Communication method, communication device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method, a communication device and a computer readable storage medium. The terminal equipment can perceive the target satellite and the switching time in advance, namely the terminal equipment determines the target satellite and the switching time firstly. Wherein the switching time is a moment after the current time, and the target satellite is a satellite communicating with the terminal equipment after the switching time. Before the switching time is reached, the terminal device determines first attitude information. The first attitude information is used for indicating a first attitude, and the first attitude is an attitude for the terminal device to communicate with the service satellite and the target satellite at the same time. In other words, when the terminal device is in the first attitude, the terminal device can communicate with the service satellite, and at the same time, the terminal device can also communicate with the target satellite. In the application, the terminal device does not need to calculate the attitude when the switching time arrives, so that the time overhead of calculating the attitude by the terminal device in the satellite switching process is saved, and the satellite switching efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a communication method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Direct satellite connection refers to a communication method where terminal devices communicate directly with satellites without the need for relaying through ground base stations. This technology enables data transmission and communication in scenarios where terrestrial communication networks are insufficient or nonexistent (such as remote areas, maritime navigation, aviation communications, and emergency rescue).

[0003] Because of the relative motion between satellites and terminal devices, terminal devices often need to frequently connect to and switch between different satellites; this process is also known as satellite handover. During satellite handover, the satellite communicating with the terminal device before the handover is the serving satellite, and the satellite communicating with the terminal device after the handover is successful is the target satellite. During the handover process, the terminal device disconnects from the serving satellite and establishes a communication link between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0004] During satellite handover, the terminal device loses communication with the serving satellite, resulting in signal interruption. The signal can only be restored once the terminal device successfully establishes a communication link with the target satellite. Therefore, signal interruption and reduced communication quality occur during satellite handover.

[0005] In view of this, a more efficient satellite switching solution is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium for improving the efficiency of satellite handover.

[0007] Firstly, this application provides a communication method. This method is executed by a terminal device, or the terminal device may be a component within the terminal device (e.g., circuitry or chips responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the terminal device may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal device's functions. In this method, the terminal device communicates directly with a satellite, and the satellite communicating with the terminal device at the current time is the serving satellite of the terminal device.

[0008] In this application, before executing the satellite handover procedure, the terminal device can pre-detect the target satellite and the handover time; that is, the terminal device first determines the target satellite and the handover time. The handover time is a time after the current time, while the target satellite is the satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the handover time, or in other words, the target satellite is the satellite that will provide services to the terminal device after the handover time.

[0009] As shown above, the switching time is a time after the current time. Therefore, before the switching time arrives, the terminal device determines its first attitude information. This first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude at which the terminal device can simultaneously communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite. In other words, when the terminal device is in the first attitude, it can communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite.

[0010] In this application, the terminal device determines its attitude in advance, enabling it to communicate simultaneously with both the serving satellite and the target satellite, before the handover time arrives. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to calculate its attitude at the handover time, thus saving the time overhead of attitude calculation during the satellite handover process and improving the efficiency of satellite handover.

[0011] On the other hand, the terminal equipment allocates the complex task of calculating attitude before the handover time, so as not to occupy the resources during satellite handover, thereby improving the efficiency of satellite handover.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the serving satellite sends a handover policy to the terminal device. This handover policy is used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the handover time. Upon receiving the handover policy, the terminal device can determine the target satellite and the handover time based on it. Therefore, the serving satellite does not need to notify the terminal device of the target satellite and handover time in advance, reducing the load and resource consumption of the serving satellite.

[0013] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the switching strategy includes at least one of the following algorithms:

[0014] The algorithm based on the shortest communication distance is expressed as min(d k ), where d k Let K be the communication distance between the Kth candidate satellite and the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can select the closest candidate satellite from N candidate satellites as the target satellite, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The candidate satellites are those currently available for handover by the terminal device. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier for an algorithm based on the shortest communication distance, which instructs the terminal device to use the algorithm to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0015] The algorithm based on the longest communication duration is expressed as max(t) k ), where t k This represents the communication duration between the Kth candidate satellite and the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can select the candidate satellite with the longest communication duration from N candidate satellites as the target satellite. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier for an algorithm based on the longest communication duration, which instructs the terminal device to use the algorithm based on the longest communication duration to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0016] The algorithm is based on satellite orbit orientation. In this algorithm, the terminal device can select candidate satellites with the same orbit orientation as the target satellite, or it can select candidate satellites with the opposite orbit orientation as the target satellite, or it can not restrict the orbit orientation of the target satellite. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier of the algorithm based on satellite orbit orientation, which is used to instruct the terminal device to use the algorithm based on satellite orbit orientation to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0017] The weight of the algorithm based on the shortest communication distance in the handover strategy;

[0018] Weight of the algorithm based on the longest communication duration in the handover strategy;

[0019] The weight of the algorithm based on satellite orbital orientation in the switching strategy.

[0020] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the target satellite and handover time are determined by other devices (e.g., a server or serving satellite), and then first information indicating the target satellite and handover time is sent to the terminal device. Upon receiving the first information, the terminal device can determine the target satellite and handover time based on it. This eliminates the need for the terminal device to calculate the target satellite and handover time, reducing its resource overhead.

[0021] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the terminal device sends second information to the server, the second information indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellites. Optionally, the terminal device's location information may be the terminal device's current location, or it may be a location the terminal device plans to reach but has not yet reached. After receiving the second information, the server determines the target satellite and handover time based on the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellites. Then, the server sends the first information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. In this implementation, the terminal device does not need to calculate the target satellite and handover time, reducing the computational overhead of the terminal device.

[0022] Based on the first aspect, in an optional implementation, the terminal device may also send second information to the serving satellite. This second information indicates at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and the serving satellite. The terminal device's location information may be its current location or a planned but not yet reached location. Optionally, the second information may also indicate the terminal device's historical handover information, including the target satellite and handover time in past satellite handover processes. Upon receiving the second information, the serving satellite determines the target satellite and handover time based on the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and at least one of the serving satellite. Then, the serving satellite sends the first information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. Similarly, in this implementation, the terminal device does not need to calculate the target satellite and handover time, reducing its computational overhead.

[0023] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the serving satellite or network equipment (such as a base station) pre-determines the target satellite and handover time. Then, the serving satellite sends first information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. In this implementation, the pre-determined target satellite and handover time by the serving satellite are highly accurate, resulting in a higher success rate for satellite handover.

