Satellite communication method and device

Abstract

A satellite communication method and device are applied to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the steps that after a first communication device reports first duration information, under the condition that GNSS effective duration of the first communication device changes, second duration information can be reported again, and correspondingly, a second communication device can receive the first duration information and the second duration information. Wherein the first duration information can be used for indicating a GNSS first residual effective duration of the first communication device, and the GNSS first residual effective duration is determined based on the GNSS effective duration of the first communication device. The second duration information can be used for indicating a GNSS second residual effective duration of the first communication device, and the GNSS second residual effective duration is determined based on the changed GNSS effective duration. The method can effectively increase the communication duration of the first communication device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Satellite communications have their own unique advantages over terrestrial communications, such as providing a wider coverage area; satellite base stations are not easily damaged by natural disasters or external forces. The introduction of satellite communications can provide communication services for areas such as oceans and forests that are not covered by terrestrial communication networks; enhance the reliability of communications, such as ensuring that airplanes, trains, and users of these transportations receive better communication services; provide more data transmission resources for communications, and increase the speed of the network. Therefore, supporting communications with both the ground and satellites at the same time has relatively large benefits in terms of wide coverage, reliability, multiple connections, and high throughput.

[0003] At present, satellite communication has been introduced in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard as a communication scenario for the 5th generation (5G) communication, called non-terrestrial network (NTN). NTN can not only support various types of 5G terminals, but also support terminals of the Internet of Things (IoT). The biggest feature of satellite communication is high mobility and large communication delay. Therefore, compared with the ground, the terminal needs to synchronize based on the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or ephemeris information on the basis of uplink synchronization. For example, after the terminal reports the GNSS information, it can maintain the connection state within a certain effective time. After the GNSS fails, the terminal device enters the idle state.

[0004] However, the above method causes the terminal device to continuously initiate random access to enter the connection state and exit the connection state, so that the terminal device cannot maintain communication for a long time. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a satellite communication method and apparatus, which can effectively increase the communication duration of a terminal device.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite communication method, characterized in that the method is applied to a first communication device, which may refer to a terminal device itself, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the terminal device, and the method includes:

[0007] Reporting first duration information, where the first duration information is used to indicate a first remaining valid duration of a global navigation satellite system GNSS of the first communication device, and the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the GNSS valid duration of the first communication device; and in the event that the GNSS valid duration changes, reporting second duration information, where the second duration information is used to indicate a second remaining valid duration of the GNSS of the first communication device, and the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the changed GNSS valid duration.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present application, for the same GNSS measurement, when the GNSS effective time changes, the first communication device reports the remaining GNSS effective time again, so that the second communication device can schedule the first communication device to perform GNSS measurement based on the latest remaining GNSS effective time, thereby enabling the first communication device to continue to communicate with the second communication device within the GNSS validity period, thereby achieving long-term communication, and also avoiding the signaling overhead caused by the terminal device constantly entering and exiting the connection state, thereby reducing the signaling overhead.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the second duration information includes the value of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the index of the value of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS; or, the second duration information includes the difference between the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the index of the difference; or, the second duration information includes one-bit indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate shortening the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the indication information is used to indicate extending the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, and the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is D, and D is a real number greater than 0.

[0010] In a possible implementation manner, the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the valid duration of the GNSS and a first reference time.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the valid duration of the GNSS and a second reference time.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, the second reference time is determined based on the time of reporting the second duration information; or, the second reference time is the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, the change in the GNSS effective duration includes at least one of the following situations: a situation where the change value of the GNSS effective duration is greater than a threshold value; a situation where the GNSS effective duration becomes shorter.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the second duration information is also used by the first communication device to request to perform GNSS measurement.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0016] If no GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining valid time of the GNSS, the idle state is entered, and the GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform GNSS measurement; or, if no GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining valid time of the GNSS, a timer is started and GNSS measurement is performed, and if the GNSS measurement is completed within the timing duration of the timer, communication with the second communication device continues, and the start time of the timer is the end time of the second remaining valid time of the GNSS.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0018] In a case where GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, GNSS measurement is performed, where the GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform the GNSS measurement.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite communication method, which is applied to a second communication device, which may refer to a network device itself, or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the network device, and the method includes:

[0020] Receive first duration information, where the first duration information is used to indicate a first remaining valid duration of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) of a first communication device, where the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the GNSS valid duration of the first communication device; and receive second duration information when the GNSS valid duration changes, where the second duration information is used to indicate a second remaining valid duration of the GNSS of the first communication device, where the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the changed GNSS valid duration.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0022] Within the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS indicated by the second duration information, GNSS measurement information is sent, where the GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the second duration information includes the value of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the index of the value of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS; or, the second duration information includes the difference between the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the index of the difference; or, the second duration information includes one-bit indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate shortening the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the indication information is used to indicate extending the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, and the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is D, and D is a real number greater than 0.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the valid duration of the GNSS and a first reference time.

[0025] In a possible implementation manner, the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the valid duration of the GNSS and a second reference time.

[0026] In a possible implementation manner, the second reference time is determined based on the time of reporting the second duration information; or, the second reference time is the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS.

[0027] In a possible implementation manner, the change in the GNSS effective duration includes at least one of the following situations: a situation where the change value of the GNSS effective duration is greater than a threshold value; a situation where the GNSS effective duration becomes shorter.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the second duration information is also used by the first communication device to request to perform GNSS measurement.

[0029] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device, configured to execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The first communication device includes a unit having the function of executing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0030] Exemplarily, the first communication device may be a terminal device or a chip or a functional module, and the chip or the functional module may be applied to a terminal device, etc.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second communication device, configured to execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The second communication device includes a unit having the function of executing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0032] Exemplarily, the second communication device may be a network device or a chip or a functional module, and the chip or functional module may be applied to a network device, etc.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device, the first communication device comprising a processor, configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect is executed.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the first communication device.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located in the first communication device.

[0036] In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together. Exemplarily, the first communication device may be a chip.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the first communication device further includes a transceiver, and the transceiver is used to receive a signal or send a signal. Exemplarily, the transceiver can also be used to send the first duration information. Exemplarily, the transceiver can also be used to send the second duration information, etc. Exemplarily, the transceiver can also be used to receive GNSS measurement information. Exemplarily, the first communication device can be a terminal device.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second communication device, the second communication device comprising a processor, configured to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. Alternatively, the processor is configured to execute a program stored in a memory, and when the program is executed, the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect is executed.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located outside the second communication device.

[0040] In a possible implementation manner, the memory is located in the second communication device.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the memory may also be integrated into one device, that is, the processor and the memory may also be integrated together. Exemplarily, the second communication device may be a chip.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the second communication device further includes a transceiver, and the transceiver is used to receive a signal or send a signal. Exemplarily, the transceiver can be used to receive the first duration information. Exemplarily, the transceiver can also be used to receive the second duration information. Exemplarily, the transceiver can also be used to send GNSS measurement information, etc. Exemplarily, the second communication device can be a network device.

[0043] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation method.

[0044] Exemplarily, the interface for inputting information may include: the interface for inputting GNSS measurement information. The interface for outputting information may include: the interface for outputting first duration information, second duration information, etc. Exemplarily, the logic circuit is used to determine a first remaining valid duration of GNSS, a second remaining valid duration of GNSS, etc.

[0045] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second communication device, which includes a logic circuit and an interface, and the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, and the logic circuit is used to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation method.

[0046] Exemplarily, the interface is used to input information including: the interface is used to input first duration information, second duration information, etc. The interface is used to output information including: the interface is used to output GNSS measurement information. Exemplarily, the logic circuit is used to determine a first remaining effective duration of GNSS, a second remaining effective duration of GNSS, etc.

[0047] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the method shown in the first aspect or the second aspect or any possible implementation is executed.

[0048] In the tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or a computer code. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the method shown in the first aspect or the second aspect or any possible implementation is executed.

[0049] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program. When the computer program runs on a computer, the method shown in the first aspect or the second aspect or any possible implementation is executed.

