Communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, medium, and program product

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a communication method, a terminal, network equipment, a communication system, a medium and a program product. The communication method can be applied to a terminal, and the method comprises the following steps: receiving first information, the first information being used for scheduling data transmission with a plurality of first satellites; and performing multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at the first time according to the first information. Therefore, data transmission between the terminal and a plurality of satellites can be realized, and service transmission with relatively high data volume requirements can be met.

Description

Communication methods, terminals, network equipment, communication systems, media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] In the evolution of telecommunications network technology, communication networks have integrated non-terrestrial network (NTN) technology and supported satellite access technology. This means that terminals can access the core network and conduct services via satellite access networks. However, for services with high data volume requirements, communication methods that rely on terminals connecting to a single satellite may not meet the communication needs.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] When multiple satellites are deployed, the terminal can connect to multiple satellites. Therefore, it is necessary to determine how the terminal transmits data with multiple satellites.

[0005] This disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, medium, and program product that enables the terminal to transmit data with multiple satellites, meeting the needs of services with high data volume requirements.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with a plurality of first satellites; and, according to the first information, performing multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, executed by a network device, the method comprising: sending first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with a plurality of first satellites, and the first information being used by a terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time according to the first information.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a first transceiver module configured to receive first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with a plurality of first satellites; and a processing module configured to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time, based on the first information.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a second transceiver module configured to transmit first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with a plurality of first satellites, and the first information being used by a terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time based on the first information.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a terminal is provided, comprising: at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the terminal, the instructions cause the terminal to implement the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a network device is provided. The network device includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the network device, the instructions cause the network device to implement the communication method described in the second aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes a terminal and a network device. The terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, and the network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided. When executed by a communication device, the computer program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0016] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first or second aspect.

[0017] Through the embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to enable the terminal to transmit data with multiple satellites, thereby meeting the needs of business transmission with high data volume requirements.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 1B is an architecture diagram of an integrated air-space-ground deployment provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a multi-satellite service provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4A is another schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4B is another schematic flowchart of a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure provides a communication method, terminal, network device, communication system, medium, and program product.

[0033] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a communication method executed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; and, based on the first information, performing multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0034] In this embodiment of the disclosure, based on the first information, multi-satellite data transmission is performed with multiple first satellites at a first time, which enables the terminal to transmit data with multiple satellites and meets the service transmission requirements with high data volume.

[0035] In some embodiments, receiving the first information may include receiving a single piece of first information, i.e., the first information is one, and this single piece of first information is used to schedule data transmission with a plurality of first satellites; or, receiving the first information may include receiving a plurality of first information, i.e., the first information is a plurality of, and each piece of first information is used to schedule data transmission with at least one satellite.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first information includes a first information field, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: satellite identification information; timing information between the terminal and the satellite; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0037] In some embodiments, receiving the first information includes receiving a single piece of first information, i.e., the first information is one piece, which is used to schedule data transmission with a second satellite; the method further includes: identifying the second satellite and a third satellite associated with the second satellite as a plurality of first satellites.

[0038] In some embodiments, the timing information between the terminal and the second satellite, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite, are both less than a preset threshold.

[0039] In some embodiments, performing multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites based on first information includes: determining multiple first satellites based on a first information field, and performing multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the transmission resources corresponding to multi-satellite data transmission based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information domain.

[0042] In some embodiments, the transmission method includes multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first time is determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris information; terminal-to-satellite transmission delay; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0044] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method executed by a network device, the method comprising: sending first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites, and the first information being used by a terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites at a first time according to the first information.

[0045] In this embodiment of the disclosure, based on the first information, the terminal is enabled to perform multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites in the first time, thereby enabling the terminal to transmit data with multiple satellites and meeting the service transmission requirements with high data volume.

[0046] In some embodiments, sending the first information includes sending one first information, i.e., the first information is one, and this one first information is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; or, sending the first information includes sending multiple first information, i.e., the first information is multiple, and each first information is used to schedule data transmission with at least one satellite.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first information includes a first information field, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: satellite identification information; timing information between the terminal and the satellite; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0048] In some embodiments, sending the first information includes sending a single first information, i.e., the first information is one, and the first information is used to schedule data transmission with a second satellite. The plurality of first satellites includes the second satellite and a third satellite associated with the second satellite.

[0049] In some embodiments, the timing information between the terminal and the second satellite, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite, are both less than a preset threshold.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first information domain is used by the terminal to determine multiple first satellites based on the first information domain, and to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first information field is used by the terminal to determine the transmission resources corresponding to multi-satellite data transmission based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first information field is used by the terminal to determine the transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information field.

[0053] In some embodiments, the transmission method includes multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first time is determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris information; terminal-to-satellite transmission delay; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0055] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, comprising: a first transceiver module configured to receive first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; and a processing module configured to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time, based on the first information.

