Method and device for determining system message researching mechanism

By determining the re-search criteria based on the satellite system message delivery method at the terminal, the problem of untimely system message updates is solved, the accuracy of mobility management and cell management is improved, and resource waste is reduced.

CN121603890APending Publication Date: 2026-03-03HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411134312.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-16
Publication Date
2026-03-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies have failed to establish a correspondence between different system message delivery granularities and re-search mechanisms, resulting in the UE's inability to update system messages in a timely and accurate manner, leading to a decrease in the accuracy of mobility management and cell management, and wasting resources.

Method used

The terminal determines the re-search criteria based on the system message method sent by the satellite. It obtains the changed system messages through the global, regional, wavelet group, or wavelet-based sending methods, establishes the correspondence between the system message sending methods and the re-search criteria, and reduces the overhead of blind searching.

Benefits of technology

It enables timely and accurate updates of system messages, improves the accuracy of mobility management and community management, and reduces the waste of resources from blind searches.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A method for determining a system message re-search mechanism includes: receiving a first system message from a satellite, and acquiring a second system message according to an issuing mode of the first system message, the second system message being a changed first system message, and the issuing mode being global issuing, regional issuing, beam position group issuing or beam position issuing. According to the issuing mode of the system message, the system message re-searching criterion of the UE is determined, the UE is enabled to sense the system message issuing mode of the network side, a corresponding mechanism of the system message issuing mode and the re-searching criterion is established, the UE is enabled to update the system message timely and accurately, the overhead of blind searching of the system message is reduced, and the user experience is improved. And the accuracy of mobility management or cell management is improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for determining a system message re-search mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] NTN networks refer to networks that utilize radio frequency resources on satellites (or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) platforms, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), etc.). Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G mobile communication systems), NTN networks offer wider coverage, lower latency, broadband speeds, and lower costs. Compared to terrestrial communication systems, satellite communication systems have significantly wider coverage areas, greater transmission losses, and faster mobility. Conventional communication systems use broadcast beams to send system messages required for various network access and services to users, indicating relevant network communication configurations. To flexibly adapt to the needs of different areas and save signaling overhead, the network side can also configure system information at different granularities based on the beam coverage area. For example, each beam position can be configured with different system information, a group of beam positions can be configured with a set of system information, or beam positions within a region can be configured with the same system information, etc.

[0003] However, existing technologies do not establish a correspondence between different system message delivery granularities and re-search mechanisms. Furthermore, the UE is unaware of the specific granularity of system messages delivered by the network. This information asymmetry prevents the UE from determining which criteria to use to re-search system messages, thus hindering timely and accurate system message updates. This asymmetry leads to untimely or inaccurate system message updates, wasting significant overhead from blindly detecting system messages, and consequently reducing the accuracy of mobility management and cell management. Therefore, improving the accuracy of mobility management and cell management is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Firstly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to a terminal side, such as a terminal or a communication module within a terminal, or a circuit or chip (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a system-in-package (SIP) chip) responsible for communication functions within the terminal. Taking the application of this method to a terminal as an example, in this method, the terminal receives a first system message from a satellite; according to the delivery method of the first system message, it obtains a second system message, wherein the second system message is a modified version of the first system message, and the delivery method is global delivery, regional delivery, bandgap delivery, or bandgap delivery. Alternatively, it can be understood that the terminal determines a re-search criterion for the system message based on the delivery method of the first system message, and under the condition that the re-search criterion is met, it re-searches for the system message to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. This can also be understood as follows: there is a correspondence between the aforementioned first system message delivery method and the aforementioned re-search criteria. The terminal determines the system message re-search criteria based on the first system message delivery method. Under the condition that the re-search criteria are met, the system message is re-searched to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. The correspondence between the aforementioned first system message delivery method and the aforementioned re-search criteria can be predefined or determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal; this application does not impose any limitations. The aforementioned first system message can be SIB1, OSI, or a combination of SIB1 and OSI; this application does not impose any limitations. The aforementioned second system message can be SIB1, OSI, or a combination of SIB1 and OSI; this application does not impose any limitations. The aforementioned global distribution can also be understood as distributing the same system message within the satellite coverage area, or distributing the same system message within the satellite-covered cell; the aforementioned regional distribution can also be understood as distributing the same system message in a portion of the satellite coverage area (e.g., the coverage edge area, or other portions of the area, which is not limited in this application); the aforementioned wavelet group can include at least one wavelet. For the description of the wavelet, please refer to the description in the satellite SSB beam section (II) of the specific implementation method, which will not be repeated here. The aforementioned wavelet group distribution can also be understood as the wavelets under the satellite coverage range being grouped, and the same system message being distributed within the same wavelet group. As described in (II) of the satellite SSB beam, there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the SSB index and the SSB beam, and each SSB beam covers a corresponding area, and each area corresponds to a wavelet. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the wavelet group in the embodiments of this application can also be understood as a beam group, the wavelet in the embodiments of this application can also be understood as a beam, the wavelet group distribution in the embodiments of this application can also be understood as beam distribution, and the wavelet distribution in the embodiments of this application can also be understood as beam distribution.

[0005] Using the above method, the terminal receives a first system message from the satellite and, depending on whether the first system message is sent globally, regionally, via a bandgap group, or via a bandgap, obtains the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. This method enables the terminal to perceive the way the satellite sends the first system message, determine the re-search criteria corresponding to the first system message's sending method, and thus accurately and promptly re-search for system messages, reducing the overhead of blindly searching for system messages and improving the accuracy of mobility management or cell management.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, the above-mentioned distribution method is predefined, or the above method further includes: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate the above-mentioned distribution method.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, obtaining the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message includes: when the delivery method is regional delivery, determining a first distance between the terminal and a reference position in the first region, wherein the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; and obtaining the second system message when the first distance is greater than a first distance threshold.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, obtaining the second system message according to the method of sending the first system message includes: when the method of sending the first system message is the sending of the wave group, determining the first synchronization signal block (SSB); when the first SSB is not the same as the SSB corresponding to all waves included in the first wave group, obtaining the second system message, wherein the first wave group is the wave group sent by the first system message.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, obtaining the second system message according to the method of sending the first system message includes: when the method of sending the first system message is the sending of the wave position group, determining the second SSB, the second SSB corresponding to the first wave position; when the second wave position group does not include the first wave position, obtaining the second system message, the second wave position group being the wave position group sent by the first system message.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, obtaining the second system message according to the method of sending the first system message includes: when the sending method is the wave position sending, determining the third SSB within the first periodic time; when the third SSB and the fourth SSB are different, obtaining the second system message, wherein the fourth SSB is the SSB within the periodic time prior to the first periodic time.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some embodiments of the first aspect, obtaining the second system message according to the first system message distribution method includes: receiving first instruction information when the distribution method is the global distribution; and obtaining the second system message based on the first instruction information.

