Non-terrestrial network communication method and apparatus, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method and device, communication equipment and storage medium, relating to the technical field of mobile communication. The method can receive the NTN system message sent by the network equipment through the UE. When the preset condition is met, it is confirmed that the uplink synchronization has been restored. The preset condition can be when the UE applies the NTN system message, or when the UE receives the NTN system message. It can also be when the UE starts the synchronization effective timer. The present disclosure solves the problem of the timing of the RRC layer of the UE indicating to the lower layer that the uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time in the related technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a non-terrestrial network communication method, apparatus, communication equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication is an important technology introduced by fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology, providing wireless resources through satellites or drones instead of terrestrial base stations. However, in New Radio (NR) NTN, the current protocol stipulates that after the User Equipment (UE) receives a system message, it will notify the MAC layer that uplink synchronization has been restored, but the timing of this indication when the effective time in the system message points to a future time has not yet been resolved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure proposes a non-terrestrial network communication method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium, aiming to solve the timing problem of indication in related technologies.

[0004] The first aspect of this disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method, which is executed by a user equipment (UE). The method includes: receiving an NTN system message sent by a network device, and confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. The preset conditions include at least one of the following: when the UE applies the NTN system message; when the UE receives the NTN system message; when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer.

[0005] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message includes satellite auxiliary information and / or timing advance TA information, and the application NTN system message includes at least a portion of the information in the application NTN system message.

[0006] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the UE receives the NTN system message, confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored includes: if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports applying the NTN system message in advance, confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE receives the NTN system message.

[0007] In some embodiments of this disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports early application of the NTN system message, applying the NTN system message includes at least one of the following: determining the satellite auxiliary information used from the current time to the effective time based on the satellite auxiliary information in the NTN system message, and applying the satellite auxiliary information used from the current time to the effective time; determining the TA information used from the current time to the effective time based on the TA information in the NTN system message, and applying the TA information used from the current time to the effective time; or, applying the satellite auxiliary information and / or TA information in the NTN system message.

[0008] In some embodiments of this disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports applying the NTN system message in advance, applying the NTN system message includes: applying the NTN system message before the effective time, or applying the NTN system message when the effective time arrives.

[0009] In some embodiments of this disclosure, confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE starts the synchronization validity timer includes: if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE does not support the early application of the NTN system message, then confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE starts the synchronization validity timer.

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: sending capability information to a network device, wherein the capability information identifies whether the UE supports the advance application of NTN system messages, and the capability information is used to assist the network device in configuring parameters in the NTN system messages.

[0011] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network communication method performed by a network device, the method comprising: sending an NTN system message to a user equipment (UE).

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: receiving capability information sent by the UE, wherein the capability information identifies whether the UE supports early application of NTN system messages; and configuring parameters in the NTN system messages based on the capability information.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, configuring the parameters in the NTN system message based on the capability information includes: if the capability information indicates that the UE supports the early application of the NTN system message, configuring the effective time overlap of at least two NTN system messages.

[0014] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network NTN communication device applied to a user equipment (UE). The device includes a transceiver module for receiving NTN system messages sent by a network device and confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. The preset conditions include at least one of the following: when the UE uses NTN system messages; when the UE receives NTN system messages; when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer.

[0015] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a non-terrestrial network NTN communication device applied to a network equipment. The device includes a transceiver module for sending NTN system messages to a user equipment (UE).

[0016] A fifth aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a communication device comprising: a transceiver; a memory; and a processor, respectively connected to the transceiver and the memory, configured to control the transmission and reception of wireless signals of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and capable of implementing the methods of the first or second aspect embodiments of this disclosure.

[0017] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a computer storage medium storing computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions can implement the methods of the first or second aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] A seventh aspect embodiment of this disclosure provides a communication system, including: a user equipment (UE) and a network device, wherein, The UE is configured to perform the method as described in the first aspect embodiment; The network device is configured to perform the method as described in the second aspect embodiment.

[0019] According to the non-terrestrial network communication method of this disclosure, the UE can receive NTN system messages sent by the network device and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. These preset conditions can be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer. Therefore, this disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent and readily understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a timing synchronization according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of signaling interaction for a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 This is a schematic block diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9 This is a schematic block diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0023] NTN communication is a key technology introduced in 5G. A UE (User Equipment) can access the core network via a satellite access network. The communication connection between the UE and the satellite is a service link, and the connection between the satellite and the ground receiving station is a feeder link. The ground receiving station is connected to the core network, thus forming the UE's access to the core network via the satellite access network. However, in NR NTN, the current protocol stipulates that after the UE receives a system message, it will notify the MAC layer that uplink synchronization has been restored. However, the timing of this indication when the effective time in the system message points to a future time has not yet been resolved.

[0024] To address this issue, this disclosure provides an NTN communication method aimed at resolving the timing problem in related technologies. To better understand the inventive aspects of this disclosure, the concept of Timing Advance (TA) is first introduced below.

[0025] TA (Transmission Timing) is a crucial concept in 5G communication. A 5G network is a synchronous network, and the UE (User Equipment) needs to ensure uplink and downlink synchronization. Downlink synchronization is achieved by the UE receiving downlink synchronization signals from the base station. After obtaining downlink synchronization, the UE needs to perform uplink synchronization to ensure that the arrival time of all UEs' uplink signals at the base station is aligned with the base station's uplink timing. Uplink synchronization is achieved by initiating random access. Specifically, the UE sends a preamble to the base station. The base station receives the preamble to obtain the transmission delay between the UE and the base station. Then, the base station sends a timed advance TA command to the UE (the TA value is equal to twice the transmission delay). The UE advances its uplink according to the value indicated by the TA to achieve uplink synchronization. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating timed synchronization. Because the downlink signal transmitted by the base station experiences a one-way propagation delay before reaching the terminal, the terminal's downlink time is delayed by one one-way propagation delay compared to the base station. When the UE aligns its uplink time with its downlink time and then transmits uplink data, it will experience another one-way propagation delay before reaching the base station. Therefore, at the base station, the uplink time is delayed by one round-trip time (RTT) compared to the downlink time. Figure 1 As shown in (a). Due to the different RTTs between different UEs and the base station, the uplink times of different UEs are not aligned at the base station side, which can cause interference between data transmitted by UEs. To solve this problem, the base station sends a TA adjustment command to the terminal, advancing the UE's uplink time by one RTT to ensure that the uplink times of all UEs arriving at the base station side are aligned, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (b).

[0026] In addition to broadcasting the common TA (Transmission Targeting) that the UE needs to compensate for, the network also broadcasts satellite ephemeris information to help the UE obtain the satellite's position in order to calculate the UE-to-satellite RTT. Due to satellite mobility, both the common TA and ephemeris information change. Therefore, the ephemeris information and common TA broadcast in the system message have a validity period, called the uplink synchronization validity duration (UL). The ephemeris information and common TA are sent in a System Information Block (SIB), and they share a common validity period. The value of the validity period is broadcast to the UE by the network. The UE starts the uplink synchronization validity timer (UL) based on the start time (i.e., epoch time) of the validity period corresponding to the ephemeris information and common TA in the broadcast message.

[0027] For NR NTN, SIB19 broadcasts NTN-related system messages; for LTE NTN, SIB31 broadcasts NTN-related system messages. Taking NR NTN as an example, after the UE receives SIB19, it starts timer T430 (i.e., the UL synchronization validity timer) according to the start effective time indicated in SIB19. The start effective time may point to a future time. Therefore, whether the UE can apply SIB19 in advance at the current time is still inconclusive. Taking NR NTN as an example, the current protocol stipulates that after the UE receives SIB19, it will notify the MAC layer that uplink synchronization has been restored. However, the epoch time can point to the future, and the UE may not have applied SIB19 yet, so this indication time may be problematic.

[0028] It is understood that the solutions provided in this disclosure can be applied to satellite access networks, and in particular, to non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including but not limited to 5G core networks and core networks supporting their subsequent communication technologies, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G-advanced, and Sixth Generation (6G), which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0029] It should be understood that the method proposed in this disclosure can be applied to NTN communication systems, both in transparent transmission mode and regeneration mode. No limitation is imposed in this disclosure.

[0030] The NTN communication scheme provided in this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The method is executed by a UE. The UE described in this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, smart terminal devices, cellular phones, wireless devices, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicles, and in-vehicle equipment, etc., and is not intended to limit the scope of the UE.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0033] S201: Receive NTN system messages sent by network devices and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met.

[0034] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the preset conditions include at least one of the following: when the UE applies an NTN system message; when the UE receives an NTN system message; when the UE starts a synchronization valid timer.

[0035] It should be understood that "confirmation that uplink synchronization has been restored" in this disclosure refers to an indication between different layers of the UE. Specifically, it means that the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer of the UE indicates to the lower layers of the UE that uplink synchronization has been restored. The lower layer can be any one of the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, or Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, and is not limited in this disclosure.

[0036] In this disclosure, the NTN system message can be NR SIB19 or LTE SIB31 / SIB31-NB, and is not limited thereto.

[0037] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message may include satellite auxiliary information and / or timing advance TA information. The effective time of the NTN system message may point to any time. In particular, the effective time of the NTN system message may be a future time, that is, the time after the UE receives the NTN system message.

[0038] In summary, according to the method proposed in this disclosure, the UE can receive NTN system messages sent by the network device and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. These preset conditions can be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer. Therefore, this disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0039] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by a UE, based on... Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0040] S301 sends capability information to network devices.

[0041] In embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to identify whether the UE supports the early application of NTN system messages. The UE reports its own capability information to the base station, and the capability information indicates whether the UE supports the early application of SIB19 / SIB31 / SIB-31NB.

[0042] For example, the value of the capability information can be 1 or 0. A value of 1 indicates that the UE supports early application, while a value of 0 indicates that the UE does not support early application. As another example, the value of the capability information can be 1, meaning that capability information is only sent to the network device when the UE supports early application, and not sent to the UE when the UE does not support early application.

[0043] In embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to assist network devices in configuring parameters in NTN system messages. For example, if the network knows whether the UE supports early application of SIB19, it can help the network better configure the ephemeris and common TA-related parameters of the connected UE, such as whether the effective times of two ephemeris and common TA configurations overlap. For instance, when the network knows that the UE supports early application, the network can configure the UE to ensure that there is an overlap between the effective times of two system messages, thus preventing gaps between the application of two system messages and avoiding situations where no system messages are available between two effective time periods, thereby improving communication performance.

[0044] In one implementation, UE capability information can be sent via the RRC message UECapabilityInformation, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0045] It is understood that step S301 above is an optional step and is not limited in this disclosure.

[0046] S302 receives NTN system messages sent by network devices and confirms that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met.

[0047] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the preset conditions include at least one of the following: when the UE applies an NTN system message; when the UE receives an NTN system message; when the UE starts a synchronization valid timer.

[0048] In this embodiment, the three preset conditions described above are explained in detail.

[0049] In embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message includes satellite auxiliary information and / or timing advance TA information. The satellite auxiliary information may be ephemeris information.

[0050] In embodiments of this disclosure, applying an NTN system message includes applying at least a portion of the information within the NTN system message. For example, applying only ephemeris information, or only TA information, or both.

[0051] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this disclosure, the application of TNT system messages can be done in advance. When the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports the early application of NTN system messages, the UE can apply the NTN system message before a future time. In other words, after the UE receives a system message, if the corresponding effective time points to a future time after receiving the system message, the UE can apply the information in the SIB in advance before that effective time. The application method includes applying all or only some parameters in the SIB.

[0052] Specifically, the methods of applying it in advance include the following two: 1) Based on the information in the NTN system message, calculate the information available at the current time: For example, the UE can determine the satellite assistance information to be used from the current time to the effective time (future time) based on the satellite assistance information in the NTN system message, and then apply the satellite assistance information to be used from the current time to the future time before the future time arrives.

[0053] For example, the UE can determine the TA information to be used from the current time to the future time based on the TA information in the NTN system message, and then apply the TA information to be used from the current time to the future time before the future time arrives.

[0054] 2) Directly use information from NTN system messages: For example, the UE can directly apply the satellite-aided information and / or TA information in the NTN system message without further calculation.

[0055] In an alternative implementation, the UE may also apply the NTN system message when a future time arrives.

[0056] In another implementation, if the effective time of the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports the early application of the NTN system message, then when the UE receives the NTN system message, the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored. It is understood that the situation of confirming uplink synchronization has been restored upon receiving the NTN system message can also apply to a time before the UE receives the NTN system message, and will not be discussed in this disclosure.

[0057] In another implementation, when the effective time of the NTN system message points to the time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE does not support the early application of the NTN system message, the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the synchronization effective timer is started.

[0058] In summary, according to the method proposed in this disclosure, the UE can receive NTN system messages sent by the network device and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. The UE can report its own capability information to the network to notify the network whether it supports the early application of system messages, thereby enabling the network to better configure the parameters in the system messages and improve communication performance. Furthermore, this disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0059] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. The method is executed by a network device. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0060] S401, send NTN system message to user equipment (UE).

[0061] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the NTN system message is used to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. That is, the UE's RRC layer indicates that uplink synchronization has been restored at the UE's MAC layer, RLC layer, or PDCP layer.

[0062] The preset conditions in this disclosure include at least one of the following: when the UE applies an NTN system message; when the UE receives an NTN system message; when the UE starts a synchronization valid timer.

[0063] In this disclosure, the NTN system message can be NR SIB19 or LTE SIB31 / SIB31-NB, and is not limited thereto.

[0064] In summary, according to the method proposed in this disclosure, the network device can send an NTN system message to the UE. The NTN system message can assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met, thereby solving the problem in NTN communication-related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0065] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. This method can be executed by a network device, based on... Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0066] S501, Receive capability information sent by UE.

[0067] In embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to identify whether the UE supports the early application of NTN system messages. The UE reports its own capability information to the base station, and the capability information indicates whether the UE supports the early application of SIB19 / SIB31 / SIB-31NB.

[0068] For example, the value of the capability information can be 1 or 0. A value of 1 indicates that the UE supports early application, while a value of 0 indicates that the UE does not support early application. As another example, the value of the capability information can be 1, meaning that capability information is only sent to the network device when the UE supports early application, and not sent to the UE when the UE does not support early application.

[0069] In one implementation, UE capability information can be sent via the RRC message UECapabilityInformation, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0070] S502, based on capability information, configures the parameters in the NTN system message.

[0071] In embodiments of this disclosure, capability information is used to assist network devices in configuring parameters in NTN system messages. Specifically, if the capability information indicates that the UE supports the early application of the NTN system messages, the effective time overlap of at least two NTN system messages is configured.

[0072] For example, if the network can determine whether the UE supports early application of SIB19, it can help the network better configure the ephemeris and common TA-related parameters of the connected UE, such as whether the validity periods of two ephemeris and common TA configurations overlap. For instance, when the network knows that the UE supports early application, it can configure the UE to ensure that the validity periods of two system messages overlap, thus eliminating gaps between the application of two system messages and preventing situations where no system messages are available between two valid time periods, thereby improving communication performance.

[0073] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the start time of the effective time is the effective time described in the above embodiments.

[0074] It is understood that the above steps S501 and S502 are optional steps and are not limited in this disclosure.

[0075] S503, sends an NTN system message to the UE.

[0076] In embodiments of this disclosure, the network device can send a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. For detailed implementation methods, please refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The UE-side implementation shown will not be described in detail here.

[0077] In summary, according to the method proposed in this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports the advance application of system messages, thereby better configuring the parameters in the system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends the configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0078] Figure 6 This is an interactive schematic diagram of a non-terrestrial network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a communication system including a UE and a network device. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0079] S601, the UE reports capability information to the network device.

[0080] In embodiments of this disclosure, the UE's capability information is used to identify whether the UE supports the early application of NTN system messages.

[0081] S602, the network device configures the parameters in the NTN system message according to the UE's capability information.

[0082] Network devices can better configure the ephemeris and common TA related parameters of connected UEs based on whether the UE supports advance application, such as whether the effective time of two ephemeris and common TA configurations can overlap.

[0083] It is understood that steps S601 and S602 above are optional steps.

[0084] S603, the network device sends an NTN system message to the UE.

[0085] The network device may send NTN system messages to the UE, which include satellite-aided information and / or advance timing (TA) information. These system messages may be configured by the network device based on the UE's capability information, or they may be configured without considering the UE's capability information; this disclosure does not impose any restrictions.

[0086] S604, the UE confirms that uplink synchronization has been restored when the preset conditions are met, based on the NTN system message.

[0087] The UE can, based on parameters in the NTN system message, indicate to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. For detailed implementation methods, please refer to [link to implementation details]. Figures 2 to 5 The embodiments shown will not be described in detail here.

[0088] In summary, according to the method proposed in this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports the advance application of system messages, thereby better configuring the parameters in the system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends the configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0089] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by the embodiments of this application have been described from the perspectives of the user equipment side and the network equipment side, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application, the network equipment and the user equipment may include hardware structures and software modules, and may implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0090] Corresponding to the non-terrestrial network communication methods provided in the above embodiments, this disclosure also provides a non-terrestrial network communication device. Since the non-terrestrial network communication device provided in this disclosure corresponds to the non-terrestrial network communication methods provided in the above embodiments, the implementation methods of the non-terrestrial network communication methods are also applicable to the non-terrestrial network communication device provided in this embodiment, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-terrestrial network communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The non-terrestrial network communication device 700 can be used in user equipment.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the device 700 may include: The transceiver module 710 is used to receive NTN system messages sent by the network device and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. The preset conditions include at least one of the following: when NTN system messages are applied; when the UE receives NTN system messages; when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer.

[0093] According to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided in this disclosure, the UE can receive NTN system messages sent by the network device and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. These preset conditions can be when the UE applies the NTN system message, when the UE receives the NTN system message, or when the UE starts a synchronization validity timer. Therefore, this disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0094] In some embodiments of this disclosure, NTN system messages include satellite auxiliary information and / or timing advance TA information, and application NTN system messages include at least a portion of the information in the application NTN system messages.

[0095] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 710 is specifically configured to: if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports applying the NTN system message in advance, confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE receives the NTN system message.

[0096] In some embodiments of this disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports the early application of the NTN system message, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to: Based on the satellite assistance information in the NTN system message, determine the satellite assistance information used from the current time to the effective time, and apply the satellite assistance information used from the current time to the effective time; Based on the TA information in the NTN system message, determine the TA information used from the current time to the effective time, and apply the TA information used from the current time to the effective time; Apply satellite auxiliary information and / or TA information from NTN system messages.

[0097] In some embodiments of this disclosure, if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports applying the NTN system message in advance, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to: apply the NTN system message before the effective time, or apply the NTN system message when the effective time arrives.

[0098] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 710 is specifically configured to: if the effective time corresponding to the NTN system message points to the time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE does not support the early application of the NTN system message, then confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when the UE starts the synchronization effective timer.

[0099] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 710 is further configured to: The capability information is sent to the network device. The capability information indicates whether the UE supports the advance application of NTN system messages. The capability information is used to assist the network device in configuring the parameters in the NTN system messages.

[0100] In summary, according to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided in this disclosure, the UE can receive NTN system messages sent by the network device and confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. The UE can report its own capability information to the network to notify the network whether it supports the advance application of system messages, thereby enabling the network to better configure the parameters in the system messages and improve communication performance.

[0101] Furthermore, this disclosure resolves the issue in the related art where, when the effective time in the system message points to a future time, the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-terrestrial network communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The non-terrestrial network communication device 800 can be used in network equipment.

[0103] like Figