Non-terrestrial network communication methods, apparatus, communication equipment and readable storage media

Abstract

This application relates to a non-terrestrial network communication method, apparatus, communication device, and computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: determining beam configuration information of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam; transmitting the beam configuration information to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, enabling the terminals to perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception. This method enables beam-level DTX / DRX.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a non-terrestrial network communication method, apparatus, communication equipment, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] With the large-scale deployment of 5G networks and the continuous growth of its services, the energy consumption of base stations and terminal equipment is becoming increasingly prominent. Cell-level discontinuous transmission (DTX) / discontinuous reception (DRX) technology can save energy by periodically shutting down data transmission and reception. Synchronizing cell-level DTX / DRX with the terminal, by informing the terminal of the cell shutdown cycle, allows the terminal to simultaneously stop transmitting and receiving when the cell shuts down transmission and reception. This helps the terminal save energy, further optimizing the overall energy efficiency of the 5G network and reducing power consumption.

[0003] Unlike terrestrial communications, energy efficiency is particularly important for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) scenarios. However, current protocols only support cell-level DTX / DRX, which cannot meet the service coverage and energy efficiency requirements of different NTN beams in multi-beam NTN scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, current NTN communication technology has the problem of not supporting beam-level DTX / DRX. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a non-terrestrial network communication method, apparatus, communication equipment, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product that can realize beam-level DTX / DRX in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, the method being applied to a base station, comprising:

[0007] Determine the beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beams;

[0008] The beam configuration information is sent to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, so that the terminals can perform discontinuous communication according to the received beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0009] Secondly, this application also provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, the method being applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0010] Receive beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam sent by the base station;

[0011] Discontinuous communication is performed based on the beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0012] Thirdly, this application also provides a non-terrestrial network communication device, which is applied to a base station and includes:

[0013] The determination module is used to determine the beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beams;

[0014] The transmitting module is configured to transmit the beam configuration information to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, so that the terminals can perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0015] Fourthly, this application also provides a non-terrestrial network communication device, the device being applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0016] The receiving module is used to receive beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beams transmitted by the base station;

[0017] A communication module is used to perform discontinuous communication according to the beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0018] Fifthly, this application also provides a communication device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method described in either the first or second aspect above.

[0019] Sixthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in either the first or second aspect above.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in either the first or second aspect above.

[0021] The aforementioned non-terrestrial network communication methods, apparatuses, communication equipment, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products, by determining the beam configuration information of the NTN beam, send the beam configuration information to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, enabling the terminals to perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information; they can perform beam-level configuration for the DTX / DRX function of each NTN beam within the NTN cell, allowing each terminal under each NTN beam to flexibly activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function according to the beam-level configuration, thereby achieving beam-level DTX / DRX while meeting the personalized service needs of the terminals. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of a non-terrestrial network communication method in one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a beam-saving method based on NTN in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of beam-level DTX / DRX parameter configuration based on NTN in one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method in another embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6 This is an interactive flowchart of a non-terrestrial network communication method in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0030] The non-terrestrial network communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1In the application environment shown, base station 102 is deployed on a satellite and communicates with ground-based terminals 104 via an NTN network. The serving beam within an NTN cell can be one or more NTN beams, specifically, but not limited to, Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) beams. Each NTN beam can cover one or more terminals 104. The terminals (User Equipment, UE) can be, but are not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices can include smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, smart in-vehicle devices, and projection devices. Portable wearable devices can include smartwatches, smart bracelets, and head-mounted devices. Head-mounted devices can be virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, and smart glasses. The base station can be, but is not limited to, various on-board LTE base stations (Enhanced Node B, eNB), 5G base stations (the next generation Node B, gNB), etc.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a non-terrestrial network communication method is provided, which is applied to... Figure 1 Taking base station 102 as an example, the method includes the following steps:

[0032] Step S202: Determine the beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam.

[0033] The beam configuration information can be the DTX / DRX parameters configured for the NTN beam.

[0034] In practice, the base station can configure DTX / DRX parameters for the NTN beam and obtain beam configuration information based on the NTN beam and its corresponding DTX / DRX parameters.

