Information transmission method and communication device

Abstract

According to the information transmission method and the communication device, in multi-satellite joint transmission of a non-ground network, a main satellite can send identifiers (namely TCI state sequences) of TCI states of auxiliary satellites corresponding to terminal equipment in different time periods (such as different beam hopping periods) to the terminal equipment in advance through signaling. Or, in the TCI state corresponding to each auxiliary satellite, adding a time length in which the identifier (tci-StateId) of the current TCI state is kept unchanged and an identifier (next-tci-StateId) of the TCI state in the next time period. After the terminal equipment receives the signaling or the TCI state, the corresponding TCI state can be determined in the corresponding time period, and then the corresponding auxiliary satellite is determined according to the TCI state, so that the situation that the change of the auxiliary satellite needs to be indicated by activating one TCI state after the auxiliary satellite changes each time is avoided, and the signaling overhead is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a method and apparatus for information transmission. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have been extensively studied in recent years. In NTNs, multi-satellite cooperative transmission can reduce the requirements for single-satellite transmission capabilities and effectively improve the capacity of overlapping satellite coverage areas. In multi-satellite cooperative transmission, one satellite can be called the primary satellite, and the others can be called secondary satellites. Because the primary and secondary satellites have different update cycles, the primary satellite serving the terminal equipment may remain unchanged for a long period, while the secondary satellites may change frequently. For example, the secondary satellite serving the terminal equipment may switch from one satellite to another in a short period. How to efficiently notify the terminal equipment of changes in secondary satellites has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method and communication device for information transmission, which avoids the need to activate a TCI state to indicate the change of the auxiliary satellite every time it changes, thus saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0004] Firstly, a method for information transmission is provided. The execution entity of this method can be a terminal device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the method. The method includes: receiving first information from a first non-terrestrial communication device, the first information including a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state sequence, the TCI state sequence including: identifiers of multiple TCI states and a time period corresponding to each identifier of the multiple TCI states, the identifier of the first TCI state corresponding to a first time period, the first time period being the length of time during which the first TCI state is in an active or valid state, the first TCI state being any one of the multiple TCI states, the first non-terrestrial communication device being able to send and receive signaling with the terminal device; determining a second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period based on the first information, the second non-terrestrial communication device being able to send signaling to the terminal device, each time period being the time period corresponding to the identifier of each TCI state; and communicating with the corresponding second non-terrestrial communication device in each time period.

[0005] The information transmission method provided in the first aspect allows the primary satellite (first non-terrestrial communication device) to pre-send the TCI states (TCI state sequences) of the secondary satellites (second non-terrestrial communication devices) corresponding to the terminal devices at different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods) via signaling. This pre-configures the TCI states for different subsequent time periods. Upon receiving this information, the terminal device can determine the corresponding TCI state within the relevant time period, and then identify the corresponding secondary satellite based on the TCI state, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite at different time periods. If a secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI state to indicate the change of the secondary satellite each time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources. Furthermore, this information does not require an effective time, avoiding communication interruptions caused during the effective time period, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0006] For example, a first non-terrestrial communication device (e.g., a primary satellite) can send and receive signaling and data with a terminal device. For instance, the first non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling and data to the terminal device, and can also receive signaling and data sent by the terminal device. A second non-terrestrial communication device (e.g., a secondary satellite) can send signaling and data to the terminal device. Generally, the second non-terrestrial communication device does not receive signaling and data sent by the terminal device; that is, the terminal device may choose not to send signaling and data to the second non-terrestrial communication device.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, determining the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period based on the first information includes: determining the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period; determining the TCI state corresponding to each time period based on the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period; and determining the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period based on the TCI state corresponding to each time period. For example, the terminal device can determine the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period based on the TCI state sequence, and then determine the corresponding TCI state based on the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period, i.e., determine the TCI state corresponding to each time period. Since each TCI state includes an additional PCI index, the terminal device can determine which auxiliary satellite corresponds to each time period based on this information, thereby receiving the CSI-RS transmitted by the corresponding auxiliary satellite within that time period. In this implementation, the efficiency and accuracy of the terminal device in determining the auxiliary satellite corresponding to different time periods can be improved.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first time period is represented by the start and end times of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state. This implementation improves the accuracy and validity of the first time period, thereby increasing the efficiency of the terminal device in determining that the TCI state is in a valid time period.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the length of the first time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the second non-terrestrial communication device is different for different time periods.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information is carried in the Media Access Control-Control Element (MACCE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Downlink Control Information (DCI). In this implementation, the first information takes effect relatively quickly. After receiving the first information, the first terminal device can immediately determine the secondary satellite corresponding to different time periods based on the TCI state sequence in the first information. Since no effective time is required, communication interruptions caused during the effective time period can be avoided, thereby improving communication efficiency. Furthermore, existing signaling is reused, eliminating the need for additional signaling to carry the first information, making it easy to implement and reducing communication resource overhead.

[0012] Secondly, a method for information transmission is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a terminal device, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal device in implementing the method. The method includes: determining a second TCI state corresponding to a second time period, wherein the second TCI state includes an identifier of a TCI state corresponding to a third time period and the second time period, the length of the second time period being the duration for which the second TCI state is in an active or valid state, and the length of the third time period being the duration for which the third TCI state is in an active or valid state, wherein the second TCI state corresponds to a second non-terrestrial communication device, which is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device, and the terminal device communicates with the second non-terrestrial communication device during the second time period; determining a third TCI state based on the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the third time period, wherein the third TCI state includes an identifier of a TCI state corresponding to a fourth time period and the third time period, the length of the fourth time period being the duration for which the fourth TCI state is in an active or valid state, and the fourth non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device; and determining a corresponding third non-terrestrial communication device based on the third TCI state, wherein the third non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device, and the terminal device communicates with the third non-terrestrial communication device during the third time period.

[0013] The second aspect provides a method for information transmission that modifies the structure of the TCI status signaling by adding the following to the TCI status of each secondary satellite: the duration for which the current TCI status identifier (tci-StateId) remains unchanged (the second time period), and the identifier for the TCI status in the next time period (the identifier for the TCI status corresponding to the third time period). In other words, the TCI status for the next time period can be indicated within the current TCI status. After receiving the TCI status corresponding to each secondary satellite (second non-terrestrial communication device, third non-terrestrial communication device, etc.), the terminal device determines the TCI status of the secondary satellite serving the terminal device in the next time period based on the currently activated TCI status, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite in different time periods. After a secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI status to indicate the change of the secondary satellite every time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources. Furthermore, this activation signaling does not require an effective time, avoiding communication interruptions caused during the effective time, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving second information from a first non-terrestrial communication device, the second information being used to activate a second TCI state, wherein the first non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending and receiving signaling with the terminal device; and communicating with the second non-terrestrial communication device during a second time period according to the second TCI state. In this implementation, the terminal device can determine the TCI state to be activated, thereby communicating with the corresponding auxiliary satellite according to the required activated TCI state, ensuring normal communication of the terminal device.

[0015] For example, the TCI status corresponding to a certain secondary satellite may include: the length of time the current TCI status identifier remains unchanged (tci-StateId-time) and the identifier of the next TCI status (next-tci-StateId). The identifier of the next TCI status (next-tci-StateId) can be understood as: the identifier of the TCI status corresponding to the next secondary satellite serving the first terminal device (within the next time period).

[0016] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the second time period is represented by the start and end times of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state; and / or, the third time period is represented by the start and end times of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the length of the second time period and / or the length of the third time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the third non-terrestrial communication device differs from the second non-terrestrial communication device. That is, the auxiliary satellites correspond to different time periods.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: acquiring a second TCI state and a third TCI state. In this implementation, it can be ensured that the terminal device determines the TCI state corresponding to the auxiliary satellite serving the terminal device in the next time period based on the current TCI state, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding auxiliary satellite in different time periods and ensuring normal communication of the terminal device.

[0020] Thirdly, a method for information transmission is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a first non-terrestrial communication device (e.g., a main satellite), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first non-terrestrial communication device in implementing the method, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first non-terrestrial communication device. The method includes: determining first information, the first information including a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state sequence, the TCI state sequence including: identifiers of multiple TCI states and a time period corresponding to each identifier of the multiple TCI states, the identifier of the first TCI state corresponding to a first time period, the first time period being the length of time the first TCI state is in an active or valid state, the first TCI state being any one of the multiple TCI states; the first information is used to determine a second non-terrestrial communication device, the second non-terrestrial communication device being able to send signaling to a terminal device: sending the first information.

[0021] The third aspect provides a method for information transmission in which the primary satellite (the first non-terrestrial communication device) can pre-send the TCI states (TCI state sequences) of the secondary satellites (the second non-terrestrial communication device) corresponding to the terminal device at different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods) via signaling. This pre-configures the TCI states for different subsequent time periods. Upon receiving this information, the terminal device can determine the corresponding TCI state within the relevant time period, and then identify the corresponding secondary satellite based on the TCI state, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite at different time periods. If a secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI state to indicate the change of the secondary satellite each time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first time period is represented by the start and end times of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the length of the first time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the second non-terrestrial communication device is different for different time periods.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the third aspect, the first information is carried in MAC CE, RRC signaling, or DCI.

[0026] For the beneficial effects of the various possible implementation methods of the third aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the implementation methods of the first aspect mentioned above, which will not be repeated here.

[0027] Fourthly, a method for information transmission is provided. The executing entity of this method can be a first non-terrestrial communication device (e.g., a main satellite), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the first non-terrestrial communication device in implementing the method, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first non-terrestrial communication device. The method includes: determining second information, which is used to activate a second TCI state. The second TCI state includes: an identifier of the TCI state corresponding to a third time period and the second time period; wherein the length of the second time period is the duration for which the second TCI state is in an active or valid state, the length of the third time period is the duration for which the third TCI state is in an active or valid state, the second TCI state corresponds to a second non-terrestrial communication device, and the second non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling to a terminal device; the third TCI state includes: an identifier of the TCI state corresponding to a fourth time period and the third time period, the length of the fourth time period is the duration for which the fourth TCI state is in an active or valid state, the third TCI state corresponds to a third non-terrestrial communication device, and the third non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling to the terminal device; and sending the second information.

[0028] The fourth aspect provides a method for information transmission that modifies the structure of the TCI status signaling by adding the following to the TCI status of each secondary satellite: the duration for which the current TCI status identifier (tci-StateId) remains unchanged (the second time period), and the identifier for the TCI status in the next time period (the identifier for the TCI status corresponding to the third time period). In other words, the TCI status for the next time period can be indicated in the current TCI status. The primary satellite (the first non-terrestrial communication device) can send the TCI status corresponding to each secondary satellite (the second non-terrestrial communication device, the third non-terrestrial communication device, etc.) to the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to determine the TCI status of the secondary satellite serving the terminal device in the next time period based on this information, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellites in different time periods. After a secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI status to indicate the change of the secondary satellite every time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the second time period is represented by the start and end times of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state; and / or, the third time period is represented by the start and end times of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state.

