Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

This application provides a communication method and a communication device. The method includes: receiving a first message from a first communication device, the first message being used by a first user to call a second user or by the first user to send a short message to the second user, the first user corresponding to the first communication device and the second user corresponding to a second communication device; sending an alarm message to the second communication device, the alarm message being used to notify the second user of an incoming call or message destined for the second user, the alarm message being determined based on the second user's classification of the first user. This method can be used to design the content carried by the alarm message, which can lower the signal demodulation threshold and enhance the robustness of alarm message transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and more specifically, to communication methods and communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to terrestrial communications, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) offer advantages such as large coverage areas and flexible network deployment, enabling seamless global network coverage. NTN networks can serve as a supplement to current terrestrial networks, or they can be viewed as an independent communication system providing users with high-speed global network access.

[0003] In an NTN network, satellites and terminal devices can communicate directly, specifically in scenarios including mobile origination (MO) and mobile termination (MT). MO refers to the terminal device actively calling or sending information to the satellite, while MT refers to the satellite calling or sending information to the terminal device.

[0004] If the terminal device is in an environment with obstructed or poor signal, such as when the phone is in a pocket or box, or when the person holding the phone is in a forest, the terminal device may be unable to connect to the network.

[0005] To overcome this issue, for MO scenarios, users can hold their phones and actively adjust their posture, or move to an unobstructed location for communication. For MT scenarios, a dedicated channel can be designed to send alert messages to the terminal device under extremely low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) conditions, thereby guiding the user to call back to avoid missing important information.

[0006] Since alert messages need to be sent and received at low signal-to-noise ratios, the information carried by the alert message needs to be as little as possible in order to reduce the signal demodulation threshold. Existing technologies do not design the specific content carried by the alert message. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a communication method and a communication device, which can be used to design the content carried by alarm messages, reduce the signal demodulation threshold, and enhance the robustness of alarm message transmission.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first NTN device or a module applied to the first NTN device (e.g., a processor, chip, or circuit, or a logic module, hardware, and / or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first NTN device).

[0009] The method may include: receiving a first message from a first communication device, the first message being used by a first user to call a second user or by the first user to send a short message to the second user, the first user corresponding to the first communication device and the second user corresponding to the second communication device; and sending an alarm message to the second communication device based on the first message, the alarm message being used to notify the second user of an incoming call or message sent to the second user, the alarm message being determined according to the second user's classification of the first user.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, the alarm message is determined according to the classification of the first user by the second user, which can minimize the information carrying capacity of the alarm message, reduce the signal demodulation threshold, and improve the robustness of alarm message transmission.

[0011] In some implementations, when the first user is classified into a whitelist by the second user, or when the first user is not classified into a whitelist by the second user, the alarm message includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to initiate a reminder to the second user; or, when the first user is classified into a blacklist by the second user, the alarm message includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device not to initiate a reminder to the second user; wherein, the reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder.

[0012] Based on the above scheme, alarm messages carrying less information can be identified, thereby lowering the signal demodulation threshold and improving the robustness of alarm message transmission. For example, a single bit in the alarm message can be used to indicate whether the second communication device should initiate an alert to the second user.

[0013] In some implementations, multiple users are categorized into N groups by the second user. The importance of users in different groups varies. The N groups correspond to N different reminder methods. The reminder method is the way the second communication device reminds the second user. The reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder. The first user belongs to the multiple users.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, alarm messages carrying less information can be identified, thereby lowering the signal demodulation threshold and improving the robustness of alarm message transmission. For example, a simple sequence in the alarm message can be used to indicate whether the second communication device should initiate an alert to the second user.

[0015] In some implementations, sending an alarm message to the second communication device includes: sending the alarm message to the second communication device via a relay communication device forwarding when a first condition is met, or sending the alarm message to the second communication device via a low-frequency signal; wherein the first condition includes at least one of the following conditions: within a first time period after sending the alarm message to the second communication device, no response message is received from the second communication device; or, within a second time period after each of the N alarm messages sent to the second communication device, no response message is received from the second communication device; or, based on the location information of the second communication device, the location information of the first NTN device, and the obstruction information between the first NTN device and the second communication device, it is determined that the signal quality of the signal sent by the first NTN device to the second communication device will degrade to below a first threshold.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, it can be determined whether the alarm message is reachable to the second communication device. If it is not reachable, the alarm message can be sent by relaying through a relay device or by sending a low-frequency signal, thereby increasing the probability that the second communication device will receive the alarm message.

[0017] In some implementations, sending the alarm message to the second communication device via a relay communication device includes sending the alarm message to the relay communication device, wherein the relay communication device has a transmission link with both the second communication device and the first NTN device.

[0018] In some implementations, the method further includes: determining the relay communication device based on the location information of the second communication device, the location information of the relay communication device, and the transmission link information between the second communication device and the relay communication device.

[0019] In some implementations, before sending the alarm message to the second communication device via a low-frequency signal, the method further includes: determining the low-frequency signal receiving capability of the second communication device.

[0020] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving low-frequency signal reception capability information of the second communication device, the low-frequency signal reception capability information indicating that the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals, and / or indicating the time during which the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals.

[0021] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second communication device or a module applied to the second communication device (e.g., a processor, chip, or circuit, or a logic module, hardware, and / or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device).

[0022] The method may include: receiving an alarm message, the alarm message being used to notify a second user of an incoming call or message sent to the second user, the alarm message being determined based on the second user's classification of the first user, the first user corresponding to a first communication device, and the second user corresponding to a second communication device; and initiating a reminder to the second user based on the alarm message, the reminder including at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder.

[0023] In some implementations, when the first user is classified into a whitelist by the second user, or when the first user is not classified into a whitelist by the first user, the alarm message includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to initiate a reminder to the second user; or, when the first user is classified into a blacklist by the second user, the alarm message includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device not to initiate a reminder to the second user.

[0024] In some implementations, multiple users are classified into N groups by the second user. The N groups correspond to N different reminder methods. The reminder method is the way the second communication device reminds the second user. The reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder. The first user belongs to the multiple users.

[0025] In some implementations, the first user belongs to the first group among the N groups, and the first group corresponds to the first reminder method among the N different reminder methods; the step of initiating a reminder to the second user according to the alarm message includes: initiating a reminder to the second user through the first reminder method.