[0056] In some embodiments, receiving the first information may include receiving a single piece of first information, i.e., the first information is one, and this single piece of first information is used to schedule data transmission with a plurality of first satellites; or, receiving the first information may include receiving a plurality of first information, i.e., the first information is a plurality of, and each piece of first information is used to schedule data transmission with at least one satellite.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first information includes a first information field, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: satellite identification information; timing information between the terminal and the satellite; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0058] In some embodiments, receiving the first information includes receiving a single first information, i.e., the first information is one, which is used to schedule data transmission with a second satellite; the processing module is further configured to identify the second satellite and a third satellite associated with the second satellite as a plurality of first satellites.

[0059] In some embodiments, the timing information between the terminal and the second satellite, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite, are both less than a preset threshold.

[0060] In some embodiments, the processing module is configured to determine a plurality of first satellites based on a first information domain, and to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time.

[0061] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to determine the transmission resources corresponding to multi-satellite data transmission based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

[0062] In some embodiments, the processing module is further configured to determine the transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information field.

[0063] In some embodiments, the transmission method includes multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first time is determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris information; terminal-to-satellite transmission delay; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0065] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device, including: a second transceiver module configured to send first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites, and the first information being used by a terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time according to the first information.

[0066] In some embodiments, sending the first information includes sending one first information, i.e., the first information is one, and this one first information is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; or, sending the first information includes sending multiple first information, i.e., the first information is multiple, and each first information is used to schedule data transmission with at least one satellite.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first information includes a first information field, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: satellite identification information; timing information between the terminal and the satellite; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0068] In some embodiments, sending the first information includes sending a single first information, i.e., the first information is one, which is used to schedule data transmission with a second satellite; the plurality of first satellites includes the second satellite and a third satellite associated with the second satellite.

[0069] In some embodiments, the timing information between the terminal and the second satellite, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite, are both less than a preset threshold.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first information domain is used by the terminal to determine multiple first satellites based on the first information domain, and to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first information field is used by the terminal to determine the transmission resources corresponding to multi-satellite data transmission based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first information field is used by the terminal to determine the transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information field.

[0073] In some embodiments, the transmission method includes multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first time is determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris information; terminal-to-satellite transmission delay; and transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0075] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal. The terminal includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the terminal, the instructions cause the terminal to implement the communication method described in the first aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0076] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a network device. The network device includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the network device, the instructions cause the network device to implement the communication method described in the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes a terminal and a network device. The terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect and its possible embodiments, and the network device is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0078] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible implementations.

[0079] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product. When executed by a communication device, the computer program product causes the communication device to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible embodiments.

[0080] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program. When this computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible implementations.

[0081] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in the first aspect, the second aspect, and their possible embodiments.

[0082] It is understood that the aforementioned terminals, network devices, communication systems, storage media, computer program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] This disclosure provides a communication method, a terminal, a network device, a communication system, a medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, the terms communication method, information processing method, information transmission method, transmission method for satellite multi-connection, transmission method for multi-satellite connection, and multi-satellite data transmission method are interchangeable. The terms terminal, network device, communication apparatus, information processing apparatus, transmission apparatus for satellite multi-connection, transmission apparatus for multi-satellite connection, and multi-satellite data transmission apparatus are interchangeable. The terms information processing system, communication system, and multi-satellite data transmission system are interchangeable.

[0084] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0085] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0086] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0087] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0088] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0089] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0090] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0092] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0093] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0094] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0095] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0096] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0097] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0098] In some embodiments, the terms "network devices", "access network device (AN device)", "radio access network device (RAN device)", "base station (BS)", "radio base station", "fixed station", "node", "access network node", "access point", "transmission point (TP)", "reception point (RP)", "transmission / reception point (TRP)", "panel", "antenna panel", "antenna array", "cell", "macro cell", "small cell", "femtocell", "picocell", "sector", "cell group", "serving cell", "carrier", "component carrier", and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0099] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0100] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0101] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0103] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0104] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0105] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102. The network device 102 may also be referred to as an access network device.

[0106] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0107] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. Network device 102 may include at least one of the following: evolved NodeB (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), wireless backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] In some embodiments, network device 102 may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of network device 102 can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0109] In some embodiments, the CU and DU can be centrally deployed on one network device or distributed across multiple network devices.

[0110] In some embodiments, a network device 102 may include a CU and at least one DU. A CU may be connected to multiple DUs, and a DU may only be connected to one CU.

