Cellular measurement methods, devices, chip systems, storage media, and software products

Abstract

This application provides a cell measurement method, apparatus, chip system, storage medium, and program product, relating to the field of communication technology. The method includes: a terminal device receiving multiple SMTCs from multiple neighboring cells; the terminal device selecting the SMTC of a first cell from the multiple SMTCs, and performing cell measurement on the first cell based on the SMTC. The first cell may include M co-satellite neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration and / or F dissimilar satellite neighboring cells, where the F dissimilar satellite neighboring cells are neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​one or more satellites with the longest remaining visible duration among the neighboring satellites. In this way, the terminal device has a reasonable standard for selecting the SMTC, which can improve the reliability of the terminal device's SMTC selection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to cell measurement methods, devices, chip systems, storage media and software products. Background Technology

[0002] In non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, during cell handover by terminal equipment, the network side generally adopts a network-device-led strategy based on synchronization signal block (SSB) radio resource management measurement timing configuration (SMTC).

[0003] For example, the network side can configure a candidate set of SMTCs (or SMTC set) to the terminal device. The SMTC set includes multiple SMTCs corresponding to neighboring cells. The terminal device can independently select 1 or 2 SMTCs from them and perform cell measurement based on the 1 or 2 SMTCs.

[0004] In this approach, the decision-making power for selecting the SMTC rests with the terminal device. Different terminal devices may have different criteria for selecting the SMTC, and the reliability of the terminal device's selection of the SMTC may be low. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a cell measurement method, apparatus, chip system, storage medium, and program product. Terminal devices can select a portion of SMTCs from the set of SMTCs configured on the network side for cell measurement according to certain standards, which helps terminal devices select more reasonable SMTCs and improves the reliability of SMTC selection.

[0006] Firstly, this application proposes a cell measurement method. The method includes: receiving multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of the multiple neighboring cells; performing cell measurement on a first cell based on the configuration information of a first cell among the multiple configuration information, the first cell including some or all of the cells among the multiple neighboring cells; wherein, in the case where the multiple neighboring cells include one or more neighboring cells belonging to the coverage area of ​​a different non-terrestrial network device than the serving cell, the first cell includes F neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​the first non-terrestrial network device that provides services to the one or more neighboring cells and has the longest remaining visibility, the F neighboring cells belonging to the one or more neighboring cells; and / or, in the case where the multiple neighboring cells include at least one neighboring cell belonging to the coverage area of ​​the same non-terrestrial network device as the serving cell, the first cell includes M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration among the at least one neighboring cell, where M and F are positive integers.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the method is executed by a terminal device. The terminal device can be the terminal equipment itself, or a component applied in the terminal device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, software and / or hardware module, etc.).

[0008] The multiple configuration information, also known as multiple SMTCs, multiple SMTC configuration information, SMTC set, or SMTC candidate set, refers to the SMTCs corresponding to multiple neighboring cells sent by the non-terrestrial network device to the terminal device. The non-terrestrial network device can be understood as the satellite connected to the terminal device, or the satellite currently providing services to the terminal device; it can also be referred to as the source satellite, serving satellite, etc.

[0009] The first cell includes M neighboring cells and / or F neighboring cells. The configuration information of the first cell can be understood as the configuration information that the terminal device filters (or selects) from multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, that is, the SMTCs that the terminal device filters (or selects) from the SMTC set.

[0010] Optionally, the first non-terrestrial network device is visible, including: the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first non-terrestrial network device is greater than or equal to a threshold 1. Here, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first non-terrestrial network device can be understood as the angle formed by the line connecting the terminal device and the first non-terrestrial network device and the plane where the terminal device is located. The threshold 1 can also be called the visibility elevation angle threshold, etc.

[0011] The cell measurement method provided in this application embodiment allows the terminal device to filter F optimal inter-satellite neighboring cells and / or M optimal co-satellite neighboring cells after configuring the configuration information of multiple neighboring cells on the network side. The F optimal inter-satellite neighboring cells have the longest remaining visible time of their respective satellites, and the M optimal co-satellite neighboring cells have the longest beam coverage time. This helps to reduce the number of cell handovers and improve communication stability.

[0012] This method provides terminal devices with reasonable SMTC selection criteria, enabling them to filter out better neighboring SMTCs and improve the reliability of SMTC selection.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the F neighboring cells include the first co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell; and / or, the M neighboring cells include the second co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell.

[0014] That is, the inter-satellite neighboring cells included in the first cell may include co-frequency neighboring cells and / or inter-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell, and the co-satellite neighboring cells included in the first cell may include co-frequency neighboring cells and / or inter-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell.

[0015] The first co-frequency neighboring cell can include one or more neighboring cells; the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell can include one or more neighboring cells. The second co-frequency neighboring cell can include one or more neighboring cells; the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell can include one or more neighboring cells.

[0016] In this way, the terminal device can filter out the optimal co-frequency neighboring cells and / or inter-frequency neighboring cells, providing one or more types of neighboring cell signal quality criteria for the terminal device's cell handover.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the non-terrestrial network device providing services to one or more neighboring cells includes a second non-terrestrial network device; the remaining visibility duration of the second non-terrestrial network device is the difference between a first moment and the current moment, the first moment being the moment when the second non-terrestrial network device moves to a target location, the target location being a location where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device is equal to a first threshold.

[0018] It is understandable that as the second non-terrestrial network device moves continuously, it becomes visible for a period of time, for example, between time 1 and time 2. At time 1, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device equals a first threshold; at time 2, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device equals the first threshold. However, between time 1 and time 2, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device is greater than the first threshold. Here, time 2, for example, can be understood as the time when visibility ends.

[0019] Between the current moment and the first moment, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device is greater than or equal to the first threshold; after the first moment, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device is less than the first threshold, and the second non-terrestrial network device becomes invisible.

[0020] In this way, the terminal device can accurately predict the remaining visual time of the second non-terrestrial network device and prioritize the non-terrestrial network device with the longest sustainable service time as the handover target, thereby avoiding the terminal device from handing over to a neighboring cell that will soon be out of sight, effectively reducing the number of handovers and signaling overhead, while ensuring the persistence of the connection.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the first moment is a later moment corresponding to the first threshold in the first change relationship. The first change relationship is the change of the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device over time. The first change relationship is determined based on the positions of the second non-terrestrial network device and the terminal device at S moments, where S is an integer greater than 1.

[0022] The first variation relationship can also be understood as a function or curve describing the change of the elevation angle of the second non-terrestrial network device with respect to time. Let the first variation relationship be equal to the first threshold, and the calculated time includes the first instant.

[0023] In this way, the terminal device can predict the trend of elevation angle change over time based on its relative position to the second non-terrestrial network device, and accurately determine the critical moment of communication interruption by setting a first threshold. Based on this trend, the terminal device can select the non-terrestrial network device that can provide communication service for the longest time, thereby making the communication connection more stable.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device is obtained; the S times are the times after the current time, and the position of the second non-terrestrial network device at the S times is determined based on the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device.

[0025] The ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device can be understood as a dynamic dataset containing precise orbital parameters and timestamps, which can be used to determine the position of the second non-terrestrial network device at any future time. This dataset typically includes: basic parameters of orbital geometry (such as semi-major axis, eccentricity, and orbital inclination) and corresponding reference times.

[0026] In this way, based on the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device can calculate the precise location of the second non-terrestrial network device at the next S time points, and thus the terminal device can accurately determine the critical time point when the communication service of the device will fail.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first change relationship is determined based on the positions of the second non-terrestrial network device and the terminal device at S time points, including: the first change relationship is determined based on the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points; the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points is determined based on the pointing vector of the terminal device towards the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points; and the pointing vector of the terminal device towards the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points is determined based on the positions of the second non-terrestrial network device and the terminal device at each of the S time points.

[0028] Here, the pointing vector can be understood as the spatial direction vector pointing from the terminal device to the second non-terrestrial network device.

[0029] Specifically, this vector represents the relative orientation between the terminal device and the second non-terrestrial network device at a given moment; it is a directional (i.e., spatially pointing) three-dimensional geometric vector. Its directional information indicates the elevation angle of the second non-terrestrial network device relative to the terminal device.

[0030] In this way, based on its position relative to the second non-terrestrial network device, the terminal device calculates the spatial pointing vector at multiple future moments, further calculating the corresponding elevation angle, and finally obtaining a curve reflecting the change in the visibility of the non-terrestrial network device. This curve can completely and accurately represent the trend of elevation angle change, thereby more accurately determining the first moment when the elevation angle equals the first threshold from the trend, providing a reliable time basis for handover decisions.

[0031] In one possible implementation, at least one neighboring cell includes a first neighboring cell, the first neighboring cell and the serving cell serving the third non-terrestrial network device, the first neighboring cell including the coverage area of ​​the first beam emitted by the third non-terrestrial network device; the beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell is the difference between a second moment when the terminal device enters the coverage area of ​​the first beam and a third moment when the terminal device leaves the coverage area of ​​the first beam.

[0032] The first beam can be understood as a wireless signal beam with a specific direction and coverage area emitted from a third non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite). Satellites typically use multi-beamforming technology, with each beam projected onto a specific area of ​​the ground like a focused beam, forming an independent cell; the first beam is the specific physical signal carrier that constitutes the coverage area of ​​the first neighboring cell.

[0033] The beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell can be understood as the total length of time for which the terminal device can continuously receive the first beam signal, which is equal to the difference between the third time point and the second time point. This duration directly determines the continuous service time that the terminal device can obtain if it switches to this cell.

[0034] In this way, by calculating the beam coverage duration, the terminal device can assess whether the first neighboring cell can provide a stable connection for a sufficiently long time, and thus make the optimal handover decision.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the second and third time points are determined based on a second change relationship, which is the relationship between the distance between the terminal device and the beam center position of the first beam and the change over time. The second change relationship is determined based on the position of the terminal device, the position of the third non-terrestrial network device at each of the K time points, and a first pointing vector, which is the vector of the third non-terrestrial network device pointing to the beam center position, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0036] The second relationship can be understood as a function or curve of the distance between the terminal device and the beam center point of the first beam changing over time.

[0037] The second change relationship can be used to determine two moments when the distance between the terminal device and the beam center is equal to the beam radius, which correspond to the moments when the terminal device enters and leaves the effective coverage area of ​​the first beam (the second moment and the third moment).

[0038] The location of the third non-terrestrial network device at each of the K time points can be determined by the terminal device based on the ephemeris data of the third non-terrestrial network device.

[0039] In this way, the terminal device can calculate the time of entering and leaving the beam coverage by determining whether its distance from the beam center is equal to the beam radius. Based on this, the terminal device can assess the effective coverage duration of the target beam in advance and then select a stable beam with a sufficiently long coverage time to initiate a handover, thereby effectively avoiding frequent handovers or connection instability caused by insufficient beam coverage time.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the beam center position at each of the K time points is calculated based on the Earth's elliptic equation and the pointing vector of the first beam and the position of the third non-terrestrial network device at each of the K time points.

[0041] In this way, the terminal device can obtain the center position of the first beam at different times, thereby providing data for calculating the distance between the terminal device and the beam center, determining the critical moment of beam coverage, and evaluating the duration of beam coverage, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the selection of the switching target.

[0042] In one possible implementation, a first measurement report is sent, including measurement results of a first cell; first information is received, indicating a handover to a target cell within the first cell. Second information is received, indicating cell measurements to be performed on multiple neighboring cells, or indicating adjustments to one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or inter-frequency cells among F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or inter-frequency cells among M neighboring cells; in the event of a cell handover failure, the second information originates from the serving cell; in the event of a successful cell handover, the second information originates from the target cell.

[0043] In this way, through dynamically optimized measurement, control, and handover strategies, the success rate of cell handover and communication continuity in non-terrestrial networks are significantly improved.

[0044] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose a cell measurement method. The method includes: sending multiple configuration information for multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of the multiple neighboring cells; receiving a first measurement report, the first measurement report including the measurement results of a first cell among the multiple neighboring cells; the first cell including F neighboring cells covered by a first non-terrestrial network device and / or M neighboring cells served by a third non-terrestrial network device.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the method is performed by a non-terrestrial network device. The non-terrestrial network device can be the non-terrestrial network equipment itself (such as a satellite), or a component applied in the non-terrestrial network device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, software and / or hardware module, etc.).