[0012] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method that can be applied to the satellite side, such as a satellite or a communication module within a satellite, or a circuit or chip within a satellite responsible for communication functions (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a System-on-Chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, or a System-in-Package (SIP) chip). Taking the application of this method to a satellite as an example, in this method, the satellite sends a first system message to a terminal; and sends a second system message, wherein the second system message is a modified version of the first system message. The first system message can be SIB1, OSI, or a combination of SIB1 and OSI, and this application does not impose any limitations. The second system message can be SIB1, OSI, or a combination of SIB1 and OSI, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0013] Using the above method, the terminal receives a first system message from the satellite and, depending on whether the first system message is sent globally, regionally, via a bandgap group, or via a bandgap, obtains the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. This method enables the terminal to perceive the way the satellite sends the first system message, determine the re-search criteria corresponding to the first system message's sending method, and thus accurately and promptly re-search for system messages, reducing the overhead of blindly searching for system messages and improving the accuracy of mobility management or cell management.

[0014] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate the delivery method of the first system message, wherein the delivery method is global delivery, regional delivery, band position group delivery, or band position delivery. Global delivery can also be understood as delivering the same system message within the satellite coverage area, or delivering the same system message within a cell covered by the satellite; regional delivery can also be understood as delivering the same system message in a portion of the satellite coverage area (e.g., the coverage edge area, or other portions, which are not limited in this application); the band position group can include at least one band position. For a description of the band position, please refer to the description in the Specific Embodiments (II) Satellite SSB Beam, which will not be repeated here. Band position group delivery can also be understood as band positions within the satellite coverage area being grouped, and the same system message being delivered within the same band position group. As described in the detailed implementation section (II) Satellite SSB beams, there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the SSB index and the SSB beams, and each SSB beam covers a corresponding area, and each area corresponds to a wave position. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the wave position group in this application embodiment can also be understood as a beam group, the wave position in this application embodiment can also be understood as a beam, the wave position group distribution in this application embodiment can also be understood as beam group distribution, and the wave position distribution in this application embodiment can also be understood as beam distribution.

[0015] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some embodiments of the second aspect, the above method further includes: sending first instruction information, the first instruction information being used to instruct the terminal to obtain the second system message.

[0016] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the methods described above. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the methods in the terminal, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions.

[0017] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus capable of implementing the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The apparatus includes corresponding units or modules for performing the described methods. The units or modules included in the apparatus can be implemented in software and / or hardware. The apparatus can be, for example, satellite equipment, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the satellite equipment in implementing the described methods, or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the satellite equipment.

[0018] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the apparatus implements the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide an apparatus comprising: a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to implement the method described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0020] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause a computer to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0021] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, cause a computer to perform the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0022] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0023] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including computer program code, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0024] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application provide a chip, including: a processor coupled to a memory for storing instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed by the processor, the chip implements the methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, any possible implementation of the first aspect, or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0025] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, including: the apparatus of the third aspect and the apparatus of the fourth aspect described above.

[0026] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication system, including: the apparatus of the fifth aspect and the apparatus of the sixth aspect described above.

[0027] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the features corresponding to the first and second aspects in aspects three through thirteen are described in the relevant descriptions in aspects one and two, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the communication system used in the embodiments provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an NTN scenario based on transparent loads;

[0030] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of an NTN scenario based on regenerative load.

[0031] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between satellite coverage and SSB beams;

[0032] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of an SSB pattern;

[0033] Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of the mapping relationship between an SSB beam and a ground wave position.

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0040] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication system 100 may include at least one network device (110a, 110b, 110c) and at least one terminal device (120a-120g). The network device and the terminal device can be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Figure 1 This is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless repeaters and wireless backhaul devices.

[0042] The network device provided in this application embodiment can be an access network device, such as a base station, Node B, evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), transmission reception point (TRP), next-generation Node B (gNB) in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system, access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN or open RAN), or a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, etc. Alternatively, the network device can be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, for example, it can be a central unit (CU), distributed unit (DU), central unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or central unit user plane (CU-UP) module, etc. The network device can also be a satellite (e.g., Figure 1 110a in the text), or it can be a macro base station (such as...). Figure 1 In addition to 110b), the access network equipment can also be a micro base station or an indoor station (such as...). Figure 1 The node in 110c can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. This application does not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the access network equipment.

[0043] The terminal device provided in this application embodiment can also be called a terminal, including but not limited to: user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal. The terminal device can be widely used for communication in various scenarios. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, or smart cities, etc. The terminal device can be a mobile phone (e.g., Figure 1 Mobile phones (120a, 120d, 120f), tablets, and computers with wireless transceiver capabilities (such as...) Figure 1 Computers (120g), wearable devices, vehicles (such as...) Figure 1 As shown in 120b), drones, helicopters, and aircraft (such as...) Figure 1 120c), ships, robots, robotic arms, or smart home devices (such as Figure 1 The application does not limit the specific technology or form of the terminal equipment. (e.g., printer 120e).

[0044] Base stations and / or terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; or on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, or satellites. This application does not limit the environment / scenario in which the base stations and terminal equipment are located. Base stations and terminal equipment can be deployed in the same or different environments / scenarios; for example, both base stations and terminal equipment can be deployed on land; or, the base station can be deployed on land and the terminal equipment on water, etc., and so on.

[0045] The technical solutions of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5G systems, new radio (NR) systems, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) systems, and future communication systems. This application does not limit these applications.

[0046] The following section will first introduce several concepts that may be involved in this application.

[0047] (a) NTN network.

[0048] NTN networks refer to networks that utilize radio frequency resources on satellites (or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) platforms, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), etc.). Compared to terrestrial cellular networks (such as 5G mobile communication systems), NTN networks offer wider coverage, lower latency, broadband speeds, and lower costs. As a supplement and extension to terrestrial networks, NTN networks can achieve wide-area seamless coverage that wired telephone networks and terrestrial mobile communication networks cannot, effectively solving internet access problems in areas lacking communication infrastructure. With a large number of satellites deployed in low Earth orbit, the round-trip transmission latency between satellites and ground terminals is significantly reduced, reaching a low latency of tens of milliseconds. The use of technologies such as high-frequency bands, multi-beamforming, and frequency reuse significantly improves satellite communication capabilities, reduces unit broadband costs, and meets the demands of high-data-rate services. Compared to terrestrial 5G base stations and submarine fiber optic cables, NTN has a significant cost advantage. Modern small satellites have low R&D and manufacturing costs, and software-defined technologies can further extend the lifespan of satellites in orbit. NTN networks can be used for global coverage (such as remote areas and ocean-going vessels), emergency relief (such as disaster monitoring and emergency communications), the Internet of Things, and high-speed mobility (such as high-speed rail and airplanes).

[0049] Typical scenarios for NTN networks to provide access to terminal devices include transparent payloads and regenerative payloads. For example... Figure 2A The diagram illustrates an NTN scenario based on a transparent payload. The transparent payload modifies the uplink RF signal's frequency carrier, filtering and amplifying it before downlink transmission. This payload only has an RF processing unit and lacks baseband demodulation and decoding. Therefore, the signal waveform remains unchanged and is repeated. Figure 2BThe diagram illustrates an NTN scenario based on a regenerative payload. The regenerative payload transforms and amplifies the uplink radio frequency (RF) signal before it is transmitted downlink. Signal transformation refers to digital processing, which may include demodulation, decoding, recoding, remodulation, and / or filtering. This is essentially equivalent to having all or part of the base station functionality on a satellite (or UAS platform, HAPS, etc.).

[0050] In some possible implementations, the NTN network described above may have the following elements:

[0051] (1) There are one or more gateways connecting the NTN network and the common data network.