[0030] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the length of the second time period and / or the length of the third time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the method further includes sending a second TCI state and a third TCI state.

[0032] For the beneficial effects of the various possible implementation methods of the fourth aspect, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the implementation methods of the second aspect above, which will not be repeated here.

[0033] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a module (e.g., including a processing module and an interface module) for performing the steps of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or a module for performing the steps of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof; the device may be a terminal device, or a chip, chip system, or processor in a terminal device.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor and a memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor (processing circuit) and an interface circuit, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0036] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, comprising: a module (e.g., including a processing module and an interface module) for performing the steps of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or a module for performing the steps of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof; the device may be a non-terrestrial communication device, such as a satellite, or a chip, chip system, or processor in a non-terrestrial communication device, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of performing all or part of the functions of transmitting non-terrestrial communication devices.

[0037] Ninthly, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor and a memory, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the third aspect above or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect above or any possible implementation thereof.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the device comprising at least one processor (processing circuit) and an interface circuit, the at least one processor being configured to execute: the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0039] In the eleventh aspect, a terminal device is provided, which includes the communication device provided in the fifth aspect above, or the terminal device includes the communication device provided in the sixth aspect above, or the terminal device includes the communication device provided in the seventh aspect above.

[0040] In a twelfth aspect, a non-terrestrial communication device is provided, which includes the communication device provided in the eighth aspect, or the non-terrestrial communication device includes the communication device provided in the ninth aspect, or the non-terrestrial communication device includes the communication device provided in the tenth aspect.

[0041] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0042] Fourteenthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed, performs: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0043] In a fifteenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device having the chip mounted to perform: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0044] In a sixteenth aspect, a chip or system-on-a-chip is provided, comprising: logic circuitry for implementing: the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method of the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof, or the method of the fourth aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the chip or system-on-a-chip may further include interface circuitry.

[0045] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: the terminal equipment provided in the eleventh aspect and the non-terrestrial communication device provided in the twelfth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the different update cycles of the primary and secondary satellites in a multi-satellite NCJT.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating changes in the secondary cell in a scenario with multiple DCIs and multiple TRPs between cells.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the TCI state associated with the CSI-RS resources of a primary base station activating a secondary cell (TRS2) for a UE.

[0049] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0050] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of an information transmission method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contents of an example TCI state sequence provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contents of another TCI state sequence provided in this application embodiment.

[0054] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another example of an information transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0055] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contents of an example TCI state provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 11This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 12 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0058] Figure 13 This is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 14 This is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more.

[0062] Hereinafter, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0063] In this embodiment, the terminal device or satellite may include a hardware layer, an operating system layer running on top of the hardware layer, and an application layer running on top of the operating system layer. The hardware layer includes hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), a memory management unit (MMU), and memory (also called main memory). The operating system can be any one or more computer operating systems that implement business processing through processes, such as Linux, Unix, Android, iOS, or Windows. The application layer includes applications such as browsers, address books, word processing software, and instant messaging software. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment, as long as it can communicate according to the method provided in this embodiment by running a program that records the code of the method provided in this embodiment. For example, the execution entity of the method provided in this embodiment can be a terminal device or satellite, or a functional module in the terminal device or satellite capable of calling and executing a program.

[0064] Furthermore, various aspects or features of this application can be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein encompasses a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or medium. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs), cards, sticks, or key drives, etc.). Additionally, the various storage media described herein may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable media for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" may include, but is not limited to, wireless channels and various other media capable of storing, containing, and / or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0065] To achieve seamless global network coverage, the 5th generation mobile networks (5G) have proposed building NTN communication networks. In recent years, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, located at altitudes of 200km to 2000km, have attracted widespread attention from academia and industry. The advantages of LEO satellites include low communication latency, low path loss, and low manufacturing cost, and they are considered one of the key infrastructure elements for achieving global network coverage.

[0066] In recent years, some companies have planned to build mega-LEO constellations, comprising thousands or even tens of thousands of LEO satellites, thereby significantly increasing the coverage area of ​​LEO satellites. As the size of satellite constellations increases, more than one satellite will exist within the line of sight of user equipment (UE). Single-satellite transmission (with only one satellite serving the UE) offers limited capacity improvements to the communication system. To effectively enhance the capacity of overlapping satellite coverage areas, satellite systems are gradually evolving from single-satellite transmission to multi-satellite collaborative transmission. Utilizing multi-satellite collaborative transmission can reduce the requirements for single-satellite transmission capabilities, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of a single satellite. Multi-satellite collaborative transmission is a key technology for future satellite communication systems.

[0067] For example, the Earth's surface can be divided into approximately equal-sized hexagonal grids, each called a "wavelength." Each wavelength contains many user interfaces (UEs), and each wavelength can be understood as a service area. In satellite communication, the number of wavelengths within a satellite's coverage area is typically large (around 2000), but the number of beams generated simultaneously on the same frequency is limited (around 100). To enable the satellite to serve all wavelengths within its coverage area, the satellite's beams are aligned with different wavelengths at different times, presenting a "jumping" pattern over time, also known as beamhopping (BH) technology. Beamhopping technology plays a crucial role in satellite communication, effectively balancing system performance and implementation complexity.

[0068] For example, within a satellite's service period [0, T], if it includes N beamhopping periods (BHP), then the duration of each beamhopping period is T / N. From the nth beamhopping period to the (n+1)th beamhopping period, the beam positions pointed to by the K beams activated by the satellite may change, where n is less than N. A beamhopping period can be understood as the length of time during which the direction (beam pointing) of the satellite's transmitted beam remains unchanged. The direction of the satellite's transmitted beam differs within different beamhopping periods.

[0069] In terrestrial cellular mobile communication systems, providing communication services to UEs through multi-base station collaboration can significantly improve the rate performance of users at the cell edge. This technology is also known as coordinated multi-point (CoMP). In CoMP, multiple base stations cooperate to provide services to certain UEs. CoMP technology has various implementation methods, including dynamic point selection (DPS), coordinated scheduling (CS), coordinated beamforming (CBF), and joint transmission (JT).

[0070] In this context, DPS can be understood as different base stations using different time-domain resources to provide services to the UE, meaning the UE dynamically selects to communicate with different base stations on different time-domain resources. CS can be understood as different base stations using different frequency resources to provide services to the UE at the same time, meaning the UE communicates with different base stations on different subcarriers. Furthermore, CoMP also supports different base stations providing services to the UE on the same time-frequency resources. CBF can be understood as only one cell's base station transmitting a useful signal to the UE, while base stations in adjacent cooperating cells adjust beamforming vectors to reduce interference to that UE. JT can be understood as allowing multiple base stations to transmit useful signals to the UE. JT includes two transmission modes: coherent JT (CJT) and non-coherent JT (NCJT). In CJT, multiple base stations transmit the same useful signal to the UE, achieving the best system performance, but requiring ideal backhaul between base stations, making system implementation more difficult. In NCJT, multiple base stations transmit different useful signals to the UE, and non-ideal backhaul between base stations is possible, reducing the complexity of system implementation. However, this results in some performance loss compared to CJT. In satellite communication, the large distances between satellites make it difficult to guarantee ideal inter-satellite backhaul, which makes CJT implementation more challenging. Compared to CJT, NCJT relaxes the requirements for ideal inter-satellite backhaul, making it easier to implement in practical systems.

[0071] In multi-satellite NCJT, a major challenge is the potential difference in update cycles between the primary and secondary satellites. The update cycle of the primary satellite can be understood as the time it takes for it to transition from one satellite to another, or the time it takes for the primary satellite to serve the current position. Similarly, the update cycle of the secondary satellite can be understood as the time it takes for it to transition from one satellite to another, or the time it takes for the secondary satellite to serve the current position. For example, if primary satellite 1 serves position n for time T1, and then becomes primary satellite 2 serving position n, then T1 can be understood as the update cycle of the primary satellite. Similarly, if secondary satellite 1 serves position n for time T2, and then becomes secondary satellite 2 serving position n, then T2 can be understood as the update cycle of the secondary satellite. Generally, T1 is longer than T2.

[0072] Since the duration of a hopping beam period is typically on the order of 10 ms, for a given beam position n, if the primary satellite is selected as the nearest satellite, then the primary satellite corresponding to beam position n will remain unchanged across multiple hopping beam periods. That is, the beam position served by the primary satellite will not change and will remain beam position n. However, to select the optimal secondary satellite, it is necessary to assess the interference received by beam position n from other satellites. In different hopping beam periods, the beam position served by the secondary satellite may change, which means the interference received by beam position n may also differ. Therefore, the secondary satellite corresponding to beam position n may change across different hopping beam periods.

[0073] For example, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of different update cycles for primary and secondary satellites in a multi-satellite NCJT. Figure 1 As shown, in BHP1, for beam position n, the primary satellite is Satellite 1 and the secondary satellite is Satellite 2. As the satellite moves, in BHP2, for beam position n, the primary satellite is Satellite 1, and the secondary satellite becomes Satellite 4. It is evident that the secondary satellite corresponding to beam position n may change within different beam hopping periods.

[0074] In terrestrial cellular mobile communication systems, a primary cell and a secondary cell are allowed to collaborate in providing NCJT (Non-Cellular Joint Technology) for the UE. This is also known as an inter-cell multi-DCI multi-TRP (Inter-Cell Multi-DCI Multi-TRP) scenario. For example, Figure 2 The diagram shows a scenario with multiple DCIs and multiple TRPs between cells, illustrating the changes in the secondary cell.

[0075] like Figure 2As shown, Cell 1 is the primary cell, and Cell 2 is the secondary cell. Both Cell 1 and Cell 2 provide communication services to the UE. Cell 1 and Cell 2 can each correspond to a component carrier (CC). The UE performs the initial connection establishment process or begins the connection re-establishment process in Cell 1. Cell 2 can be added / modified / released after the initial security activation procedure via RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages. Cell 2 can provide additional radio resources.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the primary base station corresponding to cell 1 sends synchronization signal block 1 (SSB1), tracking reference signal 1 (TRS1), physical downlink control channel 1 (PDCCH1), and physical downlink shared channel 1 (PDSCH1) to the UE. The secondary base station corresponding to cell 2 sends SSB2, TRS2, PDCCH2, and PDSCH2 to the UE. Optionally, SSB can also be called synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block).