[0026] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending low-frequency signal reception capability information of the second communication device, the low-frequency signal reception capability information indicating that the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals, and / or indicating the time during which the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, which has the function of implementing the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described function.

[0028] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which has the function of implementing the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above-described function.

[0029] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor configured to cause the communication device to execute the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or to execute the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the at least one processor is configured to call and run the computer program or instructions from the at least one memory, causing the communication device to execute the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or to execute the method of the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the at least one processor may be included in the communication device or may be configured outside the communication device. Optionally, the communication device further includes the at least one memory. Furthermore, the communication device may optionally include a communication interface coupled to the at least one processor, which can be used to input information and / or data to the at least one processor, or to output information and / or data from the at least one processor. As an example, the communication interface may include an input interface and / or an output interface, or an interface circuit, etc.

[0030] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, comprising a communication interface and a circuit. The communication interface is configured to receive a signal to be processed and transmit the signal to the circuit. The circuit is configured to process the signal to perform a method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or to perform a method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof. Optionally, the communication interface is further configured to output the signal processed by the circuit. As an example, the communication interface may be a transceiver, hardware circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. The signal includes information and / or data. Optionally, the communication device may be a chip.

[0031] A seventh aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer program code or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented; or, the method as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0032] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising computer program code or instructions, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof to be implemented; or, as in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof, the method to be implemented.

[0033] A ninth aspect provides a wireless communication system, including a communication device as described in the third aspect and a communication device as described in the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication scenario applicable to the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another satellite communication scenario to which the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a transparent satellite architecture.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a non-transparent satellite architecture.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application.

[0043] Figure 10 A schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in this application.

[0044] Figure 11 A schematic structural diagram of the chip provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments provided in this application, the following points are made:

[0046] 1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0047] 2) The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application indicate optional steps or optional modules.

[0048] 3) In the embodiments of this application, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the size, content, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects. For example, the first message and the second message can be the same message or different messages, and such names do not indicate differences in the content, size, application scenario, sender / receiver, priority, or importance of the two messages. In addition, the numbering of steps in the various embodiments described in this application is only to distinguish different steps and is not used to limit the order of steps.

[0049] 4) In this application, descriptions such as “when…”, “under the circumstances of…” and “if” all refer to the fact that the device will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when it is implemented, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0050] 5) In this application, "instruction" or "for instruction" can include both direct and indirect instruction. When describing an instruction as being used to instruct A, it may include whether the instruction directly instructs A or indirectly instructs A, but does not necessarily mean that the instruction carries A.

[0051] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. Moreover, the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the sending method, for example.

[0052] The "instruction information" in the embodiments of this application can be an explicit instruction, that is, a direct instruction through signaling, or an instruction obtained by combining other rules or parameters with the parameters indicated by the signaling, or by deduction. It can also be an implicit instruction, that is, an instruction obtained based on rules or relationships, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0053] 6) In this application, terms such as “message”, “information”, “signal” or “information element (IE)” can be used interchangeably. There are no restrictions on the name of the message or information, as long as it can achieve the corresponding function.

[0054] 7) In this application, "communication" can also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission", "data processing", etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving".

[0055] 8) In this application, "sending information to XX (device)" can be understood as the destination of the information being that device. This can include sending information directly or indirectly to that device. "Receiving information from XX (device), or receiving information from XX (device)" can be understood as the source of the information being that device, and can include receiving information directly or indirectly from that device. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source.

[0056] 9) The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0057] The technical solutions in this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] The technical solution of this application can be applied to satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communication, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including integrated communication and navigation (ICAN) systems, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and ultra-dense low-Earth orbit satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a fourth-generation (4G) communication system (e.g., long term evolution (LTE) system), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a fifth-generation (5G) communication system (e.g., new radio (NR) system), and future mobile communication systems.

[0059] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a communication system applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication system includes at least one network device and at least one terminal. The terminal includes ground-based mobile terminals, drones, etc. Both the network device and the terminal are sometimes referred to as communication devices, for example... Figure 1 In China, network equipment can be understood as a communication device with base station functionality, and a terminal can be understood as a communication device with terminal functionality.

[0060] It should be understood that Figure 1 This explanation uses communication between access network equipment and terminal equipment, and between access network equipment and core network equipment, as examples to briefly illustrate one communication scenario in which this application can be applied, and does not limit other scenarios in which this application can be applied. It should also be understood that... Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration for ease of understanding only. The communication system may also include other network devices or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0061] The terminal in this application embodiment can also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminals can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, etc. Terminals typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform corresponding communication functions. The terminal can also be configured with program instructions for performing these communication functions.

[0062] The network devices in this application embodiment may sometimes be referred to as access network devices, open radio access network (RAN) entities, or access nodes, etc., constituting part of the communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access. The communication system may include multiple network devices, which may be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types.

[0063] In one possible scenario, network equipment can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. Network equipment can be a macro base station, a micro base station or indoor station, a relay node or donor node, or a wireless controller. Optionally, network equipment can also be a server, wearable device, vehicle, or in-vehicle equipment. For example, the access network equipment in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a roadside unit (RSU).

[0064] In another possible scenario, multiple network devices collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with each device performing a portion of the base station's functions. For example, these network devices could be a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be separate entities or included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The CU and DU nodes separate the gNB's protocol layers; some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining partial or complete protocol layer functions are distributed across the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0065] The CU is deployed with the radio resource control (RRC) layer, the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer in the protocol stack; the DU is deployed with the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer, and the physical layer (PHY) in the protocol stack.

[0066] The CU has RRC, PDCP, and SDAP processing capabilities. The DU has RLC, MAC, and PHY processing capabilities.

