that the terminal moves out of the group area; and so on.

[0298] The NWDAF network element calls Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Response or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify to provide the TSCTSF network element with the mobility analysis of the terminal, that is, to send the mobility information to the TSCTSF network element. Optionally, the mobility information may be the moving direction of the terminal, or the predicted location of the terminal at the next moment.

[0299] The TSCTSF network element receives the movement information of the terminal sent by the NWDAF network element, and determines that the terminal is about to move out of the group area according to the movement information. For example, if the movement information indicates that the terminal moves toward the boundary of the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0300] The TSCTSF network element obtains the location perception information of the terminal through the perception device. Optionally, the location perception information may be the actual location coordinates of the terminal, or the location coordinates of the terminal relative to the group area, etc. Optionally, the perception device may be a location sensor, etc.

[0301] The TSCTSF network element receives the location sensing information sent by the sensing device, and determines that the terminal is about to move out of the group area based on the location sensing information. For example, if the location sensing information is the location coordinates of the terminal at the boundary of the moving-out group area, the TSCTSF network element determines that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0302] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application realizes the acquisition of the location status of the terminal through the notification message sent by the AMF network element, the mobile information sent by the NWDAF network element, or the location perception information sent by the perception device.

[0303] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0304] When the location status of the terminal is that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the information related to the terminal is deleted from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

[0305] Specifically, when it is determined that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the TSCTSF network element needs to delete the information related to the terminal from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

[0306] Deleting the information related to the terminal means deleting the terminal identifier and / or the port number of the DS-TT, and temporarily deleting the PTP port of the DS-TT from the PTP instance, or not starting the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0307] Combination Figure 4 Taking the mobile machine removal process on the right as an example, after the mobile machine 3 moves out of the working clock domain 1, the TSCTSF network element deletes the identification of the mobile machine 3 and / or the port number of the back-end DS-TT of the mobile machine 3 from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the mobile machine 3, and temporarily deletes the PTP port of the back-end DS-TT of the mobile machine 3 from the PTP instance; or, after the mobile machine 3 moves out of the working clock domain 1, the TSCTSF network element does not start the access layer-based time synchronization service for the mobile machine 3.

[0308] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0309] When the terminal is the master clock device, re-determination of the master clock device is triggered.

[0310] Specifically, when the terminal that is (about to) move out of the group area serves as the master clock device, the TSCTSF network element triggers the re-determination of other UEs / DS-TTs in the terminal group / working clock domain as the master clock devices, activates their master clock functions through PMIC, and configures them to send follow and announce messages.

[0311] Optionally, the TSCTSF network element re-determines the master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC. The process of confirming the master clock device is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0312] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0313] When the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the master clock function of the terminal is reactivated.

[0314] Specifically, when the AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element that the terminal has re-entered the original group area and the terminal is the master clock device, the TSCTSF network element reactivates the master clock function of the terminal, adds the terminal / DS-TT (for example, terminal identifier / DS-TT port number) to the terminal group / working clock domain, and adds the DS-TT PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0315] Combination Figure 4 Taking an example to illustrate, when mobile machine 3 is moved back into working clock domain 1 and mobile machine 3 is the master clock device, the TSCTSF network element reactivates the master clock function of mobile machine 3, and adds the identifier of mobile machine 3 and / or the port number of the backend DS-TT of mobile machine 3 to the information of the terminal group corresponding to mobile machine 3, and adds the PTP port of the backend DS-TT of mobile machine 3 from the PTP instance.

[0316] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0317] Send configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate or deactivate the master clock function.

[0318] Specifically, when the terminal moves into the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the TSCTSF network element sends configuration information to the terminal to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function.

[0319] When the terminal is not a master clock device, the TSCTSF network element sends configuration information to the terminal to instruct the terminal to deactivate the master clock function.

[0320] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application controls the master clock function of the terminal by sending configuration information to the terminal to instruct the terminal whether to activate the master clock function.

