A communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and device, the method comprising: when a certain condition (such as a first condition) is met, an NTN device can send an alarm message to a terminal, and the first condition can be a paging failure related condition. Alternatively, the first condition can be an obstruction related condition. By using the method and device of the present application, on the one hand, the gap in how to trigger the NTN device to send an alarm message can be filled; on the other hand, when the first condition is met, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal, and the terminal can successfully receive / demodulate the alarm message in the case of poor reception capability (such as the terminal being in an obstruction), thereby ensuring normal communication between the terminal and the network side.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411795021.7, filed on December 6, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] When a terminal is obstructed, its connection to the network may be lost. In this situation, if a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device needs to communicate with the terminal, the NTN device must page the terminal. For example, the NTN device can send a paging message to the terminal. However, due to signal attenuation caused by obstruction, the signal quality of the paging message received by the terminal may be poor, preventing the terminal from successfully demodulating the paging message. Consequently, the NTN device cannot page the terminal and cannot communicate normally with it. Therefore, how the NTN device can communicate with the terminal in this situation is a research direction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that enables a terminal to communicate normally with an NTN device even when the device is blocked, thus preventing the terminal from missing important messages.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method is an NTN device, or a component applied in an NTN device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or it may be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the NTN device. For example, the NTN device may include a satellite, HAPS, an aircraft, an NTN gateway, a satellite base station, or an airborne base station. The method includes: determining that a first condition is met, the first condition including sending paging messages to a terminal a number of times reaching K times and not receiving a paging response from the terminal, where K is a positive integer, or, within a first time period after sending the paging message to the terminal, not receiving a paging response from the terminal; sending an alarm message to the terminal, wherein if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message, where the first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate the paging message used for paging the terminal.

[0006] Through the above design, when the first condition is met, the NTN device can be triggered to send an alarm message to the terminal. Even when the terminal is obstructed, it can successfully demodulate this alarm message, thus resolving the waste of air interface resources caused by the NTN device frequently sending paging messages that the terminal cannot successfully demodulate when the terminal is obstructed. Furthermore, it addresses the issues of wasted terminal power consumption and waiting time costs caused by the terminal's prolonged inability to successfully demodulate paging messages sent by the NTN device when the terminal is obstructed.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the value of K is less than or equal to the value of N3513, where N3513 is a predefined or preconfigured number of times the paging message is sent.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first duration is timed by a first timer, which is a T3513 timer, or the first timer is a timer other than the T3513 timer, which is a predefined or pre-configured timer for determining the waiting duration of the paging response.

[0009] The second aspect is a method opposite to the first aspect, with beneficial effects as described in the first aspect, providing a communication method in which the executing entity is a terminal, or a component applied in the terminal (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the terminal's functions. For example, the executing entity of the second aspect may be a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit, chip, or chip system (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions in the terminal, including: receiving alarm messages from non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices; wherein, when the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message, the first threshold being the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate a paging message used for paging the terminal; the alarm message is sent under the condition of satisfying a first condition, the first condition including sending paging messages to the terminal K times and not receiving a paging response from the terminal, where K is a positive integer, or, within a first time period after sending the paging message to the terminal, not receiving a paging response from the terminal; optionally, processing the alarm message.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the value of K is less than or equal to the value of N3513, where N3513 is a predefined or preconfigured number of times the paging message is sent.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first duration is timed by a first timer, which is a T3513 timer, or the first timer is a timer other than the T3513 timer, which is a predefined or pre-configured timer for determining the waiting duration of the paging response.

[0012] Thirdly, a communication method is provided. The execution subject of this method is an NTN device, or a component applied in an NTN device (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or it may be a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the NTN device. For example, the NTN device may include a satellite, HAPS, an aircraft, an NTN gateway, a satellite base station, or an airborne base station. The method includes: determining that a first condition is met, the first condition being a condition related to terminal obstruction, the condition related to terminal obstruction including: when the terminal is obstructed, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than a first threshold, the first threshold being the minimum signal quality at which the terminal and the NTN device can communicate; sending an alarm message to the terminal, and when the signal quality of the alarm message is less than the first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message.

[0013] With the above design, when the first condition is met, the NTN device can determine that the terminal is currently blocked. The NTN device then sends an alarm message to the terminal, so that the terminal can communicate normally with the NTN device even when blocked, thus preventing the terminal from missing important messages.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the conditions related to the occlusion of the terminal also include: the time period during which the terminal is occluded.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the time period during which the terminal is obstructed is determined by the NTN device or reported by the terminal.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the time period during which the terminal is obstructed is reported by the terminal, and the method further includes: receiving time information from the terminal, wherein the time information is used to indicate N time periods during which the terminal is obstructed, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0017] In one possible implementation, before receiving the time information from the terminal, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the terminal, the configuration information being used to configure the reporting resources for the N time periods; receiving the time information from the terminal includes: receiving the time information from the terminal on the corresponding reporting resource.

[0018] In one possible implementation, it further includes: receiving application information from the terminal, the application information being used to request resources reported over N time periods.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending indication information to the terminal, the indication information being used to instruct the NTN device to allocate N time periods for the terminal to receive alarm messages.

[0020] Fourthly, as a counterpart to the third aspect, the beneficial effects can be referred to the description of the third aspect, providing a communication method in which the executing entity of the method is a terminal, or a component applied in the terminal (e.g., a communication module, processor, circuit, chip, or chip system), or a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the terminal functions. For example, the executing entity of the second aspect can be a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit, chip, or chip system (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system-on-chip (SoC) chip or system-in-package (SIP) chip containing a modem core) responsible for communication functions in the terminal. The method includes: receiving alarm information from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device; wherein, if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message; the alarm information is sent under the condition that a first condition is met, the first condition being a condition related to the terminal being obstructed, the condition related to the terminal being obstructed including: when the terminal is obstructed, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than the first threshold, the first threshold being the minimum signal quality at which the terminal and the NTN device can communicate; optionally, processing the alarm message.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the conditions related to the occlusion of the terminal also include: the time period during which the terminal is occluded.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the time period during which the terminal is obstructed is determined by the NTN device or reported by the terminal.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the time period during which the terminal is obstructed is reported by the terminal, and the method further includes: sending time information to the NTN device, wherein the time information is used to indicate N time periods during which the terminal is obstructed, and N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0024] In one possible implementation, before sending the time information to the NTN device, the method further includes: receiving configuration information from the NTN device, the configuration information being used to configure the reporting resources for the N time periods; the step of sending the time information to the NTN device includes: sending the time information to the NTN device on the corresponding reporting resources.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the method further includes sending application information to the NTN device, the application information being used to request resources to be reported over N time periods.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving indication information from the NTN device, the indication information being used to instruct the NTN device to allocate N time periods for the terminal to receive the alarm message.

[0027] Fifthly, an apparatus is provided capable of implementing the methods described in the first or third aspect above. For example, the apparatus includes modules, units, or components corresponding to the methods described in the first or third aspect. The modules, units, or components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] In one design, the device includes a unit that performs the methods described in the first or third aspect.

[0029] In one design, the device includes at least one processor for implementing the methods of the first or third aspect described above. Optionally, the device further includes a memory, with the processor coupled to the memory, the processor executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, causing the device to implement the methods of the first or third aspect described above.

[0030] In one design, the device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device, the processor being used to implement the methods of the first or third aspect described above through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0031] In one design, the device may be a first device, or a module, unit, or component (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, or processor, etc.) that corresponds one-to-one with the method / operation / step / action described in the first or third aspect of the first device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the first device.

[0032] Sixthly, an apparatus is provided capable of implementing the methods of the second or fourth aspect described above. For example, the apparatus includes modules, units, or components corresponding to the methods described in the second or fourth aspect. The modules, units, or components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0033] In one design, the device includes a unit that performs the methods described in the second or fourth aspect above.

[0034] In one design, the device includes at least one processor for implementing the methods of the second or fourth aspect described above. Optionally, the device further includes a memory, with the processor coupled to the memory, the processor executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that the device implements the methods of the second or fourth aspect described above.

[0035] In one design, the device includes at least one processor and an interface circuit, the interface circuit being used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device, the processor being used to implement the methods of the second or fourth aspect described above through logic circuits or executing code instructions.

[0036] In one design, the device may be a second device, or a module, unit, or component (e.g., a chip, chip system, circuit, or processor, etc.) that corresponds one-to-one with the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second or fourth aspect of the second device, or a device that can be used in conjunction with the second device.

[0037] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to implement the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0038] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects to be performed.

[0039] A ninth aspect provides a chip including at least one processor for implementing the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above. Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, the processor being coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, such that the chip implements the methods of any one of the first to fourth aspects described above.