[0067] It should be understood that the above functional division (or segmentation) is merely an example and does not constitute a limitation on CU and DU in this application. That is to say, there may be other ways to divide functions between CU and DU, and the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0068] The functions of a CU can be implemented by a single entity or by different entities. For example, the functions of a CU can be further divided, such as separating the control plane (CP) and the user plane (UP), i.e., the CU control plane (CU-CP) and the CU user plane (CU-UP). CU-CP and CU-UP can be implemented by different functional entities, and they can be coupled with DUs to jointly complete the functions of the network device. The CU control plane CU-CP can also include a further divided architecture, namely, dividing CU-CP into CU-CP1 and CU-CP2. CU-CP1 includes various radio resource management functions, while CU-CP2 only includes RRC functions and PDCP-control (C) functions (i.e., the basic functions of control plane signaling at the PDCP layer).

[0069] In one possible implementation, CU-CP handles control plane functions, primarily including RRC and PDCP-C. PDCP-C is mainly responsible for control plane data encryption / decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission. CU-UP handles user plane functions, primarily including SDAP and PDCP-user (U). SDAP is mainly responsible for processing core network data and mapping data flows to bearers. PDCP-U is mainly responsible for data plane encryption / decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via an E1 interface. CU-CP represents the gNB and connects to the core network via the Ng interface. It connects to the DU via F1-C (control plane). CU-UP connects to the DU via F1-U (user plane). Another possible implementation is that PDCP-C is also located within CU-UP.

[0070] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, a radio access network can also be an open radio access network (O-RAN) architecture. In an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open CU (open CU, O-CU), DU can also be called an open DU (open DU, O-DU), CU-CP can also be called an open CU-CP (open CU-CP, O-CU-CP), CU-UP can also be called an open CU-UP (open CU-UP, O-CU-UP), and RU can also be called an O-RU. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software modules and hardware modules.

[0071] For ease of understanding, combined with Figure 2 This paper briefly introduces the O-RAN architecture designed in this application. From... Figure 2 As can be seen from this, the O-RAN architecture includes: the first network unit, the second network unit, the third network unit, O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, O-RU, and O-cloud.

[0072] The aforementioned network elements (also referred to as nodes) can be interconnected. For example, the first network unit connects to the O-cloud via the O2 interface; the first network unit connects to the third network unit, O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU via the O1 interface; the first network unit connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface; the O-DU connects to the O-RU via the open fronthaul M-Plane interface and the open fronthaul C / U / S-Plane interface; the third network unit connects to the O-eNB, O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, and O-DU via the E2 interface; the O-CU-CP connects to the O-DU via the F1-c interface; the O-CU-UP connects to the O-DU via the F1-u interface; and the O-CU-CP connects to the O-CU-UP via the E1 interface. Figure 2 For a detailed description of the interface shown, please refer to the existing standards; it will not be repeated here.

[0073] One possible example is that the first network unit could be a service management and orchestration framework (SMO), or a network unit with similar functionality to an SMO; there is no limitation on which one.

[0074] One possible example is that the second network element can be a Non-RT RIC, or a network element with similar functionality to a Non-RT RIC; there is no limitation on this.

[0075] One possible example is that the third network unit could be a Near-RT RIC, or a network unit with similar functionality to Near-RT RIC; there is no limitation on this.

[0076] O-RAN aims to achieve an intelligent and open access network. A key feature of the O-RAN architecture is the separation of hardware and software, enabling the virtualization of network functions and the standardization of hardware. Furthermore, O-RAN incorporates artificial intelligence (AI).

[0077] In the ORAN system, CU can also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU can also be called O-DU, CU-CP can also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP can also be called O-CU-UP, and RU can also be called O-RU. In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. Any of the units among CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU, and RU in this application can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules.

[0078] In this embodiment, the communication system may further include core network equipment, i.e., equipment in the core network (CN) that provides service support to the terminal. Examples of core network equipment include: access and mobility management function (AMF) entities, session management function (SMF) entities, user plane function (UPF) entities, etc., which are not listed here. The AMF entity is responsible for terminal access management and mobility management; the SMF entity is responsible for session management, such as user session establishment; and the UPF entity is a user plane functional entity, primarily responsible for connecting to external networks. It should be noted that in this application, entities can also be referred to as network elements or functional entities. For example, an AMF entity can also be called an AMF network element or an AMF functional entity, and an SMF entity can also be called an SMF network element or an SMF functional entity, etc.

[0079] It should be understood that the above naming is defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation on this application. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in future communication networks, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology from 5G, or they may use other names, etc.

[0080] Currently, 5G has moved from the standardization phase to the commercial deployment phase. The NR standard was designed specifically for terrestrial communication, offering high-speed, high-reliability, and low-latency communication for user terminals. Compared to terrestrial communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication features large coverage areas and flexible networking. Currently, various research institutes, communication organizations, and companies are involved in researching NTN communication technologies and standards, striving to build a unified communication network integrating air, space, and ground communication. Depending on the payload type, NTN networks commonly employ two architectures: regenerative architecture and transparent architecture.

[0081] For example, Figure 1 The network devices and terminals mentioned are devices in satellite communication systems. For example, network devices and terminals are devices in a converged network architecture of NTN and terrestrial networks. For ease of understanding, they are combined with... Figure 3 and Figure 4 This paper briefly introduces the satellite communication scenarios to which the proposed solution is applicable.

[0082] A potential converged network architecture of NTN and terrestrial networks, such as Figure 3 As shown, the NTN architecture is a transparent architecture, meaning that the base station entity is deployed on the ground.

[0083] Another potential converged network architecture of NTN and terrestrial networks, such as Figure 4 As shown, the NTN architecture is a regenerative architecture, meaning the base station entity is deployed on NTN equipment. The NTN equipment can be satellite or other non-terrestrial equipment.

[0084] NTN equipment and terrestrial network base stations can interconnect through a shared core network. They can also achieve more timely assistance and interconnection through interfaces defined between base stations. In NR, the interface between base stations is called the Xn interface, and the interface between the base station and the core network is called the NG interface. In a converged network, NTN equipment and terrestrial nodes can communicate with each other through these interfaces.

[0085] The embodiments of this application can be applied to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The satellite communication scenario shown includes satellite equipment and a gateway station. User terminals include IoT terminals, but can also be other types and types of terminals, such as mobile terminals and high-altitude aircraft; this is not a limitation here. The link between the satellite and the user terminal is called the service link, and the link between the satellite and the gateway station is called the feeder link.

[0086] It should be noted that the above... Figure 3 and Figure 4This is merely an example and does not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0087] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, some basic concepts involved in this application will be briefly explained.