[0111] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0112] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1A, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1A, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0113] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), new radio (NR), new radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, and Ultra-Wideband. Band (UWB), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0114] The emergence of new-generation internet applications such as virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) and vehicle-to-vehicle communication has placed higher demands on wireless communication technologies, driving their continuous evolution to meet application needs. Currently, cellular mobile communication technology is in the next-generation evolution stage. A key characteristic of this next-generation technology is its ability to flexibly configure and support multiple service types. Different service types have different requirements for wireless communication technologies. For example, enhanced mobile broad band (eMBB) services emphasize high bandwidth and high speed; ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) services emphasize high reliability and low latency; and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) services emphasize a large number of connections. Therefore, next-generation wireless communication systems require flexible and configurable designs to support the transmission of multiple service types.

[0115] In wireless communication technology research, satellite communication is an important aspect of future wireless communication technology development. Satellite communication can be understood as communication conducted by ground-based radio communication equipment using satellites as relays. A satellite communication system can consist of a satellite component and a ground component. Satellite communication has a large communication range; within the coverage area of ​​the radio waves emitted by the satellite, communication can be established between any two points. Furthermore, satellite communication has high reliability and is not easily affected by land-based disasters.

[0116] Satellite communication, as a supplement to terrestrial cellular communication systems, has the following advantages:

[0117] 1. Extended coverage: For areas that cannot be covered or are too costly to cover by current cellular communication systems, such as oceans, deserts and remote mountainous areas, satellite communication can solve the communication problem.

[0118] 2. Emergency Communication: In the event of a disaster, such as an earthquake or other extreme situation that renders the cellular communication infrastructure unavailable, a communication connection can be quickly established via satellite communication.

[0119] 3. Provide industry applications: For example, for time-sensitive services that require long-distance transmission, satellite communication can be used to reduce the latency of service transmission.

[0120] In future wireless communication systems, satellite communication systems and terrestrial cellular communication systems will gradually achieve deep integration to realize the Internet of Everything.

[0121] In satellite communication systems, the propagation distance between the satellite and the terminal can cause significant discrepancies in uplink and downlink timing. The terminal needs to rely on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements and auxiliary information to maintain uplink synchronization.

[0122] In satellite communication scenarios, the long signal transmission distance between the transmitter and receiver results in extended data transmission times. For transmissions involving uplink and downlink connections, a latency parameter has been introduced to compensate for this delay. To determine this latency parameter, the terminal needs to report its location information.

[0123] In an integrated air-space-ground deployment, there may be scenarios where satellites operating in different orbits overlap and cover the same area. Figure 1B is an architecture diagram of an integrated air-space-ground deployment provided according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1B, geosynchronous orbit (GEO) 111, medium Earth orbit (MEO) / low Earth orbit (LEO) 112, and high altitude platform systems (HAPs) 113 can cover the same terrestrial network (TN) 114.

[0124] In some embodiments, HAPs 113 may include drones, helicopters, airplanes, and airships, etc., which are not limited in the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0125] To support the continuity of data services and services with large data volumes, multi-satellite data transmission is a possible technical direction. Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of multi-satellite service provision according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1C, both satellite 1 and satellite 2 can provide services to terminal 1. Satellite 1 is the primary serving satellite, providing the primary serving beam, and satellite 2 is the secondary serving satellite, providing the secondary serving beam. However, it is necessary to determine how the terminal transmits data with multiple satellites.

[0126] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes steps S2101 to S2103.

[0127] In step S2101, the network device sends the second information.

[0128] In some embodiments, the terminal receives second information.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second information is used to configure the terminal's transmission with multiple satellites.

[0130] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited; for example, it may be configuration information, configuration instructions, etc.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in radio resource control (RRC) messages (such as RRCConnectionConfiguration), broadcast messages, downlink control information (DCI), or other higher-layer signaling and sent to the terminal device. This disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate relevant parameters for data transmission between the terminal and multiple satellites. In one example, the relevant parameters may include at least one of the following: one or more satellites (referred to as candidate satellites, target satellites, etc.), the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission associated with candidate satellites (referred to as transmission mode), and timing information between the terminal and candidate satellites. Of course, the second information may also be used to indicate other parameters related to data transmission between the terminal and multiple satellites, which are not specifically limited in this disclosure.

[0133] In some embodiments, the network device can configure one or more sets of parameters for the terminal. In this case, the second information can be used to indicate one or more sets of parameters. Each set of parameters may include at least one of the following: satellite identification information of the candidate satellite, transmission method associated with the candidate satellite, and timing information between the terminal and the candidate satellite.

[0134] In some embodiments, satellite identification information of candidate satellites can be used to identify candidate satellites. In one example, satellite identification document (ID) information can be a satellite identifier.

[0135] In some embodiments, the transmission method associated with candidate satellites can be the transmission method adopted when a terminal transmits data with multiple candidate satellites. In one example, the transmission method associated with candidate satellites may include multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0136] In some embodiments, multi-satellite relay transmission can be understood as the terminal maintaining simultaneous connections with multiple satellites, but the terminal only maintains data transmission with one satellite.