[0040] In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first communication device and a second communication device; wherein the first communication device is used to implement the method of the first aspect; the second communication device is used to implement the method of the second aspect; or, the first communication device is used to implement the method of the third aspect; and the second communication device is used to implement the method of the fourth aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system applicable to this application; Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to this application; Figure 3a and Figure 3b This is another schematic diagram of the network architecture applicable to this application; Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 and Figure 7 for Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a specific application example of the method shown; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an ORAN system applicable to this application; Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the chip structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods and functional descriptions in the method embodiments can also be applied to the device embodiments or system embodiments.

[0043] In this application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, refers to "singular nouns or plural nouns," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates that the preceding and following related objects have a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B, or C" or similar expressions can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C, where A, B, and C can be singular or plural.

[0044] In the embodiments of this application, the various numerical designations are used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. The ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and do not limit the size, order, timing, priority, or importance of the multiple objects.

[0045] In the description of this application, "when," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device will take corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require the device to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations. Unless otherwise specified, "if" and "if" are interchangeable, "when" is interchangeable with "in the case of," and "when" can also be replaced with "when," or "after," etc., and "when" can also be replaced with "if" / "if," etc. The words "for example" or "as" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "for example" or "as" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "for example" or "as" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0046] like Figure 1 This application provides a schematic diagram of a communication system 1000 applicable to this application. The communication system 1000 can be considered a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system. The communication system 1000 includes terminals, satellites, and an NTN gateway.

[0047] like Figure 1The link between the terminal and the satellite can be called a user link or service link, while the link between the satellite and the NTN gateway can be called a feeder link. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may include multiple satellites (of course...). Figure 1 (Only one satellite is shown in the diagram). Links between different satellites are called inter-satellite links. Optionally, multiple satellites can be connected to the same NTN gateway, meaning the relationship between satellites and NTN gateways can be many-to-1. The following sections describe the terminal, satellites, and NTN gateways respectively.

[0048] 1. Terminal

[0049] A terminal is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, such as a handheld device or in-vehicle device with wireless connectivity. Terminals can also be called terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart homes, smart offices, wearable devices, intelligent transportation, and smart cities.

[0050] Currently, some examples of terminals include: IoT terminals, high-altitude aircraft, mobile phones, satellite mobile terminals, cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, smart point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Wireless terminals in the home (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, and flight equipment (e.g., intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), fifth-generation (5G) wireless terminals ... wireless terminals in the home, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), th The embodiments of this application do not limit the device form of the terminal, such as terminals in 5G networks or terminals in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs).

[0051] A terminal can also be a device that implements terminal functions. For example, a terminal can be a module, unit, or component that implements terminal functions, such as a chip, chip system, circuit, or processor used in the terminal. A chip system can consist of chips or include chips and other discrete devices. For example, a terminal can be a chip or a system on a chip (SOC), which can be installed in the terminal.

[0052] 2. Satellite

[0053] Satellites are categorized into two operating modes: transparent mode and regenerative mode. In transparent mode, the satellite functions as a relay, and the NTN gateway performs all or part of the functions of a base station; in this case, the NTN gateway can be considered a base station. Alternatively, the NTN gateway and base station can be deployed separately, as described in [reference needed]. Figure 1 At this point, optionally, Figure 1 The communication system 1000 shown also includes a base station, which can be referred to as a satellite base station. When the satellite operates in regenerative mode, it has the ability to process digital signals and possesses all or part of the functions of a base station; the satellite can be considered a base station. Further, regenerative mode can be subdivided into: all functions of the base station are deployed on the satellite, referred to as full base station functions (e.g., CU and DU) on satellite; or, some functions of the base station are deployed on the satellite, referred to as partial base station functions (e.g., DU) on satellite, with the remaining functions (e.g., CU) implemented in the NTN gateway.

[0054] For example, depending on the space / location of satellite deployment, the satellite can be specifically a geostationary earthorbit (GEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, or a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, etc. This application does not limit the equipment form of the satellite. In transparent transmission mode, the satellite can realize functions such as relay, forwarding, or transparent transmission; for example, the satellite can be a repeater, amplifier, or analog radio frequency repeater. Alternatively, in regenerative mode, the satellite can realize all or part of the functions of a base station; for example, the satellite can realize the DU function of a base station. There are no restrictions on the type and number of satellites. The satellite can also be replaced by a high altitude platform station (HAPS), a drone, or a balloon station, etc. That is, the function of the satellite can be realized by HAPS, drones, or balloon stations, etc.

[0055] 3. NTN Gateway

[0056] NTN gateways are deployed on the ground. An NTN gateway can be simply called a gateway, and may also be referred to as a gateway station or signal gateway station. An NTN gateway can implement all or some of the functions of a base station. For example, in transparent transmission mode, an NTN gateway can implement all the functions of a base station. Alternatively, in regenerative mode, an NTN gateway can implement some of the base station's functions (such as the functions of the CU), while the remaining functions of the base station (such as the functions of the DU) are implemented in the satellite.

[0057] Optionally, the communication system 1000 also includes: a core network (in Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram). The NTN gateway can be directly connected to the core network, or it can be connected to the core network via a base station (such as a satellite base station), without restriction. The core network contains at least one control plane element. For example, in the control plane, the core network includes elements such as access and mobility management function (AMF) and session management function (SMF). In the data plane, the core network includes elements such as user plane function (UPF). The NTN gateway can be connected to the control plane elements and data plane elements in the core network respectively. Optionally, the communication system 1000 also includes a data network (DN). The UPF element in the core network is connected to the DN, and the interface between them can be an N6 interface.

[0058] like Figure 2a This application provides a network architecture suitable for use with the satellite. This network architecture is specific to satellites operating in transparent transmission mode and can be simply referred to as a transparent transmission network architecture. Figure 2a This network architecture includes: terminals, satellites, NTN gateways, base stations (such as satellite base stations), core networks (such as 5G core networks), and DN.

[0059] In one understanding, the interface between the terminal and the base station can be considered a Uu interface, such as the New Radio (NR) Uu interface. In uplink transmission, the terminal sends uplink signals through the Uu interface; these uplink signals are Uu interface signals. The satellite and NTN gateway copy this Uu interface signal and send it to the base station (e.g., a satellite base station). Similarly, in downlink transmission, the downlink signal sent by the base station is a Uu interface signal, which the NTN gateway and satellite can copy and send to the terminal. The interface between the base station and the core network is the NG interface. The interface between the core network and the DN is N6; specifically, the interface between the UPF network element in the core network and the DN is the N6 interface.

[0060] In one way of dividing, such as Figure 2aSatellites, NTN gateways, and base stations belong to the radio access network (RAN), such as next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN). Satellites and NTN gateways belong to the remote radio unit (RRU). That is to say, in one description, Figure 2a The network architecture shown includes: terminals, RAN, core network, and DN. RAN includes RRUs and base stations (such as satellite base stations). RRUs include satellites and NTN gateways.

[0061] like Figure 2b This application provides an alternative network architecture suitable for this purpose. This network architecture is used when the satellite operates in regenerative mode, and is simply referred to as the regenerative network architecture. Figure 2b This network architecture includes: terminals, satellites, NTN gateways, core network (such as 5G core network) and DN.

[0062] The interface between the terminal and the satellite is a Uu interface, such as the NR Uu interface. The interface between the satellite and the NTN gateway is a satellite radio interface (SRI), such as the next-generation satellite radio interface (NG over SRI). The interface between the satellite and the core network is an NG interface. The interface between the core network and the DN is an N6 interface.

[0063] In one way of dividing it, Figure 2b The network architecture shown includes: terminals, RAN, core network, and DN. RAN includes satellite and NTN gateways.

[0064] Figure 3a A network architecture suitable for this application is provided, which can be considered a potential converged network architecture of NTN and terrestrial networks. In this network architecture, non-terrestrial network devices such as satellites operate in transparent transmission mode, and the NTN gateway is connected to the core network through a base station (such as a satellite base station).

[0065] Reference Figure 3a The network architecture includes: satellites (such as GEO satellites and LEO satellites), high-altitude platform HAPS and non-terrestrial network equipment such as drones, NTN gateways, satellite base stations, terrestrial base stations, and the core network.

[0066] During NTN communication, the terminal can access non-terrestrial network devices such as satellites, high-altitude platform HAPS, or drones. These non-terrestrial network devices connect to the NTN gateway, which in turn connects to the core network via a base station (such as a satellite base station). During terrestrial network communication, the terminal can access a base station (such as a ground base station), which connects to the core network. The interface between the base station (such as a ground base station or satellite base station) and the core network can be an NG interface.