[0088] 1. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN): NTN communication involves networking using equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, or satellites to provide UE with data transmission, voice communication, and other services. High-altitude platform equipment is generally located at an altitude of 8–50 km above the ground. Based on the satellite's orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be divided into three types: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems, also known as synchronous orbit satellite systems; medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems; and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. GEO satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km, and their main advantage is that they remain relatively stationary compared to the ground and provide a large coverage area. However, GEO satellite communication also has significant disadvantages:

[0089] 1) GEO satellites are far from Earth, resulting in high free-space propagation loss and tight communication link budgets. To increase transmit / receive gain, satellites need to be equipped with larger aperture antennas.

[0090] 2) The communication transmission delay is large, reaching about 500ms round-trip delay, which cannot meet the needs of low-latency services;

[0091] 3) GEO orbital resources are relatively scarce, launch costs are high, and it cannot provide coverage for the polar regions of the Earth.

[0092] MEO satellites orbit at altitudes ranging from 2000 to 35786 km. Their advantage lies in achieving global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites. However, their orbital altitude is higher than LEO satellites, resulting in significantly longer transmission latency. Considering both advantages and disadvantages, MEO satellites are primarily used for positioning and navigation. LEO satellites, on the other hand, orbit at altitudes between 300 and 2000 km. Lower than MEO and GEO orbits, LEO satellites offer advantages such as lower data propagation latency, less transmission loss, and lower launch costs. Therefore, LEO satellite communication has gained increasing attention in recent years.

[0093] Furthermore, we note that satellite equipment is limited by manufacturing and launch costs, restricting onboard data processing capabilities and transmission power. Currently, satellite communication networks cannot provide UEs with communication rates comparable to terrestrial communication networks. To overcome these limitations and improve the overall signal processing capabilities and communication throughput of satellite networks, satellite operators are preparing to launch giant low-Earth orbit constellations, compensating for the limitations of individual satellite communication capabilities by increasing the number of satellites. In future NTN communication systems, after a UE accesses the system, it will be "visible" to multiple communicable satellites for a period of time. At this time, multiple satellites can provide communication services to the UE, providing the foundation for multi-satellite collaborative transmission.

[0094] 2. Satellite operating modes: including transparent transmission mode and non-transparent transmission mode. In transparent transmission mode, the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite, and the satellite is transparent to the signal. In non-transparent transmission mode, the satellite functions as a base station during signal transmission, and the UE can send signals to the 5G core network (CN) through the satellite.

[0095] Alternatively, transparent transmission, also known as bend-tube relay transmission, means that the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite, and the satellite is transparent to the signal, as if it does not exist. Non-transparent transmission, also known as regeneration (on-board access or processing) transmission, means that the satellite has some or all base station functions (such as a satellite corresponding to a complete base station or DU).

[0096] As an example and not a limitation, satellite communication systems include transparent satellite architectures and non-transparent satellite architectures. In a transparent satellite architecture, the satellite operates in transparent mode; in a non-transparent satellite architecture, the satellite operates in non-transparent mode. For ease of understanding, [the following is a more detailed explanation]. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A brief introduction to transparent and non-transparent satellite architectures, among which, Figure 5 The diagram shows a transparent satellite architecture, from Figure 5 As can be seen, the signal passes through the satellite and NTN gateway during transmission between the UE and gNB. However, the signal only undergoes frequency conversion and signal amplification on the satellite; the satellite is transparent to the signal. Figure 5 As shown, in a transparent satellite architecture, the satellite and the NTN gateway are equivalent to a remote radio unit (RRU). Additionally, from... Figure 6 As can be seen, the satellite functions as a base station during signal transmission, and the UE can send signals to the 5G CN via the satellite.

[0097] 3. Alert messages

[0098] The 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard defines the use cases for alert messages in TR22.887, and further changes the name of alert messages to Resilient Notification.

[0099] It should be understood that alert messages and Resilient Notifications in this application can be used interchangeably.

[0100] The following example, using a satellite sending a Resilient Notification to Alice, illustrates the use cases of Resilient Notification as described in the standard.

[0101] For example, Alice hears a beeping sound coming from her backpack halfway up the mountain—a Resilient Notification beeping for a specified duration. She pulls out her smartphone and, based on the caller information provided by the Resilient Notification service (such as the caller's details), discovers it's an important call from the recruiter she's been eagerly awaiting. Alice then calls the recruiter back—the crucial call she's been waiting for regarding the outcome of her interview for her dream job.

[0102] For example, as Alice walked back to the trail's parking lot, she had to cross a dense forest area. Her smartphone beeped again, but she had no open space to respond. The beeping stopped after a specified period. After a few minutes of brisk walking, Alice finally found an open spot and took her phone out of her backpack. Based on incoming service information provided by the flexible notification service (e.g., caller information), Alice knew her mother had called her a few minutes earlier, and she called her mother back. It turned out that Alice's mother had simply wanted to ask her opinion on the birthday present she received for her father. Alice had to take a detour and take an alternate route back to her rented holiday home.

[0103] For example, while Alice was driving, her smartphone started beeping with Resilient Notifications again. Based on the inbound service information provided by the Resilient Notifications service (e.g., service type information), Alice realized it was a text message from Lisa and didn't rush to respond. After driving for 10 minutes, Alice finally stopped her car in front of a scenic view. Alice called Lisa back, and they had lunch together at a restaurant near the holiday home.

[0104] The above text combined Figure 3 and Figure 4 This paper briefly introduces the application scenarios of the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application, and also introduces the basic concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of this application. In conjunction with the background art, this application provides a communication method for designing the content carried by alarm messages, which can reduce the signal demodulation threshold and enhance the robustness of alarm message transmission.

[0105] The communication method provided in this application can be applied to systems that communicate using multi-antenna technology, for example... Figure 1 The communication system shown may include at least one network device and at least one terminal device. More specifically, the communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to NTN communication scenarios, such as... Figure 3 or Figure 4 The satellite communication scenario is shown below. The embodiments described below do not limit the application scenarios of the methods provided in this application.