[0046] In one possible implementation, a second message is sent to instruct cell measurement to be performed on a plurality of neighboring cells, or the second message is to instruct adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the F neighboring cells; or the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the M neighboring cells. The second message is determined based on a first score, which instructs the terminal device on the reliability of selecting the first cell from the plurality of neighboring cells for cell measurement.

[0047] In one possible implementation, a first message is sent to the terminal device, the first message indicating a handover to a target cell in the first cell; when the terminal device handovers to the target cell, information indicating a second score is sent to the target cell, at least one of the following quantities being determined based on the second score: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in M ​​neighboring cells; or, a third message is received, the third message indicating a cell handover failure.

[0048] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a cell measurement method. The method includes: receiving information indicating a second score, the second score indicating the reliability of a terminal device selecting a first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement; based on the second score, sending second information, the second information indicating cell measurement of multiple neighboring cells, or, the second information indicating adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells among the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells among the M neighboring cells, where the F neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to different non-terrestrial network device coverage areas than the serving cell, and the M neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to the same non-terrestrial network device coverage area as the serving cell; the second information is determined based on a first score, and the first score is calculated based on the second score.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the method is performed by a non-terrestrial network device. The non-terrestrial network device can be the non-terrestrial network equipment itself, or a component applied in the non-terrestrial network device (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, software and / or hardware module, etc.).

[0050] In one possible implementation, the second information is used to indicate the first score and / or at least one adjusted value, wherein there is a mapping relationship between the first score and the adjusted value; or, the second information is used to indicate increasing or decreasing at least one quantity; or, the second information is used to indicate cell measurement for multiple neighboring cells.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first score is determined based on the initial value, the second score, and the adjustment coefficient, or the first score is determined based on the second score and the adjustment step size, and at least one number of pre-adjustment values ​​are determined based on the second score.

[0052] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device that can be used in the cell measurement methods of the first, second, or third aspects. The communication device can be a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device, or a device within a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device, such as a chip, a chip system, or a circuit; for example, a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in a terminal device, such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core, or a device that can be used in conjunction with a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include modules or units that perform the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first, second, or third aspects. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the communication device is used in the cell measurement method of the first aspect. The communication device may include a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of the multiple neighboring cells; the processing unit is used to perform cell measurement on the first cell based on the configuration information of the first cell among the multiple configuration information, the first cell including some or all of the cells among the multiple neighboring cells; wherein, in the case where the multiple neighboring cells include one or more neighboring cells belonging to the coverage area of ​​a different non-terrestrial network device than the serving cell, the first cell includes F neighboring cells covered by the first non-terrestrial network device that provides services to the one or more neighboring cells and has the longest remaining visibility duration, the F neighboring cells belonging to the one or more neighboring cells; and / or, in the case where the multiple neighboring cells include at least one neighboring cell belonging to the coverage area of ​​the same non-terrestrial network device as the serving cell, the first cell includes M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration among the at least one neighboring cell, where M and F are positive integers.

[0055] Alternatively, the communication device can be used in the cell measurement method of the second aspect, and the communication device may include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The transmitting unit is used to transmit multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of the multiple neighboring cells; the receiving unit is used to receive a first measurement report, the first measurement report including the measurement result of a first cell among the multiple neighboring cells; the first cell includes F neighboring cells covered by a first non-terrestrial network device and / or M neighboring cells served by a third non-terrestrial network device.

[0056] Alternatively, the communication device can be used in the cell measurement method of the third aspect, and the communication device may include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit is used to receive information for indicating a second score, the second score being used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting a first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement; the transmitting unit is used to transmit second information based on the second score, the second information being used to instruct cell measurement to be performed on multiple neighboring cells, or the second information being used to instruct adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the M neighboring cells, where the F neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to different non-terrestrial network device coverage areas from the serving cell, and the M neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to the same non-terrestrial network device coverage area from the serving cell; the second information is determined based on the first score, and the first score is calculated based on the second score.

[0057] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide another communication device, including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and the processor is used to run the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0058] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including a computer program, which, when the computer program is run, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0060] Eighthly, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor and a communication interface. The communication interface and the at least one processor are interconnected via a circuit. The at least one processor is used to run computer programs or instructions to perform the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, or the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The communication interface in the chip can be an input / output interface, pins, or circuits, etc.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in this application further includes at least one memory storing instructions. The memory can be an internal storage unit of the chip, such as a register or cache, or it can be a storage unit of the chip itself (e.g., read-only memory, random access memory, etc.).

[0062] It should be understood that the second to eighth aspects of this application correspond to the technical solutions of the first aspect of this application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation are similar, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an NTN network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another NTN network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of a scenario for intra-satellite cell handover.

[0066] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario of inter-satellite cell handover provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of the cell measurement method 500 provided in this application embodiment;

[0068] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the elevation angle between the terminal device and the satellite provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the motion process of the second satellite provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the satellite and time, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0071] Figure 9A schematic diagram illustrating the entry and exit of a terminal device from the first beam, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0072] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a terminal device and the serving cell (a cell within the coverage area of ​​a third satellite) in a cell handover failure scenario provided in this application embodiment.

[0073] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the terminal device, the source cell, and the target cell in a successful cell handover scenario provided in this application embodiment.

[0074] Figure 12 A schematic block diagram of a cell measurement device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of another cell measurement device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points are explained first:

[0078] First, in some embodiments provided in this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. For example, the first value and the second value are only used to distinguish different values ​​and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0079] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0080] In the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item)" or its similar expression refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a - b, a - c, b - c, or a - b - c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0081] Second, for the convenience of understanding, multiple examples of information or indication information are provided in this article, such as the first indication information, the second indication information, etc. The sequence of transmission and the names of these information are all examples and should not constitute any limitation to the present application.

[0082] Third, in the embodiments of the present application, "indication" can include direct indication and indirect indication, and can also include explicit indication and implicit indication. If the information indicated by a certain information (such as the indication information described below) is called the information to be indicated, then in the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated. For example, but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated, etc. The information to be indicated can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where there is an association relationship between the other information and the information to be indicated; it can also only indicate a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or pre-agreed. For example, the indication of specific information can be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information pre-agreed (such as protocol pre-definition), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. The present application does not limit the specific manner of indication.

[0083] Fourth, in the embodiments of the present application, descriptions such as "when...", "in the case of...", "if", and "when" all mean that in a certain objective situation, the device (such as a network device or a terminal device) will perform corresponding processing. It does not limit the time, and it does not require the device (such as a network device or a terminal device) to have a judgment action during implementation, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0084] Fifth, the pre-definition in the present application can be understood as: definition, pre-definition, storage, pre-storage, pre-negotiation, pre-configuration, solidification, or pre-burning.

[0085] Sixth, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system, 5th Generation (5G) system or New Radio (NR) system, and future evolution communication systems, such as 6th Generation (6G) system, etc.

[0086] Seventh, the terminal equipment in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, etc.

[0087] The terminal devices in this application embodiment may include handheld devices with communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. For example, some electronic devices include: mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, laptops, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks, or future evolution of public land mobile communication networks. Terminal devices in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0088] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the electronic device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the electronic device can also be a terminal device in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0090] Eighth, the network devices in the embodiments of this application may include access network devices.

[0091] Access network equipment can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities. Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to: evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP), wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TP), or transmission and reception point (TRP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. It can also be a 5G base station (next-generation Node B, gNB) in a 5G system, such as NR, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU) or a distributed unit (DU).

[0092] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a dedicated unit (DU). A gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some of the gNB's functions, and the DU implements others. For example, the CU can handle non-real-time protocols and services, such as implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, and / or the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer. The DU can handle physical layer protocols and real-time services, such as implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer. A DU can connect to only one CU or to multiple CUs, while a CU can connect to multiple DUs. Communication between CUs and DUs can be achieved via the F1 interface. The AAU can implement some physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and active antenna-related functions. Since the information from the RRC layer is ultimately delivered to the PHY layer and thus becomes PHY layer information, or is transformed from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-level signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered as being sent by the DU, or by the DU+AAU.

[0093] It is understood that access network equipment can be one or more of the following: CU nodes, DU nodes, and AAU nodes. Furthermore, a CU can be classified as an access network device in the radio access network (RAN) or as an access network device in the core network (CN); this application does not limit this classification.

[0094] Access network equipment provides services to cells. Terminal devices communicate with cells through transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) allocated by the access network equipment. The cell can belong to a macro base station (e.g., macro eNB or macro gNB) or to a base station corresponding to a small cell. Small cells can include: metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, femto cells, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0095] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, some terms and technologies involved in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below:

[0096] 1. System Information Block (SIB) 19

[0097] SIB 19 can be understood as a system message that is periodically broadcast by network devices to provide configuration information of neighboring cells to terminal devices so that the terminal devices can measure the neighboring cells.

[0098] For example, the SIB 19 sent by the network device in the NTN communication system may include, but is not limited to, the NTN neighbor cell configuration list (ntn-neighbor cell configuration list, ntn-NeighCellConfigList).

[0099] The ntn-NeighCellConfigList may include, but is not limited to, the following: NTN neighbor cells and their non-terrestrial network configuration (ntn-Config), carrier frequency, and physical cell identifier (PCI).

[0100] By pre-configuring these parameters, the efficiency of terminal devices in detecting and identifying neighboring SSBs in the NTN environment can be significantly improved, thereby effectively shortening the interruption time during the handover process.

[0101] For example, in a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mobile scenario, as satellite A moves, when the terminal device is about to fall out of satellite A's coverage area, and as satellite B moves, the terminal device is about to enter satellite B's coverage area, the terminal device has already obtained the PCI, frequency, and other configurations of neighboring cells in satellite B through the SIB 19 information broadcast by the serving cell in satellite A. Therefore, the terminal device can quickly search for and synchronize its SSB signal on satellite B's frequency point, achieving fast and seamless cell handover.

[0102] 2. Radio Resource Control (RRC) Reconfiguration

[0103] RRC reconfiguration is a signaling message sent by a network device to a terminal device via the RRC protocol.

[0104] RRC reconfiguration may include, but is not limited to, one or more measurement configurations (measConfig).

[0105] A measConfig can include multiple NR measurement objects (MeasObjectNR).

[0106] MeasObjectNR can include PCI and SMTC.

[0107] In this context, PCI can be understood as a cell identifier, used to distinguish different cells. In MeasObjectNR, network devices configure a list of PCIs of neighboring cells to be tested, enabling terminal devices to accurately identify these neighboring cells.

[0108] SMTC is a configuration information in MeasObjectNR used to configure the measurement time window for the terminal to measure the SSB signal of the neighboring cell.

[0109] It is understandable that SSB signals are usually transmitted periodically. SMTC sets parameters such as period, offset and duration so that the terminal device can start the measurement only within the transmission time window of the SSB signal of the neighboring cell to be measured.

[0110] 3. Earth-centered earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinate system and east-north-up (ENU) coordinate system

[0111] In the ECEF coordinate system, the origin is located at the Earth's center of mass, and its coordinate axes are fixed synchronously with the Earth's rotation, thus avoiding directional deviations caused by the Earth's rotation and differences in regional coordinate systems.

[0112] For example, the three axes of this coordinate system are defined as follows: X ecef The axis points from the Earth's center of mass to the intersection of the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and the Equator (0° latitude); Z ecef The axis points from the Earth's center of mass to the North Pole; Y ecef The axis is perpendicular to X. ecef -Z ecef The plane, pointing towards the intersection of the 90° East longitude line and the equator, follows the right-hand rule (holding the Z-axis with your right hand). ecef Axis, four fingers from X ecef Y-axis rotation ecef When the axis is aligned, the thumb direction is Z. ecef (Positive axis direction).

[0113] The ENU coordinate system, also known as the station-centered coordinate system, has its origin located at the observer's position (also known as the station center), such as the location of the terminal device.

[0114] For example, the three axes of this coordinate system are defined as follows: the E-axis points east and is usually aligned with the positive direction of geographical longitude (geographically due east); the N-axis points north and is usually aligned with the positive direction of geographical latitude (geographically due north); the U-axis points to the sky, is perpendicular to the Earth's surface, and is usually opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0115] 4. Unit pointing vector

[0116] The beam pointing vector is a three-dimensional vector with a magnitude of 1 defined in the ECEF coordinate system. It is used to accurately describe the direction of the beam from the transmitting source (such as a satellite or gateway) to the target coverage area (such as a ground cell or terminal).

[0117] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following is combined with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 This paper describes two common network architectures in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication.

[0118] This can be understood as, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The NTN network architecture shown is merely an example and does not limit the methods provided in this application embodiment to only the following two architectures.

[0119] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an NTN network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] like Figure 1 As shown, the role of a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) node is equivalent to that of a satellite, a gateway, and a base station. The base station can be deployed on the ground.

[0121] It is understandable that when a satellite operates in transparent mode, it can act as a signal relay to perform functions such as radio frequency filtering, frequency conversion, and signal amplification, as well as regenerating physical layer signals to make them invisible to protocol layers above the physical layer.

[0122] During communication between the terminal and the base station (next generation NodeB, gNB), the satellite can communicate with the gateway station via the NR Uu interface.

[0123] In addition, the base station communicates with the 5G core network (5G CN) through the next-generation (NG) interface.

[0124] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another NTN network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0125] like Figure 2 As shown, different from Figure 1 The transparent transmission mode shown indicates that when the satellite operates in regenerative mode, it has certain data processing capabilities and can realize the complete or partial functions of the base station. In this case, the satellite can be understood as the base station, or as the base station being deployed on the satellite, or as the functions of the base station or some functions being integrated on the satellite.

[0126] The satellite can communicate with the terminal via the NR Uu interface and with the 5G CN via the NG interface.

[0127] In the process of satellite interconnection and communication with 5G CN, gateway stations are used to connect network segments using different protocols to ensure normal communication. In the satellite-gateway station network segment, the NG interface is the NG interface deployed in the satellite radio interface (SRI), and the NG-RAN node is used to ensure normal communication between the terminal and 5G CN.

[0128] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 or Figure 2 In the network architecture shown, the satellites can be geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites, or low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The satellites can also be replaced by high altitude platform station (HAPS) equipment, drones, or other NTN equipment. This application does not specifically limit the type of satellites.

[0129] It is understandable that in an NTN network architecture communication system (or NTN communication system), cell handover includes two scenarios: intra-satellite cell handover and inter-satellite cell handover. The following sections will discuss these scenarios in conjunction with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Please provide an explanation.

[0130] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite-based cell handover scenario provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0131] Intra-satellite cell handover, also known as intra-satellite handover, can be understood as a terminal device switching from one cell (such as a spot beam coverage area) to another within the coverage area of ​​the same satellite.

[0132] like Figure 3 As shown, both cell A and cell B belong to the cells served by satellite 1. Terminal device 301 switches from cell A to cell B.

[0133] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for inter-satellite cell handover provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0134] Inter-satellite cell handover, also known as inter-satellite handover, refers to the process by which a terminal device switches from the coverage area of ​​one satellite to the coverage area of ​​another satellite.

[0135] like Figure 4 As shown, terminal device 401 switches from cell C served by satellite 2 to cell D served by satellite 3. That is, the terminal device switches from establishing a connection with satellite 2 to establishing a connection with satellite 3.

[0136] Whether it's intra-satellite or inter-satellite handover, SMTC configuration is an indispensable step.

[0137] Currently, there are two methods in NTN scenarios.

[0138] In a first possible implementation, the network side configures SMTC based on the neighbor cell list reported by the terminal device.

[0139] Specifically, the terminal device obtains its own location information through its built-in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, and based on this information, selects the N nearest neighboring cells from the neighboring cell list sent by the network device. The terminal device then indicates these N neighboring cells to the network device, enabling the network device to configure or update the SMTC corresponding to these N neighboring cells for the terminal device.

[0140] However, in this implementation, the N neighboring cells are determined based on the geographical location of the terminal device, which may pose a data security issue of exposing the location of the terminal device.

[0141] Furthermore, if the triggering conditions in this method are not set properly (such as being too sensitive to minute position changes), the terminal device may frequently send the neighbor cell list due to position jitter when the signal quality is still good and there is no actual handover requirement, thereby generating unnecessary signaling overhead.

[0142] In a second possible implementation, the network side configures an SMTC set, and the terminal device autonomously selects one or more SMTCs corresponding to cells from the SMTC set to perform cell measurements.

[0143] Specifically, the network device first sends a set containing multiple SMTC configurations to the terminal device, such as an SMTC set or SMTC candidate set. The terminal device can select some of the SMTCs from the multiple SMTCs for cell measurement. For example, if the network device is configured with 10 SMTCs, the terminal device can choose one or two of them for cell measurement.

[0144] However, in this approach, the decision-making power for SMTC selection rests with the terminal device, and different terminal devices may have different criteria for selecting SMTC, which may result in poor reliability of the SMTC selected by the terminal device.

[0145] For example, different terminal devices may use different algorithms to select SMTC, which makes the decision-making behavior of terminal devices highly uncertain and may easily conflict with or mismatch with the handover strategy set by network devices, thereby affecting the stability of overall network performance.

[0146] Secondly, if the selection algorithm used by the terminal device is flawed or too conservative, it may fail to select the appropriate SMTC configuration for the cell in a timely manner, resulting in measurement failure or the inability to trigger the handover process.

[0147] Furthermore, since the network side cannot determine the criteria for terminal equipment to select SMTC, it may be unable to confirm the validity of the terminal equipment's selection of SMTC, which may lead to cell handover failure.

[0148] Furthermore, when a handover anomaly occurs, the decision-making power for SMTC configuration belongs to each terminal device, making fault determination more complicated. That is, it is difficult for maintenance personnel to quickly identify whether the root cause of the problem lies in improper network device configuration or abnormal decision-making by the terminal device algorithm.

[0149] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a method that enables terminal devices to select SMTCs from the SMTC set according to certain criteria.

[0150] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a cell measurement method. For multiple SMTCs corresponding to neighboring cells configured in a network device, the terminal device can filter the SMTCs corresponding to a first cell (which may include one or more neighboring cells) among the multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement, wherein the first cell includes M co-satellite neighboring cells and / or F dissimilar satellite neighboring cells.

[0151] A satellite neighbor cell (or intra-satellite neighbor cell, or intra-satellite neighbor cell, etc.) is a neighbor cell that belongs to the same satellite as the serving cell.

[0152] Inter-satellite neighboring cells (also known as inter-satellite neighboring cells or inter-satellite neighboring cells, etc.) are neighboring cells belonging to different satellites than the serving cell.

[0153] That is, in the case where multiple neighboring cells include at least one co-satellite neighboring cell, the M co-satellite neighboring cells can include the M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration among the at least one co-satellite neighboring cells.

[0154] In the case where multiple neighboring cells include one or more non-satellite neighboring cells, if the one or more non-satellite neighboring cells are cells within the coverage area of ​​one or more satellites, the F non-satellite neighboring cells may include the F neighboring cells of at least one satellite with the longest remaining visibility among the one or more satellites.

[0155] For example, as shown in Table 1, it is assumed that the set of SMTCs configured for the network device includes SMTC 1 to SMTC 9.

[0156] When the serving cell of the terminal device is the cell of satellite a, neighboring cells 1 to 4 are neighboring cells of the same satellite. The first cell may include the M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage time among SMTC 1 to SMTC 4, such as 1 or 2 neighboring cells.

[0157] Neighboring cells 5 to 9 are neighboring cells of different satellites, including neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​satellite b and neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​satellite c. Satellite b and satellite c can also be referred to as neighboring satellites; satellite a can also be referred to as the serving satellite. The first cell can include F neighboring cells of the satellite with the longer remaining visibility time among satellite b and satellite c, such as two neighboring cells of satellite b (neighboring cell 5 and neighboring cell 6).

[0158] Table 1

[0159]

[0160] It should be understood that Table 1 is only an example. In actual application scenarios, the number of SMTCs configured on the network side may be more or less, and this application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0161] It is understandable that for neighboring cells on the same satellite, the longer the beam coverage duration, the longer the neighboring cell can provide services to the terminal device when it switches to that neighboring cell. This helps to reduce the number of cell handovers and improve communication stability.

[0162] For satellites belonging to different satellite cells, the longer the remaining visible time of the satellite, the longer the satellite can provide services to the terminal device after it switches to that satellite, which can reduce the number of cell handovers and improve communication stability.

[0163] Therefore, this method provides a unified standard for terminal devices to select SMTC. Selecting SMTC according to this standard has high reliability, helps to reduce the number of cell handovers, and improves communication stability.

[0164] Below, in conjunction with Figures 5 to 11 This application provides a detailed description of the cell measurement method according to embodiments of the present application. The specific forms and quantities of the devices shown are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the implementation of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0165] The method implementation subject provided in this application embodiment can be a terminal device and a non-terrestrial network device.

[0166] The terminal device can be the terminal equipment itself, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal equipment in implementing cell measurement methods, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the terminal equipment. The non-terrestrial network device can be the non-terrestrial network equipment (such as a satellite) itself, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the non-terrestrial network equipment in implementing cell measurement methods, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the non-terrestrial network equipment. This application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0167] The following describes the cell measurement method of this application embodiment in detail, taking terminal equipment and satellite as the main execution entities. The satellite mentioned below can also be replaced by other non-terrestrial network devices, such as components in a satellite or base stations, and the terminal equipment can also be replaced by terminal devices, such as components in a terminal. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0168] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart of a cell measurement method 500 provided in an embodiment of this application. Method 500 is applicable to communication systems employing architecture 100 or architecture 200, and can also be applied to other systems. The system to which method 500 is applicable may include at least one terminal device and at least one satellite.

[0169] like Figure 5 As shown, method 500 includes the following steps:

[0170] S501, the third satellite sends multiple configuration information for multiple neighboring cells to the terminal device. This configuration information is used to configure the measurement timing for the multiple neighboring cells. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the multiple configuration information from the third satellite.

[0171] The multiple configuration information, also known as multiple SMTCs, multiple SMTC configuration information, or SMTC set, refers to the SMTCs corresponding to multiple neighboring cells (such as PCI) sent by the third satellite to the terminal device. The third satellite can be understood as the satellite connected to the terminal device, or the satellite currently providing services to the terminal device; it can also be referred to as the source satellite, serving satellite, etc.

[0172] Among them, multiple neighboring cells can be understood as the list of neighboring cells configured by the first satellite for the terminal equipment.

[0173] Multiple configuration information can include the configuration information of each of the multiple neighboring cells. For example, multiple configuration information corresponds one-to-one with multiple neighboring cells.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the satellite can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the terminal device. The RRC reconfiguration message includes measConfig; measConfig includes one or more MeaObjectNRs, and each of the one or more MeaObjectNRs includes one or more PCIs and the SMTC corresponding to each of the one or more PCIs.

[0175] One or more PCIs are used to indicate multiple neighboring cells, and the SMTC corresponding to each of the one or more PCIs is also the configuration information of multiple neighboring cells.

[0176] In other words, multiple configuration information from multiple neighboring cells can be carried in an RRC message, such as an RRC reconfiguration message.

[0177] Optionally, method 500 may also include: the third satellite transmitting SIB 19 to the terminal device; and correspondingly, the terminal device receiving SIB 19 from the third satellite. For details regarding SIB 19, please refer to the description above, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] SIB 19 may include, for example, pointing vectors corresponding to one or more beams, as described below, but will not be elaborated here.

[0179] S502. The terminal device performs cell measurement on the first cell based on the configuration information of the first cell among multiple configuration information. The first cell includes some or all of the cells among multiple neighboring cells.

[0180] Where, in the case where multiple neighboring cells include one or more neighboring cells that belong to the coverage area of ​​a different satellite than the serving cell, the first cell includes F neighboring cells covered by the first satellite that provides services to the one or more neighboring cells and has the longest remaining viewing time; and the F neighboring cells belong to the one or more neighboring cells; and / or,

[0181] In the case where the first cell includes at least one neighboring cell that is within the same satellite coverage area as the serving cell, the first cell includes at least M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration, where M and F are positive integers.

[0182] It can be understood that one or more neighboring cells are satellites serving a different cell. The satellite providing service to one or more neighboring cells is a satellite different from the third satellite, such as a neighboring satellite. The first satellite can include one or more satellites; that is, the first satellite can include one or more satellites with the longest remaining visibility among the neighboring satellites. F neighboring cells are the F neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​the one or more satellites with the longest remaining visibility among the neighboring satellites (the first satellite). For example, the two neighboring cells (neighboring cell 5 and neighboring cell 6) covered by satellite b in Table 1.

[0183] At least one neighboring cell is a satellite neighboring cell of the serving cell. The satellite providing service to at least one neighboring cell is a third satellite. The M neighboring cells are the M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration among the at least one neighboring cell covered by the third satellite.

[0184] The first cell includes M neighboring cells and / or F neighboring cells. The configuration information of the first cell can be understood as the configuration information that the terminal device selects from multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, that is, the SMTCs selected (or chosen) by the terminal device from the SMTC set.

[0185] It is understandable that the first satellite is visible, including: the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first satellite is greater than or equal to a threshold of 1.

[0186] The elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first satellite can be understood as the angle formed by the line connecting the terminal device and the first satellite and the plane where the terminal device is located. Threshold 1 can also be called the visible elevation angle threshold, etc.

[0187] In other words, when the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the satellite is greater than or equal to the visible elevation angle threshold, it indicates that the satellite is visible. The first satellite being visible can also be understood as the first satellite currently being visible.

[0188] Below, taking the second satellite among neighboring satellites as an example, the second satellite is any satellite among those providing services to neighboring cells of different satellites in the serving cell; that is, the second satellite may be the first satellite or a satellite other than the first satellite. Combined with... Figure 6 The process of determining whether a second satellite is visible is explained in detail.

[0189] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the elevation angle between the terminal device and the satellite provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0190] Process 1: The terminal device determines its position in the ECEF coordinate system and the position of the second satellite in the ECEF coordinate system.

[0191] Specifically, terminal devices can obtain their own location information, such as longitude, latitude, and altitude, through a GNSS module. Altitude can also be referred to as elevation or altitude.

[0192] The terminal device converts longitude, latitude, and altitude into a location point in the ECEF coordinate system to obtain the terminal device's position. The conversion formula is as follows:

[0193] (Formula 1)

[0194] Where A is the radius of curvature, h is the altitude, lat is the latitude, lon is the longitude, and e is the first eccentricity of the ellipsoid.

[0195] Where A satisfies the following formula:

[0196] (Formula 2)

[0197] Taking the WGS-84 Earth reference ellipsoid model as an example, a is the length of the semi-major axis (or semi-major axis) of the Earth reference ellipsoid model, and e is the eccentricity of the Earth reference ellipsoid model.

[0198] It is understandable that the location of the aforementioned terminal device is fixed. However, in real-world applications, its location may change over time, thus satisfying the following condition: The terminal device can determine its position in the ECEF coordinate system at multiple times using the above method.

[0199] In addition, the terminal device can obtain ephemeris data from the second satellite.

[0200] Based on time t, the reference time (or time base) in the ephemeris data of the second satellite, and other parameters in the ephemeris data of the second satellite, the position of the second satellite in the ECEF coordinate system at time t is calculated. .

[0201] Process 2: In the ECEF coordinate system, determine the pointing vector 1 from the position of the terminal device to the position of the second satellite. Pointing vector 1 ( For example, satisfying the following formula:

[0202] (Formula 3)

[0203] Process 3: Adjust the pointing vector 1 in the ECEF coordinate system ( Convert ) to the pointing vector 2 in the ENU coordinate system ( ).

[0204] Pointing to vector 2 ( For example, satisfying the following formula:

[0205] (Formula 4)

[0206] Where R is the rotation matrix, satisfying the following formula:

[0207] (Formula 5)

[0208] Process 4: Based on pointing vector 2 ( Determine the elevation angle El(t) between the terminal device and the second satellite at time t.

[0209] like Figure 6 As shown, the elevation angle El(t) satisfies the following formula:

[0210] (Formula 6)

[0211] Process 5: Determine whether the second satellite is visible at time t based on the elevation angle El(t).

[0212] Assuming the threshold is θ0, if El(t) ≥ θ0, then the second satellite is considered visible at time t; if El(t) < θ0, then the second satellite is considered invisible at time t.

[0213] It is understandable that the ephemeris data of the second satellite could be obtained from SIB 32.

[0214] The terminal device performs cell measurement on the first cell based on the configuration information of the first cell from multiple configuration information sets. This can be understood as the terminal device, after receiving configuration information from multiple neighboring cells transmitted by the satellite, initiating a measurement process for the signal strength and signal quality of the first cell based on its configuration information. Cell measurement can also be referred to as signal measurement or signal quality measurement, etc.

[0215] S503, the terminal device sends a first measurement report to the third satellite, the first measurement report including the measurement results of the first cell. Correspondingly, the third satellite receives the first measurement report from the terminal device.

[0216] The first measurement report can be understood as a set of measurement data reported by the terminal device to the third satellite, which can be used to indicate the signal quality of each cell in the first cell. This report is the basis for cell handover decisions, and the measurement parameters included therein include, but are not limited to, PCI, reference signal received power (RSRP), and reference signal received quality (RSRQ).

[0217] It is understandable that after the terminal device performs cell measurement on the first cell, it can report the measurement report obtained from the cell measurement on the first cell when the triggering conditions for the measurement report reporting event are met.

[0218] It should be understood that the events reported in the measurement report can include, but are not limited to, any event such as A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, or B2. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the triggering conditions for reporting measurement reports.

[0219] S504. The third satellite sends first information to the terminal device, which indicates the target cell in the first cell to be switched to. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the first information from the third satellite.

[0220] The first piece of information can be understood as a message sent by the satellite to the terminal device to specify the target cell that the terminal device needs to access, such as the PCI corresponding to the target cell.

[0221] It should be understood that steps S503 and S504 are optional. For example, in some cases, the triggering conditions for the measurement report reporting event may not be met, and the terminal device may not report the measurement report. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0222] The cell measurement method provided in this application, after configuring the configuration information of multiple neighboring cells on the network side, allows the terminal device to filter F optimal inter-satellite neighboring cells and / or M optimal co-satellite neighboring cells to improve communication stability after handover. It provides the terminal device with a reasonable SMTC filtering method, which can reduce signaling overhead while also filtering out better neighboring cell SMTCs, thereby reducing the number of handovers and improving communication stability.

[0223] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the F neighboring cells include the first co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell; and / or, the M neighboring cells include the second co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell.

[0224] That is, the inter-satellite neighboring cells included in the first cell may include co-frequency neighboring cells and / or inter-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell, and the co-satellite neighboring cells included in the first cell may include co-frequency neighboring cells and / or inter-frequency neighboring cells of the serving cell.

[0225] For the first co-frequency neighboring cell and the first different-frequency neighboring cell, they can belong to the coverage area of ​​the same satellite. For example, if the first satellite is a single satellite, the first co-frequency neighboring cell and the first different-frequency neighboring cell are cells within the coverage area of ​​the first satellite. Alternatively, the first co-frequency neighboring cell and the first different-frequency neighboring cell can belong to the coverage area of ​​different satellites. For example, if the first satellite includes satellite a and satellite b, the first co-frequency neighboring cell is a cell within the coverage area of ​​satellite a, and the first different-frequency neighboring cell is a cell within the coverage area of ​​satellite b.

[0226] The first co-frequency neighboring cell can include one or more neighboring cells; the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell can include one or more neighboring cells.

[0227] The first co-frequency neighboring cell can be understood as a neighboring cell that uses the same frequency as the serving cell and is served by a satellite that is currently visible and has the longest remaining visible time. The first hetero-frequency neighboring cell can be understood as a neighboring cell that uses a different frequency than the serving cell and is served by a satellite that is currently visible and has the longest remaining visible time.

[0228] For example, among the co-frequency neighboring cells (different satellite neighboring cells of the serving cell) in one or more neighboring cells, the satellite providing service to the first co-frequency neighboring cell has the longest remaining visibility time; among the different frequency neighboring cells in one or more neighboring cells, the satellite providing service to the first different frequency neighboring cell has the longest remaining visibility time. The first satellite includes the satellite providing service to the first co-frequency neighboring cell and the satellite providing service to the first different frequency neighboring cell.

[0229] For both the second co-frequency neighbor cell and the second inter-frequency neighbor cell, both are cells within the coverage area of ​​the third satellite. The second co-frequency neighbor cell can include one or more neighbor cells; the second inter-frequency neighbor cell can also include one or more neighbor cells.

[0230] The second co-frequency neighbor cell can be understood as the neighbor cell with the longest beam coverage duration among all neighbor cells with the same frequency as the serving cell under the same satellite coverage. The second hetero-frequency neighbor cell can be understood as the neighbor cell with the longest beam coverage duration among all neighbor cells with different frequencies than the serving cell under the same satellite coverage.

[0231] For example, among the co-frequency neighboring cells of at least one neighboring cell (a co-satellite neighboring cell of the serving cell), the second co-frequency neighboring cell has the longest beam coverage duration; among the hetero-frequency neighboring cells of at least one neighboring cell, the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell has the longest beam coverage duration.

[0232] In this way, the terminal device can filter out the optimal co-frequency neighboring cells and / or inter-frequency neighboring cells, providing one or more types of neighboring cell signal quality criteria for the terminal device's cell handover.

[0233] Based on the information above, the first cell is determined based on the remaining visible time of the satellite to which the different satellite cell belongs and the beam coverage time of the same satellite cell. The determination methods of the remaining visible time of the satellite and the beam coverage time will be explained in detail below.

[0234] The remaining visible time of a satellite is determined as follows.

[0235] It is understood that the satellite providing services to one or more neighboring cells (different satellite neighboring cells) includes a second satellite, which is any one of them. The remaining visible time of the second satellite is the difference between the first moment and the current moment. The first moment is the moment when the second satellite moves to the target position, and the target position is the position where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite is equal to the first threshold.

[0236] It is understandable that as the second satellite moves, it becomes visible for a period of time, for example, between time 1 and time 2. At time 1, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite equals the first threshold; at time 2, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite equals the first threshold. However, between time 1 and time 2, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite is greater than the first threshold. Here, time 2, for example, can be understood as the time when visibility ends.

[0237] Between the current moment and the first moment, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite is greater than or equal to the first threshold; after the first moment, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite is less than the first threshold, and the second satellite is no longer visible.

[0238] The target location can be understood as a spatial point on the orbit of the second satellite, where the elevation angle formed between the line connecting the terminal device and the second satellite and the ground plane is exactly equal to the first threshold.

[0239] The first threshold is similar to threshold 1 mentioned above and can also be called the line-of-sight elevation angle threshold. It can be a parameter configured by the network side through signaling, a parameter predefined by the protocol, or a parameter determined by the terminal device (such as a parameter preset in the terminal device).

[0240] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the first moment is a later moment corresponding to the first threshold in the first change relationship. The first change relationship is the change relationship of the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite over time. The first change relationship is determined based on the position of the second satellite and the position of the terminal device at S moments, where S is an integer greater than 1.

[0241] The first relationship can also be understood as a function or curve describing the change of the second satellite's elevation angle with respect to time. Setting the first relationship equal to the first threshold yields a timeframe including the first instant.

[0242] For example, the first relationship can be a curve showing the change in the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite over time.

[0243] The horizontal axis of the curve represents time, and the vertical axis represents the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite. An elevation angle of 0° indicates that the second satellite is on the horizon, and an elevation angle of 90° indicates that the second satellite is directly above the terminal device.

[0244] When the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite equals the first threshold, two corresponding moments can be obtained on the curve, as shown in moments 1 and 2 above. Moment 1 occurs during the ascent phase of the second satellite; when the elevation angle rises from below the first threshold to the first threshold, it indicates that the second satellite has entered the visible range. Moment 2 occurs during the descent phase of the second satellite; when the elevation angle falls from above the first threshold to below the first threshold, it indicates that the second satellite is about to leave the visible range. Moment 2 can be understood as the first moment.

[0245] In this way, the terminal device can predict the trend of elevation angle change over time based on its relative position to the second satellite, and accurately determine the critical moment of communication interruption by setting a first threshold. Based on this trend, the terminal device can select the satellite that can provide communication service for the longest time, thereby making the communication connection more stable.

[0246] Based on the above embodiments, the position of the second satellite at S time points can be determined in the following way: the terminal device obtains the ephemeris information (also known as ephemeris data) of the second satellite; the S time points are the time points after the current time point, and the position of the second satellite at the S time points is determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0247] The ephemeris information of the second satellite can be understood as a dynamic dataset containing precise orbital parameters and timestamps, which can be used to determine the position of the second satellite at any future time. This dataset typically includes: basic parameters of orbital geometry (such as semi-major axis, eccentricity, and orbital inclination) and corresponding reference times.

[0248] In this way, based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite, the terminal device can calculate the precise position of the second satellite at the next S moments, and thus the terminal device can accurately determine the critical time point when the device's communication service will fail.

[0249] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the first change relationship is determined based on the position of the second satellite and the position of the terminal device at S time points, including:

[0250] The first relationship is determined based on the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite at each of the S time points; the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite at each of the S time points is determined based on the pointing vector of the terminal device pointing to the second satellite at each of the S time points; the pointing vector of the terminal device pointing to the second satellite at each of the S time points is determined based on the position of the second satellite and the position of the terminal device at each of the S time points.

[0251] Here, the pointing vector can be understood as the spatial direction vector pointing from the terminal device to the second satellite. For example, the pointing vector is the same as the pointing vector from the terminal device to the first satellite mentioned above. similar.

[0252] The positions of the second satellite and the terminal device at each of the S time points are, for example, their positions in the ECEF coordinate system at each time point. Based on the positions of the second satellite and the terminal device in the ECEF coordinate system at each time point, the pointing vector from the terminal device to the first satellite at each time point can be determined. This only provides the pointing vector in the ENU coordinate system at each convertible moment. Based on the pointing vector in the ENU coordinate system at each moment, the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite at each moment can be determined. For details, please refer to the process of determining the elevation angle El(t) at time t above, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] Based on the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite at each time point S, for example, a function or curve of the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite with respect to time can be fitted (i.e., the first change relationship).

[0254] Specifically, this vector represents the relative azimuth between the terminal device and the second satellite at a given moment; it is a directional (i.e., spatially pointing) three-dimensional geometric vector. Its directional information indicates the elevation angle of the second satellite relative to the terminal device.

[0255] In this way, based on its position relative to the second satellite, the terminal device calculates the spatial pointing vector at multiple future moments, further calculating the corresponding elevation angle, and finally obtaining a curve reflecting changes in satellite visibility. This curve can completely and accurately represent the trend of elevation angle changes, thus more accurately determining the first moment when the elevation angle equals the first threshold from the trend, providing a reliable time basis for handover decisions.

[0256] The following is combined Figure 7 and Figure 8 The calculation process for the remaining viewable time is explained in detail.

[0257] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating the motion of the second satellite provided in an embodiment of this application. The dashed line with arrows represents the trajectory of the second satellite from left to right, and E1 represents the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second satellite.

[0258] The motion of the second satellite is as follows: following the trajectory indicated by the dashed arrow, as the second satellite moves, the elevation angle El of the terminal equipment relative to the second satellite gradually increases.

[0259] At time t1, when the elevation angle E1 equals the first threshold, the second satellite becomes visible, which is equivalent to entering the visible state.

[0260] Subsequently, as the second satellite continues to move, the elevation angle E1 gradually increases. At this point, the elevation angle E1 is greater than the first threshold, and the second satellite remains visible. As the second satellite continues to operate, the elevation angle E1 of the terminal device relative to the second satellite increases to 90°. Then, as the second satellite continues to operate, the elevation angle E1 of the terminal device relative to the second satellite gradually decreases.

[0261] At time t2, when the elevation angle E1 equals the first threshold, the second satellite becomes visible.

[0262] After time t2, the elevation angle El is less than the first threshold, and the second satellite becomes invisible.

[0263] The time interval from t1 to t2 can be understood as the visible duration of the second satellite, which refers to the time range during which the second satellite is visible, indicating the maximum time window during which the second satellite can provide continuous communication services to the terminal device. The remaining visible duration refers to the time interval from the current time to t2.

[0264] Based on the aforementioned motion process of the second satellite, it can be determined that the relationship between the elevation angle E1 of the terminal device relative to the second satellite and time can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown.

[0265] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the satellite and time, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0266] The remaining visible duration Δt1 of the satellite satisfies the following formula:

[0267] (Formula 7)

[0268] Here, t2 is the moment when the elevation angle equals the first threshold θ1, which is the moment t2 mentioned above. After this moment, the satellite is no longer visible. now It refers to the current moment.

[0269] At time t, in the ENU coordinate system, the pointing vector of the terminal device pointing to the second satellite ( When the following formula is satisfied: .

[0270] t2 can be calculated using the following formula (first change relationship):

[0271] (Formula 8)

[0272] Where f(t) represents the functional relationship between the elevation angle and time, i.e., the first relationship. The specific calculation process can be found in formulas 1 to 6.

[0273] It should be noted that t1 and t2 can be calculated simultaneously based on Formula 8, and t2 > t1. Here, t1 also represents the moment when the satellite's elevation angle equals the first threshold. After time t1, the device enters the visible area, and the communication link is established accordingly.

[0274] The method for determining the beam coverage duration of neighboring cells is as follows.

[0275] At least one neighboring cell (within the same satellite neighboring cell) includes a first neighboring cell, the first neighboring cell and the serving cell serving the third satellite, the first neighboring cell includes the coverage area of ​​the first beam emitted by the third satellite; the beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell is the difference between the second moment when the terminal device enters the coverage area of ​​the first beam and the third moment when the terminal device leaves the coverage area of ​​the first beam.

[0276] Here, the first neighboring cell can be understood as any neighboring cell among at least one neighboring cells. That is, the beam coverage duration of any neighboring cell among at least one neighboring cell can be determined in the same way as the beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell.

[0277] The first beam can be understood as a wireless signal beam with a specific direction and coverage area emitted from the third satellite. Satellites typically use multi-beamforming technology, where each beam is projected onto a specific area of ​​the ground like a focused beam, forming an independent cell; the first beam is the specific physical signal carrier that constitutes the coverage area of ​​the first neighboring cell.

[0278] The second moment can be understood as the moment when the terminal device enters the range of the first beam's effective signal after being unable to receive the first beam's effective signal.

[0279] The third moment can be understood as the moment when the terminal device completely leaves the coverage of the first beam due to movement.

[0280] The beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell can be understood as the total length of time for which the terminal device can continuously receive the first beam signal, which is equal to the difference between the third time point and the second time point. This duration directly determines the continuous service time that the terminal device can obtain if it switches to this cell.

[0281] In this way, by calculating the beam coverage duration, the terminal device can assess whether the first neighboring cell can provide a stable connection for a sufficiently long time, and thus make the optimal handover decision.

[0282] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the second time and the third time are determined based on a second change relationship, which is the relationship between the distance between the terminal device and the beam center position of the first beam and the change over time; the second change relationship is determined based on the position of the terminal device, the position of the third satellite at each of the K time moments, and the first pointing vector, which is the vector of the third satellite pointing to the beam center position of the first beam, where K is a positive integer.

[0283] The second relationship can be understood as a function or curve showing how the distance between the terminal device and the center point of the first beam changes over time.

[0284] The beam center, also known as the beam center point, is the central point of the first beam's coverage area on the ground. Alternatively, the beam center can be understood as the location within the first beam's coverage area where the signal strength is highest and the communication quality is optimal. The beam emitted by a satellite has a certain width, but its energy is not uniformly distributed, typically attenuating gradually from the center to the edges. It should be understood that the beam center position continuously moves as the satellite moves.

[0285] The second change relationship can be used to determine the two moments when the distance between the terminal device and the beam center is equal to the beam radius, which correspond to the moments when the terminal device enters and leaves the effective coverage area of ​​the first beam (the second moment and the third moment).

[0286] The position of the third satellite at each of the K time points can be determined by the terminal device based on the ephemeris data of the third satellite.

[0287] For example, the terminal device can derive the equation of line x based on the position of the third satellite and the first pointing vector at each of K time points. Line x is the straight line where the third satellite and the beam center are located. Based on the equation of line x and the Earth reference ellipsoid model, the target intersection point of line x and the Earth reference ellipsoid model is determined. The target intersection point is also the beam center position of the first beam. The target intersection point obtained at this time is a function that changes over time. Based on this function and the position of the terminal device, the second change relationship can be obtained.

[0288] In this way, by determining whether its distance from the beam center is equal to the beam radius, the terminal device can calculate the time of entering and leaving the beam coverage. Based on this, the terminal device can assess the effective coverage duration of the target beam in advance and then select a stable beam with a sufficiently long coverage time to initiate a handover, thereby effectively avoiding frequent handovers or connection instability caused by insufficient beam coverage time.

[0289] The beam center position at each of the K time points is calculated based on the Earth's elliptic equation and the pointing vector of the first beam and the position of the third satellite at each of the K time points.

[0290] The pointing vector of the first beam can be understood as the direction vector pointing from the third satellite to the center of its beam coverage area.

[0291] In this way, the terminal device can obtain the center position of the first beam at different times, thereby providing data for calculating the distance between the terminal device and the beam center, determining the critical moment of beam coverage, and evaluating the duration of beam coverage, thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the handover target selection.

[0292] The following is combined Figure 9 The calculation process for beam coverage duration is explained in detail.

[0293] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the entry and exit of a terminal device from the first beam, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0294] The third satellite emits the first beam in a certain direction. The pointing vector of the first beam in the ECEF coordinate system can be understood as: Figure 9 The pointing vector V in beam , which is indicated by a dashed line with an arrow. And V beam It is a vector pointing from the third satellite to the center of the first beam. The first pointing vector mentioned above can be this V. beam .

[0295] At time t3, the coverage area formed by the first beam on the ground is as follows: Figure 9 As shown by the dashed circle in the image, the terminal device begins to enter the coverage area (i.e., the first neighboring cell) formed by the first beam on the ground.

[0296] As the third satellite moves, the coverage area formed by the first beam on the ground gradually shifts.

[0297] Subsequently, at time t4, the coverage area formed by the first beam on the ground is as follows: Figure 9 As shown by the solid circle in the image, the terminal device leaves the coverage area (i.e., the first neighboring cell) formed by the first beam on the ground.

[0298] During the period from time t3 to time t4, the terminal device is located within the coverage area (i.e., the first neighboring cell) formed by the first beam on the ground. Therefore, the duration of time t3 to time t4 is equivalent to the beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell. Time t3 is, for example, equivalent to the second time mentioned above, and time t4 is equivalent to the third time mentioned above.

[0299] Based on the above embodiments, the process of determining the beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell can be implemented in the following way:

[0300] Process I: The terminal device determines the position of the terminal device and the third satellite in the ECEF coordinate system.

[0301] The terminal device calculates its position in the ECEF coordinate system at time t using Formulas 1 and 2. The position of the third satellite in the ECEF coordinate system was obtained based on the ephemeris data of the third satellite. .

[0302] The ephemeris data of the third satellite can be obtained, for example, from SIB 32 transmitted by the third satellite.

[0303] Process II: The terminal device obtains the pointing vector V of the first beam in the ECEF coordinate system through ntn-NeighCellConfigList (carried in SIB 19). beam =(V x V y V z and beam radius R beam The straight line x pointing from the third satellite to the center of the first beam satisfies, for example, the following equation:

[0304] (Formula 9)

[0305] Where p(k) represents the position of a point on the line x. When k=0, p(k) corresponds to the position of the satellite; when k>0, it represents the position of a point on the line x that is far away from the third satellite along the transmission direction of the first beam.

[0306] Furthermore, the Earth reference ellipsoid model satisfies the following equations:

[0307] (Formula 10)

[0308] Where a is the major semi-axis of the Earth reference ellipsoid model (i.e., the Earth's equatorial radius), b is the minor semi-axis of the Earth reference ellipsoid model (i.e., the Earth's polar radius), and c is the polar semi-axis of the ellipsoid.

[0309] Substituting formula 9 into formula 10, we get:

[0310] (Formula 11)

[0311] The value of parameter k can be obtained by solving formula 11.

[0312] It should be understood that since the line x intersects the Earth reference ellipsoid model at two points—one closer to the third satellite and the other farther away—k may have two values. In this case, the k value that makes p(k) closer to the third satellite is chosen.

[0313] Substituting the obtained k value into Formula 9, the beam center position P of the first beam can be obtained. center (t) = (X) center Y center Z center The center of this beam corresponds to the intersection of the straight line x and the Earth reference ellipsoid model, the point closest to the third satellite; this intersection point is the center of the first beam. And P center (t) is actually a function of the beam center position of the first beam changing with time.

[0314] The distance D(t) between the terminal device and the beam center of the first beam satisfies the following formula:

[0315] (Formula 12)

[0316] make:

[0317] (Formula 13)

[0318] We can then obtain t3 and t4, where t3 represents the moment when the terminal device enters the coverage area of ​​the first beam, and t4 represents the moment when the terminal device leaves the coverage area of ​​the first beam. The second change relationship mentioned above is, for example, D(t).

[0319] The beam coverage duration Δt2 satisfies the following formula:

[0320] (Formula 14)

[0321] As can be understood, based on the information above, the terminal device can select the configuration information of the first cell from multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells.

[0322] Among them, the number of cells included in the first cell, F, M, the number of cells included in the first co-frequency neighbor cell, the number of cells included in the first inter-frequency neighbor cell, the number of cells included in the second co-frequency neighbor cell, or the number of cells included in the second inter-frequency neighbor cell (for brevity, it is referred to as at least one quantity below) can be parameters predefined by the protocol or parameters configured by the network side through signaling.

[0323] In addition, optionally, the network side may also send a second message to the terminal device, which is used to indicate the updating of at least one number of values, or to indicate the cancellation of the terminal device's decision-making power to select the SMTC, that is, to prohibit the terminal device from selecting the configuration information (partial SMTC) of the first cell from multiple configuration information (SMTC set) of multiple neighboring cells.

[0324] For example, in the event of a cell handover failure, the source cell (or serving cell) can update at least one quantity, such as instructing the value of F to be updated from 1 to 2, and the value of M to be updated from 1 to 2, etc. Specifically, this can be done as follows: Figure 10 Method 1000 is shown.

[0325] In the event of a successful cell handover, the target cell can update at least one quantity, for example, instructing the value of F to be updated from 2 to 1, and the value of M to be updated from 2 to 1, etc. Specifically, this can be done as follows: Figure 11 Method 1100 is shown.

[0326] Alternatively, the network side can instruct the terminal device to update at least one quantity according to the first cycle. That is, the terminal device can periodically update the value of at least one quantity based on the instructions from the network side.

[0327] In the event of a failed cell handover, the interaction process between the terminal device and the serving cell can be as follows: Figure 10 As shown.

[0328] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a terminal device and the serving cell (a cell within the coverage area of ​​a third satellite) in a cell handover failure scenario provided in this application embodiment. The specific process is as follows:

[0329] Terminal equipment and serving cells implement S501-S504, which can be referred to in the above description, and will not be repeated here.

[0330] It is understandable that the serving cell can make a handover decision based on the first measurement report reported by the terminal device, that is, determine the target cell for the terminal device to hand over. The target cell is one of the cells in the first cell.

[0331] Furthermore, the serving cell can instruct the terminal device to switch to the target cell.

[0332] If the cell handover fails, or if it is understood that the terminal device has failed to successfully handover to the target cell, the following steps can be performed:

[0333] S1001, The terminal device sends third information to the serving cell, which indicates that the cell handover has failed. Correspondingly, the serving cell receives the third information from the terminal device.

[0334] This third piece of information can also be referred to as a handover failure report, handover failure indication, or handover failure message. The target cell can determine that the terminal device's cell handover has failed based on this third piece of information.

[0335] Furthermore, the serving cell can be updated by at least one number, or even instruct the terminal device to no longer perform SMTC screening (or cell screening), but instead directly perform cell measurements on multiple neighboring cells based on multiple SMTCs configured on the network side. For example, as shown in S1002-S1003.

[0336] S1002, The serving cell determines a first score based on the second score; the first score and the second score are used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for measurement.

[0337] In other words, the network side can calculate a score to assess the reliability of the terminal device's selection of SMTC, and this score can be continuously updated. The second score is equivalent to the score calculated previously, and the first score is equivalent to the score updated based on the second score. The score can be used to determine at least one number of values.

[0338] For example, the second score is used to determine at least one quantity of pre-adjustment values ​​(at least one quantity of values ​​on which SMTC is selected in S502, such as F being 1, M being 1, etc.); the first score can be used to determine at least one quantity of post-adjustment values.

[0339] The second score is used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement. The second score can be understood as indicating the reliability of the terminal device's selection of the first cell in S502.

[0340] The first score can be understood as the updated score calculated by the serving cell based on the latest cell handover result and the second score.

[0341] In other words, if a cell handover fails due to a terminal device failure, the serving cell can update the second score to the first score, and the first score is calculated based on the second score. Please refer to the description below for details, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0342] The first score can be understood as the updated score calculated by the serving cell based on the second score, according to the latest cell handover result (or the first cycle). That is, the second score is equivalent to the score determined in the i-th iteration, and the first score is equivalent to the score determined in the (i+1)-th iteration. This score is used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement.

[0343] S1003, the serving cell sends second information to the terminal device. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the serving cell. The second information is determined based on the first score.

[0344] The second information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform cell measurements on multiple neighboring cells, or to instruct the adjustment of at least one quantity. For example, the value of at least one quantity is updated from the value before adjustment to the value after adjustment.

[0345] The value before adjustment is equivalent to at least one number of values ​​corresponding to the second score (at least one number of values ​​determined based on the second score); the value after adjustment is equivalent to at least one number of values ​​corresponding to the first score (at least one number of values ​​determined based on the first score).

[0346] For details regarding the second piece of information and how it is determined, please refer to the description below; it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0347] In the event of a successful cell handover, the interaction process between the terminal device, the source cell, and the serving cell is as follows: Figure 11 As shown.

[0348] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the interaction between the terminal device, the source cell (i.e., the serving cell mentioned above), and the target cell in a successful cell handover scenario provided in this application embodiment. The specific process is as follows:

[0349] The source cell and terminal equipment execute S501-S504.

[0350] It is understandable that the serving cell can make a handover decision based on the first measurement report reported by the terminal device, that is, determine the target cell for the terminal device to hand over. The target cell is one of the cells in the first cell.

[0351] Furthermore, the serving cell can instruct the terminal device to switch to the target cell.

[0352] If the cell handover is successful, continue with the following steps:

[0353] S1101. If the cell handover to the target cell is successful, the source cell sends information indicating the second score to the target cell. Correspondingly, the target cell receives the information indicating the second score from the source cell.

[0354] S1102. The target cell determines a first score based on the second score according to the cell handover result; the first score and the second score are used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for measurement.

[0355] This step is similar to S1002 and can be referred to the description above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0356] S1103. The target cell sends second information to the terminal device. The second information is used to instruct cell measurements to be performed on multiple neighboring cells, or to adjust at least one number. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second information from the target cell.

[0357] The following section provides a detailed explanation of how the second information is determined and the content indicated by the second information.

[0358] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate cell measurement for multiple neighboring cells, or the second information is used to indicate adjustment of one or more of the following (at least one quantity): the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the M neighboring cells.

[0359] It is understandable that the second piece of information may fall into one of the following two categories.

[0360] In scenario 1, the second piece of information is used to instruct cell measurements to be performed on multiple neighboring cells.

[0361] In this case, it means that the network side prohibits the terminal device from selecting the configuration information of some cells from multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells to perform cell measurement.

[0362] Case 2: The second information is used to indicate the adjustment (or update) of the value of at least one quantity, which can also be understood as updating the value of at least one quantity before adjustment to the value after adjustment.

[0363] The values ​​before adjustment are the values ​​that the first cell selected by the terminal device in S502 must satisfy. For example, if the values ​​before adjustment include F = 1 and M = 1, then the F neighboring cells included in the first cell are 1 inter-satellite neighboring cell, and the M neighboring cells included in the first cell are 1 intra-satellite neighboring cell.

[0364] After adjustment, the values ​​are the values ​​that the first cell must satisfy when the terminal device filters the configuration information of the first cell from multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells after S502. For example, the adjusted values ​​include F = 2, M = 2, etc.

[0365] It should be understood that the number of co-frequency cells in F neighboring cells is the same as the number of cells included in the first co-frequency neighboring cell; the number of hetero-frequency cells in F neighboring cells is the same as the number of cells included in the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell. The number of co-frequency cells in M ​​neighboring cells is the same as the number of cells included in the second co-frequency neighboring cell, and the number of hetero-frequency cells in M ​​neighboring cells is the same as the number of cells included in the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell.

[0366] F is equivalent to the sum of the number of cells included in the first inter-frequency neighboring cell and the number of cells included in the first co-frequency neighboring cell; M is equivalent to the sum of the number of cells included in the second inter-frequency neighboring cell and the number of cells included in the second co-frequency neighboring cell.

[0367] The number of cells included in the first cell is equivalent to the sum of F and M.

[0368] Alternatively, the second piece of information can also be used to indicate adjustments: the number of best neighboring cells at the same frequency and / or the number of best neighboring cells at different frequencies.

[0369] The number of optimal neighboring cells at the same frequency is equivalent to the sum of the number of the first and second optimal neighboring cells at the same frequency. The number of optimal neighboring cells at different frequencies is equivalent to the sum of the number of cells included in the first and second optimal neighboring cells at different frequencies.

[0370] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the second information is determined based on the first score. The first score is determined based on the second score.

[0371] The second score is used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement.

[0372] Based on the above embodiments, the second information is determined based on the first score, including: when the first score is lower than a threshold 3, or the first score belongs to a preset range 3, or the first score is lower than or equal to a preset level 3, the second information can be used to instruct cell measurements to be performed on multiple neighboring cells. Otherwise, the second information can be used to adjust at least one quantity. Furthermore, depending on the first score, the serving cell can adjust at least one quantity to different values.

[0373] For example, the network side can preset (or predefine) multiple levels. The following description uses three levels as an example, including preset level 1, preset level 2 and preset level 3.

[0374] Preset Level 1, Preset Level 2, and Preset Level 3 each correspond to different preset ranges (i.e., the numerical range of the rating).

[0375] When the first score belongs to the preset range 3 corresponding to the preset level 3, the second information is used to indicate the cell measurement of multiple neighboring cells.

[0376] When the first score belongs to the preset range 2 corresponding to the preset level 2, the second information is used to indicate an increase of at least one quantity.

[0377] When the first score belongs to the preset range 1 corresponding to the preset level 1, the second information is used to indicate that at least one quantity remains unchanged, or the second information may not be sent.

[0378] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the second information may indicate the adjustment of at least one quantity in a variety of ways.

[0379] In one possible implementation, the second information is used to indicate the first score and / or at least one adjusted value. A mapping relationship exists between the first score and the adjusted value. This mapping relationship can be predefined in the protocol or preset in the terminal device or a third satellite.

[0380] That is, if the second information can be used to indicate the first score, the terminal device can determine at least one adjusted value based on the first score. For example, when the first score belongs to the preset range 2 corresponding to the preset level 2, the terminal device can determine at least one value corresponding to the preset level 2 based on the mapping relationship, that is, at least one adjusted value, such as the number of best neighbor cells of different frequencies being 2, the number of best neighbor cells of the same frequency being 2; or M being 2, F being 2, etc.

[0381] Alternatively, the serving cell can directly instruct the terminal device on at least one adjusted value. For example, it could indicate that the number of optimal neighboring cells for different frequencies is 2, and the number of optimal neighboring cells for the same frequency is 2; or M is 2, F is 2, etc.

[0382] Taking at least one quantity including M and F as an example, the mapping relationship is shown in Table 2.

[0383] Table 2

[0384]

[0385] That is, when the first score belongs to the preset range 1 corresponding to the preset level 1, F is 1 and M is 1.

[0386] When the first score belongs to the preset range 2 corresponding to the preset level 2, F is 2 and M is 2.

[0387] If the first score falls within the preset range 3 corresponding to preset level 3, the network side prohibits the terminal device from selecting the SMTC of the first cell from multiple neighboring cells.

[0388] It should be understood that Table 2 is merely an example, and F and / or M can be replaced with other quantities, and the values ​​of F and / or M can also be replaced with other values. The number of preset levels can also be more or less, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0389] Possible implementation 2: The second information is used to indicate increasing or decreasing at least one quantity.

[0390] When the serving cell determines that at least one of the values ​​of each quantity needs to be increased, it can instruct the terminal device to increase the value of at least one quantity, and then the terminal device can determine the adjusted value of at least one quantity.

[0391] For example, the adjusted value of at least one quantity can be a value that increases by a certain step size based on the unadjusted value of at least one quantity.

[0392] Alternatively, the terminal device may have preset or protocol-defined values ​​for at least one quantity under multiple levels. In this case, when the second information indicates an increase of at least one quantity, the level corresponding to the adjusted value of that at least one quantity is the next level after the level corresponding to the original value. For example, referring to Table 2, the original value corresponds to preset level 1, and the adjusted value corresponds to preset level 2, etc.

[0393] When the serving cell determines that the value of at least one quantity needs to be reduced, it can instruct the terminal device to reduce the value of at least one quantity, and then the terminal device can determine the adjusted value of at least one quantity.

[0394] For example, the adjusted value of at least one quantity can be a value that is reduced by a certain step size based on the unadjusted value of at least one quantity.

[0395] Alternatively, the terminal device may have preset or protocol-defined values ​​for at least one quantity under multiple levels. In this case, when the second information indicates an increase of at least one quantity, the level corresponding to the adjusted value of that at least one quantity is the level preceding the level corresponding to the original value. For example, referring to Table 2, the original value corresponds to preset level 2, and the adjusted value corresponds to preset level 1, etc.

[0396] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the first score is determined based on the second score, including:

[0397] The first score is determined based on the initial value, the second score, and the adjustment coefficient, or the first score is determined based on the second score and the adjustment step size, and at least one number of pre-adjustment values ​​are determined based on the second score.

[0398] The first score can be determined based on the second score and the adjustment step size, including one or both of the following implementation methods.

[0399] Possible implementation method 1: In the event of cell handover failure, the adjustment step size can be the first step size, which can also be called the penalty value or penalty step size.

[0400] For example, the first score = max(0, second score - first step length). That is, the first score is the larger of the difference between 0 and the second score minus the first step length.

[0401] In a possible implementation method 2, if the cell handover is successful, the adjustment step size can be a second step size, which can also be called a reward value or reward step size.

[0402] For example, first score = min(S) max (Second score + second step size). That is, the first score is S. max The smaller of the sum of the second score and the second step size. S max The maximum value can be predefined or preset for the protocol.

[0403] The first score is determined based on the initial value, the second score, and an adjustment factor. Specifically, when the score is updated according to the first cycle, the first score is determined based on the initial value, the second score, and the adjustment factor. The adjustment factor can also be called a decay factor. For example, the first score = second score + adjustment factor × (initial value - second score).

[0404] The following is a further explanation of the method by which the network side determines the score in the embodiments of this application.

[0405] It is understandable that satellites (such as the third satellite mentioned above) can maintain a dynamic trust score S for each terminal device. new (e.g., first rating and second rating), the initial value of its rating is S. default This initial value can be a parameter preset in the satellite, which can be dynamically adjusted and updated through the following three mechanisms:

[0406] Penalty mechanism: If cell handover fails, the trust score is updated to S. new =max(0, S) old -ΔP), where ΔP is the penalty value to ensure the score does not fall below zero. The first score is, for example, S. new The second rating is, for example, S. old ΔP is, for example, the length of the first step.

[0407] Reward mechanism: If the cell handover is successful, the trust score will be updated to S. new =min(S) max S old +ΔR), where ΔR is the reward value, S max This sets a maximum score, such as a parameter preset in the satellite, to prevent the score from growing indefinitely. The first score could be, for example, S. new The second rating is, for example, S. old ΔR, for example, represents the second step size.

[0408] Forgetting mechanism: periodically press S new =S old +λ×(S default -S oldThe score is updated, where λ is a decay factor satisfying 0 < λ < 1, gradually returning the score to its initial value and avoiding long-term impacts on the trust status of terminal devices due to historical handover failures. The first score is, for example, S. new The second rating is, for example, S. old λ is, for example, an adjustment coefficient.

[0409] According to S new Terminal devices can be divided into three trust levels and corresponding strategies can be adopted:

[0410] Preset Level 1 (High Trust): When S new >S default At this time, the terminal device can autonomously select the number of best neighbor cells of the same frequency and / or best neighbor cells of different frequencies according to the default mode. For example, the number of best neighbor cells of the same frequency is 1, and the number of best neighbor cells of different frequencies is 1.

[0411] It can be understood that when the terminal device is within the coverage area of ​​the same satellite beam, or when the terminal device is performing an intra-satellite handover, the terminal device selects one best neighboring cell of the same frequency and one best neighboring cell of a different frequency as neighboring cells of the same satellite.

[0412] That is, the first cell selected by the terminal device includes one best neighbor cell of the same frequency (equivalent to the second best neighbor cell of the same frequency) and one best neighbor cell of a different frequency (equivalent to the second best neighbor cell of a different frequency).

[0413] When the terminal device is at the edge of the coverage of a third satellite, the terminal device may be within the coverage of multiple satellites, or it may be understood as the terminal device performing inter-satellite handover. The terminal device selects one best neighboring cell of the same frequency and one best neighboring cell of a different frequency as a neighboring cell of a different satellite.

[0414] That is, the first cell selected by the terminal device includes one best neighbor cell of the same frequency (equivalent to the first neighbor cell of the same frequency) and one best neighbor cell of a different frequency (equivalent to the first neighbor cell of a different frequency).

[0415] Preset Level 2 (Medium Trust): When S new ∈ (S1, S default And S default In S1, the satellite re-indicates the number of best neighboring cells at the same frequency and / or different frequencies for the terminal device, typically exceeding the default number to provide more handover cells. For example, the number of best neighboring cells at the same frequency is 2, and the number of best neighboring cells at different frequencies is 2. Here, S1 is the trust threshold, which can be a preset value used to determine whether the terminal device has entered a low-trust state requiring strict control.

[0416] It can be understood that when the terminal device is within the coverage of the same satellite beam, or when the terminal device performs in-satellite switching, the two best co-frequency neighboring cells and the two best different-frequency neighboring cells screened by the terminal device are co-satellite neighboring cells.

[0417] That is, the first cell selected by the terminal device includes two best co-frequency neighboring cells (equivalent to the second co-frequency neighboring cells) and two best different-frequency neighboring cells (equivalent to the second different-frequency neighboring cells).

[0418] When the terminal device is at the edge of the third satellite coverage, the terminal device may be within the coverage of multiple satellites, or when the terminal device performs inter-satellite switching, the two best co-frequency neighboring cells and the two best different-frequency neighboring cells screened by the terminal device are different-satellite neighboring cells.

[0419] That is, the first cell selected by the terminal device includes two best co-frequency neighboring cells (equivalent to the first co-frequency neighboring cells) and two best different-frequency neighboring cells (equivalent to the first different-frequency neighboring cells).

[0420] Preset level 3 (low confidence): When S new < S1, the satellite directly indicates the list of cells to be measured by the terminal device based on the global information. That is, the terminal device is prohibited from selecting an SMTC from the configured multiple SMTCs, but instead performs cell measurement on multiple neighboring cells configured by the network side.

[0421] It should be understood that the numbers of the best co-frequency neighboring cells and the best different-frequency neighboring cells shown above are only examples. In actual application scenarios, they can also be replaced with other values, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0422] It should be noted that when the trust level changes, the satellite can also send the latest level to the terminal device through the second information, and the terminal device adjusts its cell selection and measurement behavior according to the trust level after receiving it.

[0423] It should also be noted that the process of determining the trust score and the trust level shown above is only an example. In actual application scenarios, the trust score and the trust level can also be determined in other ways. The embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0424] The following combines Figure 12 and Figure 13 , and details the cell measurement device of the embodiments of the present application.

[0425] It should be noted that the module names involved in the embodiments of the present application can all be defined as other names, as long as the functions of each module can be realized, and no specific limitations are made on the module names.

[0426] Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of a cell measurement device 1200 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As Figure 12 As shown, the device 1200 includes a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202.

[0427] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to perform the steps executed by the terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0428] The transceiver module 1202 is used to: receive multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of multiple neighboring cells. The processing module 1201 is used to: perform cell measurement on the first cell based on the configuration information of the first cell among the multiple configuration information, the first cell including some or all of the cells among the multiple neighboring cells; wherein, in the case where the multiple neighboring cells include one or more neighboring cells belonging to the coverage area of ​​a different non-terrestrial network device than the serving cell, the first cell includes F neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​the first non-terrestrial network device that provides services to the one or more neighboring cells and has the longest remaining visible duration, the F neighboring cells belonging to the one or more neighboring cells; and / or, in the case where the multiple neighboring cells include at least one neighboring cell belonging to the coverage area of ​​the same non-terrestrial network device as the serving cell, the first cell includes M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration among at least one neighboring cell, where M and F are positive integers.

[0429] Optionally, the F neighboring cells include the first co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell; and / or, the M neighboring cells include the second co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell.

[0430] Optionally, the non-terrestrial network device providing services to one or more neighboring cells includes a second non-terrestrial network device; the remaining visibility duration of the second non-terrestrial network device is the difference between a first moment and the current moment, the first moment being the moment when the second non-terrestrial network device moves to the target location, and the target location being the location where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device is equal to a first threshold.

[0431] Optionally, the first moment is a later moment corresponding to the first threshold in the first change relationship. The first change relationship is the change of the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device over time. The first change relationship is determined based on the position of the second non-terrestrial network device and the position of the terminal device at S moments, where S is an integer greater than 1.

[0432] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is further configured to: acquire the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device; the S times are the times after the current time, and the position of the second non-terrestrial network device at the S times is determined based on the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device.

[0433] Optionally, the first change relationship is determined based on the positions of the second non-terrestrial network device and the terminal device at S time points, including: the first change relationship is determined based on the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points; the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points is determined based on the pointing vector of the terminal device towards the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points; and the pointing vector of the terminal device towards the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points is determined based on the positions of the second non-terrestrial network device and the terminal device at each of the S time points.

[0434] Optionally, at least one neighboring cell includes a first neighboring cell, the first neighboring cell and the serving cell serving the third non-terrestrial network device, the first neighboring cell including the coverage area of ​​the first beam emitted by the third non-terrestrial network device; the beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell is the difference between the second moment when the terminal device enters the coverage area of ​​the first beam and the third moment when the terminal device leaves the coverage area of ​​the first beam.

[0435] Optionally, the second and third time points are determined based on a second change relationship, which is the relationship between the distance between the terminal device and the beam center position of the first beam and the change over time. The second change relationship is determined based on the position of the terminal device, the position of the third non-terrestrial network device at each of the K time points, and the first pointing vector, which is the vector of the third non-terrestrial network device pointing to the beam center position, where K is an integer greater than 1.

[0436] Optionally, the beam center position at each of the K time points is calculated based on the Earth's elliptic equation and the pointing vector of the first beam and the position of the third non-terrestrial network device at each of the K time points.

[0437] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to: send a first measurement report, the first measurement report including measurement results of the first cell; receive first information, the first information used to indicate handover to a target cell in the first cell; receive second information, the second information used to indicate cell measurement for multiple neighboring cells, or, the second information used to indicate adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in M ​​neighboring cells; in the case of cell handover failure, the second information comes from the serving cell; in the case of successful cell handover, the second information comes from the target cell.

[0438] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to implement the steps performed by the source cell in the above method embodiments.

[0439] The transceiver module 1202 is used to: send multiple configuration information of multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of multiple neighboring cells; receive a first measurement report, the first measurement report including the measurement results of a first cell among the multiple neighboring cells; the first cell including F neighboring cells covered by a first non-terrestrial network device and / or M neighboring cells served by a third non-terrestrial network device.

[0440] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to: send second information, the second information being used to instruct cell measurement to be performed on multiple neighboring cells, or, the second information being used to instruct adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the M neighboring cells, the second information being determined based on a first score, the first score being used to instruct the terminal device on the reliability of selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement.

[0441] Optionally, the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to: send first information to the terminal device, the first information indicating a target cell in the first cell for handover; and, in the case of handover of the terminal device to the target cell, send information to the target cell indicating a second score, at least one of the following quantities being determined based on the second score: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in M ​​neighboring cells; or, receive third information indicating a cell handover failure.

[0442] In one possible implementation, the device 1200 is used to perform the steps executed by the target cell in the above method embodiments.

[0443] The transceiver module 1202 is configured to: receive information indicating a second score, the second score indicating the reliability of the terminal device in selecting a first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement; based on the second score, send second information, the second information indicating cell measurement of multiple neighboring cells, or, the second information indicating adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the M neighboring cells, where the F neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to different non-terrestrial network device coverage areas from the serving cell, and the M neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to the same non-terrestrial network device coverage area from the serving cell; the second information is determined based on the first score, and the first score is calculated based on the second score.

[0444] Optionally, the second information is used to indicate the first score and / or at least one adjusted value, wherein there is a mapping relationship between the first score and the adjusted value; or, the second information is used to indicate increasing or decreasing at least one quantity; or, the second information is used to indicate cell measurement for multiple neighboring cells.

[0445] Optionally, the first score is determined based on the initial value, the second score, and the adjustment coefficient, or the first score is determined based on the second score and the adjustment step size, and at least one number of pre-adjustment values ​​are determined based on the second score.

[0446] It should be understood that the device 1200 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here can refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (e.g., shared processors, proprietary processors, or group processors, etc.) and memories for executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuits, and / or other suitable components supporting the described functions. In an alternative example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 1200 can specifically be a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device as described in the above embodiments. The device 1200 can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments; to avoid repetition, these will not be described again here.

[0447] The aforementioned device 1200 has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in the above method; the above function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above function.

[0448] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 12 The device 1200 in the text can also be a chip. Correspondingly, the transceiver module 1202 can be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here.

[0449] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the structure of the device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application is shown. The device 1300 includes a processor 1301, a transceiver 1302, and a memory 1303. The processor 1301, transceiver 1302, and memory 1303 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The memory 1303 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1301 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1303 to control the transceiver 1302 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0450] It should be understood that the device 1300 may specifically be a terminal device or a non-terrestrial network device as described in the above embodiments, and may be used to execute the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the terminal device or non-terrestrial network device in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1303 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1301 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1301 executes instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1301 is used to execute the various steps and / or processes of the above method embodiments. The transceiver 1302 may include a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a transmitting action, and the receiver may be used to implement the various steps and / or processes corresponding to the transceiver for performing a receiving action.

[0451] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), or it may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0452] In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by instructions in software. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware processor, or as a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory, and the processor executes the instructions in the memory, combining them with its hardware to complete the steps of the above method. To avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0453] The cell measurement method provided in this application can be applied to terminal devices or non-terrestrial network devices with communication functions. The specific device configurations of the terminal devices or non-terrestrial network devices can be referred to the above descriptions, and will not be repeated here.

[0454] This application provides a terminal device, which includes a processor and a memory; the memory stores computer execution instructions; the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the terminal device to perform the above-described method.

[0455] This application provides a chip. The chip includes a processor, which is used to call a computer program in memory to execute the technical solutions in the above embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar to those in the related embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0456] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the methods described above. The methods described in the above embodiments can be implemented wholly or partially by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted over the computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can include computer storage media and communication media, and can also include any medium that can transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any target medium accessible by a computer.

[0457] In one possible implementation, a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium targeted to carry or to store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer. Furthermore, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disks and optical discs include laser discs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs optically reproduce data using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0458] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run, causes a computer to perform the above-described method.

[0459] This application describes embodiments of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processing unit of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processing unit of the computer or other programmable data processing device, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0460] The above detailed embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that the above are merely specific embodiments of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made on the basis of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for measuring a cell block, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Receive multiple configuration information from multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing of the multiple neighboring cells; Based on the configuration information of the first cell among the plurality of configuration information, cell measurement is performed on the first cell, wherein the first cell includes some or all of the plurality of neighboring cells; Wherein, in the case that the plurality of neighboring cells include one or more neighboring cells belonging to the coverage area of ​​a different non-terrestrial network device than the serving cell, the first cell includes F neighboring cells within the coverage area of ​​the first non-terrestrial network device that provides services to the one or more neighboring cells and has the longest remaining viewing time, the F neighboring cells belonging to the one or more neighboring cells, the remaining viewing time being the difference between a first moment and the current moment, the first moment being the moment when the first non-terrestrial network device moves to the target location, the target location being the position where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first non-terrestrial network device is equal to a first threshold; and / or, In the case where the first cell includes at least one neighboring cell that belongs to the same non-terrestrial network device coverage area as the serving cell, the first cell includes M neighboring cells with the longest beam coverage duration among the at least one neighboring cell, where M and F are positive integers. The beam coverage duration is the difference between the second time when the terminal device enters the beam coverage area corresponding to the neighboring cell and the third time when it leaves the beam coverage area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The F neighboring cells include the first co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the first hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell; and / or, The M neighboring cells include the second co-frequency neighboring cell and / or the second hetero-frequency neighboring cell of the serving cell.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The non-terrestrial network device that provides services to the one or more neighboring cells includes a second non-terrestrial network device; The remaining visible time of the second non-terrestrial network device is the difference between the first moment and the current moment. The first moment is the moment when the second non-terrestrial network device moves to the target position. The target position is the position where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device is equal to the first threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first moment is a later moment corresponding to the first threshold in the first change relationship. The first change relationship is the change of the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device over time. The first change relationship is determined based on the position of the second non-terrestrial network device and the position of the terminal device at S moments, where S is an integer greater than 1.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device; The S time points are the time points after the current time point, and the position of the second non-terrestrial network device at the S time points is determined based on the ephemeris information of the second non-terrestrial network device.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first relationship is determined based on the location of the second non-terrestrial network device and the location of the terminal device at S time points, including: The first change relationship is determined based on the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points; the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points is determined based on the pointing vector of the terminal device towards the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points; the pointing vector of the terminal device towards the second non-terrestrial network device at each of the S time points is determined based on the position of the second non-terrestrial network device and the position of the terminal device at each of the S time points.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one neighboring cell includes a first neighboring cell, the first neighboring cell and the serving cell being served by a third non-terrestrial network device, the first neighboring cell including the coverage area of ​​a first beam emitted by the third non-terrestrial network device; The beam coverage duration of the first neighboring cell is the difference between the second moment when the terminal device enters the coverage range of the first beam and the third moment when the terminal device leaves the coverage range of the first beam.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second time point and the third time point are determined based on a second change relationship, which is the relationship between the distance between the terminal device and the beam center position of the first beam and the change over time. The second change relationship is determined based on the position of the terminal device, the position of the third non-terrestrial network device at each of the K time points, and a first pointing vector, where the first pointing vector is the vector from the third non-terrestrial network device to the beam center position, and K is an integer greater than 1.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The beam center position at each of the K time points is calculated based on the Earth's elliptic equation, the pointing vector of the first beam at each of the K time points, and the position of the third non-terrestrial network device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a first measurement report, which includes the measurement results of the first cell; Receive first information, which is used to indicate the target cell in the first cell for handover; Receive second information, which is used to instruct cell measurement to be performed on the plurality of neighboring cells, or the second information is used to instruct adjustment of one or more of the following: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the F neighboring cells; or the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells in the M neighboring cells; In the event of a cell handover failure, the second information comes from the serving cell; in the event of a cell handover success, the second information comes from the target cell.

11. A method for measuring a cell block, characterized in that, Applied to a third non-terrestrial network device, the method includes: Send multiple configuration information for multiple neighboring cells, the multiple configuration information being used to configure the measurement timing for the multiple neighboring cells; The system receives a first measurement report, which includes the measurement results of a first cell among the plurality of neighboring cells. The first cell includes F neighboring cells covered by a first non-terrestrial network device and / or M neighboring cells served by the third non-terrestrial network device. The first non-terrestrial network device is the non-terrestrial network device among the plurality of neighboring cells that is visually accessible and has the longest remaining visual duration. The remaining visual duration is the difference between a first moment and the current moment, where the first moment is the moment the first non-terrestrial network device moves to the target location, and the target location is the location where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the first non-terrestrial network device is equal to a first threshold. The M neighboring cells are the neighboring cells among the plurality of neighboring cells that are the same non-terrestrial network device as the serving cell and have the longest beam coverage duration. The beam coverage duration is the difference between the second moment when the terminal device enters the beam coverage area corresponding to the neighboring cell and the third moment when it leaves the beam coverage area.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a second message, the second message being used to instruct cell measurement to be performed on the plurality of neighboring cells, or, the second message being used to instruct adjustment of at least one of the following quantities: The first cell includes the number of cells; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells among the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or the number of inter-frequency cells among the M neighboring cells. The second information is determined based on a first score, which is used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from the plurality of neighboring cells for cell measurement.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal device, the first information being used to indicate handover to the target cell in the first cell; When the terminal device switches to the target cell, information indicating a second score is sent to the target cell. The second score indicates the reliability of selecting the first cell from the plurality of neighboring cells for cell measurement. At least one of the following quantities is determined based on the second score: the number of cells included in the first cell; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or inter-frequency cells among the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or inter-frequency cells among the M neighboring cells; or, Receive third information, which indicates that the cell handover has failed.

14. A method for measuring a cell block, characterized in that, Applied to a target cell, the method includes: Receive information for indicating a second score, the second score indicating the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from multiple neighboring cells for cell measurement; Based on the second score, a second message is sent, which instructs cell measurement to be performed on the plurality of neighboring cells, or the second message instructs adjustment of at least one of the following quantities: The first cell includes the number of cells; F; M; the number of co-frequency cells and / or hetero-frequency cells among the F neighboring cells; or, the number of co-frequency cells and / or hetero-frequency cells among the M neighboring cells, wherein the F neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to different non-terrestrial network device coverage areas from the serving cell, and the non-terrestrial network device to which the F neighboring cells belong is a visible non-terrestrial network device with the longest remaining visible duration; the remaining visible duration is the difference between a first moment and the current moment, the first moment being the moment when the non-terrestrial network device moves to the target location, the target location being the position where the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the non-terrestrial network device is equal to a first threshold; the M neighboring cells are cells in the first cell that belong to the same non-terrestrial network device coverage area as the serving cell, and the M neighboring cells are the neighboring cells served by the non-terrestrial network device with the longest beam coverage duration; the beam coverage duration is the difference between the second moment when the terminal device enters the beam coverage area corresponding to the neighboring cell and the third moment when it leaves the beam coverage area; the second information is determined based on a first score, and the first score is calculated based on the second score.

15. The method according to claim 12 or 14, characterized in that, The second information is used to indicate the first score and / or the adjusted value of the at least one quantity, wherein there is a mapping relationship between the first score and the adjusted value; or, the second information is used to indicate increasing or decreasing the at least one quantity; or, the second information is used to indicate performing cell measurements on the plurality of neighboring cells.

16. The method according to claim 12 or 14, characterized in that, The first score is determined based on an initial value, a second score, and an adjustment coefficient, or the first score is determined based on the second score and an adjustment step size, wherein the at least one number of values ​​before adjustment are determined based on the second score, and the second score is used to indicate the reliability of the terminal device in selecting the first cell from the plurality of neighboring cells for cell measurement.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processor and memory; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory, causing the apparatus to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

18. A chip system, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being interconnected via a line, the at least one processor being used to run a computer program or instructions to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when run, causes a computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

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