[0077] For cell 1, PDSCH1 and PDCCH1, PDCCH1 and TRS1, and TRS1 and SSB1 satisfy quasicolocation (QCL) relationships. For cell 2, PDSCH2 and PDCCH2, PDCCH2 and TRS2, and TRS2 and SSB2 satisfy QCL relationships. QCL relationships indicate that multiple resources share one or more identical or similar communication characteristics. For multiple resources with QCL relationships, identical or similar communication configurations can be used. QCL relationships can be categorized into different types (qcl-type) based on different parameters. Although the secondary base station corresponding to cell 2 actually sends TRS2, PDCCH2, and PDSCH2 to the UE, logically, the UE will treat TRS2, PDCCH2, and PDSCH2 as configurations "added" to the UE by cell 1. For example, the primary base station corresponding to cell 1 will configure two Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) resources for the UE. The UE will use the first CSI-RS resource to receive TRS1 and the second CSI-RS resource to receive TRS2. The primary base station corresponding to cell 1 will also configure two Control Resource Set Pools (CORESET Pools) for the UE. The UE will use the first Control Resource Set Pool (CORESET Pool) to receive PDCCH 1 and the second Control Resource Set Pool to receive PDCCH 2.

[0078] In inter-cell multi-DCI multi-TRP scenarios, such as Figure 3As shown in Figure a, by activating the Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state associated with the CSI-RS resources of TRS2 for the UE through the primary base station corresponding to cell 1, the UE can determine which secondary cell and primary cell will cooperate in NCJT. The TCI state can be used to indicate the QCL relationship between the two reference signals. For example, this TCI state will indicate that TRS2 and SSB2 satisfy the QCL relationship, and it will include the physical cell identifier (PCI) information of cell 2. If the secondary cell changes from cell 2 to cell 4, the primary base station corresponding to cell 1 needs to reactivate the new TCI state associated with the CSI-RS resources of TRS2 for the UE. The new TCI state will indicate that TRS2 and SSB4 satisfy the QCL relationship, and it will also include the PCI information of cell 4.

[0079] For example Figure 3 As shown in Figure b, a TCI state can include: a TCI state identifier (tci-statedId), a QCL type (qcl-type), and an additional PCI index. The TCI state can be distinguished by its identifier (TCI-statedId), with different identifiers for different TCI states. The additional PCI index is the cell's PCI information.

[0080] After receiving the TCI state associated with the activated TRS2 CSI-RS resource, the UE can determine which secondary cell and primary cell will cooperate in NCJT based on the additional PCI index in the TCI state. For example, if the additional PCI index indicates the index of cell 2, the UE can determine that cell 2 and primary cell will cooperate in NCJT. If the secondary cell changes from cell 2 to cell 4, the primary base station needs to reactivate the TCI state associated with the TRS2 CSI-RS resource for the UE (i.e., the new TCI state). The UE can then determine that cell 4 and primary cell will cooperate in NCJT based on the additional PCI index in the new TCI state, where the additional PCI index indicates the index of cell 4. Afterward, the UE can receive SSB4, TRS2, PDCCH2, and PDSCH2 sent by the secondary base station corresponding to cell 4.

[0081] For example, the primary base station corresponding to cell 1 can activate one or more TCI states through higher-layer signaling (such as media access control (MAC) control elements (CE)). In other words, the primary base station corresponding to cell 1 can use activated TCI states to indicate changes in secondary cells. Each time a secondary cell changes, a new TCI state needs to be activated for the UE, and the UE can determine the new secondary cell (secondary base station) based on the new TCI state. Furthermore, each activation of a TCI state by the primary base station has a certain effective time. For example, ... Figure 3 As shown in Figure a, when activating the TCI state using MAC CE, the new TCI state will take effect after at least 3ms.

[0082] In multi-satellite NCJT, the primary satellite can also indicate changes in secondary satellites by activating a TCI state. As mentioned above, the update cycles of the primary and secondary satellites differ, and the secondary satellite corresponding to a particular beam position (or terminal device) may change within each beam hopping cycle. Therefore, for each beam hopping cycle, the primary satellite may need to activate a TCI state to the UE via signaling, resulting in significant signaling overhead and wasted communication resources. Furthermore, since each TCI state activation has a certain effective time, the UE cannot communicate with the new secondary satellite during this effective time, causing communication interruption and impacting communication efficiency.

[0083] In view of this, this application provides an information transmission method and communication apparatus. The primary satellite can send the TCI status of the secondary satellite corresponding to the terminal device for different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods) in advance via signaling. Upon receiving this information, the terminal device can determine the corresponding TCI status within the relevant time period, and then determine the corresponding secondary satellite based on the TCI status, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite in different time periods. After a change in the secondary satellite, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI status to indicate the change of the secondary satellite every time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for an activation time, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0084] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced first.

[0085] The embodiments of this application can be used in satellite communication systems, which include, for example, satellites, UEs (i.e., terminal devices), gateway stations (GWs), and base stations. Base stations are typically located on the ground and can also be called satellite base stations (which can be understood as base stations in a satellite network); gateway stations can be used to connect satellites and terrestrial public networks, and there can be one or more gateway stations, typically located on the ground; feeder links can be communication links between gateway stations and satellites; service links can be communication links between UEs and satellites; inter-satellite links can be communication links between satellites; the interface between base stations can be an Xn interface, the interface between a base station and the core network can be a next-generation (NG) interface, and the interface between the core network and the data network can be an N6 interface.

[0086] Satellites in a satellite communication system can operate in different modes, such as transparent mode and regenerative mode. Different network architectures can be implemented depending on the operating mode. In transparent mode, the satellite only relays signals, while the gateway (GW) functions as a base station or part of the gNB (gNavigate on NodeB) function; in this case, the GW can be considered a base station. In regenerative mode, the satellite processes digital signals and functions as a base station or part of the gNB function; in this case, the satellite can also be considered a base station. Multiple satellites cooperate to provide services to UEs in overlapping coverage areas.

[0087] For example, the method provided in this application can be applied to Figure 1 The communication system shown.

[0088] For example, Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 The diagram shows a network architecture that integrates NTN devices and terrestrial networks. Figure 4The NTN equipment can operate in transparent mode. The NTN equipment may include geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites 411, 412, 413, 414, and 415. LEO satellite 412 can provide communication services to terminal device 421. Both LEO satellites 412 and 413 can provide communication services to terminal device 422. All LEO satellites 412, 413, 414, and 415 can provide communication services to terminal device 423. LEO satellite 414 can provide communication services to terminal device 424. Both LEO satellites 414 and 415 can provide communication services to terminal device 425. The coverage area of ​​different satellites may include multiple frequency bands. Among them, LEO satellites 412, 413, 414, and 415 can connect to the core network through gateway station 432 and satellite base station 433, and GEO satellite 411 can connect to the core network through gateway station 434 and satellite base station 435; ground base station 431 is a network device in the ground network and can provide communication services for terminal device 426.

[0089] Figure 4 Gateway stations 432 and 434 can perform all or part of the functions of a base station. Gateway station 432, satellite base station 433, gateway station 434, and satellite base station 435 can be deployed on the ground.

[0090] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, it is assumed that terminal device 423 located in beam position n can utilize different auxiliary satellites to provide communication services during different beam hopping periods. For example, satellite 412 can be the primary satellite corresponding to terminal device 423, and during different beam hopping periods, terminal device 423 can utilize auxiliary satellites 413, 414, and 415 to provide communication services, respectively. When the auxiliary satellites serving terminal device 423 send changes, the method provided in this application can be used to notify terminal device 423 of the auxiliary satellites serving it during different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods).

[0091] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of another communication system applicable to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a network architecture that integrates another type of NTN device with a terrestrial network. Figure 5The NTN equipment in the system can operate in regenerative mode. The NTN equipment may include GEO satellite 511, LEO satellite 512, LEO satellite 513, LEO satellite 514, and LEO satellite 515. LEO satellites 512, 513, 514, and 515 can connect to the core network via gateway station 532, while GEO satellite 511 can connect to the core network via gateway station 533. Ground base station 531 is a network device in the terrestrial network and can provide communication services to terminal device 526.

[0092] Figure 5 The NTN equipment in the system can perform all or part of the functions of a base station. Gateway station 532 and gateway station 533 can be deployed on the ground.

[0093] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, it is assumed that terminal device 523 located in beam position n can utilize different auxiliary satellites to provide communication services during different beam hopping periods. When the auxiliary satellites serving terminal device 523 transmit changes, the method provided in this application can be used.

[0094] It is understandable that, in the above Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 In this context, NTN equipment and terrestrial base stations can assist and interconnect through a common core network, or they can assist and interconnect through interfaces between base stations (such as the interface between satellite base stations and terrestrial base stations).

[0095] In the embodiments of this application, the terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0096] In this application embodiment, the base station (BS) can also be referred to as a satellite base station (e.g. Figure 4In this context, satellite base stations (433) and network equipment refer to radio access network (RAN) nodes (or devices) that connect terminal devices to wireless networks. For example, network equipment can be NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), next-generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G mobile communication systems, transmission reception point (TRP), access point (AP), network equipment (such as satellite) in non-terrestrial networks (NTN) systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems or access points (AP) in WiFi systems, wireless controllers, relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, and network equipment in other future evolving communication systems.

[0097] In some implementations, multiple RAN nodes can collaborate to assist terminal devices in achieving wireless access, with different RAN nodes each implementing some of the functions of a base station. For example, a RAN node (i.e., the network device in this application) can be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. 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 frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as remote radio units (RRUs), active antenna units (AAUs), or remote radio heads (RRHs). In different systems, CUs (or CU-CPs and CU-UPs), DUs, or RUs may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) system, a CU can also be called an Open CU (O-CU), a DU can also be called an Open DU (O-DU), a CU-CP can also be called an O-CU-CP, a CU-UP can also be called an O-CU-UP, and a RU can also be called an O-RU. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU units in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. It should be understood that this application does not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network equipment.

[0098] In some implementations, the network device can be fixed or mobile, and this application does not limit this. For example, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a mobile network device, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile network device. In other examples, a helicopter or drone can be configured as a device to communicate with another network device.

[0099] In some implementations, network devices can be deployed on land or in the air, and this application does not limit this. For example, network devices can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on water; and they can also be deployed in the air on airplanes, balloons, and satellites.

[0100] It should be understood that Figure 4and Figure 5 The communication system shown is merely exemplary and should not impose any limitation on the communication systems applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The communication system shown may also include more or fewer network nodes, such as terminal devices, satellites, or satellite base stations. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The communication system shown includes satellite base stations, terminal equipment, etc., which can be various forms of base stations, RAN nodes, or terminal equipment as described above. The embodiments of this application are not shown one by one in the figures.

[0101] The following section uses specific examples to illustrate the information transmission method provided in this application.

[0102] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the satellite and terminal equipment are used as the execution subjects of the method to illustrate the method. This is an example and not a limitation; the satellite and terminal equipment in this application can also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the satellite and terminal equipment in implementing the method, or it can be a logic node, logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the satellite and terminal equipment. The embodiments of this application are not limited herein.

[0103] The following is combined with Figure 6 The method provided in this application is described in detail. Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an information transmission method according to this application. This method 600 can be applied to... Figure 4 or Figure 5 The scenarios or communication architectures shown can, of course, also be applied to other communication scenarios or communication architectures that have the above-mentioned problems, and the embodiments of this application are not limited here.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 The method 600 shown may include S610 to S640. The following is in conjunction with… Figure 6 Detail each step in method 600.