[0106] It should be understood that the descriptions of specific scenarios in the embodiments of this application are merely examples. The methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be applied not only to the application scenarios described above, but also to application scenarios with similar problems.

[0107] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the structure of the execution entity of the method provided in the embodiments of this application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of this application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0108] For ease of understanding and explanation, the following description of the sensing method of this application embodiment uses the interaction between a first NTN device (e.g., a satellite) and a second communication device (e.g., a terminal device) as an example. However, this should not constitute any limitation on the executing entity of the sensing method of this application embodiment. For example, the method executed by the first NTN device can also be executed by a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) of the first NTN device, or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first NTN device. Similarly, the method executed by the second communication device can also be executed by a module (such as a circuit, chip, or chip system) of the second communication device, or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the second communication device.

[0109] It should be understood that all node and message names in this application are merely names set for the convenience of description, and the names may be different in the actual network. This application should not be construed as limiting the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name that has the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method or equivalent substitution of this application and is within the protection scope of this application. This will not be elaborated further below.

[0110] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in this application. The method includes the following steps:

[0111] S710, the first NTN device receives a first message from the first communication device, the first message being used by the first user to call the second user or by the first user to send a short message to the second user.

[0112] Wherein, the first user corresponds to the first communication device, and the second user corresponds to the second communication device.

[0113] Optionally, the first message includes a first parameter, which includes at least one of the following parameters: the identifier of the first user, the identifier of the second user, the telephone number of the first user, the telephone number of the second user, the identifier of the second communication device, the content of the short message (e.g., including text, video, audio, etc.), and the sending time of the short message.

[0114] Optionally, the "short message" sent by the first user to the second user can also be called a "text message", "short message", "message", etc., and the short message can include text, video or audio.

[0115] For example, the first NTN device receives a call from Alice (an example of the first user) to Bob (an example of the second user), or the first NTN device receives a text message from Alice to Bob.

[0116] Optionally, the first message sent by the first user arrives at the first NTN device after being routed through multiple relay nodes.

[0117] S720, the first NTN device determines an alarm message, which is used to notify the second user of an incoming call or message to be sent to the second user.

[0118] Optionally, the alarm message is used to notify the second user of an incoming call or message sent by the first user to the second user.

[0119] Specifically, the first NTN device determines the alarm message based on the second user's classification of the first user.

[0120] In this scenario, the classification of the first user by the second user is pre-configured by the first user. For example, the first user classifies multiple users in an unobstructed area or a place with good signal, and then uploads the classification information to the network.

[0121] In this application, "classification" can also be replaced with "label".

[0122] For example, the following describes two methods for classifying users by the first user, and the corresponding methods for determining alarm messages for these two classification methods.

[0123] Method 1: Classification based on whitelists and blacklists

[0124] Specifically, when a user on the whitelist sends a call or text message to the first user, the first user expects to receive a timely notification; when a user on the blacklist sends a call or text message to the first user, the first user does not expect to receive a timely notification.

[0125] The alert includes at least one of vibration alerts, sound alerts, or visual alerts. The alert method can be pre-configured, for example, using pre-configured audio, vibration intensity / frequency, color, etc.

[0126] It should be understood that users on the whitelist are important or urgent users, while users on the blacklist are unimportant or non-urgent users.

[0127] It should be understood that the first user categorizes multiple users into whitelists or blacklists, or in other words, the first user marks multiple users as either whitelists or blacklists.

[0128] Based on this classification method 1, the first NTN device can determine the alarm message.

[0129] Specifically, the alarm message determined by the first NTN device includes: when the first user is classified into the whitelist by the second user or when the first user is not classified into the whitelist by the second user, the alarm message includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to initiate a reminder to the second user; or, when the first user is classified into the blacklist by the second user, the alarm message includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device not to initiate a reminder to the second user.

[0130] Alternatively, the first NTN device determines that the alarm message includes: when the first user is classified into the whitelist by the second user, the alarm message includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to initiate a reminder to the second user; or, when the first user is classified into the blacklist by the second user or the first user is not classified by the second user, the alarm message includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device not to initiate a reminder to the second user.

[0131] Based on this classification method, alarm messages with less information can be identified, thereby lowering the demodulation threshold of the signal and improving the robustness of alarm message transmission.

[0132] For example, a second communication device can be instructed to alert a second user using only one bit in the alarm message.

[0133] For example, if the alarm message includes a bit with a value of 1 (i.e., an example of the first indication information), then the alarm message instructs the second communication device to initiate an alert to the second user; or, if the alarm message includes a bit with a value of 0 (i.e., an example of the second indication information), then the alarm message instructs the second communication device not to initiate an alert to the second user. The reverse is also possible.

[0134] Method 2: Multi-group classification

[0135] It should be understood that for the second user, the importance or urgency of other users varies. For example, some users' calls or messages need to be answered immediately, some users' calls or messages need to be answered within a certain time, and some users' calls or messages can be ignored temporarily. Users with different levels of importance can be divided into multiple levels according to their importance.

[0136] Optionally, the second user can categorize multiple users into N groups based on their importance or urgency. The importance or urgency of users differs within each of the N groups.

[0137] It should be understood that the N groups correspond to N different reminder methods, which are ways in which the second communication device reminds the second user. The reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder.

[0138] For example, Table 1 illustrates one classification method. As shown in Table 1, each group has a different level of importance and corresponds to a different reminder method. It should be understood that Table 1 is merely an example of a classification method and its corresponding reminder method, and this application does not limit it.

[0139] Table 1

[0140] Grouping Vibration alert sound reminder Visual reminder Group 1 Maximum intensity / frequency vibration Issue a reminder at maximum volume red Group 2 Medium intensity / frequency vibration Make a reminder at a medium volume orange color Group 3 Low intensity / frequency vibration Make a reminder in a low volume green Group 4 No vibration silent grey

[0141] It should be understood that users in groups 1 to 4 are ranked from highest to lowest importance or urgency.

[0142] Optionally, the second communication device can use different vibration intensities / frequencies to alert users to different groups. For important or urgent users, the vibration intensity / frequency will be higher. For example, if users in group 1 are important and urgent, users in group 2 are not important but urgent, users in group 3 are important but not urgent, and users in group 4 are not important and not urgent, then the vibration intensity / frequency of the second communication device will also be different for different groups.

