Communication method, first satellite, second satellite, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method, a first satellite, a second satellite, a communication system and a storage medium. The communication method comprises the steps that a first satellite receives a first signal at a first moment or after the first moment, the first signal is an echo signal of a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal is sent by a second satellite at a second moment, and the first moment is larger than or equal to the sum of the second moment and time offset. Through the embodiment of the invention, the electric quantity consumed by the satellite can be saved.

Description

Communication method, first satellite, second satellite, communication system, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a communication method, a first satellite, a second satellite, a communication system, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] Integrated Sensing And Communication (ISAC) technology integrates sensing capability into the design of a communication system, so that the communication system can provide sensing as a service to users together with communication services. In a Non-Territorial Network (NTN), a base station can be located on a satellite, and the network coverage is large. Integrating the integrated sensing and communication technology with the non-terrestrial network is a future development trend.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] How to save the power consumed by a satellite in the sensing communication process is a problem to be solved.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first satellite, a second satellite, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method comprises: receiving, by a first satellite, a first signal at a first time or after the first time, the first signal being a backhaul signal of a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal being transmitted by a second satellite at a second time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method comprises: transmitting, by a second satellite, a sensing reference signal at a second time, the sensing reference signal being used to generate a first signal, the first signal being a backhaul signal of the sensing signal, the first signal being received by a first satellite at a first time or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0008] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first satellite is provided. The first satellite comprises: a transceiver module configured to receive a first signal at a first time or after the first time, the first signal being a backhaul signal of a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal being transmitted by a second satellite at a second time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second satellite is provided, comprising: a transceiver module, configured to transmit a sensing reference signal at a second time, the sensing reference signal being used to generate a first signal, the first signal being a back echo of the sensing signal, the first signal being received by a first satellite at a first time or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first satellite is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the first satellite is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second satellite is provided, comprising: one or more processors; and wherein the second satellite is configured to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising a first satellite and a second satellite, wherein the first satellite is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the second satellite is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing instructions, and the instructions, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, and the computer program, when executed on a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0015] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal at a second time, and the first satellite receives a back echo of the sensing reference signal at a first time or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to the second time plus a time offset. That is, the first satellite receives the back echo of the sensing reference signal after a period of time after the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal, thereby saving the power consumed by the first satellite in the communication sensing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiments, and the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1A is an architecture schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a sensing mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2A is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating a time offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating a method of calculating a time offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 5 is an interaction diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a structure of a first satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a structure of a second satellite according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a structure of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure provides a communication method, a first satellite, a second satellite, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0030] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a communication method, which includes: receiving, by a first satellite, a first signal at a first time or after the first time, the first signal being a backhaul signal of a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal being transmitted by a second satellite at a second time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0031] In the above embodiment, the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal at the second time, and the first satellite receives the backhaul signal of the sensing reference signal at the first time or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to the second time plus the time offset. That is, the first satellite receives the backhaul signal of the sensing reference signal after a period of time after the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal, thereby saving the power consumed by the first satellite in the communication sensing process.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is the shortest duration between the second satellite transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the time offset is the shortest time between the second satellite sending the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal. The first satellite receives the first signal after the time offset after the second satellite sends the sensing reference signal, which can ensure that the first satellite can receive the first signal.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

[0035] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the time offset can be accurately determined based on the horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite, the altitude of the first satellite, and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0037] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the horizontal distance and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the time offset can be accurately determined based on the relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite, the altitude of the first satellite, and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the first satellite receiving ephemeris information of the second satellite transmitted by the second satellite.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the second satellite sends ephemeris information to the first satellite so that the first satellite can accurately know the location information of the second satellite.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the validity period of the ephemeris information is determined by at least one of the following: first information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information indicating the validity period of the ephemeris information; a third time when the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information, the third time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; a fourth time when the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: bit information indicating the validity period from candidate durations; an offset value of the effective time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, the first distance being the distance between the first satellite and the target object, and the second distance being the distance between the second satellite and the target object.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the time offset can be accurately determined based on the distance between the first satellite and the target object and the distance between the second satellite and the target object.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first distance is determined based on the angle between the first satellite and the target object and the altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on the angle between the second satellite and the target object and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0047] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first satellite receiving second information sent by the second satellite via an inter-satellite link, the second information being used to indicate the second time.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the second satellite sends information indicating the second time to the first satellite, so that the first satellite can accurately know the time when the second satellite sends the sensing reference signal.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the offset value of the second time point relative to a reference time point, which is pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the second time point is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0050] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the first aspect, the method further includes: the first satellite receiving third information transmitted by the second satellite, the third information being used to instruct the second satellite to transmit resources for the sensing reference signal, the resources being used by the first satellite to receive the first signal.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the second satellite sends information indicating the resources for transmitting sensing reference signals to the first satellite, so that the first satellite can accurately know the resources for transmitting sensing reference signals by the second satellite, thereby enabling the first satellite to use the resources to accurately receive the first signal and avoid receiving interference signals.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the ephemeris information includes at least one of the following: the position of the second satellite; the velocity of the second satellite; and the orbital parameters of the second satellite.

[0053] Secondly, this disclosure provides a communication method comprising: a second satellite transmitting a sensing reference signal at a second time, the sensing reference signal being used to generate a first signal, the first signal being an echo signal of the sensing signal, the first signal being received by a first satellite at or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to the sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is the shortest duration between the second satellite transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the horizontal distance and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0060] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the second aspect, the method further includes: the second satellite sending its ephemeris information to the first satellite.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the validity period of the ephemeris information is determined by at least one of the following: first information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information indicating the validity period of the ephemeris information; a third time when the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information, the third time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; a fourth time when the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: bit information indicating the validity period from candidate durations; an offset value of the effective time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, the first distance being the distance between the first satellite and the target object, and the second distance being the distance between the second satellite and the target object.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first distance is determined based on the angle between the first satellite and the target object and the altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on the angle between the second satellite and the target object and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the second satellite sending second information to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link, the second information being used to indicate the second moment.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the offset value of the second time point relative to a reference time point, which is pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the second time point is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: the second satellite sending third information to the first satellite, the third information being used to instruct the second satellite to send resources for the sensing reference signal, the resources being used by the first satellite to receive the first signal.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the ephemeris information includes at least one of the following: the position of the second satellite; the velocity of the second satellite; and the orbital parameters of the second satellite.

[0068] Thirdly, this disclosure proposes a first satellite, including: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first signal at or after a first time, the first signal being an echo signal of a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal being transmitted by a second satellite at a second time, the first time being greater than or equal to the sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0069] Fourthly, this disclosure proposes a second satellite, including: a transceiver module, configured to transmit a sensing reference signal at a second time, the sensing reference signal being used to generate a first signal, the first signal being an echo signal of the sensing signal, the first signal being received by a first satellite at or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to the sum of the second time and a time offset.

[0070] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first satellite, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the first satellite is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect.

[0071] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second satellite, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the second satellite is used to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0072] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including a first satellite and a second satellite, wherein the first satellite is configured to implement the communication method of the first aspect, and the second satellite is configured to implement the communication method of the second aspect.

[0073] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0074] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0075] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform any of the aforementioned communication methods.

[0076] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0077] It is understood that the first satellite, the second satellite, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip, or the chip system described above are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] This disclosure provides embodiments of a communication method, a first satellite, a second satellite, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information transmission method," "information reception method," etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0084] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0085] 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, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0089] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0090] 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”.

[0091] 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.

[0092] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0093] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0098] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0099] 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.

[0100] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system 100 includes a first satellite 101, a second satellite 102, and a target object 103.

[0102] In some embodiments, a first network device (e.g., a base station) is deployed on the first satellite 101, and a second network device (e.g., a base station) is deployed on the second satellite 102. The target object 103 may be a terminal, an object, or the like.

[0103] In other embodiments, the network device is deployed on the ground, with a first satellite 101 used to forward sensing reference signals sent by the network device and a second satellite 102 used to forward echo signals to the network device.

[0104] In some embodiments, the terminal may be a user equipment (UE), including, but 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.

[0105] In some embodiments, a network device can be a functional network element within a core network device. The core network device can be a single device, including a first network element, a second network element, etc., or it can be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element, the second network element, etc. Network elements can be virtual or physical. The core network includes, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0106] In some embodiments, the network device may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0107] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0108] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0109] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0110] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[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), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 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), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a 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, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0114] ISAC technology, as a new communication technology in 5G and / or 6G (mainly 6G), aims to integrate sensing capabilities into the design of communication systems, enabling these systems to provide sensing as a service along with communication. Through the transmission and reception of sensing signals, gNB / UE can perceive information such as the distance, speed, and angle of targets / environment, acquiring information about the surrounding targets / environment for applications such as drone detection, intrusion detection, intelligent transportation, and smart factories.

[0115] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a sensing mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] As shown in Figure 1B, ISCA technology can include, but is not limited to, the following six sensing modes.

[0117] Mode 1: Base station self-transmission and self-reception (or gNB self-transmission and self-reception, i.e., TRP mono-static). The base station transmits sensing signals, which, after passing through the environment or objects in the environment, are received and measured by the same base station as reflected / scattered waves.

[0118] Mode 2: Base station A transmits and base station B receives (or gNB A transmits and B receives, i.e., TRP-to-TRP bi-static). Base station A transmits a sensing signal, which passes through the environment or objects in the environment, and base station B receives and measures the reflected / scattered waves.

[0119] Mode 3: Base station transmits, terminal receives (or gNB transmits, UE receives, i.e., TRP-to-UE bi-static). The base station sends a sensing signal, which is reflected by the object being measured, and the terminal receives and measures the reflected / scattered wave.

[0120] Mode 4: Terminal transmits, base station receives (or UE transmits, gNB receives, i.e., UE-to-TRP bi-static). The terminal sends a sensing signal, which passes through the environment or objects in the environment, and the base station receives and measures the reflected / scattered waves.

[0121] Mode 5: Terminal self-transmission and self-reception (or UE self-transmission and self-reception, i.e., UE mono-static). The terminal sends a sensing signal, which passes through the environment or objects in the environment, and the same terminal receives and measures the reflected / scattered waves.

[0122] Mode 6: Terminal A transmits, Terminal B receives (or UE A transmits, B receives, i.e., UE-to-UE bi-static). Terminal A sends a sensing signal, which passes through the environment or objects in the environment, and Terminal B receives and measures the reflected / scattered waves.

[0123] In some embodiments, the integration of terrestrial networks and sensor technology is used. However, due to the limited coverage of terrestrial networks, it is impossible to meet the needs of positioning, real-time wireless map construction, environmental reconstruction, and monitoring in rural and remote areas, uninhabited areas, and open ocean areas.

[0124] Meanwhile, satellite communication, satellite positioning and navigation, and satellite remote sensing are known in the industry as the three major functions of satellites: communication, navigation, and remote sensing, playing a crucial role in various industries. However, looking at the development of satellite technology over the past few decades, these three functions have basically developed independently and in parallel, without forming a unified whole. This has resulted in insufficient resource utilization, low overall efficiency in information acquisition, and failure to meet the integrated needs of satellite communication, navigation, and positioning.

[0125] Therefore, 6G mobile communication networks can consider integrating non-terrestrial networks and integrated sensing technologies to address the new demands of 6G and the needs of satellite integration development.

[0126] In terrestrial mobile communication systems, transmission latency is typically less than 1 ms. In a terrestrial network with dual-site sensing (e.g., one base station or UE transmits a sensing reference signal (RS), and the other base station or UE receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS), the maximum distance between the two stations is approximately 1700 m. Therefore, the latency between one station transmitting the sensing RS and the other station receiving the corresponding echo signal is much less than 1 ms.

[0127] However, in NTN networks, the transmission delay is very large due to the satellite's altitude and payload type. As shown in Tables 1-3, the maximum transmission delay can reach 51.661 ms in Low Earth orbit (LEO) - 1500 km and 190.38 ms in Middle Earth orbit (MEO) - 10000 km.

[0128] Table 1. Propagation delay of non-synchronous satellites at different altitudes and with different payload types.

[0129] Table 2. Propagation delay of asynchronous satellites at different altitudes and with different payload types under transparent satellite mode.

[0130] Table 3. Propagation delay of asynchronous satellites at different altitudes and with different payload types under transparent satellite mode.

[0131] In the TRP-TRP bistatic (base station A transmits, base station B receives) sensing mode, i.e., dual-site satellite sensing, the satellites can be in regenerative or transparent forwarding mode. In the regenerative model, the base station is on a satellite; satellite 1 transmits the sensing RS, and satellite 2 receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS. In the transparent forwarding mode, the base station is on the ground; satellite 1 forwards the sensing RS transmitted by ground base station 1, and satellite 2 forwards the echo signal of the received sensing RS to ground base station 2.

[0132] In the TRP-TRP bistatic sensing mode, due to the very large satellite transmission delay, satellite 2 can only receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS a long time T after satellite 1 sends the sensing RS. Therefore, if satellite 2 continuously listens for and receives the echo signal, it will consume a large amount of power. Since the satellites are powered by solar energy, they can only continue operating using the energy stored in their batteries when solar power is unavailable. Therefore, satellites have a need to conserve power.

[0133] Meanwhile, since Satellite 2 can only receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS a considerable time T after Satellite 1 transmits it, if Satellite 2 continuously listens for the echo signal, it will receive some interference signals within time T. It may mistakenly interpret these interference signals as the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS, leading to inaccurate sensing.

[0134] In dual-station sensing mode, satellite 1 transmits a sensing RS (Resonant Signal), and satellite 2 can then receive the corresponding echo signal. Satellite 1 can inform satellite 2 of the resource r1 used to transmit the sensing RS. Satellite 2 receives the echo signal on resource r1, therefore satellite 2 will not receive echo signals from sensing RS transmitted by other satellites (such as satellite 3). The resource r2 used by satellite 3 to transmit the sensing RS can be orthogonal to resource r1, for example, resource r1 and resource r2 can be frequency division multiplexing (FDM), time division multiplexing (TDM), or code division multiplexing (CDM). Therefore, satellite 2 receives the echo signal on resource r1, but not on resource r2.

[0135] The communication method in this embodiment can be applied in uninhabited areas, remote mountainous areas, etc., where there may be no base station, so satellite transmission and reception can be used.

[0136] In terrestrial networks, the sensing process can be divided into initial detection and tracking. Similarly, in non-terrestrial networks, the sensing process can also be divided into initial detection and tracking. During initial detection, the base station (on the ground or on a satellite) does not know the target object's location. By sending a sensing RS and receiving the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS, the satellite can identify a specific target object based on Doppler domain analysis. After identifying a specific target object, the tracking process begins. This involves sending and receiving the corresponding sensing RS echo signal to track the target object in real time, thereby obtaining information such as the target object's position and speed. For example, in navigation scenarios, for a vehicle that has been identified, it is necessary to continuously track the target object's location information.

[0137] In view of this, this disclosure provides a communication method in which a second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal at a second time, and a first satellite receives the echo signal of the sensing reference signal at a first time or after the first time, wherein the first time is greater than or equal to the second time and a time offset. That is, the first satellite receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing reference signal some time after the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal, thereby saving the power consumed by the first satellite during the communication sensing process.

[0138] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] In this embodiment of the disclosure, in a dual-station satellite sensing scenario, the second satellite is the satellite that transmits the sensing reference signal, and the first satellite is the satellite that receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing reference signal.

[0140] In some embodiments, in regenerative mode, a second network device (e.g., a base station) that transmits a sensing reference signal is deployed on a second satellite, and a first network device (e.g., a base station) that receives the echo signal is deployed on a first satellite. The second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal to the target object, and the first satellite receives the echo signal reflected by the target object.

[0141] In other embodiments, in transparent forwarding mode, both the second network device transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first network device receiving the echo signal are deployed on the ground. The second satellite receives the sensing reference signal transmitted by the second network device on the ground and transmits the sensing reference signal to the target object; the first satellite receives the echo signal reflected by the target object and transmits the echo signal to the first network device on the ground.

[0142] In some embodiments, both the first satellite and the second satellite cover the target object. The first satellite and the second satellite may be at different frequencies or they may be in the same frequency band. The first satellite is able to receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing signal sent by the second satellite.

[0143] As shown in Figure 2A, this disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0144] Step S2101: The second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal to the target object. The target object can also be referred to as the sensing target.

[0146] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal at a second time. The second time can be the moment when the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal. The second time can be represented by t2.

[0147] Step S2102: The second satellite sends its ephemeris information to the first satellite.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives ephemeris information of the second satellite transmitted by the second satellite.

[0149] In some embodiments, the ephemeris information includes at least one of the following: the position of the second satellite; the velocity of the second satellite; and the orbital parameters of the second satellite.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first satellite may determine the position and / or velocity of the second satellite based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0151] In some embodiments, satellite ephemeris can directly indicate the state vectors of satellite position and velocity. In a geocentric coordinate system, it indicates the position coordinate components X, Y, Z and the velocity coordinate components VX, VY, VZ. The satellite position and velocity in the ephemeris can be instantaneous values. Based on Kepler's laws, the position and velocity of the second satellite in the next time period can be deduced from the first satellite, given the current position and velocity of the second satellite.

[0152] In other embodiments, satellite ephemeris information is indicated in the format of orbital parameters. The first satellite can deduce the position and velocity of the second satellite from the orbital parameters.

[0153] In some embodiments, the second satellite may send its ephemeris information to the first satellite via inter-satellite links.

[0154] Step S2103: The second satellite sends the first information to the first satellite.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives first information transmitted by the second satellite.

[0156] In some embodiments, the second satellite may send first information to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the validity period of the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following: bit information used to indicate the effective duration from the candidate duration; the offset value of the effective time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, which is pre-configured or predefined; the radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0159] In some embodiments, in addition to sending its own ephemeris information to the first satellite, the second satellite may also indicate the validity period of the ephemeris information based on an inter-satellite link, wherein the validity period may include the validity duration and the effective time point.

[0160] The indication of the valid time of ephemeris information can be provided by the second satellite to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link, for example, by selecting one value from multiple candidate valid time values ​​and indicating it to the first satellite. For example, if there are N candidate valid time values, then ceiling[log2(N)] bits can be used to indicate this. Here, ceiling indicates rounding up.

[0161] The indication of the effective time of the ephemeris information can be provided by the second satellite to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link, for example, by indicating an offset value relative to a reference time point. This reference time point can be a pre-configured or predefined common time. Alternatively, the second satellite can indicate to the first satellite the radio frame containing the ephemeris information and the time slot symbol within that radio frame.

[0162] In other embodiments, the validity period of the ephemeris information can also be determined based on the time when the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information or the time when the first satellite receives the ephemeris information.

[0163] That is, in some embodiments, the validity period of the ephemeris information is determined by at least one of the following: a first message sent by the second satellite, the first message indicating the validity period of the ephemeris information; a third moment when the second satellite sends the ephemeris information, the third moment serving as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; and a fourth moment when the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth moment serving as the effective time point of the ephemeris information.

[0164] For example, the time when the second satellite sends ephemeris information can be defined as the effective time point, or the time when the first satellite receives ephemeris information can be defined as the effective time point.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first satellite can deduce the position and velocity of the second satellite over a period of time based on Kepler's laws, given the effective time and duration of the second satellite's ephemeris information, thereby calculating the horizontal distance between the two satellites.

[0166] Step S2104: The second satellite sends the second information to the first satellite.

[0167] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives second information transmitted by the second satellite.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits second information to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link.

[0169] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives second information transmitted by the second satellite via an inter-satellite link.

[0170] In some embodiments, the second information is used to indicate a second time, i.e., the time when the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal. The second time can be represented by t2.

[0171] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the offset value of the second moment relative to a reference time point, which is pre-configured or predefined; the radio frame in which the second moment occurs and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0172] For example, the second satellite indicates the second time t2 of transmitting the sensing RS to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link. The indication of the second time t2 can be an offset value relative to a reference time point, where the reference time point is a pre-configured or predefined common time. Alternatively, the second time t2 can be indicated by indicating the radio frame in which the second time t2 is located and the time slot symbol in that radio frame.

[0173] Step S2105: The second satellite sends third information to the first satellite.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives third information transmitted by the second satellite.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second satellite sends third information to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link.

[0176] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives third information transmitted by the second satellite via an inter-satellite link.

[0177] In some embodiments, the third information is used to instruct the second satellite to transmit a sensing reference signal, and the resources are used by the first satellite to receive the first signal.

[0178] In some embodiments, the second satellite may indicate the resource r1 for transmitting sensing reference signals to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link, and the first satellite receives the first signal on the resource r1, thereby improving the accuracy of signal reception.

[0179] Step S2106: The first satellite receives the first signal.

[0180] In some embodiments, a first satellite receives a first signal at or after a first time point. The first signal is an echo signal of a sensing reference signal, which is transmitted by a second satellite at a second time point. The first time point is greater than or equal to the sum of the second time point and a time offset. The first time point can be represented by t1, and the time offset can be represented by Δt, where t1 ≥ t2 + Δt.

[0181] In some embodiments, the first satellite may receive the first signal at a first time t1, or the first satellite may receive the first signal after the first time t1.

[0182] Among them, the echo signal refers to the reflected signal generated by the target object after receiving the sensing reference signal.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives a first signal reflected by the target object.

[0184] For example, the second satellite sends a sensing reference signal to the target object (also known as the sensing target) at the second time t2. After a time offset Δt after the second time t2, that is, at or after the first time t1, the first satellite receives the first signal.

[0185] In some embodiments, the time offset is the shortest time between the second satellite transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal.

[0186] In some embodiments, the time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

[0187] For example, the time offset is predefined or preconfigured.

[0188] For example, the time offset is calculated by the first satellite.

[0189] The following explains various methods for determining time offset.

[0190] In one example, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0191] The horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0192] In some embodiments, the altitude of the first satellite refers to the altitude of the first satellite relative to the ground, and the altitude of the second satellite refers to the altitude of the second satellite relative to the ground.

[0193] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a calculation of time offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to Figure 2B, the altitude of the first satellite is represented by h1, the altitude of the second satellite is represented by h2, the horizontal distance between the first and second satellites is represented by D3, the distance between the first satellite and the target object is represented by D1, and the distance between the second satellite and the target object is represented by D2.

[0195] In some embodiments, the time offset ΔT can be based on the formula The first satellite knows its altitude h1. It can receive the altitude h2 of the second satellite transmitted via an inter-satellite link, or calculate the altitude h2 based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite. The values ​​of altitude h1 and altitude h2 do not change over time. The first satellite can calculate the horizontal distance D3 between the first and second satellites using the ephemeris information and its own position information. The first and second satellites can be relatively stationary or relatively moving. C is the electromagnetic wave propagation speed, and C is 3 × 10⁻⁶. 8 m / s. Therefore, the time offset ΔT can be calculated by the first satellite based on the altitude h1 of the first satellite, the altitude h2 of the second satellite, and the horizontal distance D3 between the first and second satellites.

[0196] In one example, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0197] The relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0198] In some embodiments, the first satellite and the second satellite are moving relative to each other, meaning the horizontal distance D3 between them is constantly changing. The first satellite can determine the second satellite's speed using its ephemeris information, and then determines the relative speed V between the two satellites based on their respective speeds. This relative speed V can be a horizontal relative speed. Therefore, the horizontal distance D3 between the first and second satellites is equal to the sum of the relative horizontal distance between them and the initial horizontal distance D0. The relative horizontal distance is also equal to the product of the relative speed V and the time offset, i.e., D3 = V × ΔT + D0.

[0199] In some embodiments, the time offset ΔT can be based on the formula The time offset ΔT can be calculated using the altitude h1 of the first satellite, the altitude h2 of the second satellite, and the relative velocity V between the first and second satellites.

[0200] In one example, the time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, where the first distance is the distance between a first satellite and the target object, and the second distance is the distance between a second satellite and the target object.

[0201] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a calculation of time offset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0202] Referring to Figure 2C, the distance between the first satellite and the target object is represented by D1, and the distance between the second satellite and the target object is represented by D2.

[0203] In some embodiments, the time offset ΔT can be obtained based on the formula ΔT = (D1 + D2) ÷ C. The first satellite can calculate the time offset ΔT based on the distance D1 between the first satellite and the target object, and the distance D2 between the second satellite and the target object. The distance D2 between the second satellite and the target object can be calculated by the second satellite and transmitted to the first satellite.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first distance is determined based on the angle between the first satellite and the target object and the altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on the angle between the second satellite and the target object and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0205] Referring again to Figure 2C, the altitude of the first satellite is represented by h1, the altitude of the second satellite is represented by h2, the angle between the first satellite and the target object is represented by β, and the angle between the second satellite and the target object is represented by α.

[0206] In some embodiments, the distance D1 between the first satellite and the target object is calculated based on the angle β between the first satellite and the target object and the altitude h1 of the first satellite, where D1 = h1 ÷ sinβ. The first satellite can determine the angle β between itself and the target object when receiving the echo signal from the target object.

[0207] In some embodiments, the distance D2 between the second satellite and the target object is calculated based on the angle α between the second satellite and the target object and the altitude h2 of the second satellite, where D2 = h2 ÷ sinα. The second satellite can determine the angle α between itself and the target object when sending a sensing reference signal to the target object.

[0208] In some embodiments, the method for calculating time offset shown in FIG2C can be applied to the tracking process in sensing, during which the first satellite and the second satellite can determine the position, velocity, angle and other information of the target object in real time for calculating the time offset.

[0209] The communication method provided in this embodiment involves a second satellite transmitting a sensing reference signal at a second time point, and a first satellite receiving the echo signal of the sensing reference signal at or after the first time point, wherein the first time point is greater than or equal to the second time point and a time offset. That is, the first satellite receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing reference signal some time after the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal, thereby saving power consumed by the first satellite during the communication sensing process.

[0210] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, S2101+S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S2101+S2104+S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S2101+S2102+S2104+S2106 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0211] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2103, S2104, and S2105 may be performed in an interchangeable order or simultaneously.

[0212] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0213] In some embodiments, step S2103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0214] In some embodiments, step S2104 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0215] In some embodiments, step S2105 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0216] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2A.

[0217] 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.

[0218] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0219] 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.

[0220] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0221] 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.

[0222] 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 value (bool)) represented by true or false, or by a numerical comparison (e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0223] In some embodiments, "not expecting to receive" can be interpreted as not receiving on time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources, or as not performing subsequent processing on the data after receiving it; "not expecting to send" can be interpreted as not sending, or as sending but not expecting the receiver to respond to the sent content.

[0224] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first satellite, the method comprising:

[0225] Step S3101: Receive the first signal.

[0226] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives the first signal.

[0228] In some embodiments, a first satellite receives a first signal at or after a first moment. The first signal is an echo signal of a sensing reference signal, which is transmitted by a second satellite at a second moment. The first moment is greater than or equal to the sum of the second moment and a time offset.

[0229] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives ephemeris information of the second satellite transmitted by the second satellite.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives first information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives second information sent by the second satellite. The second information is used at a second time, i.e., the time when the second satellite sends the sensing reference signal.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives third information transmitted by the second satellite, the third information being used to instruct the second satellite on the resources for transmitting sensing reference signals.

[0233] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a second satellite, the method comprising:

[0234] Step S4101: Send a sensing reference signal.

[0235] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal at a second time. The sensing reference signal is used to generate a first signal, which is an echo signal of the sensing signal. The first signal is received by the first satellite at or after the first time. The first time is greater than or equal to the sum of the second time and the time offset.

[0238] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits its ephemeris information to the first satellite.

[0239] In some embodiments, the second satellite sends first information to the first satellite, the first information being used to indicate the validity period of the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0240] In some embodiments, the second satellite sends second information to the first satellite. The second information is used at a second time, i.e., the time when the second satellite sends the sensing reference signal.

[0241] In some embodiments, the second satellite sends third information to the first satellite, the third information being used to instruct the second satellite on the resources for sending sensing reference signals.

[0242] Figure 5 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which includes:

[0243] Step S5101: The second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal.

[0244] In some embodiments, the second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal to the target object.

[0245] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0246] Step S5102: The first satellite receives the first signal.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first satellite receives a first signal reflected by the target object. The first signal is an echo signal of the sensing reference signal.

[0248] The optional implementation of step S5102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0249] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the embodiments of the communication system side, the first satellite side, the second satellite side, etc., which will not be described again here.

[0250] The following explanation uses the example of Satellite 2 as the first satellite and Satellite 1 as the second satellite, but this disclosure does not limit this.

[0251] This disclosure proposes a communication method in a TRP-TRP bistatic sensing mode, i.e., dual-station satellite sensing. The satellite is in regenerative mode, meaning the base station is on a satellite; satellite 1 transmits a sensing RS, and satellite 2 receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS. Alternatively, the satellite is in transparent forwarding mode, meaning satellite 1 forwards the sensing RS transmitted by ground base station 1, and satellite 2 forwards the echo signal of the received sensing RS to ground base station 2.

[0252] Assuming that satellite 1 and satellite 2 simultaneously cover the target object, if satellite 1 and satellite 2 operate on different frequencies, and satellite 2's reception supports satellite 1's frequency, then satellite 2 can receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS transmitted by satellite 1. Alternatively, if satellite 1 and satellite 2 operate on the same frequency band, such as both being low-Earth orbit satellites, then satellite 2 can receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS transmitted by satellite 1.

[0253] In some embodiments, satellite 2 begins to listen for and receive the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS only after a time ΔT following the transmission of the sensing RS by satellite 1.

[0254] In one example, satellite 1 transmits the sensing RS at time t2, and satellite 2 begins receiving the sensing RS echo signal after time t2+ΔT.

[0255] In some embodiments, satellite 1 will indicate the time t2 for transmitting the sensing RS to satellite 2 via inter-satellite links. The indication of time t2 can be an offset value relative to a reference time point, such as a pre-configured, predefined common time, or it can be indicated by the radio frame in which time t2 is located and the timeslot number in that radio frame. (Protocol impact: There is information exchange between satellites and base stations).

[0256] In some embodiments, satellite 1 will inform satellite 2 of the resource r1 that transmits sensing RS via an inter-satellite link, and satellite 2 will receive the echo signal on resource r1.

[0257] In some embodiments, time ΔT is equal to the shortest time from when satellite 1 sends the sensing RS to when satellite 2 receives the echo signal corresponding to the sensing RS sent by satellite 1. Time ΔT can be determined by the following methods.

[0258] In some embodiments, time ΔT is a predefined, pre-configured time.

[0259] In some embodiments, time ΔT is calculated by satellite 2 based on the information sent by satellite 1, and the calculation method is as follows.

[0260] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2B, the first satellite can be satellite 2, the second satellite can be satellite 1, and the shortest time C is the speed of electromagnetic wave propagation, which is 3 × 10⁻⁶. 8 m / s (This method of calculation is independent of the target object's position and is a minimum time).

[0261] In some embodiments, h1 is the altitude of satellite 2 above the ground, which is known to satellite 2 itself and does not change over time.

[0262] In some embodiments, h2 is the altitude of satellite 1 above the ground. h2 can be indicated directly by satellite 1 to satellite 2 via an inter-satellite link, or satellite 1 can indicate its own ephemeris information to satellite 2 via an inter-satellite link. Satellite 2 calculates h2 based on the ephemeris information, and the value of h2 will not change over time.

[0263] In some embodiments, D3 represents the horizontal distance information between Satellite 1 and Satellite 2. Satellite 1 sends its ephemeris information to Satellite 2 via an inter-satellite link, and Satellite 2 calculates the horizontal distance between the two satellites relative to the ground based on the ephemeris information and its own position. (In this case, Satellite 1 and Satellite 2 can be stationary, and the horizontal distance between them remains constant.)

[0264] In some embodiments, satellites 1 and 2 are moving, so the horizontal distance D3 between them is constantly changing. Assuming the two satellites are moving at a constant speed, and satellite 2 determines their relative velocity to be V based on ephemeris information, then D3 = V × ΔT + D0, where D0 is the initial distance between them. D0 can be 0. Then satellite 2 can calculate △T.

[0265] In some embodiments, similar to communication protocol version R17 (also known as Rel17, Release-17), the base station indicates the validity duration and effective time of ephemeris information to the terminal. Satellite 1 can also indicate the validity duration and effective time of the aforementioned ephemeris information via an inter-satellite link. Although the ephemeris information indicated by Satellite 1 (such as satellite position and satellite velocity) is only an instantaneous value, Satellite 2 can deduce the position and velocity of the satellite over the next period of time based on a specific algorithm, such as Kepler's laws, given the effective time and validity duration of Satellite 1's ephemeris information, thereby calculating the horizontal distance D3 between the two satellites.

[0266] In some embodiments, the indication of the validity time of ephemeris information can be provided by satellite 1 to satellite 2 via an inter-satellite link, such as selecting one value from multiple candidate values ​​to indicate to satellite 2. If the number of candidate valid time values ​​is N, then ceiling[log2(N)] bits are used to indicate it.

[0267] In some embodiments, the indication of the effective time of ephemeris information can be provided by satellite 1 to satellite 2 via an inter-satellite link. Specifically, the indication method can be to indicate an offset value relative to a reference time point, such as a pre-configured, predefined common time. Alternatively, the effective time point can be defined as the time when satellite 1 sends ephemeris information to satellite 2. Satellite 1 can directly indicate to satellite 2 the radio frame in which the ephemeris information was sent and the timeslot number within that radio frame, or the effective time point can be defined as the time when satellite 2 receives the ephemeris information. (Protocol impact: Information exchange between satellites and base stations).

[0268] The above ephemeris information can be in one of the two ephemeris formats defined in R17 for base stations to broadcast to terminals.

[0269] In some embodiments, satellite 1 and satellite 2 may be satellites in the same orbit, in which case D1 = D2; or satellites in different orbits, in which case D1 ≠ D2.

[0270] In some embodiments, satellite 1 transmits the sensing RS at time t2, and satellite 2 begins receiving the sensing RS echo signal only after time t2 + ΔT. ΔT is calculated in real time by satellite 2 based on the information transmitted from satellite 1 to satellite 2. In this method, the value of ΔT changes dynamically, making it more suitable for tracking processes during sensing, because during tracking, satellite 1 and satellite 2 can determine the position, velocity, angle, and other information of the target object in real time. The accuracy of this method depends on the transmission time between the two satellites.

[0271] In some embodiments, satellite 1 will indicate the time t2 for transmitting the sensing RS to satellite 2 via inter-satellite links. The indication of time t2 can be an offset value relative to a reference time point, such as a pre-configured, predefined common time, or it can be indicated by the radio frame in which time t2 is located and the time slot number in that radio frame. (Protocol impact: There is information exchange between satellites and base stations).

[0272] In some embodiments, time ΔT is calculated by satellite 2 based on the following information sent by satellite 1, as shown in Figure 2C. The calculation method is as follows: satellite 1 calculates the distance D2 and sends it to satellite 2. The method for calculating distance D1 is: D2 = h2 ÷ sinα, where angle α is the angle value determined by satellite 1 when sending sensing RS to the target object, and h2 is the altitude of satellite 1, which is known.

[0273] In some embodiments, satellite 2 calculates the distance D1. The method for calculating distance D1 is D1 = h1 ÷ sinβ, where angle β is the angle value determined by satellite 2 when receiving the echo signal from the target object, and h1 is the altitude of satellite 2, which is known.

[0274] In some embodiments, △T=(D1+D2)÷C, that is, the time from when satellite 1 sends the sensing RS to when satellite 2 receives the corresponding echo signal of the sensing RS is calculated based on the real-time position of the satellite.

[0275] In some embodiments, Rel-17 supports the following two ephemeris formats:

[0276] The first is a state vector that directly indicates the satellite's position and velocity. In a geocentric coordinate system, the position coordinate components X, Y, Z and the velocity coordinate components VX, VY, VZ are indicated to the user. This format requires a 17-byte payload, with specific indication information as follows:

[0277] For the position, 78 bits are required, in meters (m).

[0278] The location range is determined by the geostationary orbit (GEO) scenario, and is + / - 42200 km;

[0279] The quantization step size for the position is 1.3m;

[0280] For speed, 54 bits are required, in m / s units;

[0281] The speed range is determined by the LEO-600 scenario and is + / -8000m / s;

[0282] The quantization step size for the speed is 0.06 m / s.

[0283] Although the satellite position and velocity broadcast by the base station are only instantaneous values, the terminal can deduce the satellite's position and velocity for the next period of time based on specific algorithms, such as Kepler's laws, given the current effective time of the satellite position and velocity.

[0284] Second, ephemeris information is indicated in the format of orbital parameters. This format requires a 21-byte payload, with the specific indication information as follows:

[0285] The semi-major axis α requires 33 bits, and the unit is m;

[0286] The range is [6500, 43000] km;

[0287] The quantization step size is 4.249 × 10⁻⁶. -3 m;

[0288] Eccentricity e requires 20 bits;

[0289] The range is ≤0.015;

[0290] The quantization step size is 1.431 × 10⁻⁶. -8 ;

[0291] The argument ω at the pericenter requires 28 bits, and the unit is rad.

[0292] The range is [0, 2π].

[0293] The quantization step size is 2.341 × 10⁻⁶. -8 ;

[0294] The longitude of the ascending node Ω requires 28 bits and is measured in rad.

[0295] The range is [0, 2π].

[0296] The quantization step size is 2.341 × 10⁻⁶. -8 ;

[0297] The orbital inclination angle i requires 27 bits and is measured in rad.

[0298] The range is [-π / 2, π / 2];

[0299] The quantization step size is 2.341 × 10⁻⁶. -8 ;

[0300] The average near angle M requires 28 bits, measured in rad.

[0301] The range is [0, 2π].

[0302] The quantization step size is 2.341 × 10⁻⁶. -8 .

[0303] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0304] This disclosure also provides an 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. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0305] 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 configuration files, 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.

[0306] 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 Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a 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 using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (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), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0307] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first satellite proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the first satellite 6100 may include a transceiver module 6101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 is used to receive a first signal. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (such as step S2106, but not limited thereto) performed by the first satellite in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0308] In some embodiments, the first satellite may further include a processing module.

[0309] In some embodiments, the time offset is the shortest time between the second satellite transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal.

[0310] In some embodiments, the time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

[0311] In some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0312] In some embodiments, the horizontal distance and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0313] In some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0314] In some embodiments, the relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0315] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to receive ephemeris information of the second satellite transmitted by the second satellite.

[0316] In the above embodiment, the second satellite sends ephemeris information to the first satellite so that the first satellite can accurately know the location information of the second satellite.

[0317] In some embodiments, the validity period of the ephemeris information is determined by at least one of the following: first information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information indicating the validity period of the ephemeris information; a third time when the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information, the third time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; a fourth time when the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: bit information indicating the validity period from candidate durations; an offset value of the effective time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0318] In some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, the first distance being the distance between the first satellite and the target object, and the second distance being the distance between the second satellite and the target object.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first distance is determined based on the angle between the first satellite and the target object and the altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on the angle between the second satellite and the target object and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0320] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive second information transmitted by the second satellite via an inter-satellite link, the second information being used to indicate the second time.

[0321] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the offset value of the second time point relative to a reference time point, which is pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the second time point is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0322] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is configured to receive third information transmitted by the second satellite, the third information being configured to instruct the second satellite to transmit the sensing reference signal, the resources being used by the first satellite to receive the first signal.

[0323] In some embodiments, the ephemeris information includes at least one of the following: the position of the second satellite; the velocity of the second satellite; and the orbital parameters of the second satellite.

[0324] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second satellite proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the second satellite 6200 may include a transceiver module 6201. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 is used to transmit sensing reference signals. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the second satellite in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0325] In some embodiments, the second satellite may also include a processing module.

[0326] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to transmit the first information via the first satellite.

[0327] In some embodiments, the time offset is the shortest time between the second satellite transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal.

[0328] In some embodiments, the time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

[0329] In some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0330] In some embodiments, the horizontal distance and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0331] In some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on at least one of the following: the relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; the altitude of the first satellite; and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0332] In some embodiments, the relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on the ephemeris information of the second satellite.

[0333] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used for the second satellite to send the ephemeris information of the second satellite to the first satellite.

[0334] In some embodiments, the validity period of the ephemeris information is determined by at least one of the following: first information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information indicating the validity period of the ephemeris information; a third time when the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information, the third time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; a fourth time when the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth time being used as the effective time point of the ephemeris information; wherein, the first information includes at least one of the following: bit information indicating the validity period from candidate durations; an offset value of the effective time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0335] In some embodiments, the time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, the first distance being the distance between the first satellite and the target object, and the second distance being the distance between the second satellite and the target object.

[0336] In some embodiments, the first distance is determined based on the angle between the first satellite and the target object and the altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on the angle between the second satellite and the target object and the altitude of the second satellite.

[0337] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send second information from the second satellite to the first satellite via an inter-satellite link, the second information being used to indicate the second time.

[0338] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: the offset value of the second time point relative to a reference time point, which is pre-configured or pre-defined; the radio frame in which the second time point is located and the time slot symbol in the radio frame.

[0339] In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used for the second satellite to send third information to the first satellite, the third information being used to instruct the second satellite to send the sensing reference signal to resources, the resources being used by the first satellite to receive the first signal.

[0340] In some embodiments, the ephemeris information includes at least one of the following: the position of the second satellite; the velocity of the second satellite; and the orbital parameters of the second satellite.

[0341] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0342] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 7100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 7100 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.

[0343] As shown in Figure 7A, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 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 communication devices (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 7100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 7101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 7100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0344] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7102. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7102, the transceiver 7102 performs at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2106, but not limited thereto) in the above method, such as sending and / or receiving, while the processor 7101 performs at least one of the other steps. 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.

[0345] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7103 may be located outside the communication device 7100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuits 7104 are connected to the memories 7103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 7103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 7103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 7104 can read data stored in the memories 7103 and send the data to the processor 7101.

[0346] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection 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.

[0347] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 7200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7B can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0348] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201. Chip 7200 is used to perform any of the above methods.

[0349] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside chip 7200. Optionally, interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive data from memory 7203 or other devices, and interface circuit 7202 can be used to send data to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 7202 can read data stored in memory 7203 and send the data to processor 7201.

[0350] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2106, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 7202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 7202 performs data interaction between the processor 7201, the chip 7200, the memory 7203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 7201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0351] 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.

[0352] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 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.

[0353] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0354] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: The first satellite receives a first signal at or after a first time, the first signal being an echo signal of a perception reference signal, the perception reference signal being transmitted by a second satellite at a second time, the first time being greater than or equal to the second time plus a time offset.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time offset is the shortest time duration between the transmission of the perception reference signal by the second satellite and the reception of the first signal by the first satellite.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time offset is determined based on at least one of: A horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; An altitude of the first satellite; An altitude of the second satellite.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The horizontal distance and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on ephemeris information of the second satellite.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time offset is determined based on at least one of: A relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; An altitude of the first satellite; An altitude of the second satellite.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on ephemeris information of the second satellite.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first satellite receives ephemeris information of the second satellite transmitted by the second satellite.

9. The method according to claim 5 or 7 or 8, characterized in that, The validity time of the ephemeris information is determined based on at least one of: First information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information being used to indicate the validity time of the ephemeris information; A third time at which the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information, the third time being used as an effective time point of the ephemeris information; A fourth time at which the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth time being used as an effective time point of the ephemeris information; The first information comprises at least one of: Bit information used to indicate a valid time duration from a candidate time duration; An offset value of an effective time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; A radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and a time slot symbol in the radio frame.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, The time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, the first distance being a distance between the first satellite and a target object, and the second distance being a distance between the second satellite and the target object.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first distance is determined based on an angle between the first satellite and the target object and an altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on an angle between the second satellite and the target object and an altitude of the second satellite.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first satellite receives second information transmitted by the second satellite based on an inter-satellite link, the second information being used to indicate the second time.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The second information comprises at least one of: An offset value of the second time relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; A radio frame in which the second time is located and a time slot symbol in the radio frame.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The method further comprises: The first satellite receives third information transmitted by the second satellite, the third information being used to indicate a resource in which the second satellite transmits the sensing reference signal, and the resource being used for the first satellite to receive the first signal.

15. The method of claim 5 or 7 or 8, wherein, The ephemeris information comprises at least one of: a position of the second satellite; a velocity of the second satellite; an orbit parameter of the second satellite.

16. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: a second satellite transmits a sensing reference signal at a second time, the sensing reference signal being used to generate a first signal, the first signal being a back echo signal of the sensing signal, the first signal being received by a first satellite at or after a first time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The time offset is a shortest time duration between the second satellite transmitting the sensing reference signal and the first satellite receiving the first signal.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The time offset is predefined, or the time offset is determined by the first satellite.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, The time offset is determined based on at least one of: a horizontal distance between the first satellite and the second satellite; an altitude of the first satellite; an altitude of the second satellite.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The horizontal distance and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on ephemeris information of the second satellite.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein, The time offset is determined based on at least one of: a relative velocity between the first satellite and the second satellite; an altitude of the first satellite; an altitude of the second satellite.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The relative velocity and / or the altitude of the second satellite are determined based on ephemeris information of the second satellite.

23. The method of claim 20 or 22, wherein, The method further comprises: the second satellite transmits ephemeris information of the second satellite to the first satellite.

24. The method of claim 20 or 22 or 23, wherein, A validity time of the ephemeris information is determined based on at least one of: first information transmitted by the second satellite, the first information being used to indicate the validity time of the ephemeris information; a third time at which the second satellite transmits the ephemeris information, the third time being used as a validity time point of the ephemeris information; a fourth time at which the first satellite receives the ephemeris information, the fourth time being used as the validity time point of the ephemeris information. The first information comprises at least one of: bit information used to indicate a validity time from candidate time durations; an offset value of the validity time point of the ephemeris information relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; a radio frame in which the ephemeris information is located and a time slot symbol in the radio frame.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein, The time offset is determined based on a first distance and a second distance, the first distance being a distance between the first satellite and a target object, and the second distance being a distance between the second satellite and the target object.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The first distance is determined based on an angle between the first satellite and the target object and an altitude of the first satellite, and the second distance is determined based on an angle between the second satellite and the target object and an altitude of the second satellite.

27. The method of any one of claims 16-26, wherein, The method further comprises: the second satellite transmits second information to the first satellite based on an inter-satellite link, the second information being used to indicate the second time.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The second information includes at least one of the following: an offset value of the second time relative to a reference time point, the reference time point being pre-configured or pre-defined; a radio frame in which the second time is located and a time slot symbol in the radio frame.

29. The method of any one of claims 16 to 28, wherein, The method further includes: The second satellite sends third information to the first satellite, the third information being used to indicate a resource in which the second satellite sends the sensing reference signal, the resource being used for the first satellite to receive the first signal.

30. The method of claim 20 or 22 or 23, wherein, The ephemeris information includes at least one of the following: a position of the second satellite; a velocity of the second satellite; an orbit parameter of the second satellite.

31. A first satellite, comprising: Comprise: a transceiver module, configured to receive a first signal at a first time or after the first time, the first signal being an echo signal of a sensing reference signal, the sensing reference signal being sent by a second satellite at a second time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

32. A second satellite, wherein: Comprise: a transceiver module, configured to send a sensing reference signal at a second time, the sensing reference signal being used to generate a first signal, the first signal being an echo signal of the sensing signal, the first signal being received by a first satellite at a first time or after the first time, the first time being greater than or equal to a sum of the second time and a time offset.

33. A first satellite, comprising: Comprise: one or more processors; wherein the first satellite is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15.

34. A second satellite, characterized by, Comprise: one or more processors; wherein the second satellite is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 16-30.

35. A communication system, characterized by Comprise a first satellite and a second satellite, wherein the first satellite is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-15, and the second satellite is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 16-30.

36. A storage medium, the storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instructions run on a communication device, the communication device is caused to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15 or the method of any one of claims 16-30.

37. A program product, characterized by Comprise: a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-15 or the method of any one of claims 16-30.

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