[0052] (2) Feeder link: The wireless link between the gateway station and the satellite (or UAS platform).

[0053] (3) Service link: The wireless link between the terminal device and the satellite (or UAS platform).

[0054] (4) Satellite (or UAS platform) can realize transparent payload and regenerative payload.

[0055] (5) Whether the satellite constellation has an inter-satellite link (ISL) is optional. An inter-satellite link requires the satellite to be a regenerative payload (i.e., if there is an inter-satellite link, the satellite must be a regenerative payload). ISLs can operate in RF frequencies or optical bands.

[0056] (6) The terminal equipment is provided by satellites (or UAS platforms, HAPS, etc.) within the target service area.

[0057] (ii) Satellite synchronization signal and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) block (SSB) beam.

[0058] Compared to terrestrial communication systems, satellite communication systems have significant advantages, including wider coverage, greater transmission loss, and faster mobility. Unlike terrestrial systems, which can cover the service area of ​​a single base station with a maximum of 8 SSBs (for Frequency Range 1, FR1) or 64 SSBs (for Frequency Range 2, FR2), satellite communication systems may require hundreds or even thousands of SSBs.

[0059] like Figure 3A As shown, Figure 3A This diagram illustrates the relationship between satellite coverage and SSB beamwidth. A satellite achieves seamless coverage using N SSB beams, where N is related to the satellite's orbital altitude and / or beamwidth. Taking a satellite communication system at an orbital altitude of 600 km as an example, the service range of a single satellite can reach hundreds of thousands of square kilometers. To overcome path loss due to transmission distance and ensure communication service quality, satellites typically employ large-scale antenna arrays to provide higher array gain, but this also results in narrower beam main lobes. For instance, a 3dB beamwidth has a coverage radius of only a few dozen kilometers, covering an area of ​​approximately several hundred square kilometers. Achieving seamless coverage of a single satellite's service range using narrow beamwidth requires thousands of beams. Furthermore, even with some beam widening, hundreds of beams are still needed to maintain the gain level and achieve coverage. When hundreds of beams are scanned, a complete scan takes approximately several hundred milliseconds.

[0060] Taking the satellite transmitting 256 SSB beams as an example, according to the NR protocol configuration in FR1, for a scenario with a subcarrier spacing (SCS) of 30kHz, the satellite transmits 8 SSBs within the first 2ms of every 20ms. Therefore, the overall transmission method for the 256 SSB beams can be as follows: Figure 3B As shown, SFN represents system frame number, 1 slot represents 1 time slot, and the 256 SSBs are divided into 32 groups of 8 SSBs each. Each group lasts for 20ms, and the 256 SSBs last for a total of 640ms. Within each group, the first 2ms contain the SSB, and the remaining 18ms can be used to send normal data.

[0061] Considering the specific relative relationships maintained between satellites in orbit, seamless constellation coverage can be guaranteed when each satellite's coverage area is a rectangle. Terminals primarily perform mobility management and RRM measurements at the satellite coverage edges, i.e., the overlapping areas with adjacent satellites. Taking rectangular coverage as an example, the satellite's service area is evenly divided into 256 rectangular regions, with each SSB beam covering one rectangular region. Each region corresponds to one radii, and all radii are assigned unique numbers. The size of each radii can be set to be the same as the coverage size of the SSB beam, facilitating periodic satellite scanning. The specific location and number of each radii can be pre-set in the satellite and terminal chips, or periodically distributed by the operations control center and core network. Within a certain period, a satellite will cover the same number of ground radii as the SSB beams, thus establishing a one-to-one mapping between the SSB index and SSB beam number. The SSB arrangement pattern can be as follows: Figure 3CAs shown, the number in each rectangle can represent either the SSB index of the beam covering this area or the wave position index of the beam covering this area.

[0062] This mapping relationship can also be maintained by the operations control center and uploaded to the satellite.

[0063] (III) System Messages.

[0064] In addition to SSB, typical communication systems also need to send system messages required for various network access and network services to users via broadcast beams, indicating relevant network communication configurations. NR system messages can be divided into three types:

[0065] MIB: Master Information Block

[0066] • SIB1: System Information Block 1, System Message Block 1

[0067] OSI: Other System Information

[0068] The MIB is system information that the UE needs to obtain immediately after completing cell search and frequency / time synchronization. The MIB is broadcast via the PBCH, and the PBCH, together with the synchronization signal, is collectively referred to as the SSB. The MIB is system information that the cell must broadcast because the first four parameters in the MIB are required for the random access procedure.

[0069] After acquiring the MIB, the next system message the UE must acquire is SIB1. Information already acquired in the MIB does not need to appear in SIB1. SIB1 is broadcast on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and contains access permission for the serving satellite, defining the OSI scheduling instructions. It also indicates the uniform configuration information of the serving satellite, including uplink and downlink frequencies, initial BWP, SSB transmission period, and transmission index, etc.

[0070] Apart from SIB1, all other types of SIBs can be collectively referred to as OSI. OSI includes SIB2 to SIB21. In NTN scenarios, the commonly used OSI types that are slightly different from those of terrestrial cells mainly include SIB2 / 4 and SIB19.

[0071] SIB2 / 4 contains information related to cell reselection at the same / different frequencies, mainly including the measured frequency, signal strength, serving satellite measurement window configuration, SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC), and neighboring satellite measurement window configuration (SMTC4), etc.

[0072] SIB19 is a new addition to the NTN scenario, containing a lot of auxiliary information about the satellites accessed by the NTN, mainly including the configuration of the serving satellite (e.g., ephemeris, TA information, cell-level Koffset, epoch time, etc.), handover distance reference point and threshold, and neighboring satellite configuration, etc.

[0073] (iv) System message delivery method.

[0074] During the initial access process, the network side sends multiple SSBs and their corresponding SIB1s. SIB1s are cell-level system information, and the content carried by the SIB1s associated with different SSB indices is consistent.

[0075] For example, under satellite coverage, the UE can receive three SSB beams: SSB0, SSB1, and SSB2. Based on the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the SSB, the optimal beam SSB1 is selected, and the listening slot for SIB1 is confirmed according to SSB index=1, and SIB1 is then monitored.

[0076] In the NR NTN protocol, base stations primarily use time-division multiplexing of beams in different directions to broadcast OSI (Optical System Interface) configurations to each user. Specifically, OSI configures the SI window through SI-SchedulingInfo in SIB1, specifying which SIBs and the broadcasting / not-broadcasting type in the SI message. When a UE needs a particular SIB, it blindly checks the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) scrambled with the System Information Radio Network Temporary Identifier (SI-RNTI) within the SI-window corresponding to that SIB's SI message to receive the specific SI message.

[0077] In addition, in order to flexibly adapt to the needs of different regions and save signaling overhead, the network side can also configure system information of different granularities based on the beam coverage area. For example, each beam position can be configured with different system information, or a group of beam positions can be configured with a group of system information, or beam positions in a region can be configured with the same system information, etc.

[0078] (v) Network-side paging notification system message update.