[0035] In practical applications, for each NTN beam serving within an NTN cell, the gNB can flexibly configure DTX / DRX parameters according to the service requirements carried by the NTN beam. DTX / DRX parameters may include, but are not limited to, the DTX / DRX activity period, start offset, timeslot offset, configuration type, and activation status. The activity period can be the transmission period in DTX or the reception period in DRX. The start offset can be the offset of the DTX / DRX period relative to the starting frame. The timeslot offset can be the offset of the DTX / DRX activity period relative to the start time of the DTX / DRX period. The configuration type can indicate whether only DTX, only DRX, or both DTX and DRX are executed. The activation status indicates whether the DTX / DRX function is activated. The gNB can also determine the beam identifier of each NTN beam and the configuration identifier of the corresponding DTX / DRX parameter configuration for each NTN beam, obtaining beam configuration information based on the beam identifier and its corresponding configuration identifier.

[0036] Step S204: Send beam configuration information to terminals within the NTN beam coverage area so that the terminals can perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information; discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0037] In practice, the base station can send beam configuration information to terminals within the NTN beam coverage area. The terminals can obtain the DTX / DRX parameters corresponding to the NTN beam based on the received beam configuration information, and activate or deactivate discontinuous communication based on the DTX / DRX parameters.

[0038] In practical applications, the gNB can send beam configuration information to the UE within the corresponding bandgap of the NTN beam via Downlink Control Information (DCI). The UE identifies the beam identifier of its corresponding NTN beam in the received beam configuration information, obtains the configuration identifier corresponding to that beam identifier, and determines the DTX / DRX parameter configuration for its corresponding NTN beam based on the configuration identifier. It then activates or deactivates the DTX / DRX function based on these DTX / DRX parameters. It should be noted that NTN beam configuration information can also be sent to the UE within the corresponding bandgap via DCI format 2_9.

[0039] The aforementioned non-terrestrial network communication method determines the beam configuration information of the NTN beam and sends the beam configuration information to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, enabling the terminals to perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information. It can perform beam-level configuration for the DTX / DRX function of each NTN beam within the NTN cell, allowing each terminal under each NTN beam to flexibly activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function according to the beam-level configuration, thus achieving beam-level DTX / DRX while meeting the personalized service needs of the terminals.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, step S202 may specifically include: determining the beam identifier of the NTN beam and determining the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam; obtaining beam configuration information based on the beam identifier and the configuration identifier.

[0041] The beam identifier can be the identifier of the NTN beam. The parameter configuration can be the configuration of the beam-level DTX / DRX parameters. The configuration identifier can be the identifier of the configured beam-level DTX / DRX parameters.

[0042] In practice, the base station can determine the beam identifier of the NTN beam. After configuring the DTX / DRX parameters for the NTN beam, it can also determine the corresponding configuration identifier and obtain the beam configuration information based on the beam identifier and its corresponding configuration identifier.

[0043] For example, assuming there are four NTN beams serving within an NTN cell: SSB0, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3, 2-bit information can be used as beam identifiers, denoted as 00, 01, 10, and 11 respectively. Similarly, assuming there are four sets of DTX / DRX parameter configurations, 2-bit information can be used as configuration identifiers, for example, 00 for parameter instance 1, 01 for parameter instance 2, 10 for parameter instance 3, and 11 for parameter instance 4. Assuming parameter instance 1 is configured for SSB0, parameter instance 2 for SSB1, parameter instance 3 for SSB2, and parameter instance 4 for SSB3, combining the beam identifiers with the configuration identifiers and sending them to the UE via DCI format 2_9 can notify the UE of the DTX / DRX parameter configuration used for each NTN beam. For example, if U... If the UE receives 0000, it can know that the current NTN beam is SSB0 and the DTX / DRX parameter configuration is as shown in parameter example 1. If the UE receives 0101, it can know that the current NTN beam is SSB1 and the DTX / DRX parameter configuration is as shown in parameter example 2. If the UE receives 1010, it can know that the current NTN beam is SSB2 and the DTX / DRX parameter configuration is as shown in parameter example 3. If the UE receives 1111, it can know that the current NTN beam is SSB3 and the DTX / DRX parameter configuration is as shown in parameter example 4. Thus, the UE can determine its own NTN beam and the corresponding DTX / DRX parameter configuration based on the received beam identifier and configuration identifier, and activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function according to the parameter configuration.

[0044] In this embodiment, by determining the beam identifier of the NTN beam and the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam, the beam configuration information is obtained based on the beam identifier and the configuration identifier. The beam-level DTX / DRX configuration can be notified to the terminal within the corresponding band position of the NTN beam, thereby realizing flexible beam-level configuration of DTX / DRX.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of determining the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam may specifically include: determining the parameter configuration of the NTN beam according to the service requirements of the terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam; and obtaining the configuration identifier according to the parameter configuration.