[0105] S610, the main satellite pre-configures two types of CSI-RS resources for the first terminal device in wavelet n. The first type of CSI-RS resource is used for the main satellite to transmit CSI-RS, and the second type of CSI-RS resource is used for the auxiliary satellite to transmit CSI-RS.

[0106] In this context, the primary satellite is the satellite corresponding to wave position n. The secondary satellite corresponding to wave position n can be different in different time periods. For example, the secondary satellite corresponding to wave position n is different in different hopping beam periods.

[0107] The first type of CSI-RS resource (also referred to as CSI-RS resource 1) is used for CSI-RS transmission by the primary satellite. This can be understood as the primary satellite transmitting CSI-RS to the primary terminal device using the first type of CSI-RS resource. The second type of CSI-RS resource (also referred to as CSI-RS resource 2) is used for CSI-RS transmission by the secondary satellite. This can be understood as the secondary satellite transmitting CSI-RS to the primary terminal device using the second type of CSI-RS resource.

[0108] For example, the main satellite can configure (send) information on two types of CSI-RS resources to the first terminal device in wavelet n via signaling (e.g., RRC signaling), or the two types of CSI-RS resources can be pre-configured (or configured) to the first terminal device. This application does not impose limitations on the embodiments described herein.

[0109] In this application, the primary satellite may also be referred to as a first non-terrestrial communication device, and the secondary satellite may also be referred to as a second non-terrestrial communication device. The first non-terrestrial communication device can send and receive signaling and data with the first terminal device. For example, the first non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling and data to the first terminal device, and can also receive signaling and data sent by the first terminal device. The second non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling and data to the first terminal device; generally, the second non-terrestrial communication device does not receive signaling and data sent by the first terminal device, that is, the first terminal device may not send signaling and data to the second non-terrestrial communication device.

[0110] For example, the primary satellite can establish an RRC connection with the first terminal device, while the secondary satellite and the first terminal device may not need to establish an RRC connection (or may not establish an RRC connection).

[0111] It should be understood that the main satellite is merely one possible form of the first non-terrestrial communication device, and the auxiliary satellite is merely one possible form of the second non-terrestrial communication device. In other implementations of this application, the first and second non-terrestrial communication devices can also be other specific implementations or forms. The main satellite should not limit the specific implementation of the first non-terrestrial communication device, and the auxiliary satellite should not limit the specific implementation of the second non-terrestrial communication device.

[0112] The first terminal device can be any of the wave positions n. The primary satellite and secondary satellites can simultaneously provide satellite communication services to the first terminal device. During different time periods, the secondary satellite corresponding to wave position n (or the first terminal device) can be different, while the primary satellite corresponding to wave position n can be the same. During the primary satellite's service time, the primary satellite can transmit CSI-RS to the first terminal device on the first type of CSI-RS resource, for example, transmitting TRS. The secondary satellite can transmit CSI-RS to the first terminal device on the second type of CSI-RS resource, for example, transmitting TRS.

[0113] Accordingly, the first terminal device receives the configuration of the two CSI-RS resources.

[0114] Optionally, the second type of CSI-RS resource can include multiple different CSI-RS resources. For example, different CSI-RS resources may have different time-domain resources and different frequency-domain resources, or different CSI-RS resources may have different time-domain resources but the same frequency-domain resources. That is, multiple different auxiliary satellites can transmit TRS to the first terminal device on different CSI-RS resources. In other words, the second type of CSI-RS resource can also include the configuration of multiple different CSI-RS resources.

[0115] S620, the primary satellite transmits information from the second type of CSI-RS resource to all auxiliary satellites serving the primary terminal equipment.

[0116] Correspondingly, all auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal equipment receive information from the second type of CSI-RS resources.

[0117] Optionally, as another possible implementation, all auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal device can also send information about the second type of CSI-RS resources they use to the master satellite. In this case, the master satellite can send information about the second type of CSI-RS resources used by all auxiliary satellites and information about the first type of CSI-RS resources used by the master satellite to the first terminal device.

[0118] Because the primary satellite can know in advance the position of each secondary satellite and its corresponding wavelength information at different times, it can determine which secondary satellites will serve wavelength n (or the first terminal device) in the future, and the timing of each secondary satellite's service to the first terminal device. In other words, the primary satellite can determine which secondary satellites will serve the first terminal device in the future. After identifying these secondary satellites, the primary satellite can send information about the second type of CSI-RS resource to these secondary satellites.

[0119] Optionally, as a possible implementation, since different auxiliary satellites provide services to the first terminal device at different times, the second type of CSI-RS resource can include multiple different CSI-RS resources, with different time-domain resources and different frequency-domain resources corresponding to different auxiliary satellites. Alternatively, the time-domain resources of the CSI-RS resources corresponding to different auxiliary satellites may be different, while the frequency-domain resources may be the same.

[0120] For example, the information in the second type of CSI-RS resource includes the time-domain and frequency-domain location of the CSI-RS resource. After receiving this information, each auxiliary satellite can transmit CSI-RS data to the first terminal device on the corresponding CSI-RS resource.

[0121] It should be understood that in method 600, steps S610 and S620 are optional. For example, if the first type of CSI-RS resource and the second type of CSI-RS resource are pre-configured for the first terminal device, and the second type of CSI-RS resource is also pre-configured for all secondary satellites serving the first terminal device, then method 600 may also omit steps S610 and S620 and proceed directly from step S630.

[0122] S630, the main satellite sends first information to the first terminal device. The first information includes a TCI state sequence. The TCI state sequence includes: the identifiers of multiple TCI states and the time period corresponding to the identifier of each TCI state among the multiple TCI state identifiers. The first time period is the length of time that the first TCI state is in an active or valid state. The first TCI state is any one of the multiple TCI states.

[0123] For example, a TCI state sequence may include an identifier for a first TCI state and a corresponding first time period. The identifier for the first TCI state (tci-StateId) identifies the first TCI state, allowing its determination. The first time period is the duration for which the first TCI state is active or valid. The first time period corresponds to the first TCI state. The first TCI state can be any one of multiple TCI states. In the TCI state sequence, the identifier for the TCI state differs for different time periods.

[0124] Optionally, the first time period can also be referred to as the effective duration corresponding to the first TCI state.

[0125] In other words, the first information can be used to activate the TCI state sequence of the second type of CSI-RS resource. After receiving the first information, the first terminal device can activate the TCI state sequence according to its content. "Activating the TCI state sequence" can be understood as the first terminal device determining the corresponding auxiliary satellite at different time periods based on the content of the activated TCI state sequence, thereby receiving CSI-RS transmitted by the corresponding auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource at different time periods.

[0126] For example, Figure 7 The diagram shown illustrates the contents of an example TCI state sequence. Figure 7 In the example shown, the master satellite can send the first information to the first terminal device via RRC signaling. Alternatively, the master satellite can activate the TCI state sequence of the second type of CSI-RS resource (i.e., CSI-RS resource 2) for wavelength n (or for the first terminal device) via RRC signaling. In other words, the RRC signaling includes the TCI state sequence. The TCI state sequence includes identifiers (tci-StateId) for multiple TCI states and the time period corresponding to each TCI state identifier (tci-StateId-time).

[0127] For example Figure 7 As shown, the TCI state sequence in the RRC signaling includes:

[0128] tci-StateId = 000, tci-StateId-time = 1-50 slots;

[0129] tci-StateId = 001, tci-StateId-time = 51-100 slots;

[0130] …

[0131] tci-StateId = 011, tci-StateId-time = 151-200 slots;

[0132] Combination Figure 7 In the example shown, the TCI state identifier is indicated by "tci-StateId", and the corresponding time period is indicated by "tci-StateId-time". Each TCI state identifier corresponds to a time period or duration, which can be understood as: the length of time that the TCI state identifier indicates is in an active or valid state, or the length of time that the TCI state identifier indicates is in a constant state.

[0133] For example, combining Figure 7 Example shown:

[0134] For "tci-StateId" being 000, the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to "tci-StateId=000" is slots 1-50, that is, from the first slot to the 50th slot. During this period from the first slot to the 50th slot, "tci-StateId" is always 000.

[0135] For "tci-StateId" being 001, the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to "tci-StateId=001" is slots 51-100, that is, from slot 51 to slot 100. During this period from slot 51 to slot 100, "tci-StateId" is always 001.

[0136] For "tci-StateId" being 011, the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to "tci-StateId=011" is slots 151-200, that is, from slot 151 to slot 200. During this period from slot 151 to slot 200, "tci-StateId" is always 011.

[0137] Optionally, in other implementations of this application, the unit for the time period or duration corresponding to the identifier of a certain TCI state can also be a symbol, subframe, radio frame, microsecond (μs), millisecond (ms), etc. This application embodiment does not limit the unit for the duration of the TCI state being in an active or valid state.

[0138] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the identifier of the TCI state (tci-StateId) remains unchanged, meaning that the TCI state will not change. This is because the TCI state includes an additional PCI index, for example... Figure 3 As shown in Figure b, a unchanged TCI state means that the additional PCI index within the TCI state will not change. If the additional PCI index does not change, then the secondary satellite indicated by the additional PCI index will not change. In other words, an unchanged TCI state means that the secondary satellite will not change. Put simply, the time length corresponding to the identifier of a certain TCI state can be understood as: the length of time or period during which the secondary satellite, determined by that TCI state, remains unchanged; or, the length of time or period during which the secondary satellite, determined by that TCI state, provides communication services to the terminal device.

[0139] For example, Figure 8 The diagram shown illustrates the contents of another example of a TCI state sequence. Figure 8 In the example shown, the master satellite can send the first information to the first terminal device via MAC CE signaling, or in other words, the master satellite can activate the second type of CSI-RS resource (i.e., ...) for the wavelength n via MAC CE. Figure 7 The CSI-RS resource 2) contains the TCI state sequence. The MAC CE includes the TCI state sequence, which includes the identifiers of multiple TCI states (TCI state IDs) and the time period corresponding to each TCI state identifier (TCI state ID time).

[0140] The first information is sent to the first terminal device via MAC CE signaling or RRC, and the first information takes effect relatively quickly. After receiving the first information, the first terminal device can immediately determine the auxiliary satellite corresponding to different time periods based on the TCI status sequence in the first information. Since no effective time is required, communication interruptions caused during the effective time period can be avoided, thereby improving communication efficiency. Furthermore, existing signaling is reused, and no additional signaling is needed to carry the first information, making it easy to implement and reducing communication resource overhead.

[0141] Of course, in other implementations of this application, the main satellite can also use other signaling to activate the TCI state sequence of the second type of CSI-RS resource for wavelength n (i.e., transmit the TCI state sequence). For example, the main satellite can also transmit the TCI state sequence to the first terminal device through downlink control information (DCI), that is, the TCI state sequence can also be carried in the DCI. Or, the main satellite can activate the TCI state sequence of the second type of CSI-RS resource for wavelength n (or for the first terminal device) through DCI, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0142] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, since the master satellite can know in advance the position of each auxiliary satellite in the subsequent time, the corresponding wave position information at different times, etc., the master satellite can determine which auxiliary satellites will serve wave position n (or the first terminal device) in the subsequent time, and the time information of each auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device. The master satellite can determine the TCI state sequence based on the above information.