[0079] If the content of the system message is updated, the network needs to notify the UE to update the system message. NR's system message update mechanism is through paging. UEs in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state and RRC inactive state always listen for their own paging opportunities. UEs in RRC connected state listen for all paging opportunities. If the network needs to update system information related to public safety, a Public Warning System (PWS) flag will be included in the paging notification. This flag will cause the UE to immediately initiate the system information acquisition process upon receiving the system message update notification. Other system information is generally acquired in the next system message update cycle to maintain time synchronization with the network. The system message update cycle is generally an integer multiple of the discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle.

[0080] The network side can configure system information at different granularities based on the beam coverage area. For example, each beam position can be configured with different system information, a group of beam positions can be configured with a group of system information, or beam positions within a region can be configured with the same system information, and so on. Different system message delivery methods should correspond to different system message re-search mechanisms. For example, when the network side delivers cell-level system messages, i.e., global broadcast, the UE does not need to update the system message after receiving a system message containing measurement configuration, unless the network side uses paging resources to paging the UE. When the network side delivers beam position-level system messages, i.e., the system information is different for different beam positions, a system message re-search is required when the UE's beam position changes. However, existing technologies do not establish a correspondence between different system message delivery granularities and re-search mechanisms. Furthermore, the UE is unaware of the specific granularity of the system messages sent by the network. This information misalignment makes it impossible for the UE to determine which criteria to use to re-search for system messages, thus preventing timely and accurate system message updates. This information misalignment can cause untimely or inaccurate system message updates, wasting a lot of overhead caused by blindly detecting system messages, and consequently reducing the accuracy of mobility management and cell management.

[0081] This application proposes a communication method in which the UE determines the criteria for re-searching system messages based on the system message delivery method, enables the UE to perceive the system message delivery method of the network side, establishes a correspondence mechanism between the system message delivery method and the re-search criteria, and enables the UE to update system messages in a timely and accurate manner, reducing the overhead of blindly searching system messages and improving the accuracy of mobility management or cell management.

[0082] Figure 4 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method 400 provided in the application embodiment. Figure 4 This application illustrates the method using satellites and terminals as the executing entities in this interaction demonstration, but it does not limit the executing entities of this interaction demonstration. For example, Figure 4 The satellite in the text can also be a module applied to the satellite (such as a chip, chip system, or processor), or a logical node, logical module, or software that can realize all or part of the satellite's functions; Figure 4 The terminal in this context can also be a module (e.g., a chip, chip system, or processor) used to implement the method on the terminal, or it can be a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method 400 of this embodiment may include part 410 and part 420.

[0083] Section 410: The satellite sends a first system message to the terminal, and the terminal device receives the first system message from the satellite accordingly. This first system message can be SIB1, OSI, or a combination of SIB1 and OSI; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0084] Section 420: The terminal obtains a second system message based on the aforementioned first system message delivery method. The second system message is a modified first system message, and the delivery method is either global delivery, regional delivery, bandgap group delivery, or bandgap delivery. Alternatively, the terminal determines the re-search criteria for system messages based on the aforementioned first system message delivery method. If the re-search criteria are met, the terminal re-searches for system messages to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. It can also be understood that there is a correspondence between the aforementioned first system message delivery method and the aforementioned re-search criteria. The terminal determines the re-search criteria based on the first system message delivery method. If the re-search criteria are met, the terminal re-searches for system messages to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. The correspondence between the aforementioned first system message delivery method and the aforementioned re-search criteria can be predefined or determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal; this application does not impose any limitations. The aforementioned second system message can be SIB1, OSI, or a combination of SIB1 and OSI; this application does not impose any limitations. The aforementioned global distribution can also be understood as distributing the same system message within the satellite coverage area, or distributing the same system message within the satellite-covered cell; the aforementioned regional distribution can also be understood as distributing the same system message in a portion of the satellite coverage area (e.g., the coverage edge area, or other portions of the area, which is not limited in this application); the aforementioned wavelet group can include at least one wavelet. For a description of the wavelet, please refer to the description in (II) Satellite SSB Beam, which will not be repeated here. The aforementioned wavelet group distribution can also be understood as the wavelets under the satellite coverage area being grouped, and the same system message being distributed within the same wavelet group, for example... Figure 3C In this embodiment, wave positions 7, 8, 23, and 24 are divided into a wave position group X, and the satellite sends out the same system message within this wave position group X. As described in (II) of the satellite SSB beam, there is a one-to-one mapping relationship between the SSB index and the SSB beam, and each SSB beam covers a corresponding area, and each area corresponds to a wave position. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the wave position group in this embodiment can also be understood as a beam group, the wave position in this embodiment can also be understood as a beam, the wave position group sending in this embodiment can also be understood as beam group sending, and the wave position sending in this embodiment can also be understood as beam sending.

[0085] In method 400, the terminal receives a first system message from the satellite and, based on the delivery method of the first system message (whether it is a global delivery, regional delivery, bandgap delivery, or bandgap delivery), obtains a modified version of the first system message, i.e., a second system message. This method enables the terminal to perceive the way the satellite delivers the first system message, determine the re-search criteria corresponding to the delivery method of the first system message, and thus accurately and timely re-search the system message, reducing the overhead caused by blindly searching for system messages and improving the accuracy of mobility management or cell management.

[0086] In this application, "sending information to...(terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include sending information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving...information from (satellite)" can be understood as the source of the information being the satellite, and can include receiving information from the satellite directly or indirectly. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted similarly, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0087] In one possible implementation of the method for the terminal to obtain the aforementioned first system message, the method is predefined. For example, if the satellite and the terminal predefine the method for distributing system messages as frequency band distribution, then the terminal determines the re-search criteria corresponding to the frequency band distribution based on the frequency band distribution method, and re-searches for system messages under the condition of satisfying the re-search criteria to obtain the changed system messages.

[0088] In another possible implementation of the terminal obtaining the aforementioned first system message delivery method, method 400 further includes: the satellite determining first information and sending the first information to the terminal; correspondingly, the terminal receiving the aforementioned first information from the satellite, the first information being used to indicate the aforementioned delivery method. The aforementioned first information can be carried on the MIB, SIB1, or OSI; this application does not limit the specific form or delivery method of the first information. In one possible implementation, the aforementioned first information is air interface signaling. The satellite sends the first information to the terminal during initial access, and the first information indicates whether the system message delivery method is global delivery, regional delivery, bandgap group delivery, or bandgap delivery. After receiving the first information, the terminal identifies the system message delivery method and, based on the correspondence between the delivery method and the re-search criterion, determines the criterion for re-searching the system message, and re-searches the system message if the re-search criterion is met. The correspondence between the aforementioned delivery method and the re-search criterion can be predefined, and this application does not limit it.

[0089] For example, the satellite defines the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig:

[0090] sib1-BroadcastConfig ENUMERATED{Beam,Beam Group,Area,Cell}OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0091] The aforementioned first information includes the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig, which is used to indicate the delivery method of the SIB1 message. The value of sib1-BroadcastConfig can be Beam, Beam Group, Area, or Cell. Specifically, if sib1-BroadcastConfig is set to Beam, the delivery method of the SIB1 message is beam position delivery; if sib1-BroadcastConfig is set to Beam Group, the delivery method of the SIB1 message is beam position group delivery; if sib1-BroadcastConfig is set to Area, the delivery method of the SIB1 message is area delivery; and if sib1-BroadcastConfig is set to Cell, the delivery method of the SIB1 message is global delivery.