[0046] Among them, business requirements can be the requirements for the amount of data that needs to be sent or received.

[0047] In practical implementation, the base station can determine the terminal service requirements under the NTN beam based on the total amount of buffered data requested by each terminal within the corresponding band of the NTN beam for uplink and downlink scheduling. It then selects a DTX / DRX parameter configuration from a pre-determined parameter configuration list that meets these service requirements, using this configuration as the parameter configuration for the NTN beam. The parameter configuration list can also record an identifier for each DTX / DRX parameter configuration, which the base station can use as the configuration identifier. The pre-determined parameter configuration list can be permanently configured by the base station based on prior data.

[0048] For example, refer to Figure 1 There are 3 SSBs under the NTN cell: SSB1, SSB2 and SSB3. Among them, there are 2 UE1 and UE2 with high data traffic demand under the coverage of SSB1 beam, 2 UE3 and UE4 with low data traffic demand under the coverage of SSB2 beam, and 1 UE5 with no data traffic demand under the coverage of SSB3 beam. For SSB1, the gNB can configure the set of DTX / DRX parameters with the shortest sleep duration to moderately save energy while meeting service requirements, or choose not to activate DTX / DRX to maximize service requirements. For example, the gNB can select parameter instance 2 from the parameter configuration list, and if the parameter configuration list records its identifier as 01, then the configuration identifier is 01. For SSB2, the gNB can configure the set of DTX / DRX parameters with a longer sleep duration to meet data service transmission requirements while achieving beam-level energy saving. For example, the gNB can select parameter instance 3 from the parameter configuration list, and if the parameter configuration list records its identifier as 10, then the configuration identifier is 10. For SSB3, the gNB can configure the set of DTX / DRX parameters with the longest sleep duration to achieve the optimal beam-level energy saving effect. For example, the gNB can select parameter instance 3 from the parameter configuration list, and if the parameter configuration list records its identifier as 11, then the configuration identifier is 11.

[0049] In this embodiment, the parameter configuration of the NTN beam is determined based on the service requirements of the terminals within the NTN beam coverage area. Based on the parameter configuration, a configuration identifier is obtained. Beam-level DTX / DRX configuration can be performed based on the terminal service requirements, achieving optimal beam-level energy saving while meeting the service requirements.

[0050] In one exemplary embodiment, the parameter configuration includes configuring at least one of the following: active period, start offset, time slot offset, configuration type, and activation state for discontinuous communication.

[0051] The active period can be a transmission period in DTX or a reception period in DRX. The start offset can be the offset of the DTX / DRX period relative to the start frame. The slot offset can be the offset of the DTX / DRX active period relative to the start time of the DTX / DRX period. The configuration type can indicate whether DTX is executed only, DRX is executed only, or both DTX and DRX are executed together. The activation status indicates whether the DTX / DRX function is activated.

[0052] In practice, the beam-level DTX / DRX parameters configured by the base station may include, but are not limited to, the active period of discontinuous communication, start offset, time slot offset, configuration type, and activation status.

[0053] In practical applications, the beam-level DTX / DRX configuration list field beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList can be set. The beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList field can contain multiple sets of parameter information, for example:

[0054] beamDTX-DRX-onDurationTime: Indicates the active period of the beam-level DTX / DRX cycle. The UE only listens to the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) during this duration. The value is expressed in multiples of 1 / 32 milliseconds (sub-milliseconds) or milliseconds (milliseconds). For the latter, the value ms1 corresponds to 1 millisecond, the value ms2 corresponds to 2 milliseconds, and so on.

[0055] beamDTX-DRX-CycleStartOffset: Indicates the beam-level DTX-DRX cycle (in milliseconds) and the beam-level DTX-DRX start offset (in multiples of 1 millisecond).

[0056] beamDTX-DRX-SlotOffset: Beam-level DTX / DRX slot offset, used to indicate the offset of the start time of DTX / DRX activity relative to the start DTX / DRX cycle, expressed in 1 / 32 milliseconds, with value 0 corresponding to 0 milliseconds, value 1 corresponding to 1 / 32 milliseconds, value 2 corresponding to 2 / 32 milliseconds, and so on.

[0057] beamDTX-DRX-ConfigType: Indicates whether the beam-level configuration is for DTX only, DRX only, or a combination of DTX and DRX;

[0058] beamDTX-DRX-ActivationStatus: The initial activation status of beam-level DTX / DRX, indicating whether the UE should activate the configuration based on the received parameters.