[0050] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device is used to execute the method shown in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the second communication device is used to execute the method shown in the above-mentioned second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 2b and Figure 2c is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of a satellite communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of reporting the first remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 4b This is another schematic diagram of reporting the first remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 4c This is another schematic diagram of reporting the first remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a speed change affecting the effective duration of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 6b This is another schematic diagram of reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 6cThis is another schematic diagram of reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 6d This is another schematic diagram of reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 7a This is a schematic diagram of reporting one bit of indication information provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 7b This is a schematic diagram of another type of indication information for reporting the first bit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 8a is a scenario schematic diagram of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 8b is a scenario schematic diagram of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 9a is a scenario schematic diagram of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 9b is a scenario schematic diagram of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Fig.10 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Fig.11 is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Fig.12 It is a structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of the present application, the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0073] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are only used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0074] The "embodiment" mentioned in this article means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It can be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0075] In the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, "more than one" means two or more, "at least two (items)" means two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. "Or" means that two relationships may exist, such as only A exists, only B exists; when A and B are not mutually exclusive, it can also mean that there are three relationships, such as only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c".

[0076] The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication systems, such as Figure 1 As shown, the communication system may include terminal equipment, satellites, and ground stations (also called gateway stations or signal gateway stations). Figure 1Only one satellite and one ground station are shown. In actual use, a multi-satellite and / or multi-ground station architecture can be adopted as needed. Among them, each satellite can provide services to one or more terminal devices, each satellite can correspond to one or more ground stations, each ground station can correspond to one or more satellites, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the Internet of Things (IoT) system, the Vehicle to X (V2X), and the narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system; for example, it can be applied to the LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, the LTE time division duplex (TDD), the long term evolution (LTE) system, the fifth generation (5G) communication system, the sixth generation (6G) communication system or the future communication system, etc., which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0077] A terminal device is a device with wireless transceiver functions. The terminal device can communicate with an access network device (or also referred to as an access device) in a radio access network (RAN). The terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent or user device, etc. In one possible implementation, the terminal device may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it may also be deployed on the water surface (such as a ship, etc.). In one possible implementation, the terminal device may be a handheld device with wireless communication function, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a sensor, a terminal in the Internet of Things, a terminal in the Internet of Vehicles, a drone, a fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) network, and any form of terminal device in the future network, etc., which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the terminal devices may also communicate with each other through device-to-device (D2D), machine-to-machine (M2M), etc. The terminal device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also be a device in the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT network may include, for example, a vehicle network. Among them, the communication methods in the vehicle network system are collectively referred to as vehicle to other devices (vehicle to X, V2X, X can represent anything), for example, the V2X may include: vehicle to vehicle (vehicle to vehicle, V2V) communication, vehicle to infrastructure (vehicle to infrastructure, V2I) communication, vehicle to pedestrian (vehicle to pedestrian, V2P) communication or vehicle to network (vehicle to network, V2N) communication, etc.

[0078] Ground stations can be used to connect satellites to base stations, or satellites to core networks. Satellites can provide wireless access services for terminal devices, schedule wireless resources to access terminal devices, provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc. As an example, satellites can be base stations that use artificial earth satellites and high-altitude aircraft as wireless communications, such as evolutionary NodeBs (eNBs) and next generation node Bs (gNBs). As another example, satellites can also serve as relays for these base stations, transparently transmitting the signals of these base stations to terminal devices.

[0079] Therefore, in some implementations of the present application, such as in a satellite transparent transmission scenario, the network device can be Figure 1 The base station shown (may also be referred to as a ground base station). Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a transparent transmission scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. For example, a terminal device can access the network through an air interface (the air interface can be various types of air interfaces, such as a 5G air interface, etc.), and the network equipment can be deployed on a ground base station. The satellite is connected to the ground station via a wireless link. The ground station and the ground base station are connected to the core network via wired or wireless. There can be a wireless link between satellites. Figure 2a In the system shown, the satellite may have a transparent forwarding function. In other implementations of the present application, for example, in a satellite regeneration scenario, the network device may be Figure 1 Satellites shown. Figure 2b Schematic diagram of a satellite communication system in a regeneration scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application. For example, a terminal device can access a network through an air interface (the air interface can be various types of air interfaces, such as a 5G air interface, etc.), and a network device can be deployed on a satellite (such as a satellite regeneration mode), such as a base station or part of a base station function deployed on a satellite, and signaling interaction and user data transmission between base stations can be completed between satellites, such as Figure 2c shown.

[0080] For example, Figure 2a to Figure 2c The various network elements and their interfaces in the network can be shown as follows:

[0081] Terminal devices can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls, surf the Internet and other services. Base stations can be used to provide wireless access services, schedule wireless resources to access terminal devices, provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols, etc. Ground stations can be responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellites and the core network. The core network can be used for user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication or billing, etc. The core network can be composed of multiple functional units, such as functional entities including control plane and data plane. For example, Figure 2a to Figure 2c The core network shown may include access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF) and user plane function (UPF). For example, AMF may be responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. UPF may be responsible for managing the transmission of user plane data, traffic statistics, etc. Figure 2a to Figure 2cThe air interface shown can be understood as a wireless link between a terminal and a base station, or a wireless link between a satellite and a ground station; the Xn interface can be understood as an interface between base stations, which is mainly used for signaling interaction such as switching; the NG interface can be used as an interface between a base station and a core network, which is used to interact with the core network's non-access stratum (NAS) and other signaling, as well as user service data. In systems with different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may be different, and the embodiments of this application will not be shown one by one.

[0082] The satellite may be a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite of a non-geostationary earth orbit (NGEO), or a high altitude platform station (HAPS). The specific type of the satellite is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0083] In some deployments of network devices, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In other deployments of network devices, the CU may also be divided into a CU-control plane (CP) and a CU-user plane (UP). In some other deployments of network devices, the network device may also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific deployment method of the network device. Exemplarily, when the network device is an ORAN architecture, the network device shown in the embodiments of the present application may be an access network device in ORAN, or a functional module, etc. In the ORAN system, CU may also be referred to as an open (open, O)-CU, DU may also be referred to as O-DU, CU-CP may also be referred to as O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be referred to as O-CU-UP, etc. The deployment methods of the network devices listed here are only examples. With the evolution of standard technologies, network devices may have other deployment forms.

[0084] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions and network architecture provided in the embodiments of the present application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0085] There is currently a short-term connection communication method, in which the terminal device initiates random access and exits the connection state after sending uplink data. During this process, the GNSS information obtained by the terminal device before random access has a certain validity period. The GNSS information can remain valid before the terminal device exits the RRC connection state because even if the terminal device moves, the GNSS deviation caused by the movement can meet the synchronization requirements. For IoT-type terminal devices, since IoT services have the characteristics of short packet periodic transmission, the above-mentioned short-term connection communication method can be effectively applied to terminal devices with short packet periodic transmission characteristics.

[0086] However, the GNSS information obtained by the terminal device in the above method has a certain validity duration. When the GNSS information expires, the terminal device can no longer guarantee the connection, and needs to exit the connected state and enter the idle state, and then needs to re-acquire the GNSS information and initiate random access. The terminal device performs random access multiple times to enter the connected state and exit the connected state, which will result in excessive signaling overhead. Alternatively, when the terminal device is in the connected state for a long time, the GNSS information will expire, so the terminal device needs to re-acquire the GNSS information. However, when the terminal device re-acquires the GNSS information, there may be a situation where communication and GNSS measurement cannot be performed at the same time. For example, if the terminal device performs GNSS measurement, it will be unable to communicate (such as unable to send uplink data, or unable to receive downlink data). Especially for IoT services, the data packet period of IoT services is relatively short. The inability to communicate during GNSS measurement will greatly affect the normal communication of IoT services. Exemplarily, the above-mentioned effective duration can be a duration determined by the terminal device based on its movement speed or based on its relative position relationship with the satellite (for example, whether it is in the central area or the edge area covered by the satellite) or based on information such as its relative speed with the satellite, and then reported by the terminal device to the network device.

[0087] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite communication method and device, which can increase the communication duration of the terminal device (or increase the duration that the terminal device is in a connected state) on the basis of the terminal device achieving uplink synchronization, so that the terminal device can achieve long-term communication, and can also avoid the signaling overhead caused by the terminal device constantly entering and exiting the connected state, thereby reducing the signaling overhead.