[0092] This information element can indicate the transmission method of SIB1. Similarly, the satellite can also configure such information elements (e.g., sib2-BroadcastConfig, sib4-BroadcastConfig, etc.) for OSI to indicate the transmission method of OSI. The definition of the information element indicating the OSI transmission method is similar to that of the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig indicating the SIB1 transmission method, and will not be repeated here.

[0093] For example, a satellite can also define the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig:: as follows:

[0094] sib1-BroadcastConfig::=SEQUENCE{

[0095] sib1-BeamSpecific ENUMERATED{enabled,disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0096] sib1-BeamGroupSpecific ENUMERATED{enabled,disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0097] sib1-AreaSpecific ENUMERATED{enabled,disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0098] sib1-CellSpecific ENUMERATED{enabled,disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R}

[0099] The first piece of information mentioned above includes the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig::, where sib1-BroadcastConfig:: indicates the delivery method of SIB1 messages, and sib1-BeamSpecific indicates the beam position delivery system message. When the value is enabled, it indicates that the SIB1 message is delivered via beam position; when the value is disabled, it indicates that the SIB1 message is not delivered via beam position. Similarly, sib1-BeamGroupSpecific indicates beam position group delivery of SIB1, sib1-AreaSpecific indicates area delivery of SIB1, and sib1-CellSpecific indicates global delivery of SIB1. The value methods for sib1-BeamGroupSpecific, sib1-AreaSpecific, and sib1-CellSpecific are similar to those for sib1-BeamSpecific and will not be elaborated here. For example, the satellite defines the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig:: as follows:

[0100] sib1-BroadcastConfig::=SEQUENCE{

[0101] sib1-BeamSpecific ENUMERATED{disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0102] sib1-BeamGroupSpecific ENUMERATED{disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0103] sib1-AreaSpecific ENUMERATED{enabled} OPTIONAL,--Need R

[0104] sib1-CellSpecific ENUMERATED{disable} OPTIONAL,--Need R}

[0105] The information element sib1-BroadcastConfig:: is used to indicate that the SIB1 message is sent in a regional manner.

[0106] The information element sib1-BroadcastConfig:: can indicate the transmission method of SIB1. Similarly, the satellite can also configure such information elements for OSI (such as sib2-BroadcastConfig::, sib4-BroadcastConfig::, etc.) to indicate the transmission method of OSI. The definition of the information element indicating the OSI transmission method is similar to that of the information element sib1-BroadcastConfig:: indicating the SIB1 transmission method, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] It is understood that the above description of the information elements sib1-BroadcastConfig and sib1-BroadcastConfig:: is merely an example of how the first information is used to indicate the method of sending the first system message. In this application, there is no limitation on the specific form in which the first information indicates the method of sending the first system message.

[0108] The aforementioned re-search criteria can be based on the optimal SSB determined by the terminal, a distance threshold based on a reference position during the relative movement of the terminal and the satellite, or a paging notification sent by the satellite. Detailed explanations and examples of the re-search mechanism will be provided later in this application.

[0109] In one possible implementation of the above-mentioned re-search criterion, the re-search criterion may be predefined and built into the terminal. The terminal can determine the re-search criterion corresponding to the system message delivery method according to the system message delivery method, and re-search the system message if the re-search criterion conditions are met.

[0110] In another possible implementation of the above-mentioned re-search criterion, the re-search criterion can also be determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal along with the system message. When the terminal receives the system message, it can obtain the re-search criterion of the system message and re-search the system message if the conditions of the re-search criterion are met.

[0111] In one possible implementation of obtaining the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, when the delivery method is the regional delivery method, a first distance is determined between the terminal and a reference position within the first region, where the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; when the first distance is greater than a first distance threshold, the second system message is obtained. The first region is a portion of the satellite coverage area, such as a coverage edge region, and this application does not limit this. It is understood that when the delivery method is regional delivery, the terminal can determine the first distance between itself and a reference position within the first region based on its own location. This reference position can be predefined, determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal along with the system message, or determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal separately; this application does not limit this. The reference position can be the center of the first region or any location within the first region; this application does not limit this. After determining the first distance, the terminal uses the relationship between the first distance and a first distance threshold to determine whether it has moved out of the current area, and then determines whether it needs to re-search the first system message to obtain the changed first system message, i.e., the second system message. The first distance threshold can be predefined or determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal. When the first area is rectangular, determining the first distance between the terminal and a reference position within the first area can include: determining the lateral distance between the terminal and the reference position within the first area, and determining the longitudinal distance between the terminal and the reference position within the first area. When the lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance threshold, or when the longitudinal distance is greater than the first longitudinal distance threshold, the first system message is re-searched to obtain the changed first system message, i.e., the second system message. This application does not limit the shape of the first area. It is understood that the specific implementation of the above method differs for different shapes of first areas. However, the scheme in this embodiment for determining whether to obtain the second system message based on the distance between the terminal position and the reference position within the first area is essentially the same. Therefore, examples of other shapes of first areas will not be described in detail in this application.

[0112] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, when the delivery method is the delivery of the wavelet group, a first synchronization signal block (SSB) is determined; when the first SSB is not simultaneous with the SSBs corresponding to all wavelets included in the first wavelet group, the second system message is obtained, and the first wavelet group is the wavelet group from which the first system message was delivered. The first SSB can also be understood as the SSB determined by the terminal for data transmission. In one possible implementation of determining the first SSB, the terminal determines the first SSB based on the RSRP measurement results of all SSBs it receives. The first SSB can be the SSB with the highest RSRP among all SSBs received by the terminal, or any SSB whose RSRP measurement result is greater than the first RSRP threshold. This application does not limit this. The first wavelet group includes at least one wavelet, and each wavelet in the at least one wavelet corresponds to an SSB. When the first SSB is not simultaneous with the SSBs corresponding to all wavelets included in the first wavelet group, the first system message is searched again to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. The first SSB mentioned above is different from the SSBs corresponding to all the waves included in the first wave group mentioned above. It can also be understood that the index of the first SSB mentioned above is different from the index of the SSBs corresponding to all the waves included in the first wave group mentioned above.

[0113] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, when the delivery method is the delivery of the wavelet group, a second SSB is determined, and the second SSB corresponds to the first wavelet; when the second wavelet group does not include the first wavelet, the second system message is obtained, and the second wavelet group is the wavelet group delivered by the first system message. The second SSB can also be understood as the SSB determined by the terminal for data transmission. In one possible implementation of determining the second SSB, the terminal determines the second SSB based on the RSRP measurement results of all SSBs it receives. The second SSB can be the SSB with the highest RSRP among all SSBs received by the terminal, or any SSB whose RSRP measurement result is greater than the second RSRP threshold among all SSBs received by the terminal; this application does not limit this. The second wavelet group includes at least one wavelet, and the second SSB corresponds to the first wavelet. When the second wavelet group does not include the first wavelet, the first system message is searched again to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. The second wave group mentioned above does not include the first wave group mentioned above. It can also be understood that the index of the first wave group mentioned above is different from the index of all the waves included in the second wave group mentioned above.