[0143] Optionally, the second communication device may use different volumes and / or frequencies to alert users to different groups, with higher volumes and / or frequencies for important or urgent users. For example, if users in group 1 are important and urgent, users in group 2 are not important but urgent, users in group 3 are important but not urgent, and users in group 4 are neither important nor urgent, then the alert volume will also be different for each group.

[0144] The sound alerts can be beeping, with different beeping volumes and / or frequencies for different groups; or the sound alerts can be playing music or audio, with different music or audio played for different groups.

[0145] Optionally, the second communication device can use different visual effects to remind users of different groups, with a more prominent approach for important or urgent users. For example, if users in group 1 are important and urgent, users in group 2 are not important but urgent, users in group 3 are important but not urgent, and users in group 4 are not important and not urgent, then the visual color of the second communication device will also be different for each group.

[0146] Visual cues can be different colors, shapes, or image interfaces.

[0147] Optionally, the names of the N groups can be configured by the second user or pre-configured by the second communication device.

[0148] For example, N groups can be named according to color, such as red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple, with different colors corresponding to different levels of importance or urgency for the users.

[0149] Based on this classification method 2, the first NTN device can determine the alarm message.

[0150] Specifically, the alarm message determined by the first NTN device includes: the alarm message determined by the first NTN device based on the classification of the first user by the second user.

[0151] For example, if the first user is classified into the first group by the second user, and the reminder method corresponding to the first group is the first reminder method, then the first NTN device determines that the alarm message includes third indication information, which instructs the second communication device to send a reminder to the second user in the first reminder method.

[0152] For example, if the first user is not classified by the second user, the first NTN device determines that the alarm message includes a fourth indication information, which instructs the second communication device to send a reminder to the second user in a second reminder mode, wherein the second reminder mode is a pre-configured reminder mode.

[0153] For example, if the first user is not classified by the second user, the first NTN device determines that the alarm message includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device not to initiate a reminder to the second user.

[0154] Based on this classification method, alarm messages with less information can be identified, thereby lowering the demodulation threshold of the signal and improving the robustness of alarm message transmission.

[0155] For example, a second communication device can be instructed to alert a second user using only a simple sequence of alarm messages.

[0156] For example, based on the examples in Table 4, if an alarm message includes a sequence of values ​​00, then the alarm message instructs the second communication device to issue an alert to the second user in the alert method corresponding to group 1; if an alarm message includes a sequence of values ​​01, then the alarm message instructs the second communication device to issue an alert to the second user in the alert method corresponding to group 2; if an alarm message includes a sequence of values ​​10, then the alarm message instructs the second communication device to issue an alert to the second user in the alert method corresponding to group 3; if an alarm message includes a sequence of values ​​11, then the alarm message instructs the second communication device to issue an alert to the second user in the alert method corresponding to group 4.

[0157] S730, the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the second communication device; correspondingly, the second communication device receives the alarm message.

[0158] S740, the second communication device sends a reminder to the second user based on the alarm message.

[0159] Optionally, the second communication device may send a reminder to the second user based on the reminder method information in the alarm message.

[0160] For example, if the alarm message includes the first instruction information, the second communication device will send a reminder to the second user.

[0161] For example, if the alarm message includes a second instruction, the second communication device will not send a reminder to the second user.

[0162] For example, if the alarm message includes a third instruction, the second communication device will send a reminder to the second user in the first reminder manner.

[0163] For example, if the alarm message includes a fourth instruction message, then the second communication device will send a reminder to the second user in a second reminder manner.

[0164] Steps S710 to S740 above describe the design and mechanism of the alarm message carrying content.

[0165] In step S730, the first NTN device may fail to send an alarm message to the second communication device due to possible obstruction between the first NTN device and the second communication device.

[0166] To overcome this problem, this application also provides a method 800 for sending an alarm message, used to send an alarm message to a second communication device when it is determined that the alarm message transmission has failed or that the alarm message cannot be successfully sent. It should be understood that method 800 can be executed independently or as a specific implementation of step S730. That is, when method 800 is a specific implementation of step S730, step S730, in which the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the second communication device, includes the steps in method 800 below.

[0167] The method 800 includes the following steps:

[0168] S810, the first NTN device confirms that the alarm message failed to be sent or that the alarm message could not be sent successfully.

[0169] Specifically, if the first condition is met, the first NTN device determines that the alarm message failed to be sent or that the alarm message could not be sent successfully. The first condition includes at least one of the following conditions:

[0170] 1) No response message is received from the second communication device within the first time period after the alarm message is sent to the second communication device.

[0171] For example, the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the second communication device and starts a first timer. If no response message (e.g., an acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK)) is received from the second communication device within the duration of the first timer (e.g., a first duration), or if a NACK message is received from the second communication device, the first NTN device considers that the channel fading is severe and the alarm message cannot complete the notification to the second user, i.e., the alarm message transmission fails.

[0172] 2) No response message is received from the second communication device within the second time period after each of the N alarm messages sent to the second communication device.

[0173] For example, if the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the second communication device and does not receive a response message or a NACK message from the second communication device within a second time period, the first NTN device will continue to send alarm messages to the second communication device and wait for another second time period without receiving a response message or a NACK message from the second communication device. After repeating this process N times, if no response message is received from the second communication device, the first NTN device will consider that the channel fading is severe and the alarm message cannot complete the notification to the second user, i.e., the alarm message transmission has failed.

[0174] 3) Based on the location information of the second communication device, the location information of the first NTN device, and the obstruction information between the first NTN device and the second communication device, it is determined that the signal quality of the signal sent by the first NTN device to the second communication device will degrade to below the first threshold.

[0175] Specifically, the signal quality of the signal transmitted from the first NTN device to the second communication device degrades to below a first threshold, which can also be described as the communication path between the first NTN device and the second communication device being in deep attenuation (also known as deep fading). Deep attenuation in the communication path refers to the signal being severely attenuated during propagation due to various factors. The first threshold is predefined.

[0176] Optionally, the obstruction information between the first NTN device and the second communication device includes information such as pitch angle, azimuth angle, obstruction probability corresponding to the pitch angle and azimuth angle, or obstruction loss corresponding to the pitch angle and azimuth angle.