[0088] The satellite communication method shown below (such as Figure 3 ), the first communication device may be a terminal device or a chip disposed in the terminal device or a functional module in the terminal device, and the second communication device may be a network device or a chip disposed in the network device or a functional module in the network device. As shown above, the network device may include an access network device or a functional module under the O-RAN architecture. For a detailed description of the terminal device and the network device, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2a to Figure 2c For the convenience of description, the embodiments of the present application may use terminal devices and network devices as examples for specific examples, but this should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0089] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a satellite communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0090] 301. A first communication device reports first duration information, and correspondingly, a second communication device receives the first duration information. The first duration information is used to indicate a first remaining effective duration of a GNSS of the first communication device, and the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS is determined based on the effective duration of the GNSS of the first communication device.

[0091] The following introduces the GNSS effective duration shown in the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] GNSS measurement is the process of obtaining geographic location information by positioning according to the signal of the navigation satellite. For example, the obtained geographic location information may be GNSS information, which may represent information related to the geographic location of the terminal device, such as coordinates X, Y, Z or longitude, latitude, altitude, etc. When the first communication device obtains the GNSS information, it may obtain the effective duration of the GNSS information based on its position relationship with the satellite, or speed relationship, etc., that is, the GNSS effective duration. The position relationship between the first communication device and the satellite may include that the first communication device is in the central area or edge area of ​​the satellite coverage area, or the orbital height or elevation angle of the satellite, etc. The speed relationship between the first communication device and the satellite may include the relative speed relationship between the first communication device and the satellite, or the movement speed of the first communication device, etc. For example, the greater the movement speed of the terminal device, the smaller the GNSS effective duration may be. Therefore, after the first communication device completes the GNSS measurement within the GNSS measurement interval, the GNSS effective duration may be determined. During the GNSS effective duration, the first communication device may maintain uplink synchronization, and it may communicate with the second communication device.

[0093] Exemplarily, the GNSS effective duration may be at the second level, or at the hundred-second level, or at the minute level, or at the hour level, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this. For example, the GNSS effective duration may be any of the following {10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 5min, 10min, 15min, 20min, 25min, 30min, 60min, 90min, 120min, infinity}. Among them, min refers to minutes and s refers to seconds. Exemplarily, for a terminal device that will not move, or for a terminal device with a low moving speed, such as a terminal device with a moving speed less than a certain threshold, its GNSS information may be always valid, so the GNSS effective duration may be infinite. The above-listed GNSS effective durations are only examples and should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0094] The GNSS validity duration may also be referred to as the GNSS validity period or the GNSS validity duration, etc. The specific name of the GNSS validity duration is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0095] The following introduces the GNSS first remaining effective time shown in the embodiment of the present application.

[0096] Generally speaking, a terminal device can perform GNSS measurement within a GNSS measurement interval, and then report the GNSS effective duration. However, there will be a certain time difference between the time when the terminal device completes the GNSS measurement to obtain the GNSS effective duration and the end of the GNSS measurement interval, or there will be a certain time difference between the time when the terminal device completes the GNSS measurement to obtain the GNSS effective duration and the time when the terminal device reports it, or the terminal device may update the GNSS effective duration based on some update mechanisms, etc. Therefore, the terminal device can accurately indicate the remaining duration of the GNSS effective duration to the network device by reporting the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS. By reporting a more accurate remaining effective duration of the GNSS, the network device can schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement before the GNSS expires, thereby extending the communication duration of the terminal device as much as possible. The reasons listed above for the terminal device to report the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS are only examples and should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0097] As an example, the terminal device may report the GNSS effective duration before reporting the first duration information. The GNSS effective duration may include the GNSS initial effective duration, which is the GNSS effective duration obtained by the first communication device by performing GNSS measurement. The first duration information reported by the terminal device may be the GNSS remaining effective duration reported after the terminal device reports the GNSS effective duration. For example, the first duration information may be the GNSS remaining effective duration reported for the first time after the terminal device reports the GNSS effective duration. As another example, the first duration information reported by the terminal device may also be the information reported for the first time after it completes the GNSS measurement.

[0098] Exemplarily, the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS may be determined based on the effective duration of the GNSS and the first reference time. The first reference time may be used to determine the start time or end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS. The first reference time may be defined by a protocol, or broadcasted to each terminal device by a network device, or determined by a network device and then sent to each terminal device.

[0099] As an example, the first reference time may be determined based on the time when the first duration information is reported. For example, the first reference time may be the time when the first duration information is reported. Figure 4a Schematic diagram of reporting the first remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4a As shown, the terminal device can determine the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS based on the time when it reports the first duration information as the starting time. For example, the first reference time can be the time after the time when the first duration information is reported, which is determined by considering the transmission delay between the terminal device and the network device. Figure 4b Schematic diagram of another method for reporting the first remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4b As shown, since it takes a certain transmission delay for the network device to receive the first duration information, the transmission delay between the terminal device and the network device can be considered when the terminal device determines the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS, such as using a certain time after reporting the first duration information as the first reference time.

[0100] As another example, the first reference time may be an end time of a GNSS measurement interval. Figure 4c This is another schematic diagram of reporting the first remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4c As shown, the terminal device can determine the first remaining effective time of the GNSS using the end time of the GNSS measurement interval as the starting time.

[0101] Figure 4a to Figure 4c The first remaining effective duration of GNSS shown is less than the effective duration of GNSS, and the end time of the first remaining effective duration of GNSS is the same as the end time of the effective duration of GNSS. In a specific implementation, the terminal device may also extend the effective duration of GNSS based on the time advance command (TAC) it receives, and then report the first duration information after extending the effective duration of GNSS. At this time, the end time of the first remaining effective duration of GNSS may be later than the end time of the initial effective duration of GNSS. Therefore, it should not be Figure 4a to Figure 4c The first reference time and the first remaining valid duration of GNSS shown are understood as limitations of the embodiments of the present application.

[0102] The specific content of the first duration information shown in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below.

[0103] As a possible implementation method 1, the first duration information may include the value of the first remaining valid duration of GNSS. That is, the first duration information may directly carry the value of the first remaining valid duration of GNSS. As another possible implementation method 2, the first duration information may include the index of the value of the first remaining valid duration of GNSS. For example, the first remaining valid duration of GNSS may be any of the following {10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 100s, 5min, 10min, 15min, 20min, 25min, 30min, 60min, 90min, 120min, infinity}. For the relevant description of "infinity", please refer to the description of the above GNSS valid duration, which will not be described in detail here. The first remaining valid duration of GNSS listed here is only an example. In a specific implementation, the first remaining valid duration of GNSS may also have other values, which will not be listed here one by one. For example, the first duration information may include an index of 20s, or the first duration information may also carry 20s.

[0104] For implementation methods 1 and 2, the second communication device can directly obtain the first remaining effective duration of GNSS by parsing the first duration information, so that it can prepare to send GNSS measurement information to the terminal device before the GNSS expires and schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0105] As another possible implementation manner 3, the first duration information includes the difference between the end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS and the end time of the initial effective duration of the GNSS. As another possible implementation manner 4, the first duration information includes the index of the difference between the end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS and the end time of the initial effective duration of the GNSS. For implementation manners 3 and 4, the first duration information may also include the following information: information indicating that the end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS is earlier than the end time of the initial effective duration of the GNSS, or information indicating that the end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS is later than the end time of the initial effective duration of the GNSS. For example, the difference may include any one of the following {0s, 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 6s, 8s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 1min, 2min, 3min, 5min, 10min, 20min, 40min}. 0 may indicate that the end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS is the same as the end time of the initial effective duration of the GNSS.

[0106] For the above-mentioned implementation methods 3 to 4, the second communication device can obtain the above-mentioned difference by parsing the first duration information, and then obtain the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS indicated by the terminal device through the first duration information based on the end time of the initial valid duration of the GNSS, so as to prepare to send GNSS measurement information to the terminal device before the GNSS expires, and schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0107] As another possible implementation 5, the first duration information may include the difference between the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the reference GNSS valid duration. As another possible implementation 6, the first duration information may include the index of the difference between the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the reference GNSS valid duration. The reference GNSS valid duration may be the initial valid duration of the GNSS, or the valid duration of the GNSS broadcast or unicast by the network device, etc. For implementation 5 and implementation 6, the first duration information may also include a one-bit sign bit, which may be used to indicate the size of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the reference GNSS valid duration. For example, the sign bit may be used to indicate that the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is greater than the reference GNSS valid duration, or that the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is less than the reference GNSS valid duration.