[0059] In this embodiment, by configuring parameters including at least one of the active period, start offset, time slot offset, configuration type, and activation state of the discontinuous communication, the parameter configuration information of the beam-level DTX / DRX is made more comprehensive and richer, ensuring the reliable implementation of beam-level DTX / DRX.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the above-described non-terrestrial network communication method may further include: sending a predetermined parameter configuration list to the terminal; the parameter configuration list contains at least one candidate parameter configuration.

[0061] The parameter configuration list can be a list of one or more sets of DTX / DRX parameters configured for the NTN beam. The candidate parameter configuration can be a set of DTX / DRX parameters configured for the NTN beam.

[0062] In practice, the base station can configure one or more sets of DTX / DRX parameters for the NTN beam to form a parameter configuration list. The parameter configuration list is then sent to the terminal. After determining the beam configuration information of the NTN beam and sending the beam configuration information to the terminal, the terminal can determine the DTX / DRX parameter configuration corresponding to the beam configuration information based on the parameter configuration list, and activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function accordingly.

[0063] It should be noted that the parameter configuration list may also contain a configuration identifier corresponding to each candidate parameter configuration. The terminal reads the configuration identifier in the beam configuration information, searches for the candidate parameter configuration corresponding to the configuration identifier in the parameter configuration list, and determines the found candidate parameter configuration as the DTX / DRX parameter configuration corresponding to the beam configuration information.

[0064] In practical applications, a beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList field can be added to the ServingCellConfigCommon structure. The beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList field is used to indicate one or more sets of beam-level DTX / DRX parameters for configuring the current serving beam. The beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList field is the beam configuration list, and the gNB can broadcast ServingCellConfigCommon to the UE.

[0065] In this embodiment, by sending a pre-determined parameter configuration list to the terminal, the terminal can find the corresponding parameter configuration in the parameter configuration list based on the received configuration identifier, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of parameter configuration.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, step S204 may specifically include: sending beam configuration information to the terminal via DCI format 2_9.

[0067] In practice, the base station can send beam configuration information to the terminal using DCI format 2_9. For example, the gNB can send 0000 to the UE within the beam position corresponding to SSB0 using DCI format 2_9.

[0068] In this embodiment, beam configuration information is sent to the terminal through DCI format 2_9, which can reuse the DCI format 2_9 used by the current cell-level DTX / DRX and avoid defining an additional DCI format; moreover, it facilitates the simultaneous processing of cell-level DTX / DRX parameters and beam-level DTX / DRX parameters.

[0069] To facilitate a deeper understanding of the embodiments of this application by those skilled in the art, a specific example will be used for illustration below.

[0070] This application proposes a beam-based energy-saving method based on NTN. The same NTN cell is served by multiple beams, and each beam can be configured with one or more different sets of beam-level DTX / DRX related parameters. The gNB can activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function of each beam individually through DCI 2_9. Within the corresponding wave position of each beam, the gNB can flexibly configure the beam-level DTX / DRX activity cycle according to the different service requirements of the UE, so as to achieve system-level energy-saving effect of joint optimization by gNB and UE without affecting terminal services.

[0071] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a beam-saving method based on NTN is provided. According to... Figure 3 The beam-saving method based on NTN may include the following steps:

[0072] Step S301: The same NTN cell has multiple beam services, and each beam service can be configured with one or more different beam-level DTX / DRX related parameters;

[0073] Add a beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList field to the ServingCellConfigCommon structure. beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList is used to indicate one or more sets of beam-level DTX / DRX parameters for configuring the current service beam. ServingCellConfigCommon>>beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList contains one or more sets of parameter information, and the corresponding IE (Information Element) is ServingCellConfigCommon>>beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList>>BeamDTX-DRX-Config.

[0074] Specifically, the IE structure for the above parameters is as follows:

[0075] ServingCellConfigCommon ::= SEQUENCE {

[0076] …

[0077] beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList SetupRelease { BeamDTX-DRX-ConfigList}

[0078] …} …

[0079] BeamDTX-DRX-Config List ::= SEQUENCE(SIZE(1..maxNrofBeamDTX-DRX)) OFBeamDTX-DRX-Config

[0080] The ServingCellConfigCommon>>beamDTX-DRX-ConfigList>>BeamDTX-DRX-Config contains multiple sets of parameter information:

[0081] (1) beamDTX-DRX-onDurationTime: Indicates the active period of the DTX / DRX cycle during which the UE listens to the PDCCH only, in multiples of 1 / 32 milliseconds (sub-milliseconds) or milliseconds (milliseconds). For the latter, the value ms1 corresponds to 1 millisecond, the value ms2 corresponds to 2 milliseconds, and so on.