[0137] In some embodiments, multi-satellite joint transmission can be understood as the terminal maintaining a simultaneous connection with multiple satellites, and the terminal can maintain data transmission with multiple satellites.

[0138] In some embodiments, the timing information can be the timing advance (TA) between the terminal and the satellite. In some embodiments, there can be one or more candidate satellites, and the timing information between the terminal and the candidate satellites can include the TA between the terminal and each candidate satellite.

[0139] In some embodiments, the transmission delay (TA) between the terminal and each candidate satellite can be determined based on the transmission delay reported by the terminal between the terminal and each candidate satellite.

[0140] In some embodiments, the network device can configure the terminal's transmission with multiple satellites based on the terminal's support capability for data transmission from multiple satellites. In some embodiments, the network device can also determine the configuration information to be sent independently. That is, the network device determines the configuration information to be sent based on its own implementation.

[0141] In some embodiments, step S2101 can be omitted, in which case the terminal and network device can determine the second information according to the provisions of the protocol.

[0142] In step S2102, the network device sends the first information.

[0143] In some embodiments, the terminal receives first information.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first information is used to schedule data transmission between the terminal and multiple first satellites. Here, a first satellite can be understood as a satellite being scheduled. In some embodiments, the first satellite can be multiple satellites from the candidate satellites mentioned above.

[0145] In some embodiments, the name of the first information is not limited; for example, it may be scheduling information, scheduling instructions, etc.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in DCI or other higher-level signaling and sent to the terminal device, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0147] In some embodiments, the network device may send a first message, and the number of first messages may be one. The network device uses this first message to indicate multiple first satellites to the terminal. In some embodiments, the first message may explicitly indicate multiple first satellites. In some embodiments, the first message may implicitly indicate multiple first satellites.

[0148] In some embodiments, where the first information explicitly indicates multiple first satellites, the first information may include satellite identification information of the multiple first satellites, enabling the terminal to determine the multiple satellites being scheduled, i.e., the multiple first satellites.

[0149] In some embodiments, where the first information implicitly indicates multiple first satellites, the first information may include a second satellite identification information, enabling the terminal to identify the second satellite and a third satellite associated with the second satellite as multiple satellites to be scheduled, i.e., multiple first satellites.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second and third satellites may belong to the same satellite group.

[0151] In some embodiments, satellite groups can be formed based on timing information between the terminal and each satellite. In one example, satellites with small timing intervals (TA) differences between the terminal and the satellites can be grouped into one satellite group.

[0152] In some embodiments, satellites whose timing information between the terminal and each satellite meets preset conditions are grouped into a satellite group. In some embodiments, satellites whose timing intervals (TA) with the terminal and each satellite are consistent can be grouped into a satellite group. Alternatively, satellites whose TAs with the terminal and each satellite are all within a preset range can be grouped into a satellite group. Alternatively, satellites whose TAs with the terminal and each satellite are all less than a preset threshold can be grouped into a satellite group. Of course, there can be other cases for satellite grouping; the above are merely examples, and this disclosure does not specifically limit these cases. In one example, if the timing information between the terminal and the second satellite and the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite are both less than a preset threshold, then the second and third satellites can be grouped into a satellite group.

[0153] It should be noted that the above-mentioned preset range and preset threshold can be set according to the performance requirements of the terminal transmitting data with multiple satellites, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0154] In some embodiments, the number of third satellites associated with the second satellite can be one or more.

[0155] In some embodiments, the network device may send multiple first messages. In this case, the number of first messages can be multiple, and the network device indicates multiple first satellites to the terminal through multiple first messages.

[0156] In some embodiments, when there are multiple first messages, the network device indicates at least one first satellite to the terminal through each first message.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information may also indicate at least one of the timing information of a plurality of first satellites and the transmission mode associated with the plurality of first satellites.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first information may include a first information field, which may be used to indicate parameters for data transmission between the terminal and multiple satellites. In one example, the first information field may be used to indicate at least one of satellite identification information, timing information between the terminal and the satellites, and transmission methods for multi-satellite data transmission.

[0159] In some embodiments, the network device can indicate to the terminal which set of parameters is being scheduled this time through different values ​​of the first information field. In one example, the network device can indicate to the terminal the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellite being scheduled this time through different values ​​of the first information field (which may be referred to as different information field values). In one example, the satellite being scheduled this time can be determined through the satellite identification information.

[0160] In one example, the correspondence between different information field values ​​and satellite identification information (which can be called the first correspondence) can be shown in Table 1 below.

[0161] Table 1

[0162] In some embodiments, the first correspondence shown in Table 1 is an illustrative example. The first correspondence may also be predefined or determined in other ways. This disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0163] In one example, when the information field value is 00, the corresponding satellite identification information is ID1 and ID2. In this case, the network device uses 00 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellite being scheduled this time is: ID1 and ID2. That is to say, the multiple first satellites being scheduled this time are: satellite 1 corresponding to ID1 and satellite 2 corresponding to ID2.