[0024] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the serving satellite sends a handover command to the terminal device, the handover command instructing the terminal device to access the target satellite. Upon receiving the handover command, the terminal device triggers the satellite handover process.

[0025] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, since the first attitude information indicates the first attitude, the terminal device adjusts to the first attitude based on the first attitude information. At this time, the terminal device can communicate with the serving satellite and simultaneously with the target satellite. In other words, when the terminal device is in the first attitude, it can send and receive data with both the serving and target satellites. Therefore, before the handover time arrives, the terminal device can still maintain communication with the serving satellite in the first attitude. After the handover time arrives, the terminal device disconnects from the serving satellite in the first attitude without needing to adjust its attitude. The terminal device can then communicate with the target satellite based on the first attitude, thus avoiding communication interruptions caused by the terminal device not adjusting to an attitude capable of communicating with the target satellite. Furthermore, since the terminal device pre-adjusts to a first attitude capable of communicating with the target satellite, it avoids satellite handover failures due to inability to align with the target satellite, thereby improving the success rate of satellite handover.

[0026] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, the terminal device determines second attitude information. This second attitude information indicates a second attitude in which the terminal device can communicate with the target satellite but cannot communicate with the serving satellite. In other words, when the terminal device is in the second attitude, it can communicate with the target satellite but cannot communicate with the serving satellite. The terminal device can determine the second attitude information before or after the handover time; this application does not limit this determination.

[0027] Based on the first aspect, in one optional implementation, after receiving the handover command, the terminal device can adjust to the second attitude based on the second attitude information. As can be seen above, the second attitude is the attitude used for the terminal device to communicate with the target satellite but not with the serving satellite. Therefore, generally speaking, the signal quality of the terminal device communicating with the target satellite in the second attitude is stronger than the signal quality of the terminal device communicating with the target satellite in the first attitude. Thus, adjusting the terminal device to the second attitude can improve the signal quality of the terminal device.

[0028] Secondly, this application provides a communication method. This method is performed by a serving satellite, or the serving satellite may be a component of the serving satellite (e.g., circuitry or chips responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the serving satellite may also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the serving satellite's functions. In this method, the serving satellite determines third information, which is used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the handover time. The target satellite is the satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the handover time, and the handover time is a time after the current time.

[0029] The serving satellite sends third information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine first attitude information before the handover time arrives. The first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite simultaneously.

[0030] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the third information includes a handover policy, i.e., the serving satellite sends a handover policy to the terminal device, the handover policy instructing the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the handover time. After receiving the handover policy, the terminal device can determine the target satellite and the handover time based on the handover policy. Thus, the serving satellite does not need to notify the terminal device of the target satellite and the handover time in advance, allowing the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the handover time, reducing the load and resource consumption of the serving satellite.

[0031] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the switching strategy includes at least one of the following algorithms:

[0032] The algorithm based on the shortest communication distance is expressed as min(d k ), where d k Let K be the communication distance between the Kth candidate satellite and the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can select the closest candidate satellite from N candidate satellites as the target satellite, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The candidate satellites are those currently available for handover by the terminal device. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier for an algorithm based on the shortest communication distance, which instructs the terminal device to use the algorithm to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0033] The algorithm based on the longest communication duration is expressed as max(t) k ), where t k This represents the communication duration between the Kth candidate satellite and the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can select the candidate satellite with the longest communication duration from N candidate satellites as the target satellite. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier for an algorithm based on the longest communication duration, which instructs the terminal device to use the algorithm based on the longest communication duration to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0034] The algorithm is based on satellite orbit orientation. In this algorithm, the terminal device can select candidate satellites with the same orbit orientation as the target satellite, or it can select candidate satellites with the opposite orbit orientation as the target satellite, or it can not restrict the orbit orientation of the target satellite. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier of the algorithm based on satellite orbit orientation, which is used to instruct the terminal device to use the algorithm based on satellite orbit orientation to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0035] The weight of the algorithm based on the shortest communication distance in the handover strategy;

[0036] Weight of the algorithm based on the longest communication duration in the handover strategy;

[0037] The weight of the algorithm based on satellite orbital orientation in the switching strategy.

[0038] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the third information includes the first information, which indicates the target satellite and the handover time. Specifically, the serving satellite or network equipment (such as a base station) pre-determines the target satellite and the handover time. Then, the serving satellite sends the first information indicating the target satellite and the handover time to the terminal device. In this implementation, the target satellite and handover time pre-determined by the serving satellite are highly accurate, resulting in a higher success rate for satellite handover.

[0039] Based on the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the third information includes the first information. The process by which the serving satellite determines the third information is as follows: the serving satellite receives second information from the terminal device, the second information indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and the serving satellite. Then, the serving satellite determines the first information based on the second information.

[0040] Based on the second aspect, in one optional implementation, the serving satellite sends a handover command to the terminal device, the handover command instructing the terminal device to access the target satellite. Upon receiving the handover command, the terminal device triggers the satellite handover process.

[0041] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method. This method is executed by a server, or the server may be a component of the server (e.g., a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions, such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip), or the server may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the server's functions. The terminal device sends second information to the server, the second information indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellite. Optionally, the terminal device's location information may be the terminal device's current location, or it may be a location the terminal device plans to reach but has not yet reached. After receiving the second information, the server determines the target satellite and handover time based on the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and at least one of the serving satellite. Then, the server sends first information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. In this implementation, the first information does not need to be transmitted through the satellite direct link between the terminal device and the serving satellite, reducing the occupation of the satellite direct link and saving communication resources between the terminal device and the serving satellite.

[0042] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device, including a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine a target satellite and a handover time, wherein the target satellite is a satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the handover time, and the handover time is a time after the current time; the processing unit is further configured to, before the handover time arrives, determine first attitude information for the terminal device, the first attitude information indicating a first attitude, which is an attitude for the terminal device to communicate simultaneously with both the serving satellite and the target satellite.

[0043] In the fourth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0044] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device for serving a satellite, comprising a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is used to determine third information, which is used by a terminal device to determine a target satellite and a handover time. The target satellite is a satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the handover time, and the handover time is a time after the current time.

[0045] The transceiver unit is used to send third information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine first attitude information before the handover time arrives. The first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite simultaneously.

[0046] In the fifth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0047] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device, which is a terminal device, comprising a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive second information from the terminal device, the second information indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellites.

[0048] The processing unit is configured to determine the first information based on the second information, wherein the first information indicates the target satellite and the switching time, the target satellite being the satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time being the time after the current time;

[0049] The transceiver unit is also used to send first information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine first attitude information before the handover time arrives. The first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite simultaneously.

[0050] In the sixth aspect of this application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps executed in various possible implementations of the third aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the third aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0051] A seventh aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0052] The eighth aspect of this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is used to perform the method as described in any one of the possible implementations of the first to third aspects described above.

[0053] The ninth aspect of this application provides a communication system that includes at least one of the aforementioned terminal equipment, service satellite, and server.

[0054] The tenth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0055] The eleventh aspect of this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to third aspects described above.

[0056] The twelfth aspect of this application provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first to second aspects described above.

[0057] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor.

[0058] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects two through eleven can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspect one above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an existing scheme for aligning with a target satellite;

[0060] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting architecture of the communication system in this application;

[0061] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible implementation of the communication method in this application;

[0062] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible implementation of the communication method in this application;

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible implementation of the terminal device receiving the first information in this application;

[0064] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process by which the terminal device verifies the first information in this application;

[0065] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible implementation of the terminal device receiving the first information in this application;

[0066] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0067] Figure 10 Another schematic structural diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the embodiments section is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with technological advancements and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0069] First, some of the nouns or terms used in this application will be explained, and these nouns or terms are also part of the content of the invention.

[0070] (1) The terms “system” and “network” in this application are used interchangeably. “Multiple” refers to two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character “ / ” generally indicates that the related objects before and after are in an “or” relationship. “At least one of the following” or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, “at least one of A, B and C” includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC or ABC. Unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” mentioned in this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0071] (2) In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include sending directly via the air interface or sending indirectly via the air interface from other units or modules. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include receiving directly from YY via the air interface or receiving indirectly from YY via the air interface from other units or modules. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0072] In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between network devices and terminal devices, or within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via buses, wiring, or interfaces.

[0073] It is understandable that information may undergo necessary processing, such as encoding and modulation, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar statements in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further.

[0074] (3) Configuration and Pre-configuration: In this application, both configuration and pre-configuration are used. Configuration refers to the network device or server sending configuration information or parameter values ​​to the terminal device via messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine the communication parameters or resources for transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or parameter values ​​pre-negotiated between the network device / server and the terminal device, parameter information or parameter values ​​specified by standard protocols for use by the base station / network device or terminal device, or parameter information or parameter values ​​pre-stored in the base station / server or terminal device. This application does not limit this.

[0075] It should be understood that these values ​​and parameters can change or be updated.

[0076] (4) In this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (such as the first and second information described below) is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly instructing the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly instruct the information to be instructed by instructing other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed; or it can only instruct a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol predefined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. This application does not limit the specific method of instruction. It is understood that for the sender of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to instruct the information to be instructed, and for the receiver of the instruction information, the instruction information can be used to determine the information to be instructed.

[0077] (5) Terminal device: can be a wireless terminal device capable of receiving network device scheduling and instruction information. The wireless terminal device can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0078] Terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). Terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones), computers, and data cards. For example, they can be portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities. Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station (MS), remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, subscriber station (SS), customer premises equipment (CPE), terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal (MT), etc.

[0079] By way of example and not limitation, the terminal device in this application can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices or smart wearable 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, smart helmets, and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0080] Terminals can also be drones, robots, devices in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicles to everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine or telehealth services, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0081] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be terminal devices in communication systems evolved from fifth-generation (5G) communication systems (such as 5G Advanced or sixth-generation (6G) communication systems), or terminal devices in future public land mobile networks (PLMNs). For example, 5G Advanced or 6G networks can further expand the form and function of 5G communication terminals; 6G terminals include, but are not limited to, vehicles, cellular network terminals (integrating satellite terminal functions), drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0082] In this application, the aforementioned terminal device may also receive artificial intelligence (AI) services provided by the network device. Optionally, the terminal device may also have AI processing capabilities.

[0083] (6) Network equipment: This can be equipment in a wireless network. For example, network equipment can be a RAN node (or device) that connects terminal devices to the wireless network, and can also be called a base station. Currently, some examples of RAN equipment include: base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), gNB (gNodeB) in 5G communication systems, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), home base station (e.g., home-evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. In addition, in a network structure, network equipment can include central unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes.

[0084] Optionally, RAN nodes can also be macro base stations, micro base stations, indoor stations, relay nodes, donor nodes, or radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios. RAN nodes can also be servers, wearable devices, vehicles, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0085] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the base station's functions. For example, RAN nodes can be CUs, DUs, CUs (control plane, CP), CUs (user plane, UP), or radio units (RUs). CUs and DUs can be set up separately or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). RUs can be included in radio equipment or radio units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), radio heads (RHs), or remote radio heads (RRHs).

[0086] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open access network (open RAN, O-RAN, or ORAN) system, CU can also be called O-CU (open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. For ease of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0087] Communication between access network devices and terminal devices follows a specific protocol layer structure. This protocol layer may include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: radio resource control (RRC) layer, packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, radio link control (RLC) layer, media access control (MAC) layer, or physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer may include at least one of the following: service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, PDCP layer, RLC layer, MAC layer, or physical layer, etc.

[0088] The correspondence between network elements and their achievable protocol layer functions in the ORAN system can be found in Table 1 below.

[0089] Table 1

[0090] ORAN network elements 3GPP protocol layer functions O-CU-CP RRC+PDCP-Control Plane (PDCP-C) O-CU-UP SDAP+PDCP - User Plane (PDCP-U) O-DU RLC+MAC+PHY-high O-RU PHY-low

[0091] Network devices can be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or form of the network device. For ease of description, this application is not limiting.

[0092] Network equipment may also include core network equipment, such as the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Public Data Network Gateway (PDN gateway or P-GW) in 4th generation (4G) networks; and access and mobility management function (AMF), user plane function (UPF), or session management function (SMF) in 5G networks. Furthermore, this core network equipment may also include other core network equipment in 5G networks and next-generation networks of 5G networks.

[0093] The aforementioned network devices can also be network nodes with AI capabilities, which can provide AI services to terminals or other network devices. For example, they can be AI nodes, computing power nodes, RAN nodes with AI capabilities, core network elements with AI capabilities, etc. on the network side (access network or core network).

[0094] In this application, the means for implementing the functions of a network device can be a network device itself, or it can be a means that enables the network device to implement those functions, such as a chip system, which can be installed in the network device. In the technical solutions provided in this application, the example of a network device being used to implement the functions of a network device is used to describe the technical solutions provided in this application.

[0095] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this application can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and the various methods / designs / implementations within those embodiments, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various methods / designs / implementations within those embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various methods / designs / implementations within those embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments, methods, or implementations based on their inherent logical relationships. The following descriptions of the embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0096] Next, we will introduce the possible, non-limiting scenarios involved in this application.

[0097] Direct satellite connection refers to a communication method where terminal devices communicate directly with satellites without the need for relaying through ground base stations. This technology enables data transmission and communication in scenarios where terrestrial communication networks are insufficient or nonexistent (such as remote areas, maritime navigation, aviation communications, and emergency rescue).

[0098] The current mainstream terminal direct satellite connection technology solutions are introduced in Table 2 below.

[0099] Table 2

[0100]

[0101] As shown in Table 2, in Scheme 1, terminal manufacturers collaborate with satellite operators to customize terminal hardware. The satellite remains unchanged, employing a dedicated communication protocol and satellite MSS band. Most of the hardware, software, services, and applications within the terminal device are controlled and managed by a single company or a group of closely cooperating companies, resulting in poor interoperability between the terminal device and external systems, creating a "closed" ecosystem. Furthermore, due to satellite regulatory constraints, current satellite communication systems typically only provide regional services. On the other hand, Scheme 1 generally offers low communication rates, unable to provide high-speed services, and is primarily used to support emergency SMS and voice communication.

[0102] In Option 2 above, satellite operators collaborate with terrestrial operators, leaving existing terminal equipment unchanged and designing satellites to adapt to the terminal equipment, using operator spectrum (e.g., IMT spectrum). However, terrestrial IMT spectrum is very expensive, and the spectrum available from operators is relatively scattered with limited bandwidth and capacity.

[0103] In Scheme 3 above, many technologies and designs were introduced into the 3GPP NTN R18 standard to enhance coverage capabilities. Furthermore, adopting a unified implementation standard is beneficial for the long-term development of direct satellite connection technology for terminals.

[0104] Because of the relative motion between satellites and terminal equipment, terminal equipment often needs to frequently access and switch between different satellites; this process is also known as satellite handover. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a certain manufacturer's terminal device displays attitude information for aligning with a target satellite on a screen, allowing the user to adjust the attitude of the terminal device based on this attitude information.

[0105] During satellite handover, the satellite communicating with the terminal device before the handover is the serving satellite, and the satellite communicating with the terminal device after the handover is successful is the target satellite. During the handover process, the terminal device disconnects from the serving satellite and establishes a communication link between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0106] During satellite handover, the terminal device loses communication with the serving satellite, resulting in signal interruption. The signal can only be restored once the terminal device successfully establishes a communication link with the target satellite. Therefore, signal interruption and reduced communication quality occur during satellite handover.

[0107] On the other hand, for Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the satellite handover scenario shown, it may take several seconds for the user to go from seeing the displayed attitude information to completing the attitude adjustment. As a result, during the satellite handover process, the terminal device cannot align with the target satellite in time and establish communication with the target satellite, making the efficiency of the terminal device in performing satellite handover low.

[0108] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a communication method, communication device, and computer-readable storage medium to improve the efficiency of satellite handover. The communication method, communication device, and computer-readable storage medium provided in this application can be applied to a communication system including at least one satellite and / or at least one terminal device. The satellite is used to provide communication services to the terminal device.

[0109] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a possible, non-limiting architecture of the communication system in this application. Figure 3As shown, the terminal device communicates with the satellite. For example, the satellite can transmit downlink data to the terminal device, wherein the downlink data can be encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded downlink data is transmitted to the terminal device after constellation modulation; the terminal device can also transmit uplink data to the satellite, wherein the uplink data can also be encoded using channel coding, and the channel-coded uplink data is transmitted to the satellite after constellation modulation.

[0110] Wireless links exist between different satellites to facilitate signaling interaction and user data transmission. Satellites connect to the ground-based core network via these wireless links. The core network is used to implement services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. The core network comprises multiple functional units, which can be divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The control plane functional entity can be the Access and Mobility Management Unit (AMF), responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The control plane functional entity can also be the User Plane Function (UPF), responsible for managing user plane data transmission and traffic statistics. Optionally, the communication system also includes the aforementioned network equipment (e.g., base stations).

[0111] The communication method provided in this application will be described next. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible implementation of the communication method in this application. It should be understood that... Figure 4 This application illustrates the method using satellites (including service satellites and target satellites) and terminal devices as the executing entities in this interaction illustration, but it does not limit the executing entities of this interaction illustration. For example, Figure 4 The terminal device in the text can also be a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, system on chip (SoC) chip containing modem core, system in package (SIP) chip, communication module, chip system, processor, logic module or software, etc. in the terminal device; Figure 4 The satellite in the context can be a chip, chip system, or processor used to support the satellite in implementing the method; alternatively, the clock node can be a logic node, logic module, or software used to implement all or part of the satellite's functions.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, the communication method of this application includes, but is not limited to, steps 101 to 102.

[0113] 101. The terminal equipment determines the target satellite and the handover time.

[0114] In this application, the terminal device communicates directly with the satellite, meaning that data (such as one or more of service data, signals, information, and signaling) can be transmitted between the terminal device and the satellite without being relayed through terrestrial network equipment (such as base stations). The satellite communicating with the terminal device at the current time is the serving satellite of that terminal device.

[0115] The satellites involved in this application (including service satellites, target satellites, and candidate satellites) can be designed using a regenerative satellite architecture and / or a transparent satellite architecture, or they can adopt other future-evolving satellite architectures. Taking a service satellite as an example, when the service satellite adopts a regenerative satellite architecture, the phrase "the service satellite transmits first information, third information, and / or handover strategy" mentioned in this application means that the first information, third information, and / or handover strategy are generated and transmitted by the service satellite, and the service satellite is the source of the first information, third information, and / or handover strategy. When the service satellite adopts a transparent satellite architecture, the phrase "the service satellite transmits first information, third information, and / or handover strategy" mentioned in this application means that the first information, third information, and / or handover strategy are generated by ground network equipment (e.g., base stations) and transmitted to terminal equipment, that is, the network equipment (e.g., base stations) is the source of the first information, third information, and / or handover strategy. The service satellite acts as a relay node for transparent transmission, forwarding the first information, third information, and / or handover strategy sent by network devices (such as base stations) to the terminal devices.

[0116] Optionally, the satellite (including service satellites and target satellites) may be a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a high elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, or a geostationary earth orbit (HEO) satellite, or may be other types of satellites that will evolve in the future, which is not limited in this application.

[0117] In the satellite handover process, the satellite that communicates with the terminal device after a successful handover is the target satellite for that terminal device, and the time during which the terminal device executes the satellite handover process is the handover time. Optionally, the serving satellite can send a handover command to the terminal device, which triggers the terminal device to execute the satellite handover process. For example, the time during which the terminal device executes the satellite handover process as illustrated in this application can refer to the time when the serving satellite sends the handover command, or the time when the terminal device receives the handover command, or the effective time of the handover command after the terminal device receives it.

[0118] In this application, before executing the satellite handover procedure, the terminal device can pre-detect the target satellite and the handover time; that is, the terminal device first determines the target satellite and the handover time. The handover time is a time after the current time, while the target satellite is the satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the handover time, or in other words, the target satellite is the satellite that will provide services to the terminal device after the handover time.

[0119] 102. Before the handover time is reached, the terminal device determines the first attitude information.

[0120] As shown above, the switching time is a time after the current time. Therefore, before the switching time arrives, the terminal device determines its first attitude information. This first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude at which the terminal device can simultaneously communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite. In other words, when the terminal device is in the first attitude, it can communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite.

[0121] Optionally, the first posture information includes the first posture and / or the offset between the first posture and the current posture of the terminal device.

[0122] In this application, the terminal device determines its attitude in advance, enabling it to communicate simultaneously with both the serving satellite and the target satellite, before the handover time arrives. Therefore, the terminal device does not need to calculate its attitude at the handover time, thus eliminating the time overhead of attitude calculation during the satellite handover process and improving the efficiency of satellite handover.

[0123] On the other hand, the terminal equipment allocates the complex task of calculating attitude before the handover time, so as not to occupy the resources during satellite handover, thereby improving the efficiency of satellite handover.

[0124] Optional, in Figure 4 Based on steps 101 and 102 described in the embodiments, the communication method provided in this application may further include steps 103 and 104.

[0125] 103. The terminal device is adjusted to the first posture.

[0126] Since the first attitude information indicates the first attitude, the terminal device adjusts to the first attitude based on this information. At this time, the terminal device can communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite. In other words, when in the first attitude, the terminal device can send and receive data with both the serving and target satellites. Therefore, before the handover time arrives, the terminal device can still maintain communication with the serving satellite in the first attitude. After the handover time arrives, the terminal device disconnects from the serving satellite in the first attitude without needing to adjust its attitude. It can then communicate with the target satellite based on this first attitude, thus avoiding communication interruptions caused by the terminal device not adjusting to an attitude suitable for communication with the target satellite. Furthermore, because the terminal device pre-adjusts to a first attitude suitable for communication with the target satellite, it avoids handover failures due to inability to align with the target satellite, improving the success rate of satellite handover.

[0127] For example, the data sent and received by the aforementioned terminal device may be one or more of the following: business data, signals, information, and signaling.

[0128] For example, the terminal device can be a device with attitude adjustment capabilities, such as a smart car, drone, robot, or robotic arm, so that it can adjust to a first attitude based on the first attitude information. Optionally, the terminal device can also display the first attitude information on a display screen, and then the user can manually adjust the terminal device to the first attitude based on the first attitude information.

[0129] 104. The terminal device receives a handover command from the serving satellite.

[0130] The serving satellite sends a handover command to the terminal device, instructing the terminal device to connect to the target satellite. Upon receiving the handover command, the terminal device triggers the satellite handover process. Optionally, the handover time illustrated in this application may refer to the time when the serving satellite sends the handover command, or the time when the terminal device receives the handover command, or the effective time of the handover command after the terminal device receives it.

[0131] Optionally, the terminal device determines second attitude information, which indicates a second attitude in which the terminal device can communicate with the target satellite but cannot communicate with the service satellite. In other words, when the terminal device is in the second attitude, it can communicate with the target satellite but cannot communicate with the service satellite. The terminal device can determine the second attitude information before or after the handover time; this application does not limit this determination.

[0132] Optionally, after receiving the handover command, the terminal device can adjust to the second attitude based on the second attitude information. As mentioned above, the second attitude is used for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite, but not for communication with the serving satellite. Therefore, generally speaking, the signal quality of the terminal device communicating with the target satellite in the second attitude is stronger than the signal quality when communicating with the target satellite in the first attitude. Thus, adjusting the terminal device to the second attitude can improve its signal quality.

[0133] For example, the terminal device can be a device with attitude adjustment capabilities, such as a smart car, drone, robot, or robotic arm, so that it can adjust to a second attitude based on the second attitude information. Optionally, the terminal device can also display the second attitude information on a display screen, and then the user can manually adjust the terminal device to the second attitude based on the second attitude information.

[0134] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible implementation of the communication method in this application. For example... Figure 5 As shown, firstly, the terminal device communicates with the serving satellite. At this stage, the terminal device is in an attitude that communicates only with the serving satellite, and does not need to be aligned with the target satellite. After determining the target satellite and the handover time (i.e., step 101), the terminal device adjusts to a first attitude. In the first attitude, the terminal device can communicate with both the serving and target satellites. After the handover time is reached, the terminal device adjusts to a second attitude. In the second attitude, the terminal device communicates only with the target satellite, and does not need to be aligned with the serving satellite.

[0135] In step 101 of this application, the terminal device can determine the target satellite and the switching time through various implementation methods, which will be described below.

[0136] Implementation Method 1: The serving satellite sends a handover policy to the terminal device. This policy is used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and handover time. Upon receiving the handover policy, the terminal device can determine the target satellite and handover time based on it. Therefore, the serving satellite does not need to notify the terminal device of the target satellite and handover time in advance, reducing the service satellite's load and resource consumption.