[0108] For the above-mentioned implementation methods 5 to 6, the second communication device can obtain the above-mentioned difference by parsing the first duration information, and then can obtain the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS indicated by the terminal device through the first duration information based on the GNSS reference effective duration, so as to prepare to send GNSS measurement information to the terminal device before the GNSS expires, and schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present application, the first duration information may also indicate that the terminal device has completed the GNSS measurement, or indicate that the terminal device requests to perform the GNSS measurement.

[0110] Exemplarily, the first duration information may be included in a medium access control control element (MAC CE) or in data at the physical layer. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific signaling used to carry the first duration information. Exemplarily, the terminal device may carry the first duration information via a physical random access channel (PRACH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH). The resources used to report the first duration information may be dynamically scheduled resources or semi-static resources or PRACH resources, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the channel or resource used to report the duration information. The relevant descriptions here with the first duration information also apply to the second duration information and the third duration information shown below, which will not be repeated below.

[0111] 302. When the GNSS effective duration changes, the first communication device reports second duration information, and correspondingly, the second communication device receives the second duration information. The second duration information is used to indicate a second remaining effective duration of the GNSS of the first communication device, and the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS is determined based on the changed GNSS effective duration.

[0112] The following describes changes in the GNSS effective duration shown in the embodiments of the present application.

[0113] After successfully measuring the GNSS, the terminal device can feedback the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS. However, if the speed of the terminal device changes significantly after feedback of the GNSS effective duration, the remaining effective duration will be affected, especially when the GNSS effective duration becomes shorter. If the remaining effective duration of the GNSS is not updated in time, the network device will be unable to schedule the resources for the GNSS measurement in advance. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, when the GNSS effective duration changes, the first communication device can report a duration information (i.e., the second duration information) again. Generally speaking, after the terminal device performs a GNSS measurement, the starting time of the GNSS effective duration is fixed (such as the starting time of the GNSS effective duration is the starting time of the GNSS initial effective duration), so a change in the GNSS effective duration can implicitly indicate that the end time of the GNSS effective duration has changed.

[0114] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the effect of speed change on the effective duration of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the error of timing advance. The unit of the error is normalized to the sampling point. At 0s, the terminal device performs GNSS measurement, so the error is equal to 0. As time goes by, the error becomes larger. If the speed is relatively large, it will gradually exceed the horizontal dotted line. The horizontal dotted line represents the error requirement. The intersection between the horizontal dotted line and the curve represents the GNSS effective time. When the intersection is exceeded, it means that the GNSS information of the terminal device will expire and does not meet the error requirement. Figure 5 The relative distance between the terminal device and the satellite (ie, the change in the curve) shown is only an example and should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, when the speed of the terminal device is 120km / h, 15s ( Figure 5 The intersection of the dotted line on the horizontal axis and the curve corresponding to 120km / h) will exceed the GNSS effective time. When the speed of the terminal device is 60km / h, it will take about 30s ( Figure 5 The intersection of the dotted line on the middle horizontal axis and the curve corresponding to 60km / h) will exceed the GNSS effective duration. If the speed of the terminal device changes from 60km / h to 120km / h, the GNSS effective duration will be shortened. Therefore, when the moving speed of the terminal device changes significantly, resulting in a change in the effective duration of the GNSS information, the terminal device can promptly notify the network device of the need to update the GNSS effective duration by reporting the second duration information, so that the network device can promptly know that the network device needs to schedule GNSS measurement resources in advance, so that the network device can promptly schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0116] The situation where the GNSS effective duration changes may include at least one of the following:

[0117] 1) The change in GNSS effective duration is greater than the threshold value.

[0118] The change value of the GNSS valid time being greater than the threshold value includes: the GNSS valid time being reduced, and the change value of the GNSS valid time being greater than the threshold value; or, the GNSS valid time being increased, and the change value of the GNSS valid time being greater than the threshold value.

[0119] Generally speaking, when the terminal device reports the GNSS effective duration / GNSS first remaining effective duration, it will generally report the GNSS effective duration / GNSS first remaining effective duration in a more conservative manner, resulting in a smaller GNSS effective duration / GNSS first remaining effective duration. Therefore, when the change value of the GNSS effective duration is less than the threshold value, even if the GNSS remaining effective duration is not reported, the terminal device and the network device may still be able to maintain synchronization. The network device can still schedule GNSS measurements for the terminal device within the time expected by the terminal device. Therefore, by setting the threshold value, signaling overhead and reporting resources can be effectively saved.

[0120] 2) The effective duration of GNSS becomes shorter.

[0121] The GNSS effective time becomes shorter, which means that the GNSS effective time / GNSS remaining effective time reported by the terminal device last time needs to be updated, and the terminal device needs to report a shortened GNSS effective time (or a shortened GNSS remaining effective time) again.

[0122] If the GNSS effective time becomes longer, it means that the terminal device can still maintain uplink synchronization with the network device for a period of time. Therefore, reporting the second time information when the GNSS effective time becomes shorter can enable the network device to know in real time that the GNSS effective time of the terminal device is shortened, so that the network device can timely and accurately schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0123] 3) The effective duration of GNSS increases.

[0124] The increase in GNSS effective duration indicates that the last reported GNSS effective duration / GNSS remaining effective duration of the terminal device needs to be updated, and the terminal device needs to report an extended GNSS effective duration (or a shortened GNSS remaining effective duration) again. As a result, the network device may not schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement before the end time of the original GNSS effective duration, but may schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement before the end time of the new GNSS effective duration.

[0125] The above 1) to 3) can also be combined with each other, such as the situation where the GNSS effective time changes can include: the situation where the GNSS effective time becomes shorter, or the situation where the GNSS effective time becomes longer and the change value is greater than the threshold value; the situation where the GNSS effective time becomes shorter and the change value is greater than the threshold value, or the situation where the GNSS effective time becomes longer; the situation where the GNSS effective time becomes longer, or the situation where the GNSS effective time becomes shorter. For the relevant instructions on the combination, please refer to the above 1) to 3), which will not be described in detail here.

[0126] The change in the GNSS effective duration shown above is shown by taking the change in the GNSS effective duration as an example. In a specific implementation, the change in the GNSS effective duration may also include the following situations:

[0127] 4) The terminal device finds that its own speed has changed based on the detection of the downlink signal, and the change value is greater than the speed threshold value.

[0128] When the moving speed of the terminal device changes significantly, it can be considered that the GNSS effective duration of the terminal device will also change. Exemplarily, the terminal device can detect a Doppler shift (such as the actual Doppler shift) through a downlink signal (the Doppler shift shown here can also be a Doppler frequency deviation or a Doppler time deviation, etc.), and calculate another Doppler shift based on the ephemeris information and the last GNSS effective duration (such as a Doppler shift estimated based on the GNSS information and the ephemeris information) (the Doppler shift shown here can also be a Doppler frequency deviation or a Doppler time deviation, etc.), when the difference between the two Doppler shifts is large (such as exceeding a certain threshold), it is considered that the GNSS effective duration of the terminal device has changed.

[0129] 5) The terminal device detects the downlink signal based on the detection and finds that the relative speed (or relative position) between it and the satellite has changed, and the change value is greater than the relative speed threshold value.

[0130] The situation in which the above-mentioned GNSS effective duration changes may be a judgment criterion set by the terminal device based on a specific implementation, or may be defined by a protocol, or may be set by a network device, etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0131] By setting the conditions for the terminal device to report the second duration information, the complexity of the terminal device reporting can be reduced.

[0132] The following introduces the GNSS second remaining effective time shown in the embodiment of the present application.

[0133] The second remaining effective duration of GNSS can be determined based on the changed GNSS effective duration. For relevant instructions on the changed GNSS effective duration, please refer to the above and will not be described in detail here. Exemplarily, the second remaining effective duration of GNSS can be determined based on the GNSS effective duration and the second reference time. The second reference time can be used to determine the start time or end time of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS. The second reference time can be defined by a protocol, or broadcast by a network device to each terminal device, or determined by a network device and then sent to each terminal device. The determination method of the first reference time and the second reference time can be consistent, such as both can be defined by a protocol, or both can be broadcast by a network device, etc., which will not be listed one by one here.