[0143] Optionally, in some possible implementations, the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to the TCI state identifier can be characterized by the start and end times of the TCI state being in an active or valid state. For example, in the example above, "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots" can be the first time period, and "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots" means that the start time (the first time slot) and end time (the 50th time slot) of the TCI state (e.g., the first TCI state) identified by "tci-StateId" as "000" are used to characterize the length of time when it is in an active or valid state. Therefore, the length of time for the TCI state to be in an active or valid state is the duration of 50 time slots. For example, "tci-StateId=011,tci-StateId-time=T1 ms~T2 ms" means that the TCI state identified by "tci-StateId" "011" is in an active or valid state from the start time of T1 ms to the end time of T2 ms. Therefore, the duration of this TCI state in an active or valid state is (T... 2- T1)ms.

[0144] The duration of a TCI state in an active or valid state can be characterized by the start and end times of that state. This method is simple to implement and can accurately characterize the duration of a TCI state in an active or valid state, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of determining the duration of a TCI state in an active or valid state.

[0145] Optionally, in some other possible implementations, the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to the TCI state identifier is also characterized by the start time and duration of the TCI state being in an active or valid state. For example, for "tci-StateId=000, tci-StateId-time=1slots-(50 time slots)", "tci-StateId-time=1slots-(50 time slots)" can be the first time period, and "tci-StateId-time=1slots-(50 time slots)" means that the start time of the TCI state with "tci-StateId" of "000" (e.g., the first TCI state) being in an active or valid state is the first time slot, the duration is the length of 50 time slots, and the end time is the end time of the 50th time slot. For example, “tci-StateId=011,tci-StateId-time=T1 ms-(50ms)” means that the TCI state with “tci-StateId” of “000” is active or valid from the start time of T1 ms, lasts for 50ms, and ends at the time of (T1+50)ms.

[0146] The duration of an active or valid TCI state can be characterized by the start time and duration of the TCI state. This method is simple to implement and can improve the accuracy and efficiency of determining the duration of an active or valid TCI state.

[0147] Optionally, in some possible implementations of this application, the length of the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to the TCI state identifier can be the same as the duration of one or more beam hopping cycles. For example, the length of the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to a TCI state identifier can be the same as the duration of one beam hopping cycle. Since the secondary satellite corresponding to the spectral position n (i.e., the first terminal device) may change within each beam hopping cycle, having the length of the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to a TCI state identifier be the same as the duration of one beam hopping cycle can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the identified secondary satellite. If the length of the time period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to a TCI state identifier can be the same as the duration of one beam hopping cycle, then the TCI state sequence can include: the TCI state identifier (tci-StateId) used in different beam hopping cycles and the valid time (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to that TCI state identifier. The validity period (tci-StateId-time) corresponding to a certain TCI state identifier can be understood as: the length of time that the TCI state is in an active or valid state.

[0148] It should be understood that the TCI status sequence and the TCI status are two different signaling or information. The TCI status sequence includes identifiers for multiple TCI statuses, and each TCI status identifier indicates a TCI status. The structure of the TCI status signaling can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown in Figure b, the signaling structure of the TCI state sequence can be as follows: Figure 7 or Figure 8 shown.

[0149] S640, the first terminal device receives signals sent by the corresponding auxiliary satellite at different time periods based on the first information.

[0150] In this embodiment, the first terminal device can determine the TCI state identifier corresponding to each time period (i.e., the time period corresponding to each TCI state identifier among multiple TCI state identifiers) based on the TCI state sequence, and then determine the corresponding TCI state based on the TCI state identifier corresponding to each time period, thus determining the TCI state corresponding to each time period. Since each TCI state includes an additional PCI index, the first terminal device can determine which secondary satellite corresponds to each time period based on this information, and thus receive the CSI-RS transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource within that time period. Optionally, before receiving the TRS transmitted by the secondary satellite, the first terminal device can also receive the SSB transmitted by the secondary satellite.

[0151] Optionally, in some possible implementations of this application, since the TCI status identifiers are different for different time periods (different time periods corresponding to different TCI status identifiers), that is, the TCI statuses are different for different time periods, the auxiliary satellites corresponding to the wave position n (or the first terminal device) can be different in different time periods.

[0152] Optionally, in other possible implementations of this application, the secondary satellite corresponding to wavelength n (the first terminal device) can be the same in different time periods. In this case, since the TCI states are different in different time periods, the SSBs transmitted by the same secondary satellite in different time periods are different. That is, the secondary satellite corresponding to different time periods can be the same secondary satellite, but the SSBs transmitted by this secondary satellite in different time periods are different.

[0153] Optionally, in some possible implementations of this application, the main satellite corresponding to different time periods can be the same, that is, the main satellite corresponding to wave position n (or the first terminal device) remains unchanged in multiple time periods.

[0154] The first terminal device can determine its current time period (e.g., the first time period). Based on its current time period, the first terminal device can determine which auxiliary satellite is in the corresponding time period, for example, which auxiliary satellite corresponds to the first time period, and then receive the TRS sent by that auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource.

[0155] For example, combining Figure 7In the example shown, if the first terminal device is currently in the period from the first time slot to the 50th time slot, since the first terminal device can determine the TCI state identifier ("tci-StateId") for the period from the first time slot to the 50th time slot as "000" based on the TCI state sequence, the first terminal device can determine the TCI state based on the TCI state identifier and the corresponding secondary satellite based on the additional PCI index in the TCI state. Therefore, during the period from the first time slot to the 50th time slot, the first terminal device can receive the CSI-RS transmitted by the secondary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource.

[0156] For example, if the first terminal device is currently in the period from time slot 151 to time slot 200, since the first terminal device can determine from the TCI state sequence that the auxiliary satellite corresponding to time slots 151 to 200 is the auxiliary satellite with a TCI state indication of "tci-StateId" as "011", the first terminal device can receive the CSI-RS transmitted by the auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource during the period from time slot 151 to time slot 200.

[0157] When the secondary satellite corresponding to the first terminal device (or wave position n) changes, the first terminal device can determine the TCI state corresponding to each time period according to the TCI state identifier corresponding to different time periods in the TCI state sequence, and automatically determine the corresponding secondary satellite according to the PCI index (additional PCI index) attached to the TCI state, thereby receiving signals (including SSB and CSI-RS) from the new secondary satellite.

[0158] The information transmission method provided in this application allows the primary satellite to pre-send the TCI states (TCI state sequences) of the secondary satellites corresponding to the terminal device at different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods) via signaling. This pre-configures the TCI states for different subsequent time periods. Upon receiving this information, the terminal device can determine the corresponding TCI state within the relevant time period, and then identify the corresponding secondary satellite based on the TCI state, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite at different time periods. If a secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI state to indicate the change of the secondary satellite each time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization of communication resources. Furthermore, this information does not require an effective time, avoiding communication interruptions caused during the effective time period, thus improving communication efficiency.

[0159] Figure 9This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of an information transmission method according to this application, such as... Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The method 900 shown may include S910 to S950. The following is in conjunction with… Figure 9 Detail each step in Method 900.

[0160] S910, the main satellite pre-configures two types of CSI-RS resources for the first terminal device in wavelet n. The first type of CSI-RS resource is used for the main satellite to transmit CSI-RS, and the second type of CSI-RS resource is used for the auxiliary satellite to transmit CSI-RS.

[0161] S920, the main satellite transmits information from the second type of CSI-RS resource to all auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal equipment.

[0162] Optionally, as another possible implementation, all auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal device can also send information about the second type of CSI-RS resources they use to the master satellite. In this case, the master satellite can send information about the second type of CSI-RS resources used by all auxiliary satellites and information about the first type of CSI-RS resources used by the master satellite to the first terminal device.

[0163] For an explanation of S910 and S920, please refer to the description of S610 and S620 in the above method 600. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0164] S930, the primary satellite will send the TCI status of all auxiliary satellites serving the primary terminal device in wave position n to the primary terminal device.

[0165] For example, the primary satellite can send the TCI status of all secondary satellites serving the primary terminal device to the primary terminal device via signaling such as RRC or DCI. The TCI status of each secondary satellite includes: the length of time that the current TCI status identifier remains unchanged and the identifier of the TCI status of the next secondary satellite serving the primary terminal device.

[0166] For example, in the embodiments of this application, each secondary satellite can correspond to a TCI state. Optionally, the TCI state corresponding to each secondary satellite can also be called: TCI state for NTN, or the TCI state corresponding to each secondary satellite can also be called: TCI state of the second type of CSI-RS resource.

[0167] In this embodiment, the TCI state corresponding to each secondary satellite may include: the duration for which the secondary satellite serves the first terminal device and the identifier of the next TCI state. Since the corresponding secondary satellite can be determined based on the TCI state (the additional PCI index in the TCI state), if the TCI state remains unchanged (i.e., the identifier of the TCI state remains unchanged), then the corresponding secondary satellite remains unchanged. Therefore, "the duration for which the secondary satellite serves the first terminal device" can also be referred to as: the duration for which the identifier of the current TCI state remains unchanged (tci-StateId-time). "The identifier of the current TCI state" can be understood as: the content indicated by the "TCI state identifier (tci-statedId)" field in the TCI state. For example, if the "TCI state identifier (tci-statedId)" field in a certain TCI state indicates "001", then that TCI state includes: the duration for which the identifier of the current TCI state (i.e., "001") remains unchanged. The identifier of the next TCI state (next-tci-StateId) can be understood as: the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the next secondary satellite (within the next time period) serving the first terminal device.

[0168] The following example illustrates this.

[0169] Assume that the auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal device in wave position n include a second auxiliary satellite, a third auxiliary satellite, a fourth auxiliary satellite, and a fifth auxiliary satellite. Different auxiliary satellites provide communication services to the first terminal device at different time periods. On the timeline, the order in which the auxiliary satellites serve the first terminal device is: second auxiliary satellite, third auxiliary satellite, fourth auxiliary satellite, and fifth auxiliary satellite.

[0170] Optionally, in this embodiment, the second auxiliary satellite can also be referred to as the second non-terrestrial communication device, the third auxiliary satellite can also be referred to as the third non-terrestrial communication device, the fourth auxiliary satellite can also be referred to as the fourth non-terrestrial communication device, and the fifth auxiliary satellite can also be referred to as the fifth non-terrestrial communication device.

[0171] The second auxiliary satellite corresponds to the second TCI state; that is, the auxiliary satellite can be identified as the second auxiliary satellite based on the second TCI state (the additional PCI index within the second TCI state). The second TCI state includes: the identifier of the third TCI state corresponding to the third time period and the second time period. For example, let's assume the identifier of the second TCI state is "000" and the identifier of the third TCI state is "001".