[0164] In one example, the information field value is 01, and the corresponding satellite identification information is ID3. In this case, the network device uses 01 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellite being scheduled this time is ID3. That is to say, the first satellite being scheduled this time is: satellite 3 corresponding to ID3.

[0165] In one example, the information field value is 10, and the corresponding satellite identification information is ID1, ID2, and ID3. In this case, the network device uses 10 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellites scheduled this time is: ID1, ID2, and ID3. That is to say, the first satellite scheduled this time is: satellite 1 corresponding to ID1, satellite 2 corresponding to ID2, and satellite 3 corresponding to ID3.

[0166] In one example, the information field value is 11, and the corresponding satellite identification information is ID2 and ID3. In this case, the network device uses 11 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellites scheduled this time is: ID2 and ID3. That is to say, the first satellite scheduled this time is: satellite 2 corresponding to ID2 and satellite 3 corresponding to ID3.

[0167] In one example, the network device can indicate to the terminal the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellite being scheduled this time, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the satellite being scheduled, through different information field values.

[0168] In one example, the correspondence between different information field values ​​and the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellite being scheduled this time, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the satellite being scheduled this time (which can be called the second correspondence) can be shown in Table 2 below.

[0169] Table 2

[0170] In some embodiments, the second correspondence shown in Table 2 is an illustrative example. The second correspondence may also be predefined or determined in other ways. This disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0171] In one example, the information field value is 00, corresponding to satellite identification information ID1 and ID2. The corresponding timing information between the terminal and the satellites is: timing information TA1 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID1, and timing information TA2 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2. In this case, the network device uses 00 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the currently scheduled satellite is ID1 and ID2, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID1 is TA1, and the timing information between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2 is TA2.

[0172] In one example, the information field value is 01, the corresponding satellite identification information is ID3, and the corresponding timing information between the terminal and the satellite is: timing information TA3 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3. In this case, the network device uses 01 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the satellite being scheduled this time is ID3, and that the timing information between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3 is TA3.

[0173] In one example, the information field value is 10, corresponding to satellite identifiers ID1, ID2, and ID3. The corresponding timing information between the terminal and the satellites is: TA1 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID1, TA2 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2, and TA3 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3. In this case, the network device uses 10 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identifiers corresponding to the currently scheduled satellites are ID1, ID2, and ID3, and that the timing information between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID1 is TA1, between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2 is TA2, and between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3 is TA3.

[0174] In one example, the information field value is 11, corresponding to satellite identification information ID2 and ID3. The corresponding timing information between the terminal and the satellites is: timing information TA2 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2, and timing information TA3 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3. In this case, the network device uses 11 to indicate to the terminal that the satellite identification information corresponding to the currently scheduled satellite is ID2 and ID3, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2 is TA2, and the timing information between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3 is TA3.

[0175] In step S2103, the terminal transmits multi-satellite data with multiple first satellites at a first time based on the first information.

[0176] In some embodiments, after receiving the first information, the terminal can determine the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the first information, and perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0177] In some embodiments, where the number of first information items can be one, and the first information is used to schedule the terminal to transmit data with a second satellite, the terminal determines the second satellite based on the first information, identifies the second satellite and the third satellite associated with the second satellite as multiple first satellites to be scheduled, and performs multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0178] In some embodiments, where the number of first information items can be one, and the first information is used to schedule the terminal to transmit data with multiple first satellites, the terminal determines the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the first information and transmits multi-satellite data with the multiple first satellites in a first time.

[0179] In some embodiments, where the number of first information items can be multiple, and each first information item is used to schedule the terminal to transmit data with at least one satellite, the terminal determines the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the first information items, and performs multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites in a first time.

[0180] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first information field, the terminal determining the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the first information may include: the terminal determining the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the first information field included in the first information.

[0181] The following describes the method by which the terminal determines multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the first information field included in the first information.

[0182] In some embodiments, when the first information field is used to indicate satellite identification information, the terminal can determine the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the satellite identification information indicated by the first information field.

[0183] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on a first correspondence.

[0184] In one example, with the information field value being 00, combined with the satellite identification information ID1 and ID2 corresponding to 00 in Table 1, the terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: Satellite 1 and Satellite 2.

[0185] In one example, with the information field value being 01, combined with the satellite identifier information ID3 corresponding to 01 in Table 1, the terminal can determine that the first satellite to be scheduled is: Satellite 3.

[0186] In one example, with the information field value being 10, and combined with the satellite identification information corresponding to 10 in Table 1, which are ID1, ID2, and ID3, the terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: Satellite 1, Satellite 2, and Satellite 3.