[0067] Figure 3b Alternative network architecture applicable to this application is provided, which can be considered another potential network architecture for the convergence of NTN and terrestrial networks. In this network architecture, the satellite operates in regenerative mode, and the NTN gateway is directly connected to the core network.

[0068] and Figure 3a The difference is that, in Figure 3b In the network architecture shown, there are no satellite base stations; the NTN gateway is directly connected to the core network. Furthermore, in... Figure 3b The network architecture shown also includes: airborne base stations. It can be understood that in regeneration mode, satellites implement all or part of the functions of base stations. When satellites and base stations are deployed separately, airborne base stations are also included. In one interpretation, in regeneration mode, the interface between the satellite and the core network can be considered an NG interface.

[0069] It can be seen that, Figure 3a or Figure 3b In this network architecture, the NTN and the terrestrial network access the same core network, and nodes in the NTN and the terrestrial network can interconnect through the core network. For example, satellite base stations in the NTN and terrestrial base stations in the terrestrial network can interconnect through the core network. Alternatively, satellite base stations and terrestrial base stations may have an interface through which they can interconnect, such as the Xn interface.

[0070] In the following description of specific embodiments, the concept of NTN equipment is introduced. NTN equipment can be understood as at least one of the following: satellite, HAPS, drone, balloon station, NTN gateway, satellite base station, or airborne base station. In one understanding, NTN equipment can be any device with wireless transceiver capabilities in the NTN network. This includes, but is not limited to: satellite, HAPS, drone, balloon station, NTN gateway, evolved Node B (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) carried on a satellite, base station (gNodeB or gNB) or transmission receiving point (TRP) in New Radio (NR), base station evolved under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), wireless relay node, or wireless backhaul node, etc. Satellite base stations or airborne base stations can be: macro base stations, micro base stations, pico base stations, small cells, or relay stations, etc.

[0071] All or part of the functions of the NTN devices (such as satellites, NTN gateways, satellite base stations, or over-the-air base stations) in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The NTN gateway (such as a satellite or NTN gateway) in this application can also be a logical node (such as a CU or DU), logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of network devices.

[0072] When a terminal is obstructed, such as inside a pocket, box, or in an obstructed environment (like deep mountains or underwater), signal attenuation due to the obstruction may prevent the terminal from conducting normal communication with the network. Research / experiments have shown that obstruction can cause signal attenuation of more than 20 dB. This signal attenuation may prevent the receiving end (e.g., the terminal) from successfully demodulating messages sent by the sending end (e.g., the network), thus preventing normal communication between the two.

[0073] In a terminal-initiated call, the terminal, as the initiating caller, can move to an unobstructed location to send a message to the network. For example, a user can hold the terminal (such as a mobile phone) and, following the terminal's prompts, adjust its position to move to an unobstructed location. From this unobstructed location, the terminal sends a message to the network. A terminal-initiated call can be called a Mobile Original (MO) call or message. In essence, within an MO, the terminal acts as the sender, initiating calls or messages, while the network acts as the receiver.

[0074] In network-initiated calls, where the network is the initiating party, communication fails when the terminal is obstructed. This obstruction causes signal attenuation, preventing the terminal from successfully demodulating the network-sent message, leading to communication failure. Network-initiated calls are also known as mobile-terminated calls or messages. In MT (Mobile Transmission), the network acts as the sender, initiating calls or messages, while the terminal acts as the receiver. To address the communication failure issue when the network is the initiating party and the terminal is obstructed, the following method is proposed: The technology discussed in current standards involves using alarm messages. For example, when a terminal is obstructed, the network side (such as an NTN device) can send an alarm message to the terminal. Alarm messages are highly reliable, ensuring successful demodulation even when the terminal is obstructed. For instance, a dedicated channel for alarm messages can be designed to transmit them, enabling successful demodulation even at extremely low signal-to-noise ratios. This application does not restrict the processing steps after successful demodulation of the alarm message. For example, after successfully demodulating the alarm message, the terminal can move to an unobstructed location based on the notification from the alarm message. In the unobstructed location, the terminal actively communicates with the network side (such as the NTN device). For example, the terminal actively sends an uplink message to the NTN device, notifying it that it is currently in an unobstructed environment. Based on this uplink message, the NTN device sends downlink messages, such as paging messages, to the terminal according to the standard communication process.

[0075] The current discussion mainly focuses on how, when the network side (such as an NTN device) acts as the initiating caller, the NTN device can proactively send alarm messages to the terminal to counteract obstruction. However, there is no corresponding design scheme regarding the triggering mechanism for alarm messages, i.e., how to trigger the NTN device to send alarm messages.

[0076] In view of the above, this application provides a communication method and apparatus. The method includes: when a certain condition (such as a first condition) is met, an NTN device can send an alarm message to a terminal. The first condition may be a paging failure-related condition, as described in the following description of [Embodiment 1]. Alternatively, the first condition may be an obstruction-related condition, as described in the following description of [Embodiment 2]. By using the method and apparatus of this application, on the one hand, the current lack of understanding on how to trigger an NTN device to send an alarm message can be filled; on the other hand, when the first condition is met, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. Even when the terminal has poor message reception capabilities (such as when the terminal is obstructed), it can successfully receive / demodulate the alarm message, ensuring normal communication between the terminal and the network side.

[0077] The solution proposed in this application can be applied to NTN communication systems. For example, in an NTN communication system, NTN equipment (such as satellite) is deployed over the air interface, while terminals are deployed on the ground. The physical distance between the NTN equipment and the terminals is relatively large, resulting in significant path loss for messages (or signals) transmitted between them, leading to severe attenuation upon arrival at the receiving end. For downlink transmission, if the terminal is obstructed, the obstruction will further cause message attenuation, preventing the terminal from successfully demodulating messages sent by the NTN equipment. Therefore, the solution proposed in this application triggers the NTN equipment to send an alarm message when a first condition is met, enabling the terminal to successfully demodulate the alarm message sent by the NTN equipment even when obstructed, thus ensuring normal communication between the terminal and the NTN equipment.

[0078] It should be noted that the solution presented in this application is not limited to NTN communication systems. For example, it can also be applied to communication systems that integrate NTN and terrestrial networks (such as...). Figure 3a or Figure 3b (As shown); or, it can also be applied to terrestrial communication systems (such as traditional cellular communication systems). In terrestrial communication systems, both the network side (such as base stations) and the terminals are deployed on the ground. Terminal obstruction will also cause message attenuation. The network side can use the solution of this application to send alarm messages to the terminals. Alternatively, it can also be applied to air-to-ground (ATG) communication systems. In air-to-ground communication systems, the network side (such as base stations) is deployed on the ground, and the terminals, such as high-altitude aircraft or handheld terminals on aircraft, are deployed in the air. Due to factors such as cloud cover, terminal obstruction may occur. Terminal obstruction causes message attenuation. The network side can use the solution of this application to send alarm messages to the terminals.

[0079] It is understood that the communication systems or business scenarios (application scenarios) described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios (or new application scenarios), the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0080] In the following description, the method provided in this application is illustrated using a terminal or NTN device as the execution subject. It is understood that the operations performed by the terminal or NTN device can also be implemented through the processor, circuitry, chip, or chip system of the corresponding device, or through a functional module, component, or unit. Furthermore, the processing performed by a single execution subject can be divided among multiple execution subjects, which can be logically and / or physically separated. For example, the processing performed by an NTN device can be divided among at least one of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), and a radio unit (RU).

[0081] In the description of this application, "sending a message to (e.g., a terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include sending a message directly or indirectly to (e.g., a terminal). "Receiving a message from (e.g., an NTN device)" can be understood as the source of the information being the NTN device, and can include receiving a message directly or indirectly from the NTN device. Messages may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand a valid message from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0082] In the description of this application, "send" or "receive" indicates the flow of a message / information / signal. "Send" or "receive" can also be understood as "input" or "output." "Send" or "receive" can occur between devices, for example, between a terminal and an NTN device via a wireless channel. "Send" or "receive" can also occur within a device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the device via a bus, wiring, or interface. For example, "send" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, and "receive" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface.

[0083] Example 1

[0084] Figure 4 A flowchart of a communication method is provided, the method including: Step 410: The NTN device determines that the first condition is met.

[0085] The first condition relates to paging terminal failure. This paging can be initiated by core network equipment, such as the AMF, or by NTN equipment, such as satellite, NTN gateway, terrestrial base station, or airborne base station; there are no restrictions. During the paging process, the NTN equipment can send a paging message to the terminal. If this paging message contains the terminal's identifier, it is used to paging the terminal. Normally, upon receiving this paging message, the terminal can send a paging response to the NTN equipment. This paging response can be a random access message, such as a random access preamble.

[0086] In one possible implementation, after sending a paging message, if the NTN device does not receive a paging response, it can continue paging the terminal. It is understood that, in the description of this application, "paging terminal" refers to sending a paging message to the terminal, and "one paging process" refers to the process of sending one paging message to the terminal, the paging message containing the terminal's identifier. If the NTN device has paging the terminal K times without receiving a paging response, an alarm message is sent to the terminal as described in step 420. At this time, the first condition can be defined as: the NTN device has sent paging messages to the terminal K times without receiving a paging response, where K is a positive integer.

[0087] For example, the value of K can be equal to the value of N3513. The value of N3513 is an integer between 1 and 5, with a default value of 2. N3513 can be a predefined or preconfigured number of paging messages sent. For example, core network equipment (such as AMF) can configure the value of N3513 for NTN equipment. The NTN equipment pagees the terminal based on the value of N3513. For example, if the value of N3513 is 2, the NTN equipment can page the terminal twice, meaning the NTN equipment sends two paging messages. For example, during the first paging process of the terminal, the NTN equipment can send a paging message. If the NTN equipment does not receive a paging response from the terminal within a certain time period, the NTN equipment initiates a second paging process. During the second paging process: the NTN equipment sends a paging message. If the NTN device does not receive a paging response from the terminal within a certain period of time, according to the current paging method, the NTN device will stop paging the terminal, and the paging of the terminal will fail. The improvement of the method in this application is that the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal at this time.

[0088] For example, the value of K can be less than the value of N3513. If the NTN device pages the terminal K times and does not receive a paging response from the terminal, then as explained in step 420, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. For example, the value of N3513 is equal to 5, and the value of K is equal to 3. If the NTN device pages the terminal 3 times and does not receive a paging response from the terminal, then the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. There is no restriction on whether the NTN device continues to perform the remaining 2 paging attempts. For example, the NTN device can continue to perform the remaining 2 paging attempts based on the value of N3513 (5), or it can choose not to perform the remaining 2 paging attempts.

[0089] In another possible implementation, for a paging request, if the NTN device does not receive a paging response from the terminal within a first time interval after sending the paging message, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. This first time interval can be timed using a timer (such as a first timer). The first timer can be a T3513 timer, or another timer different from the T3513 timer, such as the T3613 timer. For example, after sending the paging message, the NTN device can start the first timer. If no paging response is received from the terminal when the first timer expires, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. In this case, the first condition can be defined as: the NTN device does not receive a paging response from the terminal within the first time interval after sending the paging message to the terminal.

[0090] It is understood that the T3513 timer is a predefined or preconfigured timer used to determine the waiting time for a paging response. For example, core network equipment (such as AMF) can configure the T3513 timer for NTN equipment. The NTN equipment waits for the terminal's paging response according to the configured T3513 timer. In current paging methods, the NTN equipment can page the terminal according to the configured T3513 timer. For example, for a paging process: after sending a paging message for the terminal, the NTN equipment starts the T3513 timer. When the T3513 timer expires, if the NTN equipment does not receive a paging response from the terminal, it continues with the next paging attempt, or sends an alarm message to the terminal. In this application, the T3513 timer in the current paging method can be used for timing, or a new timer, such as the T3613 timer, can be introduced for timing. The T3613 timer can be predefined or preconfigured, without limitation. For example, core network equipment (such as AMF) can configure the T3613 timer for NTN equipment. Alternatively, the T3613 timer may be predefined by the protocol. Similarly, in the descriptions of N3513 and T3513 above, "predefined" could refer to protocol predefined.

[0091] It is understandable that the above first condition can also be a combination of K and the first duration. For example, for a paging process: if the NTN device does not receive a paging response from the terminal within the first duration after sending a paging message for the terminal, it initiates the next paging process. When the number of paging attempts reaches K, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. The value of K can be equal to or less than the value of T3513, and the first duration can be timed by timers T3513 or T3613, etc. Based on the value of K and the timers corresponding to the first duration, the following four combinations can be formed: Combination 1: The value of K is equal to N3513, and the first duration can be timed by timer T3513. Combination 2: The value of K is less than N3513, and the first duration can be timed by timer T3513. Combination 3: The value of K is equal to N3513, and the first duration can be timed by timer T3613. Combination 4: The value of K is less than N3513, and the first duration can be timed by timer T3516. In other words, the NTN device can send a paging message to the terminal using any of the four possible combinations. If the NTN device does not receive a paging response from the terminal after sending the paging message, it can send an alarm message to the terminal.

[0092] Step 420: The NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal.

[0093] Accordingly, the terminal receives alarm messages.

[0094] It is understood that the alarm message is sent under the condition that the first condition is met. The English name for the alarm message is (Alert message). In the description of this application, the name of the alarm message is not limited. For example, the alarm message can also be replaced with: Resilient Notification. The essence of an alarm message is a highly reliable message that can be successfully demodulated by the terminal even under extremely low signal quality conditions. For example, the signal quality can be measured by the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR can refer to Signal Noise Ratio (SNR) or Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), etc.

[0095] Figure 4 The method described illustrates that when an NTN device fails to page a terminal, it sends an alarm message to the terminal. In one interpretation, the reason for the NTN device's pager failure could be that the terminal is obstructed, such as being in a pocket, a box, or in an obstructed environment. Due to the signal attenuation caused by this obstruction, the terminal cannot successfully demodulate the paging message, i.e., the demodulation of the paging message fails.

[0096] For example, regarding a paging message, if the signal quality of the paging message is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the paging message. However, if the signal quality of the paging message is less than the first threshold, the terminal cannot successfully demodulate the paging message, meaning the demodulation of the paging message fails. The first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate a paging message. In this application, due to the special design of the alarm message, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message when the signal quality of the alarm message is less than the first threshold.

[0097] For example, due to factors such as terminal obstruction, the signal quality of messages received by the terminal may fall below a first threshold. In the case of terminal obstruction: if the terminal receives a paging message, and the signal quality of the paging message is below the first threshold, the terminal cannot successfully demodulate the paging message; that is, the demodulation of the paging message fails. Alternatively, if the terminal receives an alarm message, and the signal quality of the alarm message is below the first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message due to its design. Furthermore, the terminal communicates with the NTN device based on the notification / instruction of the alarm message. It can be seen that even when the terminal is obstructed, in scenarios where the NTN device actively initiates messages, normal communication between the terminal and the NTN device can be guaranteed.

[0098] Optionally, Figure 4 The method shown may also include the following steps: Step 430: The terminal processes the alarm message.

[0099] For example, the terminal demodulates the alarm message. For instance, if the terminal is obstructed, the signal attenuation due to the obstruction may cause the signal quality of the received alarm message to be lower than a first threshold. Due to the high-reliability design of the alarm message, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message even when its signal quality is lower than the first threshold. This application does not limit the design and transmission process of the alarm message. For example, a dedicated channel can be designed for the alarm message, ensuring high-reliability transmission, thereby enabling the terminal to successfully demodulate the alarm message even when its signal quality is lower than the first threshold. For example, the name of this channel could be a dedicated channel for alerts.

[0100] The terminal can demodulate the alarm message to obtain its contents. The terminal can then process the alarm message accordingly; this application does not limit the specific processing procedure. For example, the alarm message may contain indication information, such as instructing the terminal to move to an unobstructed location or indicating a communication need between the terminal and the network side. Based on this indication information, the terminal can move to an unobstructed location and actively communicate with the network side (e.g., an NTN device). The network side (e.g., the NTN device) can then send relevant information to the terminal, thus preventing the terminal from missing important messages from the network side due to obstruction.

[0101] In one interpretation, due to obstruction, the terminal's connection with the network side (such as the NTN device) is lost, and the terminal is in a radio resource control (RRC) disconnected state, such as an idle or inactive state. When the NTN device receives relevant messages (such as signaling or data) from the core network side, or when the NTN device needs to communicate with the terminal, it can initiate paging of the terminal, such as sending a paging message carrying the terminal's identifier. Correspondingly, if paging of the terminal fails (such as a single paging failure or multiple paging failures), the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. Based on the instructions in the received alarm message, the terminal moves to an unobstructed location, initiates random access, and connects to the NTN device. The terminal then returns to the RRC connected state. The NTN device can forward relevant messages received from the core network side to the terminal, or the NTN device can actively initiate communication with the terminal.

[0102]

Example 2

[0103] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another communication method is provided, which includes: Step 510: The NTN device determines that the first condition is met.

[0104] The first condition refers to the condition related to the terminal being obstructed. Due to the attenuation of the signal caused by the obstruction, the signal quality received by the terminal may be less than a first threshold, which is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal and the NTN device can communicate. Therefore, the first condition or the condition related to the terminal being obstructed can be described as follows: when the terminal is obstructed, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than the first threshold.

[0105] Step 520: The NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal.

[0106] Accordingly, the terminal receives alarm messages from the NTN device.

[0107] Specifically, if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message. In one description, steps 510 and 520 can be described as follows: the alarm message is sent when the first condition is met.

[0108] In one understanding, when a terminal is obstructed, the signal attenuation caused by the obstruction results in the received signal quality being lower than a first threshold. In this case, if the NTN device sends a regular message (such as a paging message) to the terminal, the terminal cannot successfully demodulate the message, leading to communication failure between the NTN device and the terminal. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the above scenario, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. The alarm message is a highly reliable message; even if the signal quality of the alarm message received by the terminal is lower than the first threshold due to obstruction, the terminal can still successfully demodulate the alarm message.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the NTN device can determine whether the terminal is obstructed. If the terminal is obstructed, the first condition is considered met, and step 520 is executed, whereby the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. Alternatively, if the terminal is not obstructed, the first condition is considered not met, and the NTN device sends a regular message, such as a paging message, to the terminal. In this case, the first condition can be considered as the terminal being obstructed, and the first condition can be described as a condition related to the existence of terminal obstruction.

[0110] For example, NTN equipment can determine whether a terminal is obstructed based on the terminal's location information and satellite location information. The terminal's location information can be reported by the terminal or predicted / estimated by the NTN equipment; there are no restrictions. Satellite location information can be included in ephemeris information. NTN equipment can determine whether there are any obstructions on the link between the satellite and the terminal based on the satellite's location information and the terminal's location information. These obstructions can be located on the ground or in the air, and are not limited to any particular type.

[0111] Specifically, NTN devices can determine whether a terminal is obstructed based on its location information and satellite location information, combined with its stored map. There are no restrictions on the name of this map; for example, it can be called an elevation map or an obstruction map.

[0112] For example, this map can provide the probability of occlusion of the link between the terminal and the satellite. The map format is (theta, phi, p), where (theta, phi) represent the elevation angle and azimuth angle formed by the connection between the terminal and the satellite, and p represents the occlusion probability corresponding to the elevation angle and azimuth angle. The occlusion probability p ranges from 0 to 1. The larger the value of the occlusion probability p, the more severe the occlusion. For example, the NTN device can determine the elevation angle and azimuth angle (theta_i, phi_i) formed by the connection between the terminal and the satellite based on the terminal's location information and the satellite's location information. It can then read the occlusion probability p_i corresponding to (theta_i, phi_i) from the stored map. When the occlusion probability p_i is greater than a threshold, it indicates that there is occlusion in the link between the terminal and the NTN device. In one description, the above map can be called an occlusion map or an elevation map based on occlusion probability. This map includes N sets of triples, such as N being 360°. 180. The i-th triplet can be represented as (theta_i, phi_i, p_i), where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0113] For example, the map described above can provide the obstruction loss of the link between the terminal and the satellite. The map format is (theta, phi, loss), where (theta, phi) represent the elevation and azimuth angles formed by the connection between the terminal and the satellite, and loss represents the obstruction loss corresponding to these angles. A larger value for the obstruction loss (loss) indicates more severe obstruction. The range of the obstruction loss (loss) is 0 dB to X dB, where X can be 40. The NTN device can read the obstruction loss (loss_i) corresponding to the elevation and azimuth angles (theta_i, phi_i) formed by the connection between the terminal and the satellite from the stored map. When the obstruction loss (loss_i) is greater than a threshold, such as 30 dB, it is determined that there is obstruction in the link between the terminal and the satellite. In one description, the map can be called an obstruction map or elevation map based on obstruction loss. This map includes N sets of triples, where N can be 360. 180. The i-th triplet can be represented as (theta_i, phi_i, loss_i), where i is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0114] For example, NTN equipment is equipped with a payload platform, which is equipped with cameras, telescopes, or sensing systems. NTN equipment can use cameras, telescopes, or sensing systems to determine whether there is any obstruction to the terminal.

[0115] Optionally, Figure 5 The method shown also includes the following steps: Step 530: The terminal processes the alarm message.

[0116] The implementation process of step 530 can be referred to the above text. Figure 4 Explanation of step 430 in the method shown.

[0117] In the method described above, the NTN device can determine / judge whether the terminal is obstructed; if obstruction exists, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. Further, optionally, when the obstruction of the terminal is removed, the NTN device can fall back to the normal communication mode and send a normal message (such as a paging message) to the terminal.

[0118] For example, the NTN device performs real-time detection of terminal obstruction. When the obstruction is determined to be cleared, the NTN device reverts to the normal paging mode. If the obstruction is not cleared, it remains in alarm mode. In normal paging mode, if the NTN device and the terminal have a communication need (e.g., needing to locate / page the terminal), the NTN device sends a paging message to the terminal. In alarm mode, if the NTN device and the terminal have a communication need, the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal.

[0119] For example, before the next communication with the terminal (such as before sending a paging message), the NTN device determines whether there is an obstruction on the terminal. If the obstruction has been cleared, the alarm mode ends and it reverts to the normal paging mode. If the obstruction has not been cleared, it remains in alarm mode.

[0120] Understandably, the prerequisite for the above method is that the NTN device has the ability to determine whether a terminal is obstructed. For example, the NTN device has the ability to determine or infer whether a terminal is obstructed based on stored maps (such as obstruction maps or elevation maps). Since the NTN device can trigger the sending of alarm messages or the alarm mode based on its own independent judgment, this method can be called a network-side-led independent alarm triggering mechanism.

[0121] In another possible implementation, the conditions related to terminal obstruction also include: the time period during which the terminal is obstructed. During the time period during which the terminal is obstructed, due to signal attenuation caused by the obstruction, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than a first threshold. In this case, the first condition can be specifically described as: the time period during which the terminal is obstructed. That is, during the time period during which the terminal is obstructed, the first condition is considered to be met, and the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal; while during the time period during which the terminal is not obstructed, the first condition is considered not to be met, and the NTN device can send a regular message (such as a paging message) to the terminal. Optionally, the time period during which the terminal is obstructed is reported by the terminal, or determined by the NTN device, such as predicted or estimated by the NTN device, and is not limited.

[0122] Taking the example of a terminal reporting obstructed time periods to an NTN device: The terminal can send time information to the NTN device. Correspondingly, the NTN device receives the time information from the terminal, which represents N time periods where the terminal experiences obstruction, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. Optionally, before the terminal reports the obstructed time information, the NTN device can configure reporting resources for the obstructed time information. These reporting resources can refer to time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources for the obstructed time periods reported by the terminal, or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) resources, etc. For example, the NTN device sends configuration information to the terminal. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the configuration information from the NTN device. This configuration information is used to configure the reporting resources for the N time periods. The terminal reports the obstructed time information to the NTN device using the corresponding reporting resources.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the terminal can proactively request reporting resources from the NTN device for N time periods where obstruction exists. For example, the terminal sends a request message to the NTN device. Correspondingly, the NTN device receives the request message from the terminal, which is used to request reporting resources for the N time periods where the terminal is obstructed.

[0124] The core idea of ​​this possible implementation is as follows: Before the terminal moves to an area with obstructions, such as deep mountains or underwater areas, the terminal, in its current unobstructed area (such as an open area), requests reporting resources from the NTN device for N time periods. The terminal then reports these N time periods to the NTN device. The NTN device switches to alarm mode during these corresponding N time periods. Because the NTN device triggers alarm mode or sends alarm messages based on the N time periods reported by the terminal, this method can be called a terminal-led, stand-alone alarm triggering mechanism. Figure 6 A flowchart of a method is provided. Figure 6 The method shown can be considered as Figure 5 Specific application examples of the method shown include: Step 610: The terminal performs occlusion prediction and determines N time periods.

[0125] The time period can also be called the alert time period. In one interpretation, these N time periods are the N time periods during which the terminal predicts obstruction at the current time. For example, the terminal can determine the N time periods of obstruction based on its own mobile location and the satellite's mobile location. This can be understood as the terminal predicting its future mobile location based on its current location. The satellite's mobile location can be carried in ephemeris information, which can be provided to the terminal by the satellite. For example, the ephemeris information includes the satellite's future mobile location, or it includes the satellite's current location information and its orbit. The terminal can infer the satellite's future mobile location based on the satellite's current location information and its orbit. Specifically, the terminal can determine the N time periods of future obstruction based on the predicted future mobile location of the terminal and the satellite, combined with maps stored in the terminal, such as obstruction maps or elevation maps.

[0126] For example, a terminal samples its future location, collecting one point per second (each sampling point corresponds to one location information of the terminal). Sampling the terminal's location for the next two hours yields 7200 sampling points, representing 7200 location information points for the terminal. Similarly, a terminal can sample a satellite's future location, collecting one point per second (each sampling point corresponds to one location information of the satellite). Sampling the satellite's location for the next two hours yields 7200 sampling points, representing 7200 satellite location information points. Based on the map stored in the terminal (such as an elevation map or an occlusion map), it is determined that among the 7200 pairs of sampling points, the occlusion probability corresponding to the pitch and azimuth angles formed by the first 1800 pairs of sampling points is greater than a threshold, the occlusion probability corresponding to the middle 3600 pairs of sampling points is less than a threshold, and the occlusion probability corresponding to the last 1800 pairs of sampling points is greater than a threshold. Therefore, the terminal can identify two occlusion time periods: the first half hour corresponding to the first 1800 sampling points and the second half hour corresponding to the last 1800 sampling points.

[0127] Step 620: The terminal sends the request information to the NTN device.

[0128] Accordingly, the NTN device receives the request information from the terminal.

[0129] This application information is used to request reporting resources for N time periods, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the application information may include a value for N, such as N being equal to 10. When the NTN device receives this application information, it configures (or reserves) reporting resources for N time periods for the terminal, as described in step 640.

[0130] Optionally, in step 630: in response to the application information, the NTN device sends a confirmation message to the terminal.

[0131] Accordingly, the terminal receives confirmation information from the NTN device.

[0132] For example, when an NTN device receives a request, it can respond to the request, and the confirmation message can be considered a response. For instance, when the NTN device agrees to the terminal's request, the confirmation message can be an affirmative acknowledgement (ACK). Alternatively, when the NTN device disagrees with the terminal's request, the confirmation message can be a negative acknowledgement (NACK). Of course, in this application's description, the example given is the NTN device agreeing to the terminal's request and sending an affirmative acknowledgement (ACK) to the terminal.

[0133] Step 640: The NTN device sends configuration information to the terminal.

[0134] Accordingly, the terminal receives configuration information from the NTN device.

[0135] For example, configuration information is carried in down control information (DCI). When an NTN device sends a DCI to a terminal, this DCI contains configuration information for configuring reporting resources for N time periods. Taking an N value of 10 as an example, the NTN device can configure reporting resources for the terminal for 10 time periods.

[0136] Step 650: The terminal sends time information to the NTN device, which indicates the N time periods during which the terminal is obstructed.

[0137] Accordingly, the NTN device receives time information from the terminal.

[0138] This time information is used to directly or indirectly indicate N time periods, without limitation. For example, as shown in Table 1, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the N time periods and their indices / numbers. The terminal can report the indices / numbers corresponding to the N time periods on the reporting resources allocated by the NTN device. Alternatively, the terminal can directly report the start and end values ​​of each time period. For example, if the terminal reports T0 and T1 on the first reporting resource allocated by the NTN, then when the NTN device receives T0 and T1 on its first allocated reporting resource, it can determine that the first time period is from T0 to T1.

[0139] Table 1 shows the correspondence between N time periods and the index.

[0140] Optionally, in step 660: in response to the time information, the NTN device sends an acknowledgment message to the terminal.

[0141] Accordingly, the terminal receives confirmation information from the NTN device.

[0142] The confirmation information can be either AKC or NACK. For example, if the NTN device accepts N time periods reported by the terminal (and the NTN device switches to alarm mode during the corresponding time periods), then the NTN device sends an ACK to the terminal; or, if the NTN device does not accept the N time periods reported by the terminal (and the NTN device does not switch to alarm mode during the corresponding time periods), then the NTN device sends a NACK to the terminal. Of course, in this application, the example described is the NTN device sending an ACK.

[0143] In one interpretation, the aforementioned N time periods represent the time periods during which the terminal anticipates it will be occluded. When the terminal is in an unoccluded area, it executes... Figure 6 The method shown involves the terminal reporting N time periods to the NTN device. During these N time periods, the NTN device activates / switches to alarm mode to communicate with the terminal. For example, during the first time period (e.g., T0-T1), the NTN device activates alarm mode. When activating alarm mode, the NTN device simultaneously starts an alarm timer (Alert_timer). The duration of this timer is determined based on the time periods reported by the terminal. If the timer's duration equals the duration between T1 and T0, then the timer's duration is equal to the duration of the first time period. In alarm mode, if the NTN device needs to communicate with the terminal (e.g., to page the terminal), the NTN device sends an alarm message to the terminal. During the period between the end of the first time period and the start of the second time period (e.g., T1-T2), the terminal switches to normal paging mode. In normal paging mode, if the NTN device needs to communicate with the terminal, the NTN device sends a paging message to the terminal. Following this logic, during the second time period (e.g., T2-T3), the NTN device switches to alarm mode again and simultaneously starts the alarm timer, etc.

[0144] Understandable Figure 6 The method described assumes that the terminal has the ability to predict occlusion. For example, the terminal has the ability to predict / infer the time period during which it will be occluded in the future based on stored maps (such as elevation maps or occlusion maps).

[0145] Optionally, after the terminal reports N time periods, the terminal or the NTN device can update one or more of the N time periods. For example, if the terminal finds that the time information of one or more of the predicted N time periods is inaccurate after reporting N time periods, the terminal can update the time information of the reported one or more time periods. For example, after step 660, the process further includes an update process. For example, during the update process, the terminal can update the time information of one or more of the N time periods and report the updated information to the NTN device. The NTN device can accept (e.g., provide an ACK) or reject (e.g., provide a NACK) the terminal's update.

[0146] In one understanding, Figure 6 In the method shown, steps 620 and 630 can be considered as the process of the terminal requesting and reporting resources for N time periods, or simply as the process of the terminal requesting and reporting resources. Steps 650 and 660 can be considered as the process of the terminal reporting N time periods, or simply as the process of the terminal reporting.

[0147] In another possible implementation, with Figure 6 The difference between the methods shown is that the NTN device can proactively configure reporting resources for the terminal for N time periods. For example, in the above... Figure 6 In the illustrated method, the terminal proactively sends a request to the NTN device, requesting reporting resources for N time periods. Upon receiving this request, the NTN device configures the terminal with these N time periods of reporting resources. In another possible implementation, the NTN device proactively sends an instruction to the terminal, instructing it to allocate N time periods for receiving alarm messages. It should be noted that this instruction can specifically indicate the value of N, and the specific information corresponding to each of the N time periods can be determined by the terminal, such as based on the predicted actual occlusion situation. Subsequently, the NTN device configures the terminal with the N time periods of reporting resources. Figure 7 A flowchart of one method is provided. Figure 7 The method shown can be considered as Figure 5 Specific application examples of the method shown include: Step 710: The NTN device sends an instruction message to the terminal.

[0148] Accordingly, the terminal receives instruction information from the NTN device.

[0149] For example, the indication information includes a value for N, used to instruct or notify the terminal NTN device to allocate N time periods for receiving alarm information, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For instance, the NTN device can determine the value of N based on resource occupancy. For example, when resources are heavily occupied (i.e., few idle resources), the value of N can be smaller. Or, when resources are lightly occupied (i.e., many idle resources), the value of N can be larger. In one description, step 710 can be described as: the NTN device configures N time periods for the terminal. Of course, at this time, the NTN device configures the specific value of N, not the specific time information corresponding to the N time periods.

[0150] Optionally, in step 720: in response to the instruction information, the terminal sends an acknowledgment message to the NTN device.

[0151] Accordingly, the NTN device receives confirmation information from the terminal.

[0152] For example, the confirmation message could be ACK, which means that the terminal accepts / agrees to the N value assigned to it by the NTN device.

[0153] Step 730: The NTN device sends configuration information to the terminal.

[0154] Accordingly, the terminal receives configuration information from the NTN device.

[0155] This configuration information includes the reporting resources for N time periods. For example, this configuration information can be carried in the DCI. For instance, the NTN device sends a DCI to the terminal, and the terminal receives the DCI from the NTN device. The DCI contains configuration information for configuring the reporting resources for the N time periods.

[0156] Step 740: The terminal determines N time periods based on the value N.

[0157] For example, the terminal can determine one or more time periods with obstruction based on its location information and satellite location information, combined with a stored map. The terminal then merges or splits these one or more time periods with obstruction according to the value N indicated by the NTN device, determining N time periods. For example, if N equals 1, the NTN device allocates one time period to the terminal. The terminal determines two time periods with obstruction based on the stored map. Since the NTN device only allocates one time period to the terminal, N equals 1. The terminal can merge these two time periods with obstruction into one time period. Specifically, the terminal determines the obstructed time periods as follows based on the stored map: Obstruction Time Period 1 (1 AM - 3 AM) and Obstruction Time Period 2 (5 AM - 7 AM). The terminal can then merge these two time periods into one time period, which is (1 AM - 7 AM). In step 750, the terminal reports the obstructed time period as (1 AM - 7 AM).

[0158] Step 750: The terminal sends time information to the NTN device on the configured reporting resources. This time information is used to indicate N time periods during which the terminal is obstructed.

[0159] Accordingly, the NTN device receives time information from the terminal on the configured reporting resources.

[0160] This time information is used to directly or indirectly indicate N time periods. For example, this time information includes the start or end time of each time period. For instance, the N time periods reported by the terminal are time period 1 (T0-T1), time period 2 (T2-T3), ... time period N (Tm-Tp).

[0161] Optionally, in step 760: the NTN device sends an acknowledgment message to the terminal.

[0162] Accordingly, the terminal receives confirmation information from the NTN device.

[0163] For example, the confirmation information could be a positive ACK, indicating that the NTN accepts / agrees to the N time periods reported by the terminal. During each of the N time periods, the terminal activates alarm mode. Further, the terminal starts an alarm timer, the duration of which is equal to the duration of one of the time periods. It can be understood that the absolute time length corresponding to each of the aforementioned N time periods is equal. During the operation of the alarm timer, the NTN device can send alarm messages to the terminal. When the alarm timer expires, the terminal can switch to normal paging mode. In normal paging mode, the NTN device can send paging messages to the terminal.

[0164] and Figure 6 Similar to the method described above, after the terminal reports N time periods, the terminal or NTN device can also update one or more of the N time periods. For example, after step 760, the process further includes an update procedure. During the update procedure, the terminal can update the time information of one or more of the aforementioned N time periods and report the updated information to the NTN device. The NTN device can accept (e.g., provide an ACK) or reject (e.g., provide a NACK) the terminal's update.

[0165] In one understanding, Figure 7In the method shown, steps 710 and 720 can be considered as the process by which the NTN device determines the reporting resources for N time periods. For example, in this process, the NTN device can determine to configure the reporting resources for the terminal for N time periods and notify / instruct the terminal of the value of N (such as the value of N included in the indication information in step 710). This process is simply referred to as the process by which the NTN determines the reporting resources. Steps 750 and 760 can be considered as the process by which the terminal reports the N time periods, and can be simply referred to as the terminal reporting process.

[0166] Understandable, Figure 7 The prerequisite for the method shown is that the terminal side has the ability to predict occlusion.

[0167] The above method triggers the NTN device to switch to alarm mode. In alarm mode, the NTN device sends a highly reliable alarm message to the terminal. Even in obstructed environments, the terminal can successfully demodulate this alarm message, thus resolving the waste of air interface resources caused by the NTN device sending paging messages that the terminal cannot successfully demodulate when the terminal is in an obstructed environment. Furthermore, it addresses the issues of wasted terminal power consumption and waiting time costs caused by the terminal's prolonged inability to successfully demodulate paging messages sent by the NTN device when the terminal is in an obstructed environment.

[0168] It should be noted that in the application description, the terms "message" and "information" are interchangeable. For example, an alarm message can also be described as "alarm information." Application information, configuration information, and indication information can also be described as "application message," "configuration message," and "indication message," respectively. Furthermore, "message" or "information" can also be replaced with "signal," such as an alarm message being described as "alarm signal," etc.

[0169] exist Figures 4 to 7 In the methods shown, for the sake of simplicity, repeated / identical content may only be described in detail in one method. Therefore, in Figures 4 to 7 In the methods shown, for certain explanations and / or descriptions, the descriptions in different methods can be referred to cross-referenced. For example, Figure 4 The explanation and / or description of alarm information in the method shown can also be applied to... Figures 5 to 7 The method shown. In Figures 4 to 7 In the methods shown, each method may contain more or fewer steps than illustrated, and the order of the steps within each method is not restricted. Steps within each method can be broken down into more steps or combined into fewer steps.

[0170] Figure 8This provides a possible, non-limiting schematic diagram of an ORAN system. ORAN stands for Open RAN, and it can also be called O-RAN. Figure 8 As shown, it includes: core network equipment, NTN equipment, and terminals.

[0171] The NTN equipment includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a return unit (RU). The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link. The BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. Specifically, the BBU communicates with the core network equipment via a backhaul link, and the RU communicates with the terminal via an air interface. The BBU includes at least one core unit (CU) and at least one return unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link.

[0172] In one understanding, an NTN device includes a satellite: the satellite includes a BBU and a RU, the BBU includes a CU and a DU, etc.; or, described as, the satellite includes a CU, a DU, and a RU, etc. In another understanding, an NTN device includes a satellite and an NTN gateway, etc. The NTN gateway includes a BBU, or the NTN gateway includes a CU and a DU, etc. The satellite includes a RU.

[0173] It is understood that CU, DU, or RU may have different names in different systems, but those skilled in the art will understand their meanings. For example, in an ORAN system, CU can also be called an open-CU (O-CU), DU can also be called an open-DU (O-DU), and RU can also be called an open-RU (O-RU). For ease of description, this application uses CU, DU, and RU as examples. Any of the units among CU, DU, and RU in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0174] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by this application are described from the perspective of interaction between the NTN device and the terminal. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the NTN device and the terminal, etc., may include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the design constraints of the specific application of the technical solution.

[0175] Based on the same design concept as the above method embodiments, Figure 9 and Figure 10This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a possible communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. These communication devices can implement the functions of the NTN device or terminal in the above method embodiments, and therefore may achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device may be an NTN device or terminal, or a unit, module, or component (such as a chip, chip system, circuit, processor, or others) applied in an NTN device or terminal, or it may be a logic module or software that implements all or part of the functions of the NTN device or terminal. In the following description, the term "unit" is used as an example. For example, in the following description, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit as an example. The processing unit in the following description can also be replaced by: a processing module or processing component, etc. The transceiver unit can also be replaced by: a transceiver unit or transceiver component. For example, a transceiver component may refer to a communication module.

[0176] like Figure 9 As shown, the communication device 9000 includes a processing unit 9010 and a transceiver unit 9020. The communication device 9000 is used to implement the above-mentioned... Figures 4 to 7 The method shown describes the function of the NTN device or terminal.

[0177] Optionally, the transceiver unit 9020 may also be referred to as an output unit, an interface unit, or a communication unit, etc. In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 9020 includes at least one of a transmitting unit or a receiving unit. The transmitting unit and the receiving unit may be integrated together, or they may be two independent units, etc.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the communication device 9000 is used to implement... Figure 4 The specific functions of the NTN device or terminal in the method shown are as follows: When communication device 9000 is used to achieve Figure 4 The NTN device in the method shown specifically functions as follows: A processing unit 9010 is used to determine if a first condition is met. The first condition includes sending paging messages to the terminal K times and not receiving a paging response from the terminal, where K is a positive integer; or, within a first time period after sending the paging message to the terminal, not receiving a paging response from the terminal. A transceiver unit 9020 is used to send an alarm message to the terminal. If the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message. The first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate the paging message used for paging the terminal.

[0179] When communication device 9000 is used to achieve Figure 4The terminal function in the illustrated method specifically includes: a transceiver unit 9020, used to receive alarm messages from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device; wherein, if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message, where the first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate a paging message used for paging the terminal; the alarm message is sent under the condition that a first condition is met, which includes sending paging messages to the terminal K times without receiving a paging response from the terminal, where K is a positive integer, or, within a first time period after sending the paging message to the terminal, not receiving a paging response from the terminal. Optionally, a processing unit 9010 is used to process the alarm message.

[0180] In another possible implementation, the communication device 9000 is used to implement... Figures 5 to 7 The specific functions of the NTN device or terminal in the method shown are as follows: When communication device 9000 is used to achieve Figures 5 to 7 The NTN device in the method shown specifically functions as follows: A processing unit 9010 is used to determine if a first condition is met, where the first condition is related to terminal obstruction. The related condition includes: when the terminal is obstructed, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than a first threshold, where the first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal and the NTN device can communicate; a transceiver unit 9020 is used to send an alarm message to the terminal, where the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than the first threshold.

[0181] When communication device 9000 is used to achieve Figures 5 to 7 The terminal function in the illustrated method specifically includes: a transceiver unit 9020, used to receive alarm information from a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device; wherein, if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message; the alarm information is sent under the condition that a first condition is met, the first condition being a condition related to the terminal being obstructed, the condition related to the terminal being obstructed including: when the terminal is obstructed, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than the first threshold, the first threshold being the minimum signal quality at which the terminal and the NTN device can communicate. Optionally, a processing unit 9010 is used to process the alarm message.