[0114] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message based on the first system message delivery method, when the delivery method is the aforementioned wave position delivery, a third SSB within the first periodic time is determined; when the third SSB and the fourth SSB are different, the second system message is obtained, and the fourth SSB is the SSB within the periodic time preceding the first periodic time. The third SSB can also be understood as the SSB determined by the terminal for data transmission within the first periodic time. In one possible implementation of determining the third SSB, the terminal determines the third SSB based on the RSRP measurement results of all SSBs received within the first periodic time. The third SSB can be the SSB with the highest RSRP among all SSBs received by the terminal, or any SSB whose RSRP measurement result is greater than a third RSRP threshold; this application does not limit this. The aforementioned fourth SSB can also be understood as the SSB used for data transmission during the second period determined by the terminal. The second period is the period preceding the first period. The fourth SSB can be determined by the terminal. In one possible implementation of the terminal determining the fourth SSB, the terminal determines the fourth SSB based on the RSRP measurement results of all SSBs received during the second period. The fourth SSB can be the SSB with the highest RSRP among all SSBs received by the terminal, or any SSB whose RSRP measurement result is greater than the fourth RSRP threshold. This application does not impose any limitations. When the aforementioned third SSB and the aforementioned fourth SSB are different, the aforementioned first system message is searched again to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. The difference between the aforementioned third SSB and the aforementioned fourth SSB can also be understood as the index of the aforementioned third SSB being different from the index of the aforementioned fourth SSB. Based on the foregoing description of the wave positions, it can be understood that the third SSB corresponds to the third wave position, and the fourth SSB corresponds to the fourth wave position. The above embodiment may further include: when the third wave position and the fourth wave position are different, re-searching the first system message to obtain the modified first system message, i.e., the second system message. The difference between the third wave position and the fourth wave position can also be understood as the index of the third wave position being different from the index of the fourth wave position.

[0115] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message based on the first system message delivery method, when the delivery method is a global delivery, the first indication information is received; based on the first indication information, the second system message is obtained. The first indication information may be a paging message. When the content of a system message is updated, the satellite needs to send a paging message to notify the terminal to update the system message. Terminals in RRC idle state and RRC inactive state always listen for their own paging messages. Terminals in RRC connected state listen for all paging messages. If the network needs to update system information related to public safety, the first indication information will also include a PWS flag. This flag will cause the terminal to immediately initiate the system information acquisition process upon receiving the paging message. Other system information is generally acquired in the next system message update cycle to maintain time synchronization with the network. The system message update cycle is generally an integer multiple of the DRX cycle.

[0116] In the above embodiments of obtaining the second system message according to the first system message delivery method, it can be seen that the mechanism for triggering the acquisition of the changed first system message (i.e., the second system message) is different when the first system message is delivered by wave position delivery, wave position group delivery, regional delivery, or global delivery. In other words, the triggering mechanism for re-searching the first system message is different for different first system message delivery methods. It can be understood that the essence of the above embodiments is that, for different system message delivery methods, the terminal can trigger the re-search of system messages according to the re-search mechanism corresponding to the delivery method, enabling the terminal to update system messages in a timely and accurate manner, reducing the overhead of blindly searching system messages, and improving the accuracy of mobility management or cell management. The above embodiments only provide examples of the correspondence between different system message delivery methods and different re-search mechanisms. This application does not limit other corresponding combinations of system message delivery methods and re-search mechanisms. Examples are given below.

[0117] In one possible implementation of obtaining the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, when the delivery method is the aforementioned regional delivery, a first indication information is received; based on the aforementioned first indication information, the aforementioned second system message is obtained. The aforementioned first indication information may be a paging message. When the content of the system message is updated, the satellite needs to send a paging message to notify the terminal to update the system message. Terminals in RRC idle state and RRC inactive state always listen for their own paging messages. Terminals in RRC connected state listen for all paging messages. If the network needs to update system information related to public safety, then the aforementioned first indication information will also include a PWS flag. This flag will cause the terminal to immediately proceed with the system information acquisition process when it receives the paging message. Other system information is generally acquired in the next system message update cycle to maintain time synchronization with the network. The system message update cycle is generally an integer multiple of the DRX cycle.

[0118] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, when the delivery method is the aforementioned wavelet group delivery, a first distance is determined between the terminal and a reference position within a first region, where the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; when the first distance is greater than a first distance threshold, the second system message is obtained. The first region is a portion of the satellite coverage area, such as a coverage edge region, and this application does not limit this. It is understood that when the delivery method is regional delivery, the terminal can determine the first distance between itself and a reference position within the first region based on its own location. This reference position can be predefined, or it can be determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal along with the system message, or it can be determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal separately; this application does not limit this. The reference position can be the center of the first region or any location within the first region; this application does not limit this. After determining the first distance, the terminal uses the relationship between the first distance and a first distance threshold to determine whether it has moved out of the current area, and then determines whether it needs to re-search the first system message to obtain the changed first system message, i.e., the second system message. The first distance threshold can be predefined or determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal. When the first area is rectangular, determining the first distance between the terminal and a reference position within the first area can include: determining the lateral distance between the terminal and the reference position within the first area, and determining the longitudinal distance between the terminal and the reference position within the first area. When the lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance threshold, or when the longitudinal distance is greater than the first longitudinal distance threshold, the first system message is re-searched to obtain the changed first system message, i.e., the second system message. This application does not limit the shape of the first area. It is understood that the specific implementation of the above method differs for different shapes of first areas. However, the scheme in this embodiment for determining whether to obtain the second system message based on the distance between the terminal position and the reference position within the first area is essentially the same. Therefore, examples of other shapes of first areas will not be described in detail in this application.

[0119] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message based on the first system message delivery method, when the delivery method is the aforementioned wavelet group delivery, the first indication information is received; based on the aforementioned first indication information, the aforementioned second system message is obtained. The aforementioned first indication information may be a paging message. When the content of the system message is updated, the satellite needs to send a paging message to notify the terminal to update the system message. Terminals in RRC idle state and RRC inactive state always listen for their own paging messages. Terminals in RRC connected state listen for all paging messages. If the network needs to update system information related to public safety, the aforementioned first indication information will also include a PWS flag. This flag will cause the terminal to immediately proceed with the system information acquisition process upon receiving the paging message. Other system information is generally acquired in the next system message update cycle to maintain time synchronization with the network. The system message update cycle is generally an integer multiple of the DRX cycle.

[0120] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message according to the first system message delivery method, when the delivery method is the aforementioned wave position delivery, a first distance is determined between the terminal and a reference position within a first region, where the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; when the first distance is greater than a first distance threshold, the second system message is obtained. The first region is a portion of the satellite coverage area, such as a coverage edge region, and this application does not limit this. It is understood that when the delivery method is regional delivery, the terminal can determine the first distance between itself and a reference position within the first region based on its own location. This reference position can be predefined, or it can be determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal along with the system message, or it can be determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal separately; this application does not limit this. The reference position can be the center of the first region or any location within the first region; this application does not limit this. After determining the first distance, the terminal uses the relationship between the first distance and a first distance threshold to determine whether it has moved out of the current area, and then determines whether it needs to re-search the first system message to obtain the changed first system message, i.e., the second system message. The first distance threshold can be predefined or determined by the satellite and sent to the terminal. When the first area is rectangular, determining the first distance between the terminal and a reference position within the first area can include: determining the lateral distance between the terminal and the reference position within the first area, and determining the longitudinal distance between the terminal and the reference position within the first area. When the lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance threshold, or when the longitudinal distance is greater than the first longitudinal distance threshold, the first system message is re-searched to obtain the changed first system message, i.e., the second system message. This application does not limit the shape of the first area. It is understood that the specific implementation of the above method differs for different shapes of first areas. However, the scheme in this embodiment for determining whether to obtain the second system message based on the distance between the terminal position and the reference position within the first area is essentially the same. Therefore, examples of other shapes of first areas will not be described in detail in this application.