[0187] In one example, when the information field value is 11, the satellite identification information corresponding to 11 is ID2 and ID3, and the terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 2 and satellite 3.

[0188] In some embodiments, when the first information field is used to indicate satellite identification information and timing information between the terminal and the satellite, the terminal can determine the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the satellite identification information indicated by the first information field and the timing information between the terminal and the satellite.

[0189] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the second correspondence.

[0190] In one example, when the information field value is 00, combined with the satellite identification information corresponding to 00 in Table 2 as ID1 and ID2, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 00 is: timing information TA1 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID1 and timing information TA2 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2. The terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 1 and satellite 2.

[0191] In one example, when the information field value is 01, the satellite identification information corresponding to 01 is ID3, and the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 01 is: timing information TA3 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3. The terminal can determine that the first satellite to be scheduled is: satellite 3.

[0192] In one example, when the information field value is 10, combined with the satellite identification information corresponding to 10 in Table 2, which are ID1, ID2 and ID3, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 10 is: timing information TA1 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID1, timing information TA2 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2 and timing information TA3 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3. The terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 1, satellite 2 and satellite 3.

[0193] In one example, when the information field value is 11, the satellite identification information corresponding to 11 is ID2 and ID3. The timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 11 is: timing information TA2 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID2 and timing information TA3 between the terminal and the satellite identified by ID3. The terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 2 and satellite 3. In some embodiments, when the first information field is used to indicate the timing information between the terminal and the satellite, the terminal can determine the multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

[0194] In one example, the network device can indicate the timing information between the terminal and the satellite being scheduled to be used to the terminal through different information field values.

[0195] In one example, the terminal can determine multiple first satellites to be scheduled based on the correspondence between different information field values ​​and the timing information between the terminal and the satellites to be scheduled (which can be called the third correspondence).

[0196] In some embodiments, the third correspondence may be predefined, indicated by the second information, or determined by other means, and this disclosure does not limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0197] In one example, when the information field value is 00, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 00 is: timing information TA1 between the terminal and satellite 1 and timing information TA2 between the terminal and satellite 2. Based on TA1 and TA2 corresponding to the information field value, the terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 1 and satellite 2.

[0198] In one example, when the information field value is 01, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 01 is: timing information TA3 between the terminal and satellite 3. Based on TA3 corresponding to the information field value, the terminal can determine that the scheduled satellite is: satellite 3.

[0199] In one example, when the information field value is 10, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 10 is: timing information TA1 between the terminal and satellite 1, timing information TA2 between the terminal and satellite 2, and timing information TA3 between the terminal and satellite 3. Based on TA1, TA2, and TA3 corresponding to the information field value, the terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 1, satellite 2, and satellite 3.

[0200] In one example, when the information field value is 11, the timing information between the terminal and the satellite corresponding to 11 is: timing information TA2 between the terminal and satellite 2 and timing information TA3 between the terminal and satellite 3. Based on TA2 and TA3 corresponding to the information field value, the terminal can determine that the multiple first satellites to be scheduled are: satellite 2 and satellite 3.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first time can be understood as the transmission time during which the terminal transmits multi-satellite data with multiple first satellites.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first time can be determined based on at least one of the following: satellite ephemeris information, terminal-to-satellite transmission delay, and transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission.

[0203] In some embodiments, the network device may send satellite ephemeris information to the terminal. In some embodiments, the terminal may receive satellite ephemeris information.

[0204] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first information field, the terminal can determine the transmission resources corresponding to multi-satellite data transmission based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

[0205] In some embodiments, the terminal performs multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites using the aforementioned transmission resources and at the first time.

[0206] In some embodiments, when the first information includes a first information field, the terminal can determine the transmission mode for multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information field.

[0207] In some embodiments, where the first information includes a first information field that indicates the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission, the terminal can determine the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information field.

[0208] In some embodiments, the terminal can determine the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission based on different information domain values.

[0209] In one example, when the information field value is 00, 00 indicates multi-satellite relay transmission, the terminal can determine that the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission is multi-satellite relay transmission.

[0210] In one example, with the information field value being 01, where 01 indicates multi-satellite joint transmission, the terminal can determine that the transmission mode of multi-satellite data transmission is multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0211] In some embodiments, the terminal may determine the transmission method for multi-satellite data transmission based on its own implementation and send the transmission method determined by the terminal to the network device.

[0212] In some embodiments, the network device receives the transmission method sent by the terminal.

[0213] In one implementation, if the terminal does not receive the first information, or if the first information does not contain the first information field, the terminal can autonomously decide on multiple first satellites and perform multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites in the first instant.

[0214] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S2102 and S2103 may be implemented as standalone embodiments. For example, a combination of steps S2101 to S2103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0215] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2102 may be executed simultaneously, or step S2101 may be executed before step S2102.

[0216] In some embodiments, steps S2101 and S2103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0217] In some embodiments, step S2101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0218] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0219] In some embodiments, the terms “carrying,” “including,” and “comprising” can be used interchangeably.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terms “Type 1 mobility”, “Type 2 mobility”, “first mobility”, “second mobility”, etc. can be used interchangeably; the terms “downlink”, “downlink”, “physical downlink”, etc. can be used interchangeably; and the terms “sidelink”, “sidelink”, “sidelink communication”, “sidelink communication”, “direct connection”, “direct link”, “direct communication”, “direct link communication”, etc. can be used interchangeably.

[0221] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0222] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “request,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0223] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain," "preset," "default," "set," "indicated," "a certain," "any," and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A," "preset A," "default A," "set A," "indicated A," "a certain A," "any A," and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0224] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0225] Figure 3A is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned terminal, and the method includes steps S3101 to S3103.

[0226] In step S3101, the second information is obtained.

[0227] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in step S2101 in Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] In step S3102, the first information is obtained.

[0229] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] In step S3103, based on the first information, multi-satellite data transmission is performed with multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0231] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, steps S3102 and S3103 may be implemented as standalone embodiments. For example, a combination of steps S3101 to S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0233] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102 may be executed simultaneously, or step S3101 may be executed before step S3102.

[0234] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3103 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0235] In some embodiments, step S3101 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0236] Figure 3B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned network device, and the method includes steps S3201 to S3202.

[0237] In step S3201, the second information is sent.

[0238] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in step S2101 of Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0239] In step S3202, the first information is sent.

[0240] The optional implementation of step S3202 can be found in step S2102 of Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3201 to S3202. For example, step S3202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, a combination of steps S3201 and S3202 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0242] In some embodiments, steps S3201 and S3202 may be executed simultaneously, or step S3201 may be executed before step S3202.

[0243] In some embodiments, step S3201 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0244] Figure 4A is a schematic flowchart of a terminal-side communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned terminal, and the method includes steps S4101 to S4102.

[0245] In step S4101, first information is obtained.

[0246] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in step S2102 of Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0247] In step S4102, based on the first information, multi-satellite data transmission is performed with multiple first satellites at a first time.

[0248] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in step S2103 of Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] Figure 4B is a schematic flowchart of a communication method performed on the network device side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the present disclosure relates to a communication method applied to the aforementioned network device, and the method includes step S4201.

[0250] In step S4201, the second information is sent.

[0251] The optional implementation of step S4201 can be found in step S2102 of Figure 2 and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0252] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0253] In some embodiments, the terminal receives a scheduling instruction from the base station to determine the execution of a multi-satellite transmission mechanism.

[0254] In some embodiments, the terminal receives one or more scheduling instructions from the base station to determine data transmission with multiple satellites at a target time.

[0255] In some embodiments, the transmission mode is determined to be multi-satellite joint transmission.

[0256] In some embodiments, when the terminal determines that a single scheduling instruction contains scheduling information for multiple target satellites, the terminal determines the correspondence between the target satellite IDs to be scheduled and the target information in the scheduling instruction based on predefined or received base station configuration information.

[0257] In some embodiments, the target information can be an information field value, and the correspondence between the information field value and the satellite identifier to be scheduled can be as shown in Table 1.

[0258] In some embodiments, the target information domain may also include timing information for transmission to the target satellite, and the terminal determines the transmission resources on the target satellite based on the TA values ​​from different satellites to the terminal.

[0259] In some embodiments, the correspondence between information field values ​​and the satellite identifier and timing information of the satellite being scheduled can be as shown in Table 2.

[0260] In some embodiments, when the terminal determines that a single scheduling instruction contains scheduling information for a single target satellite, the terminal determines multiple target satellites to be scheduled based on predefined or received base station configuration information.

[0261] In some embodiments, the terminal determines the correspondence between the scheduled satellite and multiple satellites based on scheduling instructions and / or configuration signaling.

[0262] In some embodiments, the correspondence can be that the TA difference between the terminal and different satellites is less than a predefined threshold.

[0263] In some embodiments, the terminal receives one or more scheduling instructions from the base station to determine data transmission with multiple satellites at a target time.

[0264] In some embodiments, the terminal autonomously decides which satellites to transmit the data to.

[0265] In some embodiments, the terminal determines satellite groups based on propagation delay or other information.

[0266] In some embodiments, the terminal determines whether to perform joint transmission for multiple satellites in the target information field of the base station's scheduling instruction.

[0267] In some embodiments, the transmission mode is determined to be multi-satellite relay transmission.

[0268] In some embodiments, the terminal receives scheduling instructions from the base station and ephemeris information to determine the target satellite transmission to be scheduled.

[0269] This disclosure also provides apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device) in any of the above methods.