[0177] After the first NTN device determines that the alarm message transmission failed or cannot be successfully transmitted, the alarm message can be transmitted through the following steps S820 or S830. It should be understood that step S820 or step S830 can be executed individually or simultaneously.

[0178] S820, the first NTN device sends the alarm message to the second communication device via a relay communication device.

[0179] Step 820 includes the following steps S8201 to 8205.

[0180] S8201, the first NTN device determines the relay communication device by using the location information of other communication devices, the location information of the second communication device, and the transmission link information between the second communication device and the relay communication device.

[0181] In this system, the relay communication device identified by the first NTN device has a transmission link with both the second communication device and the first NTN device, and the communication path between the relay communication device and the second communication device has no deep attenuation.

[0182] Optionally, the first NTN device may also determine that there is no deep attenuation in the communication path between the relay communication device and the second communication device based on the obstruction information between the relay communication device and the second communication device.

[0183] Optionally, relay terminal equipment can be other NTN equipment, such as GEO, MEO, or LEO satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), airplanes, drones, hot air balloons, etc.; or it can be ground communication equipment, such as computers, televisions, virtual reality (VR) devices, headphones, Bluetooth speakers, etc.

[0184] Optionally, the relay terminal device can be the device of the second user or the device of other users.

[0185] Optionally, the first NTN device may preferentially identify the second user's device as the relay communication device. For example, if the second communication device is the second user's mobile phone, then when the second user's watch or Bluetooth speaker is available, the second user's watch or Bluetooth speaker may be preferentially identified as the relay communication device, thereby facilitating the relay forwarding of alarm messages to the second user's mobile phone.

[0186] Specifically, the first NTN device prioritizes determining the second user's device as the relay communication device. This can be understood as follows: when determining the relay communication device, the first NTN device prioritizes judging whether other devices of the second user can serve as relay communication devices; or, when there are multiple devices that can serve as relay communication devices, the first NTN device prioritizes selecting the second user's device as the second communication device.

[0187] S8202, the first NTN device sends a first request message to the relay communication device, the first request message being used to request the relay communication device to forward the alarm message sent to the second user.

[0188] Optionally, when the relay communication device is an NTN device, the first NTN device sends a first request message to the relay communication device via an intersatellite link (ISL).

[0189] S8203, the relay communication device sends a response message to the first NTN device for the first request message. The response message is used to indicate that the relay communication device can forward the alarm message to the second user.

[0190] Optionally, the response message is an ACK message.

[0191] S8204, the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the relay communication device.

[0192] S8205, the relay communication device sends an alarm message to the second communication device.

[0193] S830, the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the second communication device via a low-frequency signal.

[0194] Step 830 includes the following steps S8301 to 8302.

[0195] S8301, the first NTN device determines the low-frequency signal receiving capability of the second communication device.

[0196] Specifically, the first NTN device determines that the second communication device can receive low-frequency signals.

[0197] The first NTN device determines the low-frequency signal receiving capability of the second communication device, including: the first NTN device determines the low-frequency signal receiving capability of the second communication device based on the low-frequency signal receiving capability information of the second communication device.

[0198] The low-frequency signal reception capability information indicates that the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals, and / or indicates the time during which the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals.

[0199] Specifically, the low-frequency signal reception capability information is uploaded to the network by the second communication device before step S810. Before step S810, the second communication device sends the low-frequency signal reception capability information to the first NTN device or other network devices. This information indicates that the second communication device can receive low-frequency signals, and / or indicates the time during which the second communication device can receive low-frequency signals (or the activation time of the low-frequency signal reception module of the second communication module).

[0200] It should be understood that the first NTN device can receive low-frequency signal reception capability information from the second communication device, or it can obtain low-frequency signal reception capability information from other network devices.

[0201] S8302, the first NTN device sends an alarm message to the second communication device via a low-frequency signal.

[0202] Specifically, the first NTN device uses a low-power, low-frequency transmitter to send alarm messages.

[0203] By using the above solution, when the called user is in an obstructed area and cannot receive regular alarm messages, the probability of the second communication device receiving alarm messages can be increased by the above method.

[0204] It should be understood that the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0205] It should also be understood that, in the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0206] The above is a detailed description of the communication method provided in this application. The following describes the communication device provided in this application.

[0207] In order to realize the functions of the communication device (e.g., terminal device or network device) in the embodiments of this application, the communication device can implement the corresponding functions in the form of hardware and / or software.

[0208] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in this application. Figure 9The communication device 1000 includes a processing module 1001 and a communication module 1002. The communication device 1000 can be a communication equipment, or a device applied to a communication equipment and capable of implementing the corresponding functions of the communication equipment, such as a chip, processor, or circuit. Exemplarily, the communication equipment can be a first NTN device or a second communication device in the method embodiment.

[0209] The communication module can also be a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver unit, or transceiver device. The processing module can also be a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device. Optionally, the communication module is used to execute the sending or receiving operations of the first NTN device or network device in any of the method embodiments. The device in the communication module that implements the receiving function can be considered a receiving unit, and the device in the communication module that implements the sending function can be considered a sending unit; that is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. The processing module is used to execute the internal implementation-related operations / processing of the first NTN device or network device in any of the method embodiments. The specific operations of each module can be found in the descriptions in the method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0210] Alternatively, the communication module and / or processing module can be implemented as virtual modules. For example, the processing module can be implemented as a software functional unit or a virtual device, and the communication module can be implemented as a software function or a virtual device. Alternatively, the processing module or communication module can also be implemented as a physical device. For example, the communication device can be a chip, such as a system-on-chip (SoC), hardware circuitry, etc. The communication module can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operation) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operation); the processing module can be an integrated circuit or logic circuit, etc.

[0211] The module division in this application is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods are possible. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various examples of this application can be integrated into one module, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware, as software functional modules, or as a combination of hardware and software functional modules; no limitation is imposed.