[0137] Optionally, in practical applications, if the serving satellite is configured with a handover strategy for determining the target satellite and handover time, the serving satellite sends a handover command to the terminal device based on this strategy. Furthermore, the serving satellite sends this handover strategy to the terminal device so that both the serving satellite and the terminal device can determine the target satellite and handover time based on the same strategy. This ensures that the target satellite and handover time determined by the serving satellite are consistent with those determined by the terminal device, preventing the terminal device from misjudging the target satellite and handover time, which could lead to handover failure and improving the success rate of satellite handover.

[0138] If the serving satellite adopts a regenerable satellite architecture, the handover strategy is selected and sent to the terminal device by the serving satellite; if the serving satellite adopts a transparent satellite architecture, the network device (e.g., base station) selects the handover strategy, and then the network device sends the handover strategy to the serving satellite, which then forwards the handover strategy to the terminal device.

[0139] Optionally, each handover strategy corresponds to an index number, and the serving satellite can issue handover strategies based on these index numbers. For example, when the serving satellite sends index number "1", it indicates that the handover strategy corresponding to index number "1" is adopted.

[0140] Optionally, the handover strategy can be distributed to the serving satellite via cell-level broadcast, beam-level transmission, or terminal device-level unicast.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the switching strategy includes at least one of the following:

[0142] The algorithm based on the shortest communication distance is expressed as min(d k ), where d k Let K be the communication distance between the Kth candidate satellite and the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can select the closest candidate satellite from N candidate satellites as the target satellite, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The candidate satellites are those currently available for handover by the terminal device. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier for an algorithm based on the shortest communication distance, which instructs the terminal device to use the algorithm to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0143] The algorithm based on the longest communication duration is expressed as max(t) k ), where t k This represents the communication duration between the Kth candidate satellite and the terminal device. Specifically, the terminal device can select the candidate satellite with the longest communication duration from N candidate satellites as the target satellite. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier for an algorithm based on the longest communication duration, which instructs the terminal device to use the algorithm based on the longest communication duration to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0144] The algorithm is based on satellite orbit orientation. In this algorithm, the terminal device can select candidate satellites with the same orbit orientation as the target satellite, or it can select candidate satellites with the opposite orbit orientation as the target satellite, or it can not restrict the orbit orientation of the target satellite. Optionally, the handover strategy can carry an identifier of the algorithm based on satellite orbit orientation, which is used to instruct the terminal device to use the algorithm based on satellite orbit orientation to determine the target satellite and the handover time.

[0145] The weight of the algorithm based on the shortest communication distance in the handover strategy;

[0146] Weight of the algorithm based on the longest communication duration in the handover strategy;

[0147] The weight of the algorithm based on satellite orbital orientation in the switching strategy.

[0148] For example, Table 3 below illustrates one possible implementation of the switching strategy.

[0149] Table 3

[0150] Switching strategies Switching Algorithm Should the orbital direction be considered? 1 <![CDATA[max(t k )]]> Considering only orbits in the same direction 2 <![CDATA[max(t k )]]> All track directions 3 <![CDATA[min(d k )]]> Considering only orbits in the same direction 4 <![CDATA[min(d k )]]> All track directions 5 <![CDATA[max(ad k +bt k )]]> Considering only orbits in the same direction 6 <![CDATA[max(ad k +bt k )]]> All track directions

[0151] In the example in Table 3 above, max(ad) k +bt k The sign indicates that the handover strategy (e.g., handover strategy 5 and handover strategy 6) employs an algorithm based on the shortest communication distance and the longest communication duration. Here, 'a' represents the weight of communication distance (or the algorithm based on the shortest communication distance) in the handover strategy, and 'b' represents the weight of communication duration (or the algorithm based on the longest communication duration) in the handover strategy. 'a' ≤ 0, 'b' ≥ 0, and 'a' and 'b' cannot both be 0. The difference between handover strategy 5 and handover strategy 6 is that handover strategy 5 only considers orbits in the same direction, meaning it only uses candidate satellites in the same direction as target satellites; while handover strategy 6 considers all orbital directions, meaning it does not restrict the orbital direction of the target satellite.

[0152] Optionally, the serving satellite or network equipment (e.g., base station) can update the handover policy based on factors such as network environment, service requirements, and / or terminal device performance, and send the updated handover policy to the terminal device. For example, in high-latitude regions where there are many visible satellites, the serving satellite can send a handover policy based on the longest communication duration to reduce the frequency of satellite handover; in low-latitude regions where there are few visible satellites, the serving satellite can send a handover policy based on the shortest distance to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0153] As can be seen from the above, in implementation method one, the terminal device determines the target satellite and handover time based on the handover strategy. Optionally, in this application, other devices (such as a server or serving satellite) can also determine the target satellite and handover time, and then send the first information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. Upon receiving the first information, the terminal device can then determine the target satellite and handover time based on the first information. This eliminates the need for the terminal device to calculate the target satellite and handover time, reducing the resource overhead of the terminal device.

[0154] This application provides two implementation methods for a terminal device to receive the first information (implementation method two and implementation method three below), which will be described in detail below.

[0155] Implementation Method 2: Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one possible implementation of the terminal device receiving the first information in this application. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the terminal device sends second information to the server, indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellites. The terminal device's location information can be its current location or a planned location that it has not yet reached. Optionally, the second information also indicates the terminal device's historical handover information, including the target satellite and handover time in past satellite handover processes. After receiving the second information, the server determines the target satellite and handover time based on the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellites. Then, the server sends the first information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. In this implementation, the terminal device does not need to calculate the target satellite and handover time, reducing its computational overhead.

[0156] Alternatively, the terminal device can send a second message to the serving satellite, indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and the serving satellite. The terminal device's location information can be its current location or a planned but not yet reached location. Optionally, the second message also indicates the terminal device's historical handover information, including the target satellite and handover time in past satellite handover processes. After receiving the second message, the serving satellite determines the target satellite and handover time based on the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and at least one of the serving satellite. Then, the serving satellite sends the first message indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. Similarly, in this implementation, the terminal device does not need to calculate the target satellite and handover time, reducing its computational overhead.

[0157] In this application, the server can be a standalone physical server, a server cluster or distributed system composed of multiple physical servers, or a cloud server providing basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communication, middleware services, domain name services, security services, content delivery networks (CDNs), big data or artificial intelligence platforms, etc. Specific limitations are not specified here. Terminal devices and servers can be connected directly or indirectly through wired or wireless communication.

[0158] Optionally, a neural network model for predicting target satellites and handover times is deployed in the server or serving satellite. Therefore, before step 101, this neural network model can be trained to improve its accuracy in predicting target satellites and handover times. For example, the server or serving satellite can collect training samples from various terminal devices. These training samples include information such as the terminal device's location information, signal quality, serving satellite information (e.g., the serving satellite's identifier or location information), target satellite information (e.g., the target satellite's identifier or location information), and handover time. During the training of the neural network model, the server or serving satellite can use the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellite information (e.g., the serving satellite's identifier or location information) as input to the neural network model, and the target satellite information (e.g., the target satellite's identifier or location information) and handover time as output to train the neural network model.

[0159] It should be understood that neural network model can be replaced with other terms, such as neural network, artificial intelligence (AI) model, AI neural network model, machine learning model, AI processing model, etc.

[0160] Optionally, after receiving the first information from the server or serving satellite, the terminal device may further verify the validity of the first information. If the first information is valid, step 102 is executed; if the first information is invalid, step 102 is not executed (e.g., the first information is discarded). Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process by which the terminal device verifies the first information in this application. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the terminal device receives first information, which indicates the target satellite and the handover time. For example, the terminal device can predict whether it will perform a satellite handover with the target satellite at the handover time based on its location information, signal quality, and serving satellites. If yes, the terminal device executes step 102; otherwise, the terminal device discards the first information.

[0161] Implementation Method 3: The serving satellite or network equipment (such as a base station) pre-determines the target satellite and handover time. Then, the serving satellite sends the initial information indicating the target satellite and handover time to the terminal device. In this implementation method, the accuracy of the target satellite and handover time pre-determined by the serving satellite is high, resulting in a higher success rate for satellite handover. Next, the serving satellite sends a handover command to the terminal device. (See also...) Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another possible implementation of the terminal device receiving the first information in this application. Figure 8In the example scenario, the first information is a pre-configuration message sent by the serving satellite to the terminal device at time t0. This pre-config message includes target satellite information and the effective time of the handover command. The target satellite information indicates the target satellite, and the effective time of the handover command indicates the handover time. For example, the target satellite information may include at least one of the target satellite's ephemeris information, target satellite identifier, and target physical cell ID (PCI). The effective time of the handover command is expressed as t0+T, where t0 is the time when the serving satellite sends the pre-config message, and T represents the interval between t0 and the time when the serving satellite sends the handover command. After receiving the pre-config message, the terminal device can determine the handover time through t0+T in the pre-config message. Then, the terminal device determines the first attitude information based on the target satellite information in the pre-config message and adjusts to the first attitude before time t0+T. After time t0+T arrives, the terminal device receives the handover command from the serving satellite and performs satellite handover. Optionally, the terminal device also receives Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration messages. Since the target satellite information (such as ephemeris information, target satellite identifier, and PCI) has already been sent in the pre-config message, the RRC reconfiguration message does not need to carry the target satellite information again.

[0162] Accordingly, this application also provides related apparatus for implementing the above-described scheme. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device 200 provided in this application. The communication device 200 can realize the functions of the terminal device (or service satellite or server) in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In this application, the communication device 200 can be a terminal device (or service satellite or server), or it can be an integrated circuit or component inside the terminal device (or service satellite or server), such as a chip, baseband chip, modem chip, SoC chip containing a modem core, system-in-package (SIP) chip, communication module, chip system, processor, etc.

[0163] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 200 includes a transceiver unit 201 and a processing unit 202. Optionally, the transceiver unit 201 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are used to perform transmitting and receiving, respectively.

[0164] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 200 is used to perform Figure 4 When the terminal device executes the method in the corresponding embodiment, the communication device 200 includes a transceiver unit 201 and a processing unit 202; the processing unit 202 is used to determine the target satellite and the switching time, wherein the target satellite is a satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is a time after the current time; the processing unit 202 is also used to obtain second information, the second information indicating that service data is used for second processing; the processing unit 202 is also used to determine first attitude information of the terminal device before the switching time is reached, the first attitude information is used to indicate the first attitude, the first attitude is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite at the same time.

[0165] Optionally, the transceiver unit 201 is used to receive first information from a serving satellite or server, the first information being used to indicate the target satellite and the handover time.

[0166] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 200 is used to perform Figure 4 When the method performed by the serving satellite in the corresponding embodiment is used, the communication device 200 includes a transceiver unit 201 and a processing unit 202; the processing unit 202 is used to determine third information, the third information is used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the switching time, the target satellite is the satellite that communicates with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is the time after the current time;

[0167] The transceiver unit 201 is used to send third information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine first attitude information before the handover time arrives. The first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite simultaneously.

[0168] In one possible implementation, when the communication device 200 is used to perform Figure 4 When the method executed by the server in the corresponding embodiment is used, the communication device 200 includes a transceiver unit 201 and a processing unit 202; the transceiver unit 201 is used to receive second information from the terminal device, the second information indicating at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and service satellites;

[0169] Processing unit 202 is used to determine first information based on second information. The first information indicates the target satellite and the switching time. The target satellite is a satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is a time after the current time.

[0170] The transceiver unit 201 is also used to send first information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine first attitude information before the handover time arrives. The first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite at the same time.

[0171] It should be noted that the information interaction and execution process between the modules / units in the communication device 200 are different from those in this application. Figure 4 The corresponding method embodiments are based on the same concept, and the details can be found in the descriptions of the method embodiments shown above in this application, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] Please see Figure 10 This is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 300 provided in this application. The communication device 300 includes a logic circuit 301 and an input / output interface 302. The communication device 300 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0173] in, Figure 9 The transceiver unit 201 shown can be a communication interface, which can be... Figure 10 The input / output interface 302 may include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface may also be a transceiver circuit, which may include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0174] In one possible implementation, when the device 300 is for performing Figure 4 When the terminal device executes the method in the relevant embodiments, the input / output interface 302 is used to receive first information and / or send second information; the logic circuit 301 is used to determine first attitude information based on the first information.

[0175] In one possible implementation, when the device 300 is for performing Figure 4 When the service satellite performs the method in the relevant embodiments, the logic circuit 301 is used to determine the third information, which is used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the switching time; the input / output interface 302 is used to send the third information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine the first attitude information before the switching time is reached. The first attitude information indicates the first attitude, which is the attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the service satellite and the target satellite at the same time.

[0176] In one possible implementation, when the device 300 is for performing Figure 4When the server executes the method in the relevant embodiments, the input / output interface 302 is used to receive second information from the terminal device. The second information indicates at least one of the terminal device's location information, signal quality, and serving satellite. The logic circuit 301 is used to determine first information based on the second information. The first information indicates the target satellite and the switching time. The target satellite is a satellite that will communicate with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is a time after the current time. The input / output interface 302 is also used to send the first information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can determine first attitude information before the switching time arrives. The first attitude information indicates a first attitude, which is an attitude for the terminal device to communicate with both the serving satellite and the target satellite simultaneously.

[0177] The logic circuit 301 and the input / output interface 302 can also perform other steps performed by the terminal device, service satellite or server in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0178] In one possible implementation, Figure 9 The processing unit 202 shown can be Figure 10 The logic circuit 301 in the middle.

[0179] Optionally, the logic circuit 301 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0180] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0181] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0182] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic controllers (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0183] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the methods described in the possible implementations of the terminal device, service satellite, or server in the foregoing embodiments.

[0184] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, executes the methods that may be implemented by the aforementioned terminal device, service satellite, or server.

[0185] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be a terminal device, a service satellite, or a server as described in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0186] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the terminal device, service satellite or server in any of the above embodiments.

[0187] It should also be noted that the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. In addition, in the device embodiment drawings provided in this application, the connection relationship between modules indicates that they have a communication connection, which can be implemented as one or more communication buses or signal lines.

[0188] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that this application can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware, or it can be implemented by special-purpose hardware including application-specific integrated circuits, special-purpose CPUs, special-purpose memory, special-purpose components, etc. Generally, any function performed by a computer program can be easily implemented by corresponding hardware, and the specific hardware structure used to implement the same function can also be diverse, such as analog circuits, digital circuits, or special-purpose circuits. However, for this application, software program implementation is more often the preferred implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a readable storage medium, such as a computer floppy disk, USB flash drive, mobile hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, or optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, training equipment, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0189] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product.

[0190] The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in this application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, training device, or data center to another website, computer, training device, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a training device or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0191] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The terminal device determines a target satellite and a switching time, wherein the target satellite is a satellite that communicates with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is a time point after a current time; Before the switching time is reached, the terminal device determines first attitude information, the first attitude information being used to indicate a first attitude, the first attitude being an attitude for the terminal device to simultaneously communicate with a service satellite and the target satellite.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The terminal device determines a target satellite and a switching time, comprising: The terminal device receives a switching strategy from the service satellite, the switching strategy being used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the switching time; The terminal device determines the target satellite and the switching time based on the switching strategy.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The switching strategy comprises at least one of: an algorithm based on a shortest communication distance; an algorithm based on a longest communication duration; an algorithm based on a satellite orbit direction; a weight of the algorithm based on the shortest communication distance in the switching strategy; a weight of the algorithm based on the longest communication duration in the switching strategy; a weight of the algorithm based on the satellite orbit direction in the switching strategy.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The terminal device determines a target satellite and a switching time, comprising: The terminal device receives first information, the first information indicating the target satellite and the switching time.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The terminal device receives first information, comprising: The terminal device sends second information to a server or the service satellite, the second information indicating at least one of position information, signal quality of the terminal device, and the service satellite; The terminal device receives first information from the server or the service satellite, the first information being determined by the server based on the second information.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, The terminal device receives first information, comprising: The terminal device receives first information from the service satellite.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, After the terminal device determines the first attitude information, the method further comprises: The terminal device receives a switching instruction from the service satellite, the switching instruction being used to instruct the terminal device to access the target satellite.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The terminal device adjusts to the first attitude based on the first attitude information.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The terminal device determines second attitude information, the second attitude information being used to indicate a second attitude, the second attitude being an attitude for the terminal device to communicate with the target satellite.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: The terminal device adjusts to the second attitude based on the second attitude information.

11. A communication method, comprising: The method comprises: The service satellite determines third information, the third information being used by a terminal device to determine a target satellite and a switching time, wherein the target satellite is a satellite that communicates with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is a time point after a current time; The service satellite sends the third information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device determines first attitude information before the switching time is reached, the first attitude information indicating a first attitude, the first attitude being an attitude for the terminal device to simultaneously communicate with a service satellite and the target satellite.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The third information comprises a switching strategy, and the switching strategy is used by the terminal device to determine the target satellite and the switching time.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The switching strategy comprises at least one of: an algorithm based on shortest communication distance; an algorithm based on longest communication duration; an algorithm based on satellite orbit direction; a weight of the algorithm based on shortest communication distance in the switching strategy; a weight of the algorithm based on longest communication duration in the switching strategy; a weight of the algorithm based on satellite orbit direction in the switching strategy.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein, The third information comprises first information, and the first information indicates a target satellite and a switching time.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The serving satellite determines third information, comprising: The serving satellite receives second information from the terminal device, and the second information indicates at least one of position information, signal quality and the serving satellite of the terminal device; The serving satellite determines the first information based on the second information.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The serving satellite sends a switching instruction to the terminal device, and the switching instruction is used to instruct the terminal device to access the target satellite.

17. A method of communication, comprising: Comprise: The server receives second information from the terminal device, and the second information indicates at least one of position information, signal quality and the serving satellite of the terminal device; The server determines first information based on the second information, and the first information indicates a target satellite and a switching time, the target satellite is a satellite that communicates with the terminal device after the switching time, and the switching time is a time after the current time; The server sends the first information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device determines first attitude information before reaching the switching time, and the first attitude information indicates a first attitude, and the first attitude is an attitude for the terminal device to simultaneously communicate with the serving satellite and the target satellite.

18. A communications device, characterized by The communication device comprises at least one processor coupled with a memory, and the at least one processor is used to execute the method in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The communication apparatus according to claim 18, wherein The communication device is a chip or a chip system.

20. A readable storage medium, characterized by, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by the communication device, the method in any one of claims 1 to 17 is realized.

21. A computer program product, characterised in that, When the computer program product runs on the computer, the computer is caused to execute the method in any one of claims 1 to 17.

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