[0134] As an example, the second reference time may be determined based on the time of reporting the second duration information. For example, the second reference time may be the time of reporting the second duration information. Figure 6a Schematic diagram of reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6a As shown, the terminal device can determine the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS based on the time when it reports the second duration information as the starting time. For example, the second reference time can be the time after the time when the second duration information is reported, which is determined by considering the transmission delay between the terminal device and the network device. Figure 6b Schematic diagram of another method for reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6b As shown, since it takes a certain transmission delay for the network device to receive the second duration information, the transmission delay between the terminal device and the network device can be considered when the terminal device determines the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, such as using a certain time after reporting the second duration information as the second reference time. Figure 6a and Figure 6b In both cases, the reference time is determined based on the time for reporting the duration information, that is, the second reference time is determined based on the time for reporting the second duration information, and the first reference time is determined based on the time for reporting the first duration information. However, in a specific implementation, the first reference time may not be consistent with the second reference time. For example, the first reference time may be the end time of the GNSS measurement interval, and the second reference time may be the time for reporting the second duration information, etc., which are not listed one by one here.

[0135] The second reference time shown in the above example can be applied to both a shorter GNSS valid time and a longer GNSS valid time. Figure 6c Schematic diagram of another method for reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6c As shown, the end time of the changed GNSS valid duration may be later than the end time of the initial GNSS valid duration.

[0136] As another example, the second reference time is the end time of the first remaining effective time of the GNSS. Figure 6d Schematic diagram of another method for reporting the second remaining effective time of GNSS provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6d As shown, the end time of the changed GNSS effective duration may be later than the end time of the initial GNSS effective duration. Meanwhile, the GNSS second remaining effective duration is calculated starting from the end time of the GNSS first remaining effective duration.

[0137] As another example, the second parameter time may be the end time of the initial valid time period of the GNSS.

[0138] As another example, the second reference time may be the end time of the last reported GNSS remaining effective time.

[0139] In the embodiment of the present application, after the terminal device reports the first duration information and before reporting the second duration information, the terminal device may also report the third duration information, and the third duration information is used to indicate the third remaining effective duration of the GNSS, and the third remaining effective duration of the GNSS is determined based on the changed GNSS effective duration. That is, the terminal device may report the remaining effective duration of the GNSS multiple times. For the specific content of the third duration information, please refer to the description of the second duration information below, which will not be described in detail here.

[0140] The second reference time shown above is only an example. In a specific implementation, the second reference time may also be other times, which are not listed one by one in the embodiments of the present application.

[0141] The specific content of the second duration information shown in the embodiment of the present application is introduced below.

[0142] As a possible implementation method 1, the second duration information may include the value of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS. That is, the second duration information may directly carry the value of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS. As another possible implementation method 2, the second duration information may include the index of the value of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS. For example, the second remaining effective duration of GNSS may be any of the following {10s, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 100s, 5min, 10min, 15min, 20min, 25min, 30min, 60min, 90min, 120min, infinity}. For the relevant description of "infinity", please refer to the description of the above GNSS effective duration, which will not be described in detail here. Here, the possible values ​​of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS are the same as the possible values ​​of the first remaining effective duration of GNSS shown above. In a specific implementation, the possible values ​​of the first remaining effective duration of GNSS may also be different from the possible values ​​of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS, which will not be listed one by one here.

[0143] For implementation methods 1 and 2, the second communication device can directly obtain the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS by parsing the second duration information, so that it can send GNSS measurement information to the terminal device before the GNSS expires and schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0144] As another possible implementation manner 3, the second duration information includes the difference between the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS. As another possible implementation manner 4, the second duration information includes the index of the difference between the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS and the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS. For implementation manners 3 and 4, the second duration information may also include the following information: information indicating that the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is earlier than the end time of the initial valid duration of the GNSS, or information indicating that the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is later than the end time of the initial valid duration of the GNSS.

[0145] For the above-mentioned implementation methods 3 to 4, the second communication device can obtain the above-mentioned difference by parsing the second duration information, and then obtain the end time of the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS indicated by the second duration information of the terminal device based on the end time of the initial valid duration of the GNSS, so as to prepare to send GNSS measurement information to the terminal device before the GNSS expires, and schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0146] As another possible implementation 5, the second duration information may include the difference between the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS and the reference GNSS effective duration. As another possible implementation 6, the second duration information may include the index of the difference between the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS and the reference GNSS effective duration. The reference GNSS effective duration may be the initial effective duration of the GNSS, or the effective duration of the GNSS broadcast or unicast by the network device, or the remaining effective duration of the GNSS reported last time, or the initial effective duration of the GNSS obtained by the last GNSS measurement performed by the terminal device, or the GNSS effective duration / GNSS remaining effective duration reported for the first time after the last GNSS measurement performed by the terminal device. For implementation 5 and implementation 6, the second duration information may also include a one-bit sign bit, which may be used to indicate the size of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS and the reference GNSS effective duration. For example, the sign bit may be used to indicate that the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS is greater than the reference GNSS effective duration, or that the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS is less than the reference GNSS effective duration.

[0147] For the above-mentioned implementation methods 5 to 6, the second communication device can obtain the above-mentioned difference by parsing the second duration information, and then can obtain the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS indicated by the second duration information of the terminal device based on the GNSS reference effective duration, so that GNSS measurement information can be sent to the terminal device before the GNSS expires, and the terminal device can be scheduled to perform GNSS measurement.

[0148] For the relevant description of implementation methods 3 to 6 in the second duration information, please refer to the description of implementation methods 3 to 6 in the first duration information, which will not be described in detail here. The above implementation methods 3 to 6 indicate the GNSS second remaining effective duration by reporting the difference or the index of the difference, which can further reduce the signaling overhead.

[0149] As another possible implementation manner 7, the second duration information includes one bit of indication information, the indication information is used to indicate shortening of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS (or the last reported remaining effective duration of the GNSS), or the indication information is used to indicate extending the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS (or the last reported remaining effective duration of the GNSS), and the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS is D, where D is a real number greater than 0. When the indication information is used to indicate shortening of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS, the start time of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS can be as follows: Figure 6a to Figure 6c The second reference time shown, or the start time of the second remaining effective time of the GNSS may be the end time of the first remaining effective time of the GNSS (eg Figure 6d ), or the end time of the last reported GNSS remaining effective time, or the end time of the GNSS effective time determined based on the first GNSS remaining effective time. For example, the indication information indicates 0, which means shortening the first GNSS remaining effective time. Figure 7a As shown, the second communication device receives the indication information (such as Figure 7a When the GNSS extension is shown in the figure, it can be known that when it receives the indication information (such as the case where the transmission delay is taken into account when the first communication device sends the indication information), the GNSS second remaining effective time is D (such as Figure 7a For example, the indication information indicates that 1 indicates that the first remaining effective time of the GNSS is extended. Figure 7b As shown, when the second communication device receives the indication information, it can be known that the GNSS effective duration is extended by D (such as Figure 7b The duration shown is extended D). Figure 7a and Figure 7b The remaining GNSS effective duration reported in the above method can be the reporting of the first remaining effective duration of GNSS, and the GNSS extension can be the reporting of the second remaining effective duration of GSS. The relevant description of the starting time of the second remaining effective duration of GNSS here also applies to the implementation methods 8 and 9 below, and will not be repeated below.

[0150] As another possible implementation method 8, the second duration information includes one bit of indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate shortening the initial valid duration of the GNSS, or the indication information is used to indicate extending the initial valid duration of the GNSS, and the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is D, and D is a real number greater than 0.

[0151] As another possible implementation 9, the second duration information includes one bit of indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the shortening of the GNSS effective duration determined based on the last reported GNSS remaining effective duration, or the indication information is used to indicate the extension of the GNSS effective duration determined based on the last reported GNSS remaining effective duration, and the GNSS second remaining effective duration is D, and D is a real number greater than 0. Generally speaking, the end time of the GNSS effective duration determined based on the GNSS remaining effective duration is the same as the end time of the GNSS remaining effective duration. Therefore, the above implementation 7 and implementation 9 can be considered to be descriptions from different aspects.

[0152] For implementations 7 to 9, the second duration information includes one bit of indication information, and the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS can be a predetermined duration (i.e., the above-mentioned D). The value of D can be defined by a protocol, or broadcast by a network, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the setting method of D.

[0153] In the embodiment of the present application, the second duration information can also be used by the first communication device to request to perform GNSS measurement. That is, the second duration information can not only indicate the second remaining effective duration of GNSS, but also instruct the second communication device to trigger the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement before GNSS expires.

[0154] As a possible implementation, Figure 3 The method shown may also include:

[0155] 303. The second communication device sends GNSS measurement information, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the GNSS measurement information. The GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0156] The second communication device can send GNSS measurement information within the latest GNSS validity period reported by the terminal device. That is, the second communication device can send the GNSS measurement information before the GNSS information expires. Exemplarily, the above GNSS measurement information can schedule the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement. For example, the GNSS measurement information can carry the resources used by the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement. The resources may include the duration for performing GNSS measurement or the GNSS measurement interval, etc. The terminal device performs GNSS measurement on the resources used to perform GNSS measurement, and after completing the GNSS measurement, continues to communicate with the network device. If the terminal device can perform GNSS measurement according to the above Figure 3 The method shown in step 301 and step 302 reports the remaining effective time of GNSS.

[0157] Figure 8a Schematic diagram of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8a As shown, the terminal device can report the remaining effective time of GNSS multiple times, such as Figure 8a The remaining GNSS effective time is reported and the remaining GNSS effective time is updated. Figure 8a As shown, before the current GNSS validity period expires, the network device can trigger the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement.

[0158] As another possible implementation, Figure 3 The method shown may also include:

[0159] 304. When no GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining valid time of the GNSS, the first communication device starts the timer and performs GNSS measurement. When the GNSS measurement is completed within the timing time of the timer, the communication with the second communication device continues. The start time of the timer is the end time of the second remaining valid time of the GNSS.

[0160] In the case where the GNSS measurement information is not received within the changed GNSS effective duration, the first communication device may start a timer and perform GNSS measurement based on the timer. Alternatively, in the case where the GNSS measurement information is not received within the latest GNSS effective duration indicated by the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, the first communication device may start a timer and perform GNSS measurement based on the timer. The specific description of step 304 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The start time in step 304 may also be referred to as the start time, and the end time may also be referred to as the end time.

[0161] The timing duration of the timer can be defined by the protocol, or configured by the network device to the terminal device through RRC signaling or MAC-CE signaling. The start condition of the timer is that the terminal device has not received GNSS measurement information until the GNSS expires. The timer can be started at the end of the second remaining effective time of the GNSS. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the timing duration or stop condition of the timer. For example, the terminal device can also determine the stop condition of the timer by itself.

[0162] Exemplarily, the terminal device can communicate with the network device when it completes the GNSS measurement. Since the network device may not be able to clearly know the time when the terminal device completes the GNSS measurement, the network device can continuously try to perform uplink scheduling on the terminal device before the timer expires (such as when the network device receives the uplink signal sent by the terminal device, it can be said that the terminal device has successfully completed the GNSS measurement), or the terminal device can initiate an uplink scheduling request after it completes the GNSS measurement. This approach allows the terminal device to resume communication with the network device as soon as possible.

[0163] Exemplarily, when the terminal device completes the GNSS measurement within the timing duration of the timer, after the end time of the timer, the terminal device can report the new GNSS effective duration or the remaining GNSS effective duration. Exemplarily, when the terminal device fails to complete the GNSS measurement within the timing duration of the timer, it enters the idle state.

[0164] Figure 8b FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8b As shown in FIG. 1 , when the latest GNSS effective duration ends, the terminal device still has not received the GNSS measurement information, so the terminal device can perform GNSS measurement on its own. Figure 8b For other instructions, please refer to Figure 8a , which will not be described in detail here.

[0165] In an embodiment of the present application, when the second remaining effective time of GNSS ends and the GNSS measurement information has not been received, the terminal device can start the timer by itself to perform GNSS measurement, which can further reduce the number of times the terminal device is disconnected and further increase the communication time between the terminal device and the network device.

[0166] As another possible implementation, Figure 3 The method shown may also include:

[0167] 305. When no GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining effective time of the GNSS, the first communication device enters an idle state.

[0168] Exemplarily, after the terminal device enters the idle state, it can perform GNSS measurement in the idle state and then re-initiate random access.

[0169] The above steps 303, 304 and 305 may be parallel schemes. In a specific implementation, in some scenarios, the terminal device and the network device may execute the method shown in the above step 303, in other scenarios, the terminal device may execute the method shown in the above step 304, and in some other scenarios, the terminal device may execute the method shown in the above step 305. The satellite communication method shown in the embodiment of the present application may include the above steps 301 to 303; or, include steps 301, 302 and 304; or, include steps 301, 302 and 305; or, include the above steps 301 to 304; or, include steps 301 to 303, and step 305, etc., which are not listed one by one here. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the number of executions of the above step 302. In a specific implementation, after the terminal device completes a GNSS measurement, it can update the remaining effective duration of the GNSS multiple times based on the changed GNSS effective duration.

[0170] In an embodiment of the present application, on the basis of achieving uplink synchronization of the terminal device, the communication duration of the terminal device can be increased (or the duration that the terminal device is in a connected state can be increased), so that the terminal device can achieve long-term communication. The signaling overhead caused by the terminal device constantly entering and exiting the connected state can also be avoided, thereby reducing the signaling overhead.

[0171] As shown above Figure 3 The methods can be combined in various ways, for example, any implementation of the first duration information can be combined with any implementation of the second duration information. For example, any example of the first reference time can be combined with any example of the second reference time. For example, any example of the first remaining GNSS duration can be combined with any example of the second remaining GNSS duration, etc. The following will exemplarily illustrate two combined embodiments, but the two embodiments shown below should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present application.

[0172] Embodiment 1

[0173] 11) Each time the terminal device completes GNSS measurement, it can report the remaining effective time of GNSS. The reported remaining effective time of GNSS implicitly indicates that the terminal device has completed the GNSS measurement.

[0174] For the relevant description of the GNSS remaining effective time shown in 11), please refer to the above description of the first time information or the GNSS first remaining effective time, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] 12) When the terminal device finds that its speed has changed significantly based on the detection of the downlink signal, the terminal device is allowed to report the remaining GNSS effective time again after reporting the remaining GNSS effective time once.

[0176] If the terminal device finds that its speed has changed significantly based on the detection of the downlink signal, it means that the GNSS effective duration of the terminal device has changed. For relevant instructions on the change, please refer to the above description of the change in the GNSS effective duration, which will not be repeated here. The speed change shown here is only an example and should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application.

[0177] For relevant instructions on the remaining effective time of GNSS reported again by the terminal device, please refer to the above description of the second time information or the second remaining effective time of GNSS, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] 13) The network device saves the remaining GNSS effective time reported by the terminal device last time for scheduling the next GNSS measurement. When the network device receives the new remaining GNSS effective time reported by the terminal device, it can schedule the terminal device to perform the next GNSS measurement according to the new remaining GNSS effective time reported by the terminal device.

[0179] For example, the network device knows that the current remaining effective time is 20s based on the remaining GNSS effective time reported by the terminal device last time, and the terminal device re-reports the remaining GNSS effective time as 10s. This means that the terminal device expects the network device to schedule a GNSS measurement for the terminal device within 10s based on its own judgment.

[0180] For example, after performing GNSS measurement, the terminal device reports a GNSS valid duration of 10s. Subsequently, the GNSS valid duration changes, such as the changed GNSS valid duration is 8s. The terminal device can report an offset of 2s (refer to the above implementation methods 3 to 6).

[0181] After receiving the new remaining GNSS effective time reported by the terminal device, the network device may also refresh the remaining GNSS effective time, or save the new remaining GNSS effective time and delete the remaining GNSS effective time reported by the terminal device last time.

[0182] For the relevant instructions about 13), please refer to the description of step 303 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0183] 14) If the terminal device does not receive the GNSS measurement information from the network device within the expected time (such as before the end of the GNSS effective time), the terminal device can directly enter the idle state; or, the terminal device can start the timer for autonomous GNSS measurement and perform GNSS measurement within the timer.

[0184] For the relevant description of 14), please refer to the above steps 304 and 305, which will not be repeated here.

[0185] In the embodiment of the present application, when the motion state of the terminal device changes, by reporting the remaining effective duration of GNSS, the network device can obtain a more accurate remaining effective duration of GNSS. Thus, not only the time when the terminal device expects to perform GNSS measurement is timely and accurately indicated to the network device, but also the terminal device can refresh the GNSS effective duration by performing GNSS measurement, ensuring the synchronization of the terminal device and the network device, and ensuring that the terminal device can continue to communicate with the network device, thereby increasing the communication duration of the terminal device.