[0212] Figure 10This is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in this application. The communication device 1100 can be used to implement the functions of any communication device (e.g., a first NTN device or a second communication device) in the communication system described in the foregoing examples. Optionally, the communication device 1100 can be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in this application, the chip system can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. The communication device 1100 may include at least one processor 1110. Optionally, the processor 1110 (or processing device) is coupled to a memory, which may be located within the communication device, or the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be located outside the communication device. For example, the communication device 1100 may also include at least one memory 1120. The memory 1120 stores computer programs / instructions or data necessary for implementing any of the above method embodiments; the processor 1110 may execute the computer programs / instructions or data stored in the memory 1120 to complete the corresponding functions of the first NTN device or the second communication device in any of the above embodiments.

[0213] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a communication interface 1130, through which the communication device 1100 can interact with other devices. For example, the communication interface 1130 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. When the communication device 1100 is a chip-type device or circuit, the communication interface 1130 in the device 1100 may also be an input / output circuit, capable of inputting information (or receiving information) and / or outputting information (or sending information). The processor may be an integrated circuit or logic circuit, etc., and the processor can determine the output information based on the input information.

[0214] The coupling in this application refers to indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 1110 may operate in conjunction with the memory 1120 and the communication interface 1130. This application does not limit the connection medium between the processor 1110, the memory 1120, and the communication interface 1130.

[0215] Optionally, such as Figure 10As shown, the processor 1110, the memory 1120, and the communication interface 1130 are interconnected via a bus 1140. The bus 1140 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 10 The bus 1140 is represented by only one line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0216] Figure 11 This is a schematic structural diagram of the chip provided in this application. Chip 30 includes circuit 31 and communication interface 32. Circuit 31 can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc., and communication interface 32 can also be called input / output circuit, input / output interface, interface circuit, etc., which can input information (or receive information) or output information (or send information). Chip 30 can execute the methods executed by the first NTN device or the second communication device in the various embodiments of this application.

[0217] In addition, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause operations and / or processes performed by a first NTN device or a second communication device in the various method embodiments of this application to be executed.

[0218] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes computer program code or instructions. When the computer program code or instructions are run on a computer, the operations and / or processes performed by the first NTN device or the second communication device in the various method embodiments of this application are executed.

[0219] Furthermore, this application also provides a chip including a processor. A memory for storing a computer program is provided independently of the chip, and the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that operations and / or processes performed by a first NTN device or a second communication device in any method embodiment are performed. Further, the chip may also include a communication interface. The communication interface may be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, etc. Further, the chip may also include the memory.

[0220] This application provides a communication system, including a first NTN device and a second communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0221] The processor in this application embodiment has signal processing capabilities and can be a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., capable of implementing or executing the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor. The software modules can reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above methods.

[0222] In the embodiments of this application, the memory can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or it can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0223] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0224] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0225] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0226] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0227] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0228] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0229] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method, which involves applying a chip to a first non-terrestrial network (NTN) device or a chip within the first NTN device, includes: Receive a first message from a first communication device. The first message is used for a first user to call a second user or for the first user to send a short message to the second user. The first user corresponds to the first communication device, and the second user corresponds to the second communication device. Based on the first message, an alarm message is sent to the second communication device. The alarm message is used to notify the second user that there is an incoming call or message sent to the second user. The alarm message is determined according to the second user's classification of the first user.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the first user is classified into the whitelist by the second user, or when the first user is not classified by the second user, the alarm message includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to initiate a reminder to the second user; or, When the first user is categorized into the blacklist by the second user, the alarm message includes second indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device not to initiate a reminder to the second user; The reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple users are categorized into N groups by the second user. The importance of users in different groups varies. The N groups correspond to N different reminder methods. The reminder method is the way the second communication device reminds the second user. The reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder. The first user belongs to the multiple users.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Sending an alarm message to the second communication device includes: If the first condition is met, the alarm message is sent to the second communication device via relay communication equipment, or the alarm message is sent to the second communication device via a low-frequency signal; The first condition includes at least one of the following conditions: Within a first time period after sending an alarm message to the second communication device, no response message is received from the second communication device; or, Within a second time interval following each of the N alarm messages sent to the second communication device, no response message is received from the second communication device; or, Based on the location information of the second communication device, the location information of the first NTN device, and the obstruction information between the first NTN device and the second communication device, it is determined that the signal quality of the signal sent by the first NTN device to the second communication device will degrade to below a first threshold.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Sending the alarm message to the second communication device via relay communication equipment includes: The alarm message is sent to the relay communication device, which has a transmission link with both the second communication device and the first NTN device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The relay communication device is determined based on the location information of the second communication device, the location information of the relay communication device, and the transmission link information between the second communication device and the relay communication device.

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the alarm message to the second communication device via a low-frequency signal, the method further includes: Determine the low-frequency signal receiving capability of the second communication device.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive low-frequency signal reception capability information of the second communication device, wherein the low-frequency signal reception capability information indicates that the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals, and / or indicates the time during which the second communication device is capable of receiving low-frequency signals.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, A chip applied to a second communication device or a second communication device, the method comprising: Receive an alarm message, the alarm message being used to notify the second user that there is an incoming call or message sent to the second user, the alarm message being determined based on the second user's classification of the first user, the first user corresponding to the first communication device, and the second user corresponding to the second communication device; A reminder is sent to the second user based on the alarm message, and the reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first user is classified into the whitelist by the second user, or when the first user is not classified by the first user, the alarm message includes first indication information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to initiate a reminder to the second user; or, When the first user is categorized into the blacklist by the second user, the alarm message includes a second indication, which instructs the second communication device not to send a notification to the second user.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Multiple users are categorized into N groups by the second user. The N groups correspond to N different reminder methods. The reminder method is the way the second communication device reminds the second user. The reminder includes at least one of vibration reminder, sound reminder, or visual reminder. The first user belongs to the multiple users.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first user belongs to the first group among the N groups, and the first group corresponds to the first reminder method among the N different reminder methods; The step of sending a reminder to the second user based on the alarm message includes: A reminder is sent to the second user using the first reminder method.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send low-frequency signal reception capability information of the second communication device, the low-frequency signal reception capability information indicating that the second communication device can receive low-frequency signals, and / or indicating the time during which the second communication device can receive low-frequency signals.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 to be executed; or to cause the method of any one of claims 9 to 13 to be executed.

15. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; or to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 13.

16. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instructions for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, or the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 13.

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