[0082] (2) beamDTX-DRX-CycleStartOffset: Indicates the beam-level DTX-DRX cycle (in milliseconds) and the beam-level DTX-DRX start offset (in multiples of 1 millisecond).

[0083] (3) beamDTX-DRX-SlotOffset: Beam-level DTX / DRX slot offset, used to indicate the offset of the start time of DTX / DRX activity relative to the start DTX / DRX cycle. Values ​​are expressed in 1 / 32 milliseconds. Value 0 corresponds to 0 milliseconds, value 1 corresponds to 1 / 32 milliseconds, value 2 corresponds to 2 / 32 milliseconds, and so on.

[0084] (4) beamDTX-DRX-ConfigType: Indicates whether the configuration is for beamDTX only, beamDRX only, or for combined beamDTX / DRX configuration.

[0085] (5) beamDTX-DRX-ActivationStatus: The initial activation status of beam-level DTX / DRX, indicating whether the UE should activate the configuration based on the received parameters.

[0086] Specifically, the IE structure for the above parameters is shown below.

[0087] -- ASN1START

[0088] -- TAG-CELLDTX-DRX-CONFIG-START

[0089] BeamDTX-DRX-Config ::= SEQUENCE {

[0090] beamDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer CHOICE {

[0091] subMilliSeconds INTEGER (1..31),

[0092] milliSeconds ENUMERATED {ms1,ms2, ms3, ms4, ms5, ms6, ms8, ms10, ms20, ms30, ms40, ms50, ms60, ms80,ms100, ms200, ms300, ms400, ms500, ms600, ms800, ms1000, ms1200, ms1600,spare8, spare7, spare6, spare5, spare4, spare3, spare2, spare1}

[0093] },

[0094] beamDTX-DRX-CycleStartOffset CHOICE {

[0095] ms10 INTEGER(0..9),

[0096] ms20 INTEGER(0..19),

[0097] ms32 INTEGER(0..31),

[0098] ms40 INTEGER(0..39),

[0099] ms60 INTEGER(0..59),

[0100] ms64 INTEGER(0..63),

[0101] ms70 INTEGER(0..69),

[0102] ms80 INTEGER(0..79),

[0103] ms128 INTEGER(0..127),

[0104] ms160 INTEGER(0..159),

[0105] ms256 INTEGER(0..255),

[0106] ms320 INTEGER(0..319),

[0107] ms512 INTEGER(0..511),

[0108] ms640 INTEGER(0..639),

[0109] ms1024 INTEGER(0..1023),

[0110] ms1280 INTEGER(0..1279),

[0111] ms2048 INTEGER(0..2047),

[0112] ms2560 INTEGER(0..2559),

[0113] ms5120 INTEGER(0..5119),

[0114] ms10240 INTEGER(0..10239)

[0115] },

[0116] beamDTX-DRX-SlotOffset INTEGER (0..31),

[0117] beamDTX-DRX-ConfigType ENUMERATED {dtx, drx, dtxdrx},

[0118] beamDTX-DRX-ActivationStatus ENUMERATED {activated, deactivated}OPTIONAL -- Need N

[0119] Specifically, the principle of parameter configuration can be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, after the subframe starts, the period of the beam-level DTX-DRX and the starting offset relative to the starting subframe (Start SFNn) are determined by beamDTX-DRX-CycleStartOffset. Then, after beamDTX-DRX-SlotOffset, beamDTX-DRX-onDurationTimer is started for the serving cell. During the duration of this activity period, the UE can listen to the PDCCH.

[0120] In step S302, the gNB can individually activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function of each beam via DCI 2_9.

[0121] In DCI format 2_9, new bits are added to the beam index parameter field and bits to indicate the beam-level DTX / DRX mode (configuration identifier). Specifically, N bits indicate different SSB beam indices, where N can be {2, 4, 8, 16}; M bits indicate the beam-level DTX / DRX mode selected by the UE under the corresponding beam. For example, when M=2, there are 4 sets of parameters: 00 represents the first set of instance parameters; 01 represents the second set of instance parameters; 10 represents the third set of instance parameters; and 11 represents the fourth set of instance parameters.

[0122] Specifically, the beam index parameter bits can be configured as needed; the beam-level DTX / DRX mode can be configured according to specific service and scheduling requirements; when N=2, it means that a maximum of 4 SSB beams are mapped using 2 bits, which can be represented by SSB0, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3 respectively. When M=2, there are 4 sets of beam-level DTX / DRX parameter instances. Assuming that the parameter beamDTX-DRX-ActivationStatus=deactivated in the first set of instances, and beamDTX-DRX-ActivationStatus=activated in the other three sets, and the parameter beamDTX-DRX-ConfigType in the second, third, and fourth sets corresponds to dtx, drx, and dtxdrx respectively. Each SSB beam can be individually activated by DCI 2_9 to activate the corresponding beam-level DTX / DRX mode. Assuming that SSB0 does not activate beam-level DTX / DRX, SSB1 activates beam-level DTX, SSB2 activates beam-level DRX, and SSB3 activates beam-level DTX / DRX, the configuration information is shown in Table 1 below.

[0123] Table 1. Configuration information for beam index and beam-level DTX / DRX modes.

[0124]

[0125] In step S303, the gNB can flexibly configure the activity period of beam-level DTX / DRX according to the different UE service requirements within the corresponding band position of each NTN beam.

[0126] Specifically, based on the actual data transmission status of different UEs under each SSB band, DCI 2_9 can be used to instruct the UE to dynamically configure different beam-level DTX / DRX activity durations. (Reference) Figure 1 An NTN cell has three SSB beams: SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3, corresponding to three NTN band positions: 0, 1, and 2. SSB1 covers two UEs (UE1 and UE2) with high data traffic demands, SSB2 covers two UEs (UE3 and UE4) with low data traffic demands, and SSB3 covers one UE (UE5) with no data traffic demands. The configuration information is shown in Table 2 below.

[0127] Table 2 Beam-level DTX / DRX Configuration Information

[0128]

[0129] Specifically, for NTN SSB1, the gNB sends DCI 2_9 through the PDCCH channel to instruct UE1 and UE2 to activate the shortest set of parameters for the beam-level DTX / DRX sleep duration configuration, so as to moderately save energy while meeting service requirements; or choose not to activate the beam-level DTX / DRX to maximize the satisfaction of service requirements.

[0130] Specifically, for NTN SSB2, the gNB indicates to UE3 and UE4 via the PDCCH channel to activate a set of DTX / DRX sleep duration configurations with longer durations, thereby achieving better beam-level energy saving while meeting data service transmission requirements.

[0131] Specifically, for NTN SSB3, gNB sends DCI2_9 through the PDCCH channel to instruct UE5 to select the group with the longest beam-level DTX / DRX sleep duration configuration to achieve the optimal beam-level energy saving effect.

[0132] The aforementioned beam-based energy-saving method based on NTN comprehensively considers the configuration of beam-level DTX / DRX related functional parameters in multi-beam NTN cells and the individual activation or deactivation of beam-level DTX / DRX configurations for each UE under each beam through DCI 2_9. This enables flexible configuration of beam-level DTX / DRX functions in NTN cells, achieving green and efficient energy-saving effects. Furthermore, this application comprehensively considers different UE service requirements, with the gNB providing differentiated beam-level DTX / DRX parameter configurations within the corresponding waveband of each beam. By flexibly configuring the beam-level DTX / DRX activity cycle, it achieves optimal energy-saving effects while ensuring user service quality.

[0133] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, a non-terrestrial network communication method is provided, which is applied to... Figure 1 Taking terminal 104 as an example, the explanation includes the following steps:

[0134] Step S502: Receive beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam sent by the base station;

[0135] Step S504: Perform discontinuous communication according to the beam configuration information; discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0136] In practice, the base station can determine a parameter configuration list for the NTN beams within the cell area and send the parameter configuration list to the terminal. The base station can also select the parameter configuration of the NTN beam from the parameter configuration list according to the service requirements of the terminal within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, combine the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration with the beam identifier of the NTN beam to form beam configuration information, and send it to the terminal through DCI format 2_9. The terminal receives the beam configuration information, reads the beam identifier and configuration identifier in the beam configuration information, looks up the parameter configuration corresponding to the configuration identifier in the parameter configuration list, and performs beam-level DTX / DRX according to the found parameter configuration.

[0137] Since the specific processing procedure of the terminal has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments, it will not be repeated here.

[0138] The aforementioned non-terrestrial network communication method receives beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network NTN beam sent by the base station and performs discontinuous communication based on the beam configuration information. It can perform beam-level configuration for the DTX / DRX function of each NTN beam in the NTN cell, so that each terminal under each NTN beam can flexibly activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function according to the beam-level configuration, thereby achieving beam-level DTX / DRX while meeting the personalized service needs of the terminals.

[0139] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, a non-terrestrial network communication method is provided, including the following steps:

[0140] Step S601: The base station sends a pre-determined parameter configuration list to the terminal;

[0141] Step S602: The base station determines the beam identifier of the NTN beam and the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam, and obtains the beam configuration information based on the beam identifier and the configuration identifier.

[0142] In step S603, the base station sends beam configuration information to the terminal via DCI format 2_9;

[0143] Step S604: The terminal determines the parameter configuration based on the received beam configuration information and parameter configuration list;

[0144] Step S605: Perform discontinuous communication according to parameter configuration; discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0145] In practice, the base station can determine a parameter configuration list for the NTN beams within the cell area and send the parameter configuration list to the terminal. The base station can also select the parameter configuration of the NTN beam from the parameter configuration list according to the service requirements of the terminal within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, combine the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration with the beam identifier of the NTN beam to form beam configuration information, and send it to the terminal through DCI format 2_9. The terminal receives the beam configuration information, reads the beam identifier and configuration identifier in the beam configuration information, looks up the parameter configuration corresponding to the configuration identifier in the parameter configuration list, and performs beam-level DTX / DRX according to the found parameter configuration.

[0146] Since the specific processing procedures for base stations and terminals have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments, they will not be repeated here.

[0147] The aforementioned non-terrestrial network communication method involves a base station sending a pre-determined parameter configuration list to the terminal. The base station determines the beam identifier of the NTN beam and the configuration identifier of the corresponding parameter configuration. Based on the beam identifier and configuration identifier, beam configuration information is obtained. The base station then sends the beam configuration information to the terminal via DCI format 2_9. The terminal determines the parameter configuration based on the received beam configuration information and parameter configuration list, and performs discontinuous communication according to the parameter configuration. Discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception. Beam-level configuration can be performed for the DTX / DRX function of each NTN beam within the NTN cell, allowing each terminal under each NTN beam to flexibly activate or deactivate the DTX / DRX function according to the beam-level configuration, achieving beam-level DTX / DRX while meeting the personalized service needs of the terminal.

[0148] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0149] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a non-terrestrial network communication device for implementing the aforementioned non-terrestrial network communication method. The solution provided by this device is similar to the implementation described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more embodiments of the non-terrestrial network communication device provided below can be found in the limitations of the non-terrestrial network communication method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0150] In one exemplary embodiment, a non-terrestrial network communication device is provided, comprising: a determining module and a transmitting module, wherein:

[0151] The determination module is used to determine the beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beams;

[0152] The transmitting module is configured to transmit the beam configuration information to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, so that the terminals can perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, the determining module is further configured to determine the beam identifier of the NTN beam and the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam; and obtain the beam configuration information based on the beam identifier and the configuration identifier.

[0154] In an exemplary embodiment, the determining module is further configured to determine the parameter configuration of the NTN beam based on the service requirements of terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam; and to obtain the configuration identifier based on the parameter configuration.

[0155] In an exemplary embodiment, the parameter configuration above includes configuring at least one of the following: the active period, start offset, time slot offset, configuration type, and activation state of the discontinuous communication.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the above-described non-terrestrial network communication device further includes a list sending module for sending a predetermined parameter configuration list to the terminal; the parameter configuration list contains at least one candidate parameter configuration.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned transmitting module also transmits the beam configuration information to the terminal via downlink control information DCI format 2_9.

[0158] In one exemplary embodiment, a non-terrestrial network communication device is provided, comprising: a receiving module and a communication module, wherein:

[0159] The receiving module is used to receive beam configuration information of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beams transmitted by the base station;

[0160] A communication module is used to perform discontinuous communication according to the beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

[0161] Each module in the aforementioned non-terrestrial network communication device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of the communication device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of the communication device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, a communication device, which may be a base station, is provided. The communication device includes a processor, a memory, an input / output interface (I / O), and a communication interface. The processor, memory, and I / O are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface is connected to the system bus via the I / O. The processor of the communication device provides computing and control capabilities. The memory of the communication device includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system, computer programs, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage medium. The database of the communication device stores non-terrestrial network communication data. The I / O interface of the communication device is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface of the communication device is used for communicating with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a non-terrestrial network communication method.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment, a communication device is provided, which can be a terminal. The communication device includes a processor, a memory, an input / output interface, a communication interface, a display unit, and an input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interface are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are connected to the system bus via the input / output interface. The processor of the communication device provides computing and control capabilities. The memory of the communication device includes a non-volatile storage medium and internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs in the non-volatile storage medium. The input / output interface of the communication device is used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface of the communication device is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, Near Field Communication (NFC), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a non-terrestrial network communication method. The display unit of the communication device is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the communication device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the communication device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0164] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above structure is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication device to which the present application is applied. Specific communication devices may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0165] In one embodiment, a communication device is also provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0166] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0167] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0168] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) processors, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0170] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0171] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-terrestrial network communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a base station and includes: The beam identifier of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam is determined, and the terminal service requirements under the NTN beam are determined based on the total amount of buffered data requested by each terminal within the corresponding band position of the NTN beam. The parameter configuration that can meet the terminal service requirements is selected from a pre-determined parameter configuration list as the parameter configuration of the NTN beam. The parameter configuration list records the identifier corresponding to each parameter configuration. The identifier of the selected parameter configuration is used as the configuration identifier. The beam identifier and the configuration identifier are combined to obtain the beam configuration information of the NTN beam. The beam configuration information is sent to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, so that the terminals can perform discontinuous communication according to the received beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

2. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parameter configuration includes configuring at least one of the following: active period, start offset, time slot offset, configuration type, and activation state of the discontinuous communication.

3. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The predetermined parameter configuration list is sent to the terminal; the parameter configuration list contains at least one candidate parameter configuration.

4. The non-terrestrial network communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the beam configuration information to terminals within the NTN beam coverage area includes: The beam configuration information is sent to the terminal via downlink control information in DCI format 2_9.

5. A non-terrestrial network communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal and includes: The base station receives beam configuration information of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam sent by the base station. The beam configuration information is obtained by combining the beam identifier of the NTN beam with the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam. The base station determines the beam identifier, determines the terminal service requirements under the NTN beam based on the total amount of buffered data requested by each terminal within the corresponding band of the NTN beam for uplink and downlink scheduling, selects the parameter configuration that can meet the terminal service requirements from a pre-determined parameter configuration list, and uses it as the parameter configuration of the NTN beam. The parameter configuration list records the identifier corresponding to each parameter configuration, and the identifier of the selected parameter configuration is used as the configuration identifier. Discontinuous communication is performed based on the beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of performing discontinuous communication based on the beam configuration information includes: Based on the beam identifier and configuration identifier in the beam configuration information, determine the NTN beam to which it belongs, as well as the corresponding discontinuous communication parameter configuration; The discontinuous communication function can be activated or deactivated according to the discontinuous communication parameter configuration.

7. A non-terrestrial network communication device, characterized in that, The device is applied to a base station and includes: The determination module is used to determine the beam identifier of the non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam, and to determine the terminal service requirements under the NTN beam based on the total amount of cached data requested by each terminal within the corresponding band position of the NTN beam. The module selects the parameter configuration that can meet the terminal service requirements from a pre-determined parameter configuration list as the parameter configuration of the NTN beam. The parameter configuration list records the identifier corresponding to each parameter configuration. The identifier of the selected parameter configuration is used as the configuration identifier. The beam identifier and the configuration identifier are combined to obtain the beam configuration information of the NTN beam. The transmitting module is configured to transmit the beam configuration information to terminals within the coverage area of ​​the NTN beam, so that the terminals can perform discontinuous communication based on the received beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

8. A non-terrestrial network communication device, characterized in that, The device is applied to a terminal and includes: A receiving module is used to receive beam configuration information of a non-terrestrial network (NTN) beam sent by a base station. The beam configuration information is obtained by combining the beam identifier of the NTN beam with the configuration identifier of the parameter configuration corresponding to the NTN beam. The base station is used to determine the beam identifier, determine the terminal service requirements under the NTN beam based on the total amount of buffered data requested by each terminal for uplink and downlink scheduling within the corresponding band of the NTN beam, select the parameter configuration that can meet the terminal service requirements from a pre-determined parameter configuration list, and use it as the parameter configuration of the NTN beam. The parameter configuration list records the identifier corresponding to each parameter configuration, and the identifier of the selected parameter configuration is used as the configuration identifier. A communication module is used to perform discontinuous communication according to the beam configuration information; the discontinuous communication includes at least one of discontinuous transmission and discontinuous reception.

9. A communication device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 5 to 6.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 5 to 6.

Images