[0172] For example, the second TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 001". Here, "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots" can be understood as the second time period. "next-tci-StateId = 001" can be understood as the identifier of the third TCI state (i.e., the identifier of the next TCI state). "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots" indicates that the second TCI state is in an active or valid state for the duration from the first time slot to the 50th time slot.

[0173] The second time period refers to the length of time during which the second TCI state is active or valid. The additional PCI index in the second TCI state indicates the second auxiliary satellite. In other words, the second TCI state can include: the length of time during which the second TCI state is active or valid ("tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots"), and an identifier ("next-tci-StateId = 001") indicating the TCI state corresponding to the third auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device in the next time period (the third time period). The identifier of the third TCI state corresponding to the third time period can be used to determine the third auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device in the third time period following the second time period. The identifier of the third TCI state is used to identify the third TCI state.

[0174] The third auxiliary satellite corresponds to the third TCI state, which includes the identifier of the fourth TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period and the third time period. For example, the identifier of the third TCI state is "001", and the identifier of the fourth TCI state is "010".

[0175] For example, the third TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 51-100 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 010"; where "tci-StateId-time = 51-100 time slots" can be understood as the third time period. "next-tci-StateId = 010" can be understood as the identifier of the fourth TCI state (the identifier of the next TCI state).

[0176] The third time period refers to the duration for which the third TCI state is active or valid. The additional PCI index in the third TCI state indicates the third auxiliary satellite. In other words, the third TCI state can include: the duration for which the third TCI state is active or valid ("tci-StateId-time = 51-100 time slots"), and an identifier ("next-tci-StateId = 010") indicating the TCI state corresponding to the fourth auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device in the next time period (the fourth time period). The identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period (i.e., the fourth TCI state) can be used to determine the fourth auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device in the fourth time period following the third time period.

[0177] The fourth auxiliary satellite corresponds to the fourth TCI state, which includes the identifier of the fifth TCI state corresponding to the fifth time period and the fourth time period. For example, the identifier of the fourth TCI state is "010", and the identifier of the fifth TCI state is "011".

[0178] For example, the fourth TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 101-150 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 011"; where "tci-StateId-time = 101-150 time slots" can be understood as the fourth time period. "next-tci-StateId = 011" can be understood as the identifier of the fifth TCI state (the identifier of the next TCI state).

[0179] The fourth time period refers to the duration for which the fourth TCI state is active or valid. The additional PCI index in the fourth TCI state indicates the fourth auxiliary satellite. In other words, the fourth TCI state may include: the duration for which the fourth TCI state is active or valid ("tci-StateId-time = time slots 101-150"), and an identifier (next-tci-StateId = 011) indicating the TCI state corresponding to the fifth auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device in the next time period (the fifth time period). The identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the fifth time period can be used to determine the fifth auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device in the fifth time period following the fourth time period. The fifth time period is the duration for which the fifth TCI state is active or valid, and the identifier of the fifth TCI state (e.g., [identification code]) is used to identify the fifth TCI state.

[0180] For example, the fifth TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 151-200 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 100"; where "tci-StateId-time = 151-200 time slots" can be understood as the fifth time period. "next-tci-StateId = 100" can be understood as the identifier of the sixth TCI state (the identifier of the next TCI state).

[0181] In other words, the TCI state corresponding to each secondary satellite can include: the duration for which the current TCI state identifier remains unchanged (tci-StateId-time) and the identifier of the next new TCI state (next-tci-StateId). The identifier of the current TCI state is used to determine the current TCI state, and the secondary satellite indicated by (additionalPCIindex) included in the "current TCI state" can be a secondary satellite that is currently providing communication services to the first terminal device. The identifier of the next new TCI state can be used to determine the secondary satellite serving the first terminal device in the next time period. That is, the TCI state can indicate the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the next time period (e.g., the next beam hopping cycle).

[0182] For example, combining the above examples, the main satellite needs to send the second TCI status, the third TCI status, the fourth TCI status, and the fifth TCI status to the first terminal device.

[0183] The second TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 001;

[0184] The third TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 51-100 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 010;

[0185] The fourth TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 101-150 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 011;

[0186] The fifth TCI state includes: "tci-StateId-time = 151-200 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 100;

[0187] Of course, each TCI state may also include: the TCI state identifier (tci-statedId), the QCL type (qcl-type), and the additional PCI index (additionalPCIindex).

[0188] For example, combining the above examples, the second TCI status includes: "tci-StateId-time = 1-50 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 001, TCI status identifier (tci-statedId = 000), additional PCI index, QCL type (qcl-type), etc. Among them, the additional PCI index indicates the second auxiliary satellite."

[0189] The third TCI status includes: "tci-StateId-time = 51-100 time slots, next-tci-StateId = 010, TCI status identifier (tci-statedId = 001), additional PCI index, QCL type (qcl-type), etc. Among them, the additional PCI index indicates the third auxiliary satellite.

[0190] The fourth TCI status includes: "tci-StateId-time = slots 101-150, next-tci-StateId = 011, TCI status identifier (tci-statedId = 010), additional PCI index, QCL type (qcl-type), etc. Among them, the additional PCI index indicates the fourth auxiliary satellite."

[0191] For example, Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic of the TCI status of a second type of CSI-RS resource (i.e., CSI-RS resource 2). Figure 10 The TCI state shown can be the TCI state corresponding to any secondary satellite, or in other words, Figure 10 The "tci-StateId-time" in the TCI state shown can be the effective time length or activation time length of the TCI state indicated by the TCI state identifier (tci-StateId) in that TCI state. The secondary satellite determined according to the TCI state indicated by the identifier of the next TCI state (next-tci-StateId) is the secondary satellite that serves the first terminal device in the next time period after the effective time length or activation time length (i.e., the time period indicated by "tci-StateId-time").

[0192] It should be understood that steps S910 to S930 are optional. For example, if the first type of CSI-RS resource and the second type of CSI-RS resource are pre-configured for the first terminal device, and the second type of CSI-RS resource is also pre-configured for all auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal device, and the TCI states corresponding to all auxiliary satellites serving the first terminal device in wavelet n are also pre-configured for the first terminal device, then method 900 may not include steps S910 to S930 and may directly start execution from S940.

[0193] S940, the primary satellite sends second information to the first terminal device. The second information is used to activate the TCI status corresponding to the auxiliary satellite serving the first terminal device.

[0194] It can be understood that the activated TCI state can be any one of the TCI states corresponding to all the secondary satellites serving the first terminal device. For example, the activated TCI state can be the TCI state corresponding to the secondary satellite currently serving the first terminal device (e.g., the first secondary satellite).

[0195] For example, following the example above, the primary satellite sends second information to the first terminal device. This second information is used to activate the second TCI state. Upon receiving the second information, the first terminal device can immediately activate the second TCI state without any activation or waiting time. Activating the second TCI state can be understood as the first terminal device determining, based on the content of the second TCI state, within which time period it should receive CSI-RS transmitted by the secondary satellite, and within which secondary satellite's CSI-RS should it receive in subsequent time periods.

[0196] For example, the second piece of information can carry the identifier of the TCI state to be activated, without carrying the specific content of the TCI state to be activated (such as tci-StateId-time, next-tci-StateId, additional PCI index, QCL type, etc.), that is, it does not need to carry the TCI state to be activated.

[0197] Optionally, the second information may also carry the activated TCI status, that is, the second information may include: the specific content of the TCI that needs to be activated.

[0198] For example, the primary satellite can carry secondary information via MAC CE signaling, RRC, or DCI. In other words, the primary satellite can activate the TCI state corresponding to a secondary satellite via MAC CE signaling, RRC, or DCI. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0199] Optionally, as a possible implementation, the duration for which the TCI state is in an active or valid state (e.g., the second, third, fourth, and fifth time periods mentioned above) can be represented by the start and end times of the TCI state being in an active or valid state. Alternatively, it can also be represented by the start and end times of the TCI state being in an active or valid state. For detailed explanations, please refer to the description corresponding to Method 600, which will not be repeated here.

[0200] Optionally, in some possible implementations of this application, the duration for which the TCI state is in an active or valid state can be the same as the duration of one or more hopping beam cycles.

[0201] S950, the first terminal device receives signals transmitted by the corresponding auxiliary satellite at different time periods based on the second information.

[0202] For example, in conjunction with the above example, the second information is used to activate the second TCI state. The second TCI state includes: the identifier of the third TCI state corresponding to the third time period and the second time period (next-tci-StateId = 001, tci-StateId-time = time slots 1-50). The first terminal device can then receive CSI-RS transmitted by the second auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource within the second time period (from the first time slot to the 50th time slot) based on the content included in the second TCI state. Specifically, the first terminal device can determine the second TCI state based on the second information. Since the additional PCI index attached to the second TCI state indicates the second auxiliary satellite, and the second time period (tci-StateId-time = time slots 1-50) is the length of time the second TCI state is in an active or valid state, the first terminal device can receive signals transmitted by the second auxiliary satellite (e.g., including SSB and CSI-RS) on the CSI-RS resource within the second time period.

[0203] Furthermore, the first terminal device can also determine the third TCI state based on the identifier of the third TCI state corresponding to the third time period (next-tci-StateId = 001). The third TCI state includes: the identifier of the fourth TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period and the third time period (next-tci-StateId = 010, tci-StateId-time = time slots 51-100). The first terminal device can then receive CSI-RS transmitted by the third auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource within the third time period (time slots 51 to 100) based on the content included in the third TCI state. The first terminal device can also determine the third TCI state based on the identifier of the third TCI state corresponding to the third time period included in the second TCI state (next-tci-StateId = 010). Since the additional PCI index in the third TCI state indicates the third auxiliary satellite, and the third time period (tci-StateId-time = slots 51-100) is the length of time during which the third TCI state is active or valid, the first terminal device can receive CSI-RS transmitted by the third auxiliary satellite on the CSI-RS resource within the third time period.

[0204] Furthermore, the first terminal device can also determine the fourth TCI state based on the identifier of the fourth TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period (next-tci-StateId = 010). The fourth TCI state includes: the identifier of the fifth TCI state corresponding to the fifth time period and the fourth time period (next-tci-StateId = 011, tci-StateId-time = time slots 101-150). The first terminal device can then receive CSI-RS transmitted by the fourth auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource within the fourth time period, based on the content included in the fourth TCI state. The first terminal device can determine the fourth TCI state based on the identifier (next-tci-StateId = 011) of the fourth TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period included in the third TCI state. Since the additional PCI index in the fourth TCI state indicates the fourth auxiliary satellite, and the fourth time period (tci-StateId-time = 101-150 time slots) is the length of time during which the third TCI state is in an active or valid state, the first terminal device can receive CSI-RS transmitted by the fourth auxiliary satellite on the CSI-RS resource within the fourth time period.