[0182] For details on the implementation of the processing unit 9010 and the transceiver unit 9020, please refer to the method embodiments described above. Figures 4 to 7 The explanations for the methods shown will not be repeated here.

[0183] It is understood that the division of units in this embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. Furthermore, the functional units in this embodiment may be integrated into a single physical device (e.g., a processor), or each functional unit may be a separate physical device, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module, etc.

[0184] like Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 10000 includes a processor 10010 and an interface circuit 10020. The processor 10010 and the interface circuit 10020 are coupled to each other. It is understood that the interface circuit 10020 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the communication device 10000 may also include a memory 10030 for storing instructions executed by the processor 10010, or storing input data required for the processor 10010 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 10010 executes instructions. The number of processors 10010, interface circuits 10020, and memory 10030 is not limited. For example, the number of processors 10010 can be at least one.

[0185] When communication device 10000 is used to achieve Figures 4 to 7 In the method shown, the processor 10010 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 9010, and the interface circuit 10020 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 9020.

[0186] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip / module applied to an NTN device, the chip / module implements the functions of the NTN device in the above method embodiments. The chip / module receives information sent to the NTN device by a terminal or access network device through other modules in the NTN device; or, the chip / module sends information to other modules in the NTN device, which is information sent by the NTN device to the terminal.

[0187] When the aforementioned communication device is a chip / module applied to a terminal, the chip / module implements the functions of the terminal in the above method embodiments. The chip / module receives information from other modules in the terminal, which is information sent to the terminal by the NTN device; or, the chip / module sends information to other modules in the terminal, which is information sent to the NTN device by the terminal.

[0188] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which can be a chip applied in an NTN device, simply referred to as an NTN device chip, which is used to implement... Figures 4 to 7 The method shown describes the function of the NTN device. Alternatively, the chip can be a chip used in a terminal, referred to simply as a terminal chip, which is used to implement... Figures 4 to 7 The terminal function in the method shown. For example, the chip could be a baseband chip. Figure 11 As shown: The chip includes at least one processor for implementing Figures 4 to 7 The method described illustrates the functionality of the NTN device or terminal. For example, in... Figure 11 In this context, the multiple processors are represented as processor #1 to processor #N, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, a processor can be a microprocessor, such as an X106 or ARM, a microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, GPU, programmable logic device, state machine, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the appropriate functions.

[0189] Optionally, the chip may further include at least one memory for storing computer program instructions and / or data. The memory is coupled to the processor. The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor and memory operate collaboratively; the processor executes the program instructions stored in the memory to implement the functions described in this embodiment. Figures 4 to 7 The method described is for an NTN device or terminal. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0190] The chip may also include at least one communication interface for communicating with other devices via a transmission medium. In this embodiment, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other type of communication interface, which may be referred to as a bus interface. In this embodiment, when the communication interface is a transceiver, the transceiver may include an independent receiver, an independent transmitter, or a transceiver with integrated transceiver functions, or an interface circuit.

[0191] In this embodiment, the connection medium between the processor, memory, and communication interface is not limited. Optionally, in Figure 11 In this system, the processor, memory, and communication interface are connected via a bus. This bus may include an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, etc. Figure 11 In this context, a single thick line represents a bus, but this does not imply a single bus or a single type of bus. In one possible implementation, a bus can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application of the chip and overall design constraints. A bus couples various circuits together, such as processors, memory, and communication interfaces. A bus can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well-known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0192] This application also provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to implement the above-described... Figures 4 to 7 The method described illustrates the function of the NTN device or terminal. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, and the processor executing computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the above-described functionality. Figures 4 to 7 The method illustrates the function of the NTN device or terminal. Optionally, the communication device may be a chip or a chip system.

[0193] This application also provides a communication device, including at least one processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to receive signals from other devices outside the device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the device. The processor implements the above through logic circuits or executable code instructions. Figures 4 to 7 The method shown describes the function of the NTN device or terminal.

[0194] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which may also be referred to as computer programs, computer program code, etc. These instructions, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the aforementioned... Figures 4 to 7 The method shown describes the function of the NTN device or terminal.

[0195] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when run on a computer, implement the above-described functionality. Figures 4 to 7 The method shown describes the function of the NTN device or terminal.

[0196] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0197] The memory in the embodiments of this application may be random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), register, hard disk, portable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0198] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC.

[0199] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are performed, in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a terminal, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrating one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0200] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology 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.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device, or a chip in the NTN device, and includes: The condition is determined to be met. The first condition includes sending paging messages to the terminal a number of times K and not receiving a paging response from the terminal, where K is a positive integer, or not receiving a paging response from the terminal within a first time period after sending the paging message to the terminal. An alarm message is sent to the terminal. If the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message. The first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate the paging message used to page the terminal.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The value of K is less than or equal to the value of N3513, where N3513 is a predefined or preconfigured number of times the paging message is sent.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first duration is timed by a first timer, which is a T3513 timer, or the first timer is a timer other than the T3513 timer, which is a predefined or preconfigured timer used to determine the waiting duration of the paging response.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal, or a chip in the terminal, and includes: Receive alarm messages from non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices; Wherein, if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message, where the first threshold is the minimum signal quality at which the terminal can successfully demodulate the paging message used to paging the terminal; the alarm message is sent under the condition that a first condition is met, the first condition includes sending paging messages to the terminal K times and not receiving a paging response from the terminal, where K is a positive integer, or, within a first time period after sending the paging message to the terminal, not receiving a paging response from the terminal; The alarm message is processed.

5. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The value of K is less than or equal to the value of N3513, where N3513 is a predefined or preconfigured number of times the paging message is sent.

6. The method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first duration is timed by a first timer, which is a T3513 timer, or the first timer is a timer other than the T3513 timer, which is a predefined or preconfigured timer used to determine the waiting duration of the paging response.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a non-terrestrial network (NTN) device, or a chip in the NTN device, and includes: The first condition is determined to be met. The first condition is related to the terminal being blocked. The related condition for the terminal being blocked includes: when the terminal is blocked, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than a first threshold. The first threshold is the minimum signal quality that the terminal and the NTN device can communicate with. An alarm message is sent to the terminal, and if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than the first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The conditions related to the occlusion of the terminal also include: the time period during which the terminal is occluded.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The time period during which the terminal is obstructed is determined by the NTN device or reported by the terminal.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The time period during which the terminal is obstructed is reported by the terminal and also includes: Receive time information from the terminal, the time information being used to indicate N time periods during which the terminal is obstructed, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, Before receiving time information from the terminal, the method further includes: sending configuration information to the terminal, wherein the configuration information is used to configure the reporting resources for the N time periods; Receiving time information from the terminal includes: receiving time information from the terminal on the corresponding reporting resource.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive application information from the terminal, the application information being used to request resources reported over N time periods.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The device sends an instruction message to the terminal, which instructs the NTN device to allocate N time periods for the terminal to receive alarm messages.

14. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal or a chip in the terminal, including: Receive alarm information from non-terrestrial network (NTN) devices; Wherein, if the signal quality of the alarm message is less than a first threshold, the terminal can successfully demodulate the alarm message; the alarm message is sent under the condition that a first condition is met, the first condition being a condition related to the terminal being blocked, the condition related to the terminal being blocked including: when the terminal is blocked, the signal quality received by the terminal is less than the first threshold, the first threshold being the minimum signal quality at which the terminal and the NTN device can communicate; The alarm message is processed.

15. The method as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The conditions related to the occlusion of the terminal also include: the time period during which the terminal is occluded.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The time period during which the terminal is obstructed is determined by the NTN device or reported by the terminal.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The time period during which the terminal is obstructed is reported by the terminal and also includes: Time information is sent to the NTN device, the time information being used to indicate N time periods during which the terminal is obstructed, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Before sending time information to the NTN device, the method further includes: receiving configuration information from the NTN device, wherein the configuration information is used to configure the reporting resources for the N time periods; Sending time information to the NTN device includes: sending time information to the NTN device on the corresponding reporting resource.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, Also includes: Send an application message to the NTN device, the application message being used to request resources reported over N time periods.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, Also includes: The terminal receives an instruction from the NTN device, the instruction being used to instruct the NTN device to allocate N time periods for receiving the alarm message.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, or units as described in any one of claims 7 to 13.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, or the method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13.

23. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, or units for implementing the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes at least one processor, the processor being configured to cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, or the unit of the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, or the method as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 13, or the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, or the method as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, or the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 13, or the method as described in any one of claims 14 to 20.

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