[0321] Figure 6 This is a second flow chart of the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a time synchronization method, the execution subject of which may be a terminal, and the method includes:

[0322] Step 610, receiving the time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0323] Specifically, the TSCTSF network element obtains available subscription information from the UDM through SUPI.

[0324] The UE establishes a PDU session. During the session establishment process, the TSCTSF network element obtains the PMIC provided by the DS-TT.

[0325] The domain information may be stored locally or provided by the AF network element. When provided by the AF network element, the AF network element sends the domain information to the TSCTSF network element through the NEF network element.

[0326] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0327] The contract information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0328] PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0329] Specifically, the domain information includes: service area information, such as: TA list, Cell ID list, etc.; working clock domain information, such as: domain number list, 5G clock, 5G access layer time distribution indication, etc.; terminal group information, such as: terminal group identifier, terminal identifier, etc.

[0330] The contract information includes: the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal (and the PTP domain (domain number) authorized for use by the terminal. The time synchronization coverage area is defined as a TA list or a Cell ID list.

[0331] PMIC includes port management capabilities supported by DS-TT, such as clock quality, domain numbering, gPTP master clock capabilities, etc.

[0332] The group area is determined based on one or more of the domain information, the subscription information, and the port management information container PMIC.

[0333] For example, the TSCTSF network element confirms the TA / Cell IDs that allow the UE to activate the time synchronization service based on the TA list / Cell ID list in the subscription information, and uses these TA / Cell IDs as areas of interest.

[0334] For example, the TSCTSF network element uses the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal as the group area according to the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal in the subscription information.

[0335] For example, the TSCTSF network element uses the working clock domain corresponding to the domain number in the domain number list as the group area according to the domain number list in the domain information.

[0336] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection domain number according to the domain number in the contract information and the domain number in the PMIC, and uses the working areas corresponding to these domain numbers as the group area.

[0337] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection TA in the two TA lists according to the TA list in the subscription information and the TA list in the domain information, and uses the intersection TA as the group area.

[0338] For example, the TSCTSF network element determines the intersection domain numbers according to the domain number list in the domain information and the domain numbers in the PMIC, and uses the areas corresponding to these domain numbers as group areas.

[0339] The group area may be an interest area, a time synchronization coverage area, a working clock domain, etc. At least one working clock domain is allocated in a group area, for example, 4 working clock domains are allocated in the group area.

[0340] After determining the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the position relationship between the terminal and the group area. The position relationship includes: the terminal is in the group area and the terminal is not in the group area.

[0341] When the terminal is in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the working clock domain allocated in the group area; when the terminal is not in the group area, the TSCTSF network element determines that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not the working clock domain allocated in the group area.

[0342] After determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the terminal receives the time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element, which includes Follow_Up and Announce messages. The terminal synchronizes the terminal time with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal according to the time synchronization information. The TSCTSF network element activates the time synchronization service for the UE / DS-TT, creates a PTP port on the DS-TT, and adds the PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0343] The time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application first determines the group area through at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC, thereby dynamically determining the scope of the group area, and then dynamically determines the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal through the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, thereby dynamically selecting the corresponding working clock domain for the terminal.

[0344] In some embodiments, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes:

[0345] Receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

[0346] Specifically, when the terminal moves into the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the terminal receives configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element, and the configuration information instructs the terminal to activate the master clock function.

[0347] When the terminal is not a master clock device, the terminal receives configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element, where the configuration information instructs the terminal to deactivate the master clock function.

[0348] In the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal receives configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element to indicate whether to activate the master clock function, thereby realizing control over the master clock function.

[0349] In some embodiments, based on the mobility of the UE, the 5GC adds or removes the UE from the terminal group / working clock domain and activates the (g)PTP-based time synchronization service accordingly.

[0350] Figure 7 : is a flow chart of a time synchronization service based on (g)PTP provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0351] Step 701: UE initiates PDU session establishment, and TSCTSF network element receives PMIC sent by DS-TT.