[0186] Embodiment 2

[0187] 21) Each time the terminal device completes GNSS measurement, it can report the remaining effective time of GNSS. The reported remaining effective time of GNSS implicitly indicates that the terminal device has completed the GNSS measurement.

[0188] For the relevant description of the GNSS remaining effective time shown in 21), please refer to the above description of the first time information or the GNSS first remaining effective time, which will not be repeated here.

[0189] 22) If the terminal device needs to refresh the remaining effective time of GNSS, for example, if the terminal device finds that the motion state may have changed significantly and needs to perform GNSS measurement in advance, then the terminal device can initiate a GNSS request within time D before the desired GNSS measurement is performed.

[0190] For the relevant description of 22), please refer to the description of implementation methods 7 to 9 above. Figure 9a and Figure 9b As shown, the terminal device can send a GNSS request when the remaining GNSS effective time is D, requesting the network device to trigger the terminal device to perform GNSS measurement. Figure 9a and Figure 9b For more information, please refer to the above Figure 8a and Figure 8b , which will not be described in detail here. The GNSS request can be Figure 8a and Figure 8b The remaining GNSS effective time shown is updated, or the second time information above.

[0191] In order to reduce the signaling overhead of the terminal device reporting the extension and shortening of the remaining effective time of the GNSS as much as possible, the GNSS request can include one bit of indication information. For the relevant description of the one bit of indication information, please refer to the above implementation methods 7 to 9, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] 23) When the network device receives the GNSS request from the terminal device, it can schedule the terminal device to perform the next GNSS measurement within a time period D after the GNSS request.

[0193] For the relevant description of 23), please refer to the above step 303, which will not be repeated here.

[0194] 24) If the terminal device fails to receive the GNSS measurement information from the network device within the D time period, the terminal device may behave in the following ways:

[0195] 1) The terminal device can directly enter the idle state, such as Figure 9a shown.

[0196] 2) The terminal device starts the autonomous GNSS measurement timer after D time has passed since the GNSS request was initiated, such as Figure 9b shown.

[0197] For the relevant description of 24), please refer to the above steps 304 and 305, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] In an embodiment of the present application, the terminal device can indicate the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS by reporting a one-bit indication information, thereby not only further reducing the signaling overhead reported by the terminal device, but also ensuring the synchronization of the terminal device and the network device, and ensuring that the terminal device can continue to communicate with the network device, thereby increasing the communication duration of the terminal device.

[0199] The first duration information and the second duration information shown above are shown by taking the example of the terminal device reporting the remaining effective duration of GNSS. In a specific implementation, the terminal device can report the effective duration of GNSS. For example, the first duration information can be used to indicate the first effective duration of GNSS, and the second duration information can be used to indicate the second effective duration of GNSS. The first effective duration of GNSS can be the initial effective duration of GNSS or the changed effective duration of GNSS after the initial effective duration of GNSS changes. The second effective duration of GNSS can be the changed effective duration of GNSS. At this time, the relevant instructions on indicating the first effective duration of GNSS can refer to the relevant description of indicating the first remaining effective duration of GNSS above, and the relevant instructions on indicating the second effective duration of GNSS can refer to the relevant description of indicating the second remaining effective duration of GNSS above, or the relevant instructions on indicating the first effective duration of GNSS or the second effective duration of GNSS can refer to the relevant description of the above GNSS effective duration, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0200] In a specific implementation, the network device may also schedule the terminal device to report the remaining effective duration of GNSS or the effective duration of GNSS. For example, the network device may send a trigger message to the terminal device, and the trigger message may be used to trigger the terminal device to report the remaining effective duration of GNSS / GNSS effective duration. The terminal device receives the trigger message and then reports the remaining effective duration of GNSS / GNSS effective duration. For the specific method of the terminal device reporting the remaining effective duration of GNSS / GNSS effective duration, please refer to the description of the first duration information and the second duration information above, or refer to the description of the first remaining effective duration of GNSS and the second remaining effective duration of GNSS above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0201] The following is an introduction to the communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0202] The present application divides the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. Figures 10 to 12 The communication device according to the embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0203] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application, such as Fig.10As shown, the communication device includes a processing module 1001 and a transceiver module 1002. The transceiver module 1002 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 1001 is used for data processing. For example, the transceiver module 1002 can also be called an interface, a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0204] In some embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the actions performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be a terminal device or a component that can be configured in the terminal device (such as a chip or a system or a functional module, etc.), and the transceiver module 1002 is used to execute the transceiver-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1001 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0205] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1002 is used to report or output first duration information; and report or output second duration information.

[0206] Exemplarily, the processing module 1001 is further configured to determine a first remaining effective duration of the GNSS and a second remaining effective duration of the GNSS.

[0207] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1002 is also used to input or receive GNSS measurement information.

[0208] Exemplarily, the processing module 1001 is further configured to start a timer.

[0209] Reuse Fig.10 In some other embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be used to execute the actions performed by the network device in the above method embodiments. In this case, the communication device can be a network device or a component that can be configured in the network device (such as a chip or a system or a functional module), and the transceiver module 1002 is used to execute the transceiver-related operations of the network device in the above method embodiments, and the processing module 1001 is used to execute the processing-related operations of the network device in the above method embodiments.

[0210] Exemplarily, the transceiver module 1002 is used to input or receive first duration information, and input or receive second duration information.

[0211] The processing module 1001 is configured to determine a second remaining effective duration of the GNSS based on the second duration information.

[0212] The transceiver module 1002 is also used to output or send GNSS measurement information.

[0213] Optionally, in each of the above embodiments, the communication device may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 1001 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the above method embodiments. Exemplarily, the storage unit may be used to store the remaining effective duration of the GNSS or the changed effective duration of the GNSS, a difference, an index, etc.

[0214] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions of the GNSS first remaining valid time, the GNSS second remaining valid time, the GNSS initial valid time, the first reference time, the second reference time, the GNSS measurement interval, the GNSS third valid time, etc. can be referred to the introduction in the above method embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0215] It can be understood that the specific descriptions of the transceiver unit and the processing unit shown in the above embodiments are only examples. For the specific functions or execution steps of the transceiver unit and the processing unit, reference can be made to the above method embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0216] The above describes the communication device of the embodiment of the present application, and the following describes possible product forms of the communication device. Fig.10 Any form of product with the functions of the communication device described above falls within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. It should also be understood that the following description is only an example and does not limit the product form of the communication device of the embodiments of the present application to this.

[0217] In one possible implementation, Fig.10 In the communication device shown, the processing module 1001 may be one or more processors, the transceiver module 1002 may be a transceiver, or the transceiver module 1002 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be a transmitter, the receiving unit may be a receiver, and the sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into one device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not limit the connection mode of the processor and the transceiver. In the process of executing the above method, the process of sending information in the above method can be understood as the process of outputting the above information by the processor. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that it is transmitted by the transceiver. After the above information is output by the processor, it may also need to be processed in other ways before it reaches the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed in other ways before it is input into the processor.

[0218] like Fig.11 As shown, the communication device 110 includes one or more processors 1120 and a transceiver 1110 .

[0219] Exemplarily, the transceiver 1110 is configured to perform the following steps: Fig.10 The functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1002 shown in FIG. 1 are as follows: Fig.10 The functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1001 shown in FIG. 10A and 10B can be referred to for details about the processor 1120 and the transceiver 1110. Fig.10 Or the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0220] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions of the GNSS first remaining valid time, the GNSS second remaining valid time, the GNSS initial valid time, the first reference time, the second reference time, the GNSS measurement interval, the GNSS third valid time, etc. can be referred to the introduction in the above method embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0221] exist Fig.11 In various implementations of the communication device shown, the transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, wherein the receiver is used to perform a receiving function (or operation) and the transmitter is used to perform a transmitting function (or operation). The transceiver is used to communicate with other devices / devices through a transmission medium.

[0222] Optionally, the communication device 110 may further include one or more memories 1130 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 1130 is coupled to the processor 1120. The coupling in the embodiment of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which may be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules. The processor 1120 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1130. The processor 1120 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 1130. Optionally, at least one of the one or more memories may be included in the processor. In the embodiment of the present application, the memory 1130 may store GNSS effective duration, difference, index, etc. Exemplarily, Fig.11 The memory shown only shows the GNSS effective time for example.