[0205] Optionally, the first terminal device can also determine the fifth TCI state based on the identifier of the fifth TCI state, wherein the fifth TCI state includes: the identifier of the sixth TCI state corresponding to the sixth time period and the fifth time period. The first terminal device can then receive CSI-RS transmitted by the fifth auxiliary satellite on the second type of CSI-RS resource within the fifth time period, based on the content included in the fifth TCI state. The additional PCI index attached to the fifth TCI state indicates the fifth auxiliary satellite, and the fifth time period is the length of time during which the fifth TCI state is in an active or valid state.

[0206] Using the above scheme, the first terminal device can determine the TCI status of the secondary satellite serving it in the next time period based on the TCI status of the secondary satellite serving it in the current time period. This allows it to determine the secondary satellite to receive data in different time periods, thus enabling it to receive CSI-RS transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite in different time periods.

[0207] When the secondary satellite corresponding to the first terminal device (i.e., wave position n) changes, the first terminal device can determine the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the next time period based on the information in the current TCI state, i.e. the identifier of the next TCI state (next-tci-StateId). Based on the TCI state identifier of the next time period, the first terminal device can determine the secondary satellite serving the first terminal device in the next time period, and thus receive SSB and CSI-RS from the new secondary satellite.

[0208] Optionally, as a possible implementation, the TCI status identifiers for different time periods (e.g., the second, third, fourth, and fifth time periods mentioned above) are different, meaning the TCI status varies across different time periods. Therefore, the auxiliary satellite corresponding to wave position n (the first terminal device) can be different within different time periods. For example, the second, third, fourth, and fifth auxiliary satellites mentioned above can each be different auxiliary satellites.

[0209] Optionally, in other possible implementations of this application, the auxiliary satellites corresponding to different time periods (e.g., the second, third, fourth, and fifth time periods mentioned above) can also be the same. In this case, since the TCI states corresponding to different time periods are different, the SSBs transmitted by the same auxiliary satellite in different time periods are different. That is, the auxiliary satellites corresponding to different time periods can be the same auxiliary satellite, but the SSBs transmitted by this auxiliary satellite in different time periods are different. For example, at least two of the second, third, fourth, and fifth auxiliary satellites mentioned above can be the same auxiliary satellite.

[0210] The information transmission method provided in this application modifies the structure of the TCI status signaling by adding the following to the TCI status of each secondary satellite: the duration for which the identifier of the current TCI status (tci-StateId) remains unchanged, and the identifier of the TCI status for the next time period (next-tci-StateId). In other words, the TCI status for the next time period can be indicated in the current TCI status. After receiving the TCI status of each secondary satellite and the instruction to activate the TCI status, the terminal device determines the TCI status of the secondary satellite serving the terminal device in the next time period based on the currently activated TCI status, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellites in different time periods. After a secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to indicate the change of the secondary satellite by activating a TCI status every time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources. Furthermore, the activation signaling does not require an effective time, which can avoid communication interruptions caused during the effective time, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0211] It should be understood that the above description is merely to help those skilled in the art better understand the embodiments of this application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Based on the examples given above, those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes. For example, some steps in the above method embodiments may be unnecessary, or new steps may be added. Alternatively, any combination of two or more of the above embodiments may be used. Such modifications, changes, or combinations also fall within the scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0212] It should also be understood that the methods, situations, categories, and classifications of embodiments in this application are for the convenience of description only and should not constitute a special limitation. Various methods, categories, situations, and features in embodiments can be combined without contradiction.

[0213] It should also be understood that the various numerical designations used in the embodiments of this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0214] It should also be understood that the above description of the embodiments of this application focuses on highlighting the differences between the various embodiments. Any similarities or differences not mentioned can be referred to each other. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0215] The above combination Figures 1 to 10 The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail. Hereinafter, in conjunction with... Figures 11 to 14The communication device of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0216] This embodiment can divide the terminal equipment and non-terrestrial communication devices (including the aforementioned primary and secondary satellites) into functional modules according to the above method. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated modules can be implemented in hardware. It should be noted that the module division in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0217] It should be noted that the relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referenced from the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0218] The terminal device and non-terrestrial communication apparatus provided in this application embodiment are used to execute any of the information transmission methods provided in the above-described method embodiments, and therefore can achieve the same effect as the above-described implementation method. When using integrated units, the terminal device and non-terrestrial communication apparatus may include a processing module, and optionally a storage module and a communication module. The processing module can be used to control and manage the operations of the terminal device and non-terrestrial communication apparatus. For example, it can be used to support the terminal device and non-terrestrial communication apparatus in performing steps of processing information or data. The storage module can be used to support the storage of program code and data, etc. The communication module can be used to support communication between the terminal device and non-terrestrial communication apparatus and other devices.

[0219] The processing module can be a processor or a controller. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of digital signal processing (DSP) and a microprocessor, etc. The storage module can be a memory. The communication module can specifically be a radio frequency circuit, a Bluetooth chip, or a device that interacts with other electronic devices.

[0220] For example, Figure 11 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device 1100 may correspond to the first terminal device described in method 600 or method 900, or it may be a chip or component applied to the first terminal device. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1100 is used to execute the actions or processing procedures performed by the first terminal device in any possible implementation of method 600 or method 900.

[0221] like Figure 11As shown, the communication device 1100 may include a transceiver unit 1110 and a processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit 1110 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1120. In this application, the transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver module, and the processing unit 1110 may also be referred to as a processing module.

[0222] In some embodiments:

[0223] The transceiver unit 1110 is configured to: receive first information from the first non-terrestrial communication device, the first information including a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state sequence, the TCI state sequence including: identifiers of multiple TCI states and a time period corresponding to each TCI state identifier, the identifier of the first TCI state corresponding to the first time period, the first time period being the length of time the first TCI state is in an active or valid state, the first TCI state being any one of the multiple TCI states, and the first non-terrestrial communication device being able to send and receive signaling with the terminal device;

[0224] Processing unit 1120 is configured to: determine the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period based on the first information, wherein the second non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device, and each time period is the time period corresponding to the identifier of each TCI status;

[0225] The transceiver unit 1110 is also used to communicate with the corresponding second non-terrestrial communication device in each time period.

[0226] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can obtain the TCI status (TCI status sequence) of the secondary satellite (second non-terrestrial communication device) corresponding to different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods) through signaling, thereby obtaining the TCI status corresponding to subsequent different time periods. The communication device can then determine the corresponding TCI status within the corresponding time period, and then determine the corresponding secondary satellite based on the TCI status, thereby receiving the signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite in different time periods. After the secondary satellite changes, the updated secondary satellite can also be determined based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI status to indicate the change of the secondary satellite every time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0227] In some possible implementations, the processing unit 1120 is further configured to: determine the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period; determine the TCI state corresponding to each time period based on the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period; and determine the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period based on the TCI state corresponding to each time period.

[0228] In some possible implementations, the first time period is represented by the start and end times of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state.

[0229] In some possible implementations, the length of the first time period is one or more hop beam cycles.

[0230] In some possible implementations, the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponds to different time periods.

[0231] In some possible implementations, the first information is carried in MAC CE, RRC signaling, or DCI.

[0232] In other embodiments:

[0233] The processing unit 1120 is used to: determine the second TCI state corresponding to the second time period, the second TCI state including: the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the third time period and the second time period, the length of the second time period being the duration of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state, the length of the third time period being the duration of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state, wherein the second TCI state corresponds to the second non-terrestrial communication device (auxiliary satellite), the second non-terrestrial communication device is able to send signaling to the terminal device, and the terminal device communicates with the second non-terrestrial communication device during the second time period;

[0234] The processing unit 1120 is also configured to: determine the third TCI state according to the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the third time period, the third TCI state including: the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period and the third time period, the length of the fourth time period being the length of time the fourth TCI state is in the active or effective state, and the fourth non-terrestrial communication device (auxiliary satellite) can send signaling to the terminal device.

[0235] The processing unit 1120 is further configured to: determine the corresponding third non-terrestrial communication device (auxiliary satellite) based on the third TCI state, wherein the third non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device, and the terminal device communicates with the third non-terrestrial communication device during the third time period.

[0236] The communication device provided in this application adds the following to the TCI state corresponding to each secondary satellite: the duration for which the identifier of the current TCI state (tci-StateId) remains unchanged, and the identifier of the TCI state for the next time period (next-tci-StateId). In other words, the TCI state for the next time period can be indicated in the current TCI state. After receiving the TCI state corresponding to each secondary satellite and the instruction to activate the TCI state, the communication device determines the TCI state corresponding to the secondary satellite serving the terminal device in the next time period (e.g., the second non-terrestrial communication device and the third non-terrestrial communication device mentioned above) based on the currently activated TCI state, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite in different time periods. After a secondary satellite changes, the communication device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to indicate the change of the secondary satellite by activating a TCI state every time a secondary satellite changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0237] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1110 is configured to: receive second information from the first non-terrestrial communication device, the second information being used to activate a second TCI state, enabling the first non-terrestrial communication device to send and receive signaling with the terminal device; and, based on the second TCI state, communicate with the second non-terrestrial communication device during a second time period.

[0238] In some possible implementations, the second time period is represented by the start and end times of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state; and / or, the third time period is represented by the start and end times of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state.

[0239] In some possible implementations, the length of the second time period and / or the length of the third time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

[0240] In some possible implementations, the third non-terrestrial communication device differs from the second non-terrestrial communication device.

[0241] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1110 is also used to: acquire the second TCI state and the third TCI state.

[0242] Furthermore, the communication device 1100 may also include a storage unit. The transceiver unit 1110 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit is used to store instructions executed by the transceiver unit 1110 and the processing unit 1120. The transceiver unit 1110, the processing unit 1120, and the storage unit are coupled to each other. The storage unit stores instructions, the processing unit 1120 executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, and the transceiver unit 1110 performs specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1120.

[0243] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1110 can be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit can be a memory. The processing unit 1120 can be implemented by a processor. Figure 12 As shown, the communication device 1200 may include a processor 1210, a memory 1220, a transceiver 1230, and a bus system 1240. The various components of the communication device 1200 are coupled together via the bus system 1240, which may include, in addition to a data bus, a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus, etc. However, for clarity, in... Figure 12 All buses are labeled as Bus System 1240. For ease of representation, Figure 12 The image shown is only schematic.

[0244] Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown or Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown can implement the steps performed by the first terminal device in the aforementioned method 600 or method 900. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0245] It should also be understood that Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown or Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown can be a terminal device, or the terminal device may include... Figure 11 The communication device 1100 shown or Figure 12 The communication device 1200 shown.

[0246] For example, Figure 13 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 1300 according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This communication device 1300 may correspond to the main satellite (first non-terrestrial communication device) described in method 600 or method 900 above. It may also be a chip or component applied to the main satellite. Furthermore, each module or unit in the communication device 1300 is used to execute the actions or processes performed by the main satellite in any possible implementation of method 600 or method 900 above.