[0352] The UE establishes a PDU session. During the session establishment process, the TSCTSF network element obtains the PMIC provided by the DS-TT, including the port management capabilities supported by the DS-TT, such as clock quality, domain number, gPTP master clock capability, etc.

[0353] Step 702: The PCF network element selects a TSC TSF network element and instructs the UE to connect to a specific DNN / S-NSSAI.

[0354] The PCF network element determines whether the PDU session is related to the time synchronization service. If it is determined that the PDU session is related to the time synchronization service, the PCF network element selects the TSC TSF network element through Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify and instructs the UE to connect to the specific DNN / network slice selection assistance information (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, S-NSSAI). The specific DNN / S-NSSAI is configured as a time synchronization service based on (g)PTP.

[0355] Step 703: The TSCTSF network element obtains the contract information.

[0356] The TSCTSF network element obtains the available subscription information (Time SynchronizationSubscription Data) from the UDM via SUPI. Based on the subscription information, it determines that the specific DNN / S-NSSAI and UE identity allow the (g)PTP based time synchronization service.

[0357] Step 704, TSCTSF determines the group area and subscribes to the AMF network element for notification that the UE is in the group area, and subscribes to changes in the port management information of the DS-TT.

[0358] The TSCTSF network element determines the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the subscription information, and the PMIC.

[0359] The domain information includes: service area information, such as a TA list; working clock domain, such as a domain number list; terminal group information, such as a terminal group identifier and a terminal identifier.

[0360] The domain information may be stored locally or provided by the AF network element. When provided by the AF network element, the AF network element sends the domain information to the TSCTSF network element through the NEF network element. The domain information includes the clock domain (ie, a list of domain numbers).

[0361] The subscription information includes: a time synchronization coverage area (Time Synchronization Coverage Area) and a PTP domain (domain number). The time synchronization coverage area is defined as a tracking area (Tracking Area, TA) list or a cell identification code (Cell ID) list.

[0362] The TSCTSF network element determines whether it has subscribed to the notification that the UE is in the group area. If not, the TSCTSF network element discovers one or more AMF network elements that can serve the group area, and calls the Namf_EventExposure service operation to subscribe to the AMF network element serving the group area for notifications about whether the UE is in the group area.

[0363] Optionally, the TSCTSF network element subscribes to the UE's mobility analysis from a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) network element, and the NWDAF network element provides the result of the mobility analysis, ie, mobility information, to the TSCTSF network element.

[0364] Optionally, the TSCTSF network element builds a PMIC for the DS-TT / UE to subscribe to changes in the port management information of the DS-TT.

[0365] Step 705: When the UE is located in the group area, the TSCTSF network element adds the UE / DS-TT to the corresponding terminal group / working clock domain and activates time synchronization.

[0366] The TSCTSF network element receives the notification information from the AMF network element and determines that the UE is in the group area. The TSCTSF adds the UE / DS-TT (e.g., UE identifier / DS-TT port number) to the corresponding terminal group / working clock domain.

[0367] If the group area has multiple terminal groups / working clock domains, the TSCTSF determines which terminal group / working clock domain to add the UE / DS-TT to based on at least one of the domain information, subscription information, and PMIC.

[0368] The TSCTSF network element activates the (g)PTP time synchronization service, and accordingly creates a PTP port in the DS-TT and adds the PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0369] Optionally, TSCTSF determines whether it is necessary to change the master clock device (Grandmaster) of the current terminal group / working clock domain based on any one of the domain information, PMIC (e.g., gPTP grandmaster capable), and contract data.

[0370] If you need to use this UE as a master clock device, activate its grandmaster functionality and configure it to send Follow_Up and Announce messages. And update the time synchronization service of other UEs to synchronize them to the new master clock.

[0371] Step 706: When the UE is not located in the group area, the TSCTSF network element does not activate time synchronization.

[0372] If the current UE location is not in any group area, the TSCTSF network element does not add the UE / DS-TT to any terminal group / working clock domain, and determines that clock synchronization does not need to be activated and does not create a PTP port on the DS-TT.

[0373] Step 707: When the UE moves out of the group area, the TSCTSF network element deletes the information related to the terminal from the terminal group / working clock domain.

[0374] When the UE is (about to) move out of the group area, the TSCTSF network element deletes the UE identifier / DS-TT port number from the terminal group / working clock domain, and temporarily deletes the DS-TT PTP port of the PTP instance.

[0375] Determine that the UE is (about to) move out of the group area in one of the following ways:

[0376] Method 1: The AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element. The TSCTSF network element determines that the UE has moved out of the group area based on the notification message.

[0377] Method 2: The NWDAF network element calls Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Response or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify to provide the TSCTSF network element with the UE's mobility information. The TSCTSF network element determines that the UE is about to move out of the group area based on the mobility information.

[0378] Method three: The TSC TSF network element obtains the location perception information of the UE through a perception device, and determines that the UE is about to move out of the group area based on the location perception information.

[0379] At the same time, if the UE / DS-TT that is about to move out of the group area is used as the master clock device, the TSCTSF network element triggers the re-determination of other UE / DS-TTs in the terminal group / working clock domain as the master clock devices, activates their master clock function through PMIC, and configures them to send follow and announce messages.

[0380] Step 708: When the UE re-enters the original group area, the TSCTSF network element adds the UE / DS-TT to the terminal group and adds the DS-TT PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0381] The AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element that the UE has re-entered the original group area. The TSCTSF network element adds the UE / DS-TT (e.g., UE identifier / DS-TT port number) in the terminal group / working clock domain and adds the DS-TT PTP port to the PTP instance.

[0382] If it is confirmed that the UE / DS-TT is still the master clock device, reactivate its master clock function.

[0383] Step 709: When the UE enters a new group area, the TSCTSF network element executes step 705.

[0384] The AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element that the UE has entered a new group area. The TSCTSF network element executes step 705 and activates the (g)PTP time synchronization service accordingly.

[0385] In some embodiments, based on the mobility of the UE, the 5GC adds or removes the UE from the terminal group / working clock domain and activates the access layer-based time synchronization service accordingly.

[0386] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a time synchronization service based on the access layer provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 8 As shown, the following steps are included:

[0387] Step 801, the UE performs a registration process, and the AMF network element obtains access and mobility subscription data.

[0388] The subscription information includes the access stratum time synchronization service (Access Stratum Time Synchronization Service) and coverage area (coverage area) allowed by this UE identity.

[0389] Step 802: The TSC TSF network element determines the group area and subscribes to the AMF network element for notification that the UE is in the group area.

[0390] The TSCTSF network element determines the group area based on the domain information and / or subscription information.

[0391] The domain information includes: service area information, such as TA list / Cell ID list; working clock domain information, such as domain number list, 5G clock, 5G access stratum time distribution indication; terminal group information, such as terminal group identifier, terminal identifier.

[0392] The domain information may be stored locally or provided by the AF network element. When provided by the AF network element, the AF network element sends the domain information to the TSCTSF network element through the NEF network element. The domain information includes the clock domain (ie, a list of domain numbers).

[0393] Contract information includes: access and mobile subscription data.

[0394] The TSCTSF network element determines whether it has subscribed to the notification that the UE is in the group area. If not, the TSCTSF network element discovers one or more AMF network elements that can serve the group area, and calls the Namf_EventExposure service operation to subscribe to the AMF network element serving the group area for notifications about whether the UE is in the group area.

[0395] Step 803: When the UE is located in the group area, the TSCTSF network element adds the UE / DS-TT to the corresponding terminal group / working clock domain and starts the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0396] The TSCTSF network element receives the notification information from the AMF network element and determines that the UE is in the group area. The TSCTSF network element then adds the UE / DS-TT (for example, UE identifier / DS-TT port number) to the corresponding terminal group / working clock domain (i.e. synchronized to the 5G clock).

[0397] The TSCTSF network element instructs the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) through the AMF network element to start the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0398] Step 804: When the UE is not located in the group area, the TSCTSF network element does not start the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0399] If the current UE location is not in any group area, the TSCTSF network element does not add the UE / DS-TT to any terminal group / working clock domain, and determines that clock synchronization does not need to be activated and does not create a PTP port on the DS-TT.

[0400] Step 805: When the UE (is about to) move out of the group area, the TSCTSF network element deletes the UE identifier / DS-TT port number from the terminal group / working clock domain and does not start the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0401] Determine that the UE is (about to) move out of the group area in one of the following ways:

[0402] Method 1: The AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element. The TSCTSF network element determines that the UE has moved out of the group area based on the notification message.

[0403] Method 2: The NWDAF network element calls Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Response or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify to provide the TSCTSF network element with the UE's mobility information. The TSCTSF network element determines that the UE is about to move out of the group area based on the mobility information.

[0404] Method three: The TSC TSF network element obtains the location perception information of the UE through a perception device, and determines that the UE is about to move out of the group area based on the location perception information.

[0405] Step 806: When the UE re-enters the original group area, the TSCTSF network element adds the UE / DS-TT in the terminal group / working clock domain and starts access layer time distribution.

[0406] The AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element that the UE has re-entered the original group area. The TSCTSF network element then adds the UE / DS-TT (for example, UE identifier / DS-TT port number) in the terminal group / working clock domain and starts the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0407] Step 807: When the UE enters a new group area, the TSCTSF network element executes step 803.

[0408] The AMF network element calls Namf_EventExposure_Notify to notify the TSCTSF network element that the UE enters a new group area. The TSCTSF network element executes step 803 to start the access layer-based time synchronization service.

[0409] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig. 9 As shown, the network element includes a memory 920, a transceiver 900, and a processor 910, wherein:

[0410] The memory 920 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 900 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 910; the processor 910 is used to read the computer program in the memory 920 and perform the following operations:

[0411] Determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area;

[0412] Sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal;

[0413] The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

[0414] Specifically, the transceiver 900 is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor 910.

[0415] Among them, Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically one or more processors represented by processor 910 and various circuits of memory represented by memory 920 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 900 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, which transmission medium may include a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and other transmission media. The processor 910 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 920 may store data used by the processor 910 when performing operations.

[0416] The processor 910 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0417] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0418] The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0419] The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0420] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0421] A terminal group corresponding to the working clock domain in the group area is updated, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

[0422] In some embodiments, determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0423] When the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

[0424] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0425] In a case where a plurality of working clock domains are allocated within the group area, determining a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC;

[0426] The target working clock domain is determined as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0427] In some embodiments, after determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the operation further includes:

[0428] Determine whether to change a master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group or a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0429] In some embodiments, when the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group corresponding to the terminal, the operation further includes:

[0430] A terminal group corresponding to the terminal is determined according to the domain information or the subscription information.

[0431] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0432] Activate a time synchronization service of the terminal based on a precision clock protocol or an access layer.

[0433] In some embodiments, determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area includes:

[0434] When the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

[0435] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0436] Determining the location status of the terminal includes any of the following:

[0437] Move out of the group area;

[0438] Move into the group area; or

[0439] About to move out of the group area.

[0440] In some embodiments, determining the location status of the terminal includes:

[0441] Receiving a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area;

[0442] Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or,

[0443] Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element;

[0444] Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or,

[0445] Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal;

[0446] Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0447] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0448] When the location status of the terminal is that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the information related to the terminal is deleted from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

[0449] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0450] In the case that the terminal is the master clock device, re-determination of the master clock device is triggered.

[0451] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0452] When the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the master clock function of the terminal is reactivated.

[0453] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0454] Sending configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

[0455] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0456] Sending a request message to an application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information;

[0457] Receive request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

[0458] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned network element provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the above-mentioned execution subject is the TSCTSF network element, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0459] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.10 As shown, the terminal includes a memory 1020, a transceiver 1000, and a processor 1010, wherein:

[0460] The memory 1020 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1000 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1010; the processor 1010 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1020 and perform the following operations:

[0461] Receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0462] Among them, Fig.10In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically one or more processors represented by processor 1010 and various circuits of memory represented by memory 1020 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1000 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical cables, and other transmission media. For different user devices, the user interface 1030 may also be an interface capable of externally and internally connecting required devices, and the connected devices include but are not limited to a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, and the like.

[0463] The processor 1010 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1020 can store data used by the processor 1010 when performing operations.

[0464] Optionally, the processor 1010 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and the processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0465] The processor calls the computer program stored in the memory to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application according to the obtained executable instructions. The processor and the memory can also be arranged physically separately.

[0466] In some embodiments, the operations further include:

[0467] Receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

[0468] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned terminal provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the above-mentioned execution subject is the terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0469] Fig.11 is one of the structural diagrams of the time synchronization device provided in the embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.11As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a time synchronization device, including a first determination module 1110 and a synchronization module 1120; wherein:

[0470] A first determining module 1110 is configured to determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area;

[0471] The synchronization module 1120 is used to send time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal;

[0472] The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

[0473] In some embodiments, the domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information;

[0474] The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal;

[0475] The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

[0476] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0477] An updating module is used to update a terminal group corresponding to a working clock domain in the group area, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

[0478] In some embodiments, the first determining module 1110 further includes:

[0479] The first determining submodule is configured to determine, when the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

[0480] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0481] A second determination module is used to determine a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC when multiple working clock domains are allocated within the group area;

[0482] The third determining module is used to determine the target working clock domain as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

[0483] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0484] The fourth determination module is used to determine whether to change the master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device is the terminal group corresponding to the terminal or the working clock domain.

[0485] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0486] A fifth determining module is used to determine a terminal group corresponding to the terminal according to the domain information or the contract information.

[0487] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0488] The activation module is used to activate the time synchronization service of the terminal based on the precision clock protocol or the access layer.

[0489] In some embodiments, the first determining module 1110 further includes:

[0490] The second determining submodule is configured to determine, when the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

[0491] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0492] The sixth determining module is used to determine the location state of the terminal, including any one of the following:

[0493] Move out of the group area;

[0494] Move into the group area; or

[0495] About to move out of the group area.

[0496] In some embodiments, the sixth determination module is specifically used to: receive a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area;

[0497] Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or,

[0498] Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element;

[0499] Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or,

[0500] Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal;

[0501] Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

[0502] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0503] The deleting module is used to delete the information related to the terminal from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal when the location status of the terminal is moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area.

[0504] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0505] The trigger module is used to trigger the re-determination of the master clock device when the terminal is the master clock device.

[0506] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0507] The reactivation module is used to reactivate the master clock function of the terminal when the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device.

[0508] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0509] The first sending module is used to send configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

[0510] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0511] A second sending module is used to send a request message to the application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information;

[0512] The first receiving module is used to receive the request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

[0513] It should be noted here that the time synchronization device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the above-mentioned execution subject is the TSCTSF network element, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0514] Fig.12 This is a second structural diagram of the time synchronization device provided in the embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.12 As shown, the embodiment of the present application further provides a time synchronization device, including a second receiving module 1210; wherein:

[0515] The second receiving module 1210 is used to receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

[0516] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

[0517] The third receiving module is used to receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

[0518] It should be noted here that the time synchronization device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the above-mentioned execution subject is the terminal, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0519] It should be noted that the division of units / modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0520] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or a processor (processor) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0521] In some embodiments, a non-transitory readable storage medium is further provided, wherein the non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the time synchronization method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0522] Specifically, the above-mentioned non-transitory readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as the method embodiments in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0523] It should be noted that the non-transitory readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO), etc.), optical storage (such as CD, DVD, BD, HVD, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state drive (SSD)), etc.

[0524] In some embodiments, a processor-readable storage medium is further provided, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the time synchronization method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0525] Specifically, the processor-readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiments will not be described in detail herein.

[0526] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a computer to execute the time synchronization method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0527] Specifically, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0528] In some embodiments, a communication device is further provided, wherein a computer program is stored in the communication device, and the computer program is used to enable the communication device to execute the time synchronization method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0529] Specifically, the above-mentioned communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as the method embodiments in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0530] In some embodiments, a chip product is further provided, wherein a computer program is stored in the chip product, and the computer program is used to enable the chip product to execute the time synchronization method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0531] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here, and the objects distinguished by "first" and "second" are generally of the same type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more.

[0532] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0533] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0534] In this application, "determine B based on A" means that the factor A should be considered when determining B. It is not limited to "B can be determined based on A alone", but should also include: "determine B based on A and C", "determine B based on A, C and E", "determine C based on A, and further determine B based on C", etc. In addition, it can also include taking A as a condition for determining B, for example, "when A meets the first condition, use the first method to determine B"; for example, "when A meets the second condition, determine B", etc.; for example, "when A meets the third condition, determine B based on the first parameter", etc. Of course, it can also be a condition that takes A as a factor for determining B, for example, "when A meets the first condition, use the first method to determine C, and further determine B based on C", etc.

[0535] The technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, the applicable system can be a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, a LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, a 5G new radio (NR) system, etc. These various systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), etc.

[0536] The terminal device involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with a wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called a user equipment (UE). A wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or a "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges language and / or data with a wireless access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal device, an access terminal device, a user terminal device, a user agent, and a user device, but is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0537] The network device involved in the embodiment of the present application may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services for the terminal. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in the access network that communicates with the wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device may be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, and serve as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device may also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present application may be a network device (Base Transceiver Station, BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (Global System for Mobile communications, GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA), or a network device (NodeB) in Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), or an evolutionary network device (evolutional Node B, eNB or e-NodeB) in the long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in the 5G network architecture (next generation system), or a home evolved Node B (Home evolved Node B, HeNB), a relay node, a home base station (femto), a pico base station (pico), etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be arranged geographically separately.

[0538] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the form and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO or massive-MIMO, or it can be diversity transmission, precoding transmission or beamforming transmission, etc.

[0539] 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 adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0540] 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 embodiments of 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 executable instructions. These computer executable 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 generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0541] These processor executable instructions may also be stored in a processor 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 processor readable memory produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0542] These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for executing on the computer or other programmable device to implement the process. Figure 1A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0543] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application belong to the scope of the present application and its equivalent technology, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A time synchronization method, characterized in that: Applied to time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function TSCTSF network elements, including: Determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area; Sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

2. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information; The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal; The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

3. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A terminal group corresponding to the working clock domain in the group area is updated, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

4. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determining, based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal includes: When the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

5. The time synchronization method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In a case where a plurality of working clock domains are allocated within the group area, determining a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; The target working clock domain is determined as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

6. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the method further includes: Determine whether to change a master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group or a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

7. The time synchronization method according to claim 6, characterized in that: In a case where the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group corresponding to the terminal, the method further includes: A terminal group corresponding to the terminal is determined according to the domain information or the subscription information.

8. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Activate a time synchronization service of the terminal based on a precision clock protocol or an access layer.

9. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determining, based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal includes: When the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

10. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Determining the location status of the terminal includes any of the following: Move out of the group area; Move into the group area; or About to move out of the group area.

11. The time synchronization method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The determining the location state of the terminal includes: Receiving a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area; Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or, Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element; Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or, Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal; Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

12. The time synchronization method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the location status of the terminal is that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the information related to the terminal is deleted from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

13. The time synchronization method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In the case that the terminal is the master clock device, re-determination of the master clock device is triggered.

14. The time synchronization method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The method further comprises: When the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the master clock function of the terminal is reactivated.

15. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

16. The time synchronization method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Sending a request message to an application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information; Receive request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

17. A time synchronization method, characterized in that: Applied to terminals, including: Receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

18. The time synchronization method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

19. A network element, characterized in that: Including memory, transceiver, processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area; Sending time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

20. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The domain information includes at least one of service area information, working clock domain information, and terminal group information; The subscription information is used to characterize the time synchronization coverage area authorized for use by the terminal and / or the working clock domain information authorized for use by the terminal; The PMIC is used to characterize the working clock domain port information supported by the terminal.

21. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The operations also include: A terminal group corresponding to the working clock domain in the group area is updated, wherein the terminal group includes terminals synchronized with one or more working clock domains in the group area.

22. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The determining, based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal includes: When the position relationship is that the terminal is within the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is the working clock domain allocated within the group area.

23. The network element according to claim 22, characterized in that: The operations also include: In a case where a plurality of working clock domains are allocated within the group area, determining a target working clock domain within the group area according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; The target working clock domain is determined as the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

24. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: After determining the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal, the operation further includes: Determine whether to change a master clock device according to at least one of the domain information, the contract information and the PMIC; the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group or a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal.

25. The network element according to claim 24, characterized in that: In a case where the master clock device corresponds to a terminal group corresponding to the terminal, the operation further includes: A terminal group corresponding to the terminal is determined according to the domain information or the subscription information.

26. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The operations also include: Activate a time synchronization service of the terminal based on a precision clock protocol or an access layer.

27. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The determining, based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal includes: When the position relationship is that the terminal is not located in the group area, it is determined that the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is not any working clock domain in the group area.

28. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The operations also include: Determining the location status of the terminal includes any of the following: Move out of the group area; Move into the group area; or About to move out of the group area.

29. The network element according to claim 28, characterized in that: The determining the location state of the terminal includes: Receiving a notification message sent by an access and mobility management function AMF network element; the notification message is used to indicate whether the terminal is in the group area; Based on the notification message, determining that the terminal moves out of or into the group area; or, Receiving the mobile information of the terminal sent by the network data analysis function NWDAF network element; Determining, based on the movement information, that the terminal is about to move out of the group area; or, Acquiring location awareness information of the terminal; Based on the location awareness information, it is determined that the terminal is about to move out of the group area.

30. The network element according to claim 28, characterized in that The operations also include: When the location status of the terminal is that the terminal has moved out of the group area or is about to move out of the group area, the information related to the terminal is deleted from the information of the terminal group corresponding to the terminal.

31. The network element according to claim 30, characterized in that: The operations also include: In the case that the terminal is the master clock device, re-determination of the master clock device is triggered.

32. The network element according to claim 30, characterized in that: The operations also include: When the terminal re-enters the group area and the terminal is a master clock device, the master clock function of the terminal is reactivated.

33. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that: The operations also include: Sending configuration information to the terminal; the configuration information is used to instruct the terminal to activate the master clock function or deactivate the master clock function.

34. The network element according to claim 19, characterized in that The operations also include: Sending a request message to an application function AF network element; the request message is used to request the domain information; Receive request feedback information sent by the AF network element, where the request feedback information carries the domain information.

35. A terminal, characterized in that: Including memory, transceiver, processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Receive time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

36. The terminal according to claim 35, characterized in that The operations also include: Receive configuration information sent by the TSCTSF network element; the configuration information is used to indicate activation of the master clock function or deactivation of the master clock function.

37. A time synchronization device, characterized in that: include: A first determination module is used to determine a working clock domain corresponding to the terminal based on a positional relationship between the terminal and the group area, wherein at least one working clock domain is allocated in the group area; A synchronization module, used to send time synchronization information to the terminal; the time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; The group area is determined based on at least one of domain information, contract information, and a port management information container PMIC.

38. A time synchronization device, characterized in that: include: The second receiving module is used to receive the time synchronization information sent by the TSCTSF network element; The time synchronization information is used to synchronize the time of the terminal with the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal; the working clock domain corresponding to the terminal is determined based on the positional relationship between the terminal and the group area; the group area is determined based on at least one of the domain information, contract information, and port management information container PMIC.

39. A non-transitory readable storage medium, characterized in that: The non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the time synchronization method described in any one of claims 1 to 16, or execute the time synchronization method described in any one of claims 17 to 18.

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