[0223] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 1110, the processor 1120 and the memory 1130 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 The memory 1130, the processor 1120 and the transceiver 1110 are connected via a bus 1140. Fig.11The connections between the other components are shown in bold lines, which are only for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Fig.11 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0224] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc., and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor, etc.

[0225] In the embodiment of the present application, the memory may include, but is not limited to, non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a read-only memory (ROM) or a portable read-only memory (CD-ROM), etc. The memory is any storage medium that can be used to carry or store program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be read and / or written by a computer (such as a communication device shown in the present application), but is not limited thereto. The memory in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device that can realize a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0226] The processor 1120 is mainly used to process the communication protocol and communication data, and to control the entire communication device, execute the software program, and process the data of the software program. The memory 1130 is mainly used to store the software program and data. The transceiver 1110 may include a control circuit and an antenna. The control circuit is mainly used to convert the baseband signal and the radio frequency signal and process the radio frequency signal. The antenna is mainly used to send and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. The input and output devices, such as a touch screen, a display screen, a keyboard, etc., are mainly used to receive data input by the user and output data to the user.

[0227] When the communication device is turned on, the processor 1120 can read the software program in the memory 1130, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1120 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent, and outputs the baseband signal to the RF circuit. The RF circuit performs RF processing on the baseband signal and then sends the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna, converts the RF signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1120. The processor 1120 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0228] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be arranged independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be arranged remotely from the communication device.

[0229] It is understandable that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application may also have Fig.11 The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of components and the like. The methods executed by the processor and the transceiver shown above are only examples, and the specific steps executed by the processor and the transceiver can refer to the methods described above.

[0230] In another possible implementation, Fig.10 In the communication device shown, the processing module 1001 may be one or more logic circuits, and the transceiver module 1002 may be an input / output interface, or a communication interface, or an interface circuit, or an interface, etc. Alternatively, the transceiver module 1002 may also be a sending unit and a receiving unit, the sending unit may be an output interface, the receiving unit may be an input interface, and the sending unit and the receiving unit may be integrated into one unit, such as an input / output interface. Fig.12 As shown, Fig.12 The communication device shown includes a logic circuit 1201 and an interface 1202. That is, the processing module 1001 can be implemented by the logic circuit 1201, and the transceiver module 1002 can be implemented by the interface 1202. The logic circuit 1201 can be a chip, a processing circuit, an integrated circuit or a system on chip (SoC) chip, etc., and the interface 1202 can be a communication interface, an input / output interface, a pin, etc. For example, Fig.12 The above communication device is taken as an example as a chip, and the chip includes a logic circuit 1201 and an interface 1202 .

[0231] In the embodiment of the present application, the logic circuit and the interface may also be coupled to each other. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific connection method between the logic circuit and the interface. For example, the logic circuit 1201 may be used to perform the following Fig.10 The functions or steps implemented by the processing module 1001 shown in FIG. 1001, the interface 1202 can be used to perform the following steps: Fig.10 The functions or steps implemented by the transceiver module 1002 shown in FIG. 1002 are shown in FIG. 1002 . For a detailed description of the logic circuit 1201 and the interface 1202, please refer to FIG. Fig.10 Or the method embodiments shown above will not be described in detail here.

[0232] For example, Fig.12 The chip shown may also include a memory, which can be used to store GNSS effective time, difference, index, etc.

[0233] It can be understood that the communication device shown in the embodiment of the present application can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of hardware, or can implement the method provided in the embodiment of the present application in the form of software, etc., and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0234] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the descriptions of the GNSS first remaining valid time, the GNSS second remaining valid time, the GNSS initial valid time, the first reference time, the second reference time, the GNSS measurement interval, the GNSS third valid time, etc. can be referred to the introduction in the above method embodiments, and will not be described in detail here.

[0235] for Fig.12 The specific implementation methods of the various embodiments shown can also refer to the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0236] An embodiment of the present application also provides a wireless communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device and the second communication device can be used to execute the method in any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0237] In addition, the present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the first communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0238] The present application also provides a computer program, which is used to implement the operations and / or processing performed by the second communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0239] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer codes are stored. When the computer codes are executed on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processes performed by the first communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0240] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer codes are stored. When the computer codes are executed on a computer, the computer executes the operations and / or processes performed by the second communication device in the method provided by the present application.

[0241] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the first communication device in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0242] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer code or a computer program. When the computer code or the computer program runs on a computer, the operations and / or processing performed by the second communication device in the method provided by the present application are executed.

[0243] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or it can be an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.

[0244] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the technical effects of the solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0245] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one 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 software functional units.

[0246] 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 computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or partly contributed 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 readable storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned readable storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code.

[0247] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A satellite communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first communication device, and the method includes: Reporting first duration information, where the first duration information is used to indicate a first remaining valid duration of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) of the first communication device, where the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the GNSS valid duration of the first communication device; When the GNSS effective duration changes, second duration information is reported, where the second duration information is used to indicate a second remaining effective duration of the GNSS of the first communication device, and the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS is determined based on the changed GNSS effective duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The change in the GNSS effective duration includes at least one of the following situations: a situation where the change value of the GNSS effective duration is greater than a threshold value; a situation where the GNSS effective duration becomes shorter.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second duration information includes the value of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, or the index of the value of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS; or, The second duration information includes a difference between an end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS and an end time of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, or an index of the difference; or The second duration information includes one-bit indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate shortening of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the indication information is used to indicate extending the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, where the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is D, and D is a real number greater than 0.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The GNSS first remaining valid duration is determined based on the GNSS valid duration and a first reference time.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The GNSS second remaining valid duration is determined based on the GNSS valid duration and a second reference time.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The second reference time is determined based on the time of reporting the second duration information; or, the second reference time is the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The second duration information is also used by the first communication device to request to perform GNSS measurement.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: If no GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, the idle state is entered, and the GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform GNSS measurement; or, If no GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining valid time of the GNSS, start the timer and perform GNSS measurement. If the GNSS measurement is completed within the timing time of the timer, continue to communicate with the second communication device, and the start time of the timer is the end time of the second remaining valid time of the GNSS.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The method further comprises: In a case where GNSS measurement information is received within the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, GNSS measurement is performed, where the GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform the GNSS measurement.

10. A satellite communication method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a second communication device, and the method includes: receiving first duration information, where the first duration information is used to indicate a first remaining valid duration of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) of a first communication device, where the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS is determined based on the GNSS valid duration of the first communication device; Second duration information is received, where the second duration information is used to indicate a second remaining effective duration of the GNSS of the first communication device, where the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS is determined based on the changed GNSS effective duration.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: Within the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS indicated by the second duration information, GNSS measurement information is sent, where the GNSS measurement information is used to trigger the first communication device to perform GNSS measurement.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The second duration information includes the value of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, or the index of the value of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS; or, The second duration information includes a difference between an end time of the first remaining effective duration of the GNSS and an end time of the second remaining effective duration of the GNSS, or an index of the difference; or The second duration information includes one-bit indication information, where the indication information is used to indicate shortening of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, or the indication information is used to indicate extending the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS, where the second remaining valid duration of the GNSS is D, and D is a real number greater than 0.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The GNSS first remaining valid duration is determined based on the GNSS valid duration and a first reference time.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The GNSS second remaining valid duration is determined based on the GNSS valid duration and a second reference time.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The second reference time is determined based on the time of reporting the second duration information; or, the second reference time is the end time of the first remaining valid duration of the GNSS.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The change in the GNSS effective duration includes at least one of the following situations: a situation where the change value of the GNSS effective duration is greater than a threshold value; a situation where the GNSS effective duration becomes shorter.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that: The second duration information is also used by the first communication device to request to perform GNSS measurement.

18. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor, wherein the processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the processor is used to execute the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: It includes a logic circuit and an interface, the logic circuit and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to input and / or output information, the logic circuit is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1-9, or the logic circuit is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 10-17.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium is used to store a computer program. When the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17 is executed.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises a computer program, and when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is executed, or the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17 is executed.

23. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises a first communication device and a second communication device, the first communication device being used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the second communication device being used to execute the method according to any one of claims 10 to 17.

Images