[0121] In another possible implementation of obtaining the second system message based on the first system message delivery method, when the delivery method is the aforementioned wave position delivery, a first indication information is received; based on the aforementioned first indication information, the aforementioned second system message is obtained. The aforementioned first indication information may be a paging message. When the content of the system message is updated, the satellite needs to send a paging message to notify the terminal to update the system message. Terminals in RRC idle state and RRC inactive state always listen for their own paging messages. Terminals in RRC connected state listen for all paging messages. If the network needs to update system information related to public safety, then the aforementioned first indication information will also include a PWS flag. This flag will cause the terminal to immediately proceed with the system information acquisition process upon receiving the paging message. Other system information is generally acquired in the next system message update cycle to maintain time synchronization with the network. The system message update cycle is generally an integer multiple of the DRX cycle.

[0122] It is understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to NTN scenarios, and are applicable to other communication scenarios as well. The satellite in this application can also be a network device, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0123] Corresponding to the methods described in the above embodiments, this application also provides corresponding apparatus, including modules for executing the corresponding methods in the above embodiments. The modules may be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0124] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a terminal structure is provided. This terminal is applicable to... Figure 1 , Figure 2A or Figure 2B In the scenario shown, the terminal or a module within the terminal can execute the aforementioned method 400 and various possible implementations. For ease of explanation, Figure 5 Only the main modules of the terminal are shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, terminal 500 includes a processor, memory, control circuitry, antenna, and input / output devices. The processor is primarily used for processing communication protocols and data, controlling the entire terminal, executing software programs, and processing software program data. The memory is primarily used for storing software programs and data. The radio frequency (RF) circuitry is primarily used for converting baseband signals to RF signals and processing RF signals. The antenna is primarily used for transmitting and receiving RF signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input / output devices, such as touchscreens, displays, and keyboards, are primarily used for receiving user input data and outputting data to the user.

[0125] When the terminal is powered on, the processor can read the software program from the storage unit, parse and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be transmitted wirelessly, the processor performs baseband processing on the data to be transmitted and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency (RF) circuit. The RF circuit processes the baseband signal to obtain the RF signal and transmits the RF signal outward in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the terminal, the RF circuit receives the RF signal through the antenna. This RF signal is further converted into a baseband signal and output to the processor. The processor converts the baseband signal back into data and processes the data.

[0126] For ease of explanation, Figure 5 Only one memory and processor are shown. In a real terminal, multiple processors and memories may exist. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this.

[0127] As an optional implementation, the processor may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is mainly used to control the entire terminal device, execute software programs, and process the data of the software programs. Figure 5 The processor integrates the functions of a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. It will also be understood that a terminal can include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance its processing capabilities. The various modules of the terminal can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. Similarly, the CPU can be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored as a software program in a storage unit, with the processor executing the software program to implement the baseband processing function.

[0128] In one example, the antenna and control circuit with transceiver functions can be considered as the transceiver unit 511 of the terminal 500, and the processor with processing functions can be considered as the processing unit 512 of the terminal 500. For example... Figure 5As shown, terminal 500 includes a transceiver unit 511 and a processing unit 512. The transceiver unit can also be referred to as a transceiver, transceiver device, or transceiver apparatus. Optionally, the device in transceiver unit 511 used for receiving functions can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in transceiver unit 511 used for transmitting functions can be considered a transmitting unit; that is, transceiver unit 511 includes both a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. For example, the receiving unit can also be referred to as a receiver, receiver circuit, or receiving device, and the transmitting unit can be referred to as a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit. Optionally, the receiving unit and transmitting unit can be integrated into a single unit or can be multiple independent units. The receiving unit and transmitting unit can be located in one geographical location or distributed across multiple geographical locations.

[0129] like Figure 6 As shown, another embodiment of this application provides an apparatus 600. This apparatus can be a terminal, or a module applied to a terminal (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.). Alternatively, the apparatus can be satellite equipment, or a module applied to satellite equipment (e.g., an integrated circuit, a chip, etc.), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of satellite equipment. The apparatus can also be other communication modules. For example, the apparatus 600 can implement the functions of satellite in method 400 and various possible implementations, or the apparatus 600 can implement the functions of terminal in method 400 and various possible implementations. The apparatus 600 may include an interface module 601 (or interface unit) and a processing module 602 (or processing unit), and may also include a storage module 603 (or storage unit).

[0130] In one possible design, such as Figure 6 One or more modules may be implemented by one or more processors, or by one or more processors and memory; or by one or more processors and transceivers; or by one or more processors, memory, and transceivers. This application does not limit the implementation in this way. The processors, memory, and transceivers can be configured individually or integrated.

[0131] The device is capable of implementing the functions of the terminal described in the embodiments of this application. For example, the device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps involved in the terminal described in the embodiments of this application. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software, or a combination of software and hardware. Further details can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments. Alternatively, the device is capable of implementing the functions of the wireless access network device described in the embodiments of this application. For example, the device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the steps involved in the wireless access network device described in the embodiments of this application. These functions, units, or means can be implemented by software, hardware, or hardware executing corresponding software, or a combination of software and hardware. Further details can be found in the corresponding descriptions in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0132] In one possible design, device 600 includes an interface module 601 and a processing module 602. Device 600 can be, for example, a terminal, a module applied to the terminal (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. Interface module 601 is used to receive a first system message from the satellite. Processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire a second system message according to the distribution method of the first system message, wherein the second system message is a modified version of the first system message, and the distribution method is global distribution, regional distribution, beam group distribution, or beam position distribution.

[0133] In one possible implementation of device 600, the above-mentioned delivery method is predefined, or the interface module 601 is further configured to receive first information, which is used to indicate the above-mentioned delivery method.

[0134] In one possible implementation of device 600, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: when the delivery method is regional delivery, the processing module 602 is used to determine a first distance between the terminal and a reference position in the first region, wherein the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; when the first distance is greater than a first distance threshold, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message.

[0135] In one possible implementation of the device 600, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: when the delivery method is the delivery of the wave group, the processing module 602 is used to determine the first synchronization signal block (SSB); when the first SSB is not the same as the SSB corresponding to all the waves included in the first wave group, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message, wherein the first wave group is the wave group to which the first system message was delivered.

[0136] In one possible implementation of the device 600, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: when the delivery method is the delivery of the wave position group, the processing module 602 is used to determine the second SSB, the second SSB corresponding to the first wave position; when the second wave position group does not include the first wave position, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message, the second wave position group being the wave position group delivered by the first system message.

[0137] In one possible implementation of the device 600, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: when the delivery method is the wave position delivery, the processing module 602 is used to determine the third SSB within the first periodic time; when the third SSB and the fourth SSB are different, the processing module 602 is used to control the device to acquire the second system message, wherein the fourth SSB is the SSB within the periodic time before the first periodic time.

[0138] In one possible implementation of the device 600, the interface module 601 is further configured to receive first indication information; the processing module 602 is configured to control the device to obtain second system messages according to the distribution method of the first system message, including: when the distribution method is the global distribution, the processing module 602 is configured to control the device to obtain the second system message based on the first indication information.

[0139] In one possible design, device 600 includes an interface module 601. Device 600 can be, for example, satellite equipment, a module applied to satellite equipment (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the satellite equipment. Interface module 601 is used to send a first system message to a terminal. Interface module 601 is also used to send a second system message, which is a modified version of the first system message.

[0140] In one possible implementation of the device 600, the interface module 601 is further configured to send first information, which indicates the method of sending the first system message, wherein the method of sending is global sending, regional sending, wave group sending, or wave position sending.

[0141] In one possible implementation of the device 600, the interface module 601 is further configured to send a first instruction message, which instructs the terminal to obtain the second system message.

[0142] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the above-mentioned device 600 and various possible implementation methods can be referred to the description in the foregoing method embodiments or invention content, and will not be repeated here.

[0143] Optionally, the device 600 may further include a storage module 603 for storing data or instructions (also referred to as code or program). The other modules may interact with or be coupled to the storage module to implement corresponding methods or functions. For example, the processing module 602 may read data or instructions from the storage module 603, enabling the device 600 to implement the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0144] In one example, the modules in the aforementioned device 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 digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. As another example, when the modules 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).

[0145] refer to Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application, which can be used to implement the above-described method 400 and various possible implementation methods. For example... Figure 7As shown, the device includes a processor 710 and an interface 730, with the processor 710 coupled to the interface 730. The interface 730 is used to enable communication with other modules or devices. The interface 730 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The interface 730 can be, for example, an interface circuit. Optionally, the device also includes a memory 720 for storing instructions executed by the processor 710, or storing input data required by the processor 710 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 710 executes instructions.

[0146] The above-described method 400 and various possible implementations can be implemented by the processor 710 calling programs or instructions stored in the memory 720. The memory 720 can be internal or external to the device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0147] Optionally, Figure 6 The functions / implementation processes of interface module 601 and processing module 602 can be accessed through... Figure 7 The processor 710 in the illustrated device implements this. Alternatively, Figure 6 The function / implementation process of the processing module 602 can be achieved through... Figure 7 The processor 710 in the illustrated device implements this. Figure 6 The function / implementation process of interface module 601 can be achieved through... Figure 7 The interface 730 in the device shown is implemented, and by way of example, the function / implementation of the interface module 601 can be achieved by the processor calling program instructions in memory to drive the interface 730.

[0148] When the aforementioned device is a chip applied to a terminal, the chip in the terminal implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, and this information comes from other terminals or wireless access network devices; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the terminal, and this information is sent by the terminal to other terminals or wireless access network devices.

[0149] When the aforementioned device is a chip applied to satellite equipment, the chip implements the functions of the satellite equipment in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the satellite equipment, the information being from other satellite equipment or terminals; or, the chip sends information to other modules (such as radio frequency modules or antennas) in the satellite equipment, the information being sent by the satellite equipment to other satellite equipment or terminals.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations, such as "first," "second," etc., used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate a sequential order. "And / or" describes 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. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one" refers to one or more. "At least two" refers to two or more. "At least one," "any one," or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. "Multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0151] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes 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.

[0152] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved entirely or partially through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented entirely or partially in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in 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., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0153] The steps of the methods described in the embodiments of this application can be directly embedded in hardware, a software unit executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software unit can be stored in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), registers, hard disk, removable disk, or any other form of storage medium in the art. Exemplarily, the storage medium can be connected to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium can also be integrated into the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be disposed in an ASIC.

[0154] This application also provides a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0155] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above-described method embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments in this application can be referred to mutually. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within those embodiments, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within those embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within those embodiments can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The above-described embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0156] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes 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.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: Receive the first system message from the satellite; According to the delivery method of the first system message, a second system message is obtained. The second system message is a modified version of the first system message. The delivery method is global delivery, regional delivery, wave position group delivery, or wave position delivery.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distribution method is predefined, or the method further includes: Receive first information, which is used to indicate the delivery method.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the second system message according to the sending method of the first system message includes: When the delivery method is regional delivery, a first distance is determined between the terminal and a reference position within the first region, where the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; When the first distance is greater than the first distance threshold, the second system message is obtained.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the second system message according to the sending method of the first system message includes: When the transmission method is the waveform group transmission, the first synchronization signal block SSB is determined; When the first SSB is not the same as the SSB corresponding to all the waveforms included in the first waveform group, the second system message is obtained, and the first waveform group is the waveform group sent by the first system message.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the second system message according to the sending method of the first system message includes: When the distribution method is the distribution of the wave position group, a second SSB is determined, and the second SSB corresponds to the first wave position; When the second bit group does not include the first bit, the second system message is obtained, and the second bit group is the bit group sent by the first system message.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the second system message according to the sending method of the first system message includes: When the transmission method is the wave position transmission, the third SSB within the first period is determined; When the third SSB and the fourth SSB are different, the second system message is obtained, wherein the fourth SSB is the SSB in the period before the first period.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the second system message according to the sending method of the first system message includes: When the distribution method is the global distribution, the first instruction information is received; Based on the first indication information, the second system message is obtained.

8. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Interface module and processing module: The interface module is used to receive the first system message from the satellite; The processing module is used to control the device to obtain a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message. The second system message is a modified first system message. The delivery method is global delivery, regional delivery, wavelet group delivery, or wavelet delivery.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The distribution method is predefined, or the interface module is further configured to receive first information, which is used to indicate the distribution method.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The processing module is used to control the device to obtain a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: When the delivery method is regional delivery, the processing module is used to determine a first distance between the terminal and a reference position within the first region, where the first region is the region where the first system message is delivered; When the first distance is greater than the first distance threshold, the processing module is used to control the device to obtain the second system message.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The processing module is used to control the device to obtain a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: When the distribution method is the waveform group distribution, the processing module is used to determine the first synchronization signal block SSB; When the first SSB is not the same as the SSB corresponding to all the waveforms included in the first waveform group, the processing module is used to control the device to obtain the second system message, where the first waveform group is the waveform group sent by the first system message.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The processing module is used to control the device to obtain a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: When the distribution method is the distribution of the wave position group, the processing module is used to determine the second SSB, which corresponds to the first wave position; When the second bit group does not include the first bit, the processing module is used to control the device to obtain the second system message, where the second bit group is the bit group sent by the first system message.

13. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The processing module is used to control the device to obtain a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: When the transmission method is the wave position transmission, the processing module is used to determine the third SSB within the first period; When the third SSB and the fourth SSB are different, the processing module is used to control the device to obtain the second system message, wherein the fourth SSB is the SSB in the period before the first period.

14. The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The interface module is also used to receive first instruction information; The processing module is used to control the device to obtain a second system message according to the delivery method of the first system message, including: When the distribution method is global distribution, the processing module is used to control the device to obtain the second system message based on the first indication information.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed, the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is performed.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer program code that, when run, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.