[0247] like Figure 13As shown, the communication device 1300 may include a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The transceiver unit 1320 is used to perform specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1310. In this application, the transceiver unit may also be referred to as a transceiver module, and the processing unit 1310 may also be referred to as a processing module.

[0248] In some embodiments:

[0249] The processing unit 1310 is configured to: determine first information, the first information including a Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state sequence, the TCI state sequence including: identifiers of multiple TCI states and a time period corresponding to the identifier of each of the multiple TCI states, the identifier of the first TCI state corresponding to a first time period, the first time period being the length of time the first TCI state is in an active or valid state, the first TCI state being any one of the multiple TCI states, the first information being used to determine a second non-terrestrial communication device, the second non-terrestrial communication device being able to send signaling to the terminal device;

[0250] The transceiver unit 1320 is used to send the first information.

[0251] The communication device provided in this application embodiment can send the TCI status (TCI status sequence) of the secondary satellite corresponding to the terminal device for different time periods (e.g., different beam hopping periods) to the terminal device in advance via signaling. That is, it pre-configures the TCI status for different subsequent time periods. After receiving this information, the terminal device can determine the corresponding TCI status within the relevant time period, and then determine the corresponding secondary satellite based on the TCI status, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellite in different time periods. If the secondary satellite changes, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI status to indicate the change of the secondary satellite every time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources. Furthermore, this information does not require an effective time, which can avoid communication interruptions caused during the effective time, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0252] In other embodiments:

[0253] Processing unit 1310 is used to: determine second information, the second information being used to activate a second TCI state, the second TCI state including: an identifier of the TCI state corresponding to a third time period and the second time period;

[0254] The second time period is the length of time the second TCI state is in an active or valid state, the third time period is the length of time the third TCI state is in an active or valid state, the second TCI state corresponds to the second non-terrestrial communication device, the second non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling to the terminal device, the third TCI state includes: the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period and the third time period, the length of the fourth time period is the length of time the fourth TCI state is in an active or valid state, the third TCI state corresponds to the third non-terrestrial communication device, the third non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling to the terminal device;

[0255] The transceiver unit 1320 is used to send a second message.

[0256] The communication device provided in this application modifies the structure of the TCI status signaling by adding the following to the TCI status of each secondary satellite: the duration for which the identifier of the current TCI status (tci-StateId) remains unchanged, and the identifier of the TCI status for the next time period (next-tci-StateId). Then, the TCI status of each secondary satellite is sent to the terminal device. Upon receiving the instruction to activate the TCI status, the terminal device determines the TCI status of the secondary satellite serving the terminal device in the next time period based on the currently activated TCI status, thereby receiving signals transmitted by the corresponding secondary satellites in different time periods. After a change in a secondary satellite, the terminal device can also determine the updated secondary satellite based on this information. This avoids the need to activate a TCI status to indicate the change of the secondary satellite each time it changes, saving signaling overhead and improving the utilization rate of communication resources.

[0257] In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to: send a second TCI state and a third TCI state.

[0258] Furthermore, the communication device 1300 may also include a storage unit. The transceiver unit 1320 may be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit is used to store instructions executed by the transceiver unit 1320 and the processing unit 1310. The transceiver unit 1320, the processing unit 1310, and the storage unit are coupled to each other. The storage unit stores instructions, the processing unit 1310 executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, and the transceiver unit 1320 performs specific signal transmission and reception under the control of the processing unit 1310.

[0259] It should be understood that the transceiver unit 1320 can be a transceiver, an input / output interface, or an interface circuit. The storage unit can be a memory. The processing unit 1310 can be implemented by a processor. Figure 14As shown, the communication device 1400 may include a processor 1410, a memory 1420, and a transceiver 1430.

[0260] Figure 13 The communication device 1300 shown or Figure 14 The communication device 1400 shown can perform the steps executed by the main satellite (first non-terrestrial communication device) in the aforementioned method 600 or method 900. Similar descriptions can be found in the descriptions of the corresponding methods described above. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0261] It should also be understood that Figure 13 The communication device 1300 shown or Figure 14 The communication device 1400 shown can be a non-terrestrial communication device (e.g., a satellite), or the non-terrestrial communication device can include... Figure 13 The communication device 1300 shown or Figure 14 The communication device 1400 shown.

[0262] It should be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, all units in the device can be implemented entirely through software calls from processing elements; all units can be implemented entirely in hardware; or some units can be implemented through software calls from processing elements, while others are implemented in hardware. For example, each unit can be a separate processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip within the device. Alternatively, it can be stored as a program in memory, called and executed by a processing element within the device. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented through integrated logic circuits in the processor element or through software calls from processing elements.

[0263] In one example, a unit in any of the above devices can be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the methods described above, such as one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more DSPs, or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these forms of integrated circuits. As another example, when a unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor capable of calling programs. Furthermore, these units can be integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0264] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the aforementioned terminal equipment and a main satellite (first non-terrestrial communication device). Optionally, the communication system may also include multiple auxiliary satellites (second non-terrestrial communication device, third non-terrestrial communication device, fourth non-terrestrial communication device, etc.).

[0265] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer program are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means.

[0266] This application also provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer program code, the computer program including instructions for performing any of the information transmission methods provided in the embodiments of this application. This readable medium may be the memory described in the examples above, and this application does not limit its use.

[0267] This application also provides a computer program product including instructions that, when executed, cause a terminal device to perform an operation corresponding to the first terminal device operation in the above method, or cause a non-terrestrial communication device to perform an operation corresponding to the main satellite operation in the above method.

[0268] This application also provides a chip comprising a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, pins, or circuitry. The chip within this communication device is used to execute any of the information transmission methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0269] Optionally, any of the communication devices provided in the above embodiments of this application may include the chip.

[0270] The processor mentioned above can be a CPU, microprocessor, ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits that execute programs to control the aforementioned information transmission methods. The processing unit and storage unit can be decoupled and located on different physical devices, connected via wired or wireless means to implement their respective functions, thereby supporting the chip in implementing the various functions described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory can also be coupled to the same device.

[0271] In this paper, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. The term "and / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. Additionally, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0272] In this application, various objects such as messages / information / devices / systems / apparatus / actions / operations / processes may be named. It is understood that these specific names do not constitute a limitation on the relevant objects. The names may be changed depending on the scenario, context, or usage habits. The understanding of the technical meaning of the technical terms in this application should be mainly determined from their functions and technical effects embodied / performed in the technical solution.

[0273] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0275] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. 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 units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0276] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for information transmission, characterized in that, The method includes: The device receives first information from a first non-terrestrial communication device. The first information includes a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state sequence. The TCI state sequence includes: identifiers of multiple TCI states and a time period corresponding to each TCI state identifier. The identifier of the first TCI state corresponds to a first time period. The first time period is the length of time during which the first TCI state is in an active or valid state. The first TCI state is any one of the multiple TCI states. The first non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending and receiving signaling with the terminal device. Based on the first information, a second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period is determined. The second non-terrestrial communication device is able to send signaling to the terminal device. Each time period is the time period corresponding to the identifier of each TCI state. During each time period, communication is conducted with the corresponding second non-terrestrial communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the first information, the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period is determined, including: Determine the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to each time period; The TCI status corresponding to each time period is determined based on the identifier of the TCI status corresponding to each time period; Based on the TCI status corresponding to each time period, determine the second non-terrestrial communication device corresponding to each time period.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first time period is represented by the start and end times of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The length of the first time period is one or more hop beam cycles.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The second non-terrestrial communication device corresponds to different time periods.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first information is carried in Media Access Control-Control Element (MAC CE), Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Downlink Control Information (DCI).

7. A method for information transmission, characterized in that, The method includes: A second TCI state corresponding to the second time period is determined. The second TCI state includes: an identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the third time period and the second time period. The length of the second time period is the duration for which the second TCI state is in an active or valid state. The length of the third time period is the duration for which the third TCI state is in an active or valid state. The second TCI state corresponds to a second non-terrestrial communication device. The second non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device. The terminal device communicates with the second non-terrestrial communication device during the second time period. The third TCI state is determined based on the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the third time period. The third TCI state includes the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period and the third time period. The length of the fourth time period is the length of time during which the fourth TCI state is in an active or valid state. The fourth non-terrestrial communication device can send signaling to the terminal device. The corresponding third non-terrestrial communication device is determined based on the third TCI state, wherein the third non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device, and the terminal device communicates with the third non-terrestrial communication device during the third time period.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: The device receives second information from a first non-terrestrial communication device, the second information being used to activate the second TCI state, and the first non-terrestrial communication device is able to send and receive signaling with the terminal device. Based on the second TCI state, communication is conducted with the second non-terrestrial communication device during the second time period.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The second time period is represented by the start and end times of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state; and / or, The third time period is represented by the start and end times of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The length of the second time period and / or the length of the third time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The third non-terrestrial communication device is different from the second non-terrestrial communication device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the second TCI state and the third TCI state.

13. A method for transmitting information, characterized in that, The method includes: The first information is determined, which includes a Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI) state sequence. The TCI state sequence includes: identifiers of multiple TCI states and a time period corresponding to each TCI state identifier. The identifier of the first TCI state corresponds to a first time period, which is the length of time during which the first TCI state is in an active or valid state. The first TCI state is any one of the multiple TCI states. The first information is used to determine a second non-terrestrial communication device, which is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device. Send the first message.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first time period is represented by the start and end times of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the first TCI state being in an active or valid state.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The length of the first time period is one or more hop beam cycles.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that, The second non-terrestrial communication device corresponds to different time periods.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that, The first information is carried in MACCE, RRC signaling, or DCI.

18. A method for transmitting information, characterized in that, The method includes: The second information is determined, which is used to activate the second TCI state. The second TCI state includes: the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the third time period and the second time period. Wherein, the length of the second time period is the length of time during which the second TCI state is in an active or valid state, the length of the third time period is the length of time during which the third TCI state is in an active or valid state, the second TCI state corresponds to a second non-terrestrial communication device, the second non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device, the third TCI state includes: the identifier of the TCI state corresponding to the fourth time period and the third time period, the length of the fourth time period is the length of time during which the fourth TCI state is in an active or valid state, the third TCI state corresponds to a third non-terrestrial communication device, the third non-terrestrial communication device is capable of sending signaling to the terminal device; Send the second message.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The second time period is represented by the start and end times of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the second TCI state being in an active or valid state; and / or, The third time period is represented by the start and end times of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state, or by the start time and duration of the third TCI state being in an active or valid state.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The length of the second time period and / or the length of the third time period is one or more hopping beam cycles.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the second TCI status and the third TCI status.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Units for performing the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or units for performing the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 21.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor and interface circuitry, the at least one processor being configured to perform: the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 21.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, include: At least one processor coupled to a memory for storing a program or instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to perform: the method of any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method of any one of claims 13 to 21.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform: the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform: the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 21.

27. A chip or chip system, characterized in that, include: At least one processor is configured to retrieve and run a computer program from memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is mounted to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, or the method as described in any one of claims 13 to 21.

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