[0270] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through a configuration file, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0271] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a CPU, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can also be understood as a microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented as an ASIC or PLD, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0272] As shown in Figure 5A, Figure 5A is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the communication device 5100 can be as shown in Figure 5A. The communication device 5100 can be a terminal. The communication device 5100 includes: a first transceiver module 5101 and a processing module 5102. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to receive first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; the processing module 5102 is used to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time according to the first information.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 described above is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., step S3101, step S3102) performed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0274] In some embodiments, the processing module 5102 is configured to execute at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S3103) executed by the terminal in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 described above may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0276] As shown in Figure 5B, Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the above-described communication device 5200 can be as shown in Figure 5B. The communication device 5200 can be a network device. The communication device 5200 includes: a second transceiver module 5201. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to send first information, the first information is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites, and the first information is used by the terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with multiple first satellites at a first time according to the first information. In some embodiments, the above-described second transceiver module 5201 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the network device in any of the above methods (e.g., step S3201, step S2102), which will not be described in detail here.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 5201 described above may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0278] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a terminal (e.g., user equipment), a network device (e.g., a base station), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the communication device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports a terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0279] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control network nodes (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0280] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, while the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, sending unit, transmitter, sending circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0281] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0282] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The access network device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the terminal may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, optionally, the set of ICs may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0283] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of a chip structure provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0284] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0285] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0286] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method. For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers to the interface circuit 6202 performing data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device.

[0287] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0288] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0289] This disclosure also proposes a computer program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods.

[0290] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0291] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0292] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, executed by a terminal, the method comprising: Receive first information, which is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; Based on the first information, multi-satellite data transmission is performed with the plurality of first satellites at the first time.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The receiving of the first information includes receiving a first piece of information, which is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; or, The receiving of the first information includes receiving a plurality of first information, each of which is used to schedule data transmission with at least one satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first information includes a first information field, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: Satellite identification information; The timing information between the terminal and the satellite; Transmission methods for multi-satellite data transmission.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The receiving of the first information includes receiving a first piece of information, the first piece of information being used to schedule data transmission with a second satellite; the method further includes: The second satellite and the third satellite associated with the second satellite are identified as the plurality of first satellites.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The timing information between the terminal and the second satellite, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite, are both less than a preset threshold.

6. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The step of transmitting multi-satellite data with multiple first satellites based on the first information includes: Based on the first information domain, the plurality of first satellites are determined, and multi-satellite data transmission is performed with the plurality of first satellites at a first time.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field, the transmission resources corresponding to the multi-satellite data transmission are determined.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the first information domain, the transmission mode of the multi-satellite data transmission is determined.

9. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, The transmission methods include multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The first time is determined based on at least one of the following: Satellite ephemeris information; The transmission delay from the terminal to the satellite; The transmission method for multi-satellite data transmission.

11. A communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising: Send first information, the first information being used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites, the first information being used by the terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time based on the first information.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The sending of the first information includes sending a first message, which is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; or, The sending of the first information includes sending multiple first information messages, each of which is used to schedule data transmission with at least one satellite.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The first information includes a first information field, which is used to indicate at least one of the following: Satellite identification information; The timing information between the terminal and the satellite; Transmission methods for multi-satellite data transmission.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The sending of the first information includes sending a first message, the first message being used to schedule data transmission with a second satellite, and the plurality of first satellites including the second satellite and a third satellite associated with the second satellite.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The timing information between the terminal and the second satellite, as well as the timing information between the terminal and the third satellite, are both less than a preset threshold.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The first information field is used by the terminal to determine the plurality of first satellites based on the first information field, and to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The first information field is used by the terminal to determine the transmission resources corresponding to the multi-satellite data transmission based on the timing information between the terminal and the satellite indicated by the first information field.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, The first information field is used by the terminal to determine the transmission mode of the multi-satellite data transmission based on the first information field.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, The transmission methods include multi-satellite relay transmission or multi-satellite joint transmission.

20. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein, The first time is determined based on at least one of the following: Satellite ephemeris information; The transmission delay from the terminal to the satellite; The transmission method for multi-satellite data transmission.

21. A communication device, comprising: The first transceiver module is configured to receive first information, which is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites; The processing module is configured to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the plurality of first satellites at a first time based on the first information.

22. A communication device, comprising: The second transceiver module is configured to send first information, which is used to schedule data transmission with multiple first satellites. The first information is used by the terminal to perform multi-satellite data transmission with the multiple first satellites at a first time based on the first information.

23. A terminal, comprising: At least one processor; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the terminal, it causes the terminal to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

24. A network device, comprising: At least one processor; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the network device, it causes the network device to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

25. A communication system, comprising: The terminal is configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10. A network device configured to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 11 to 20.

26. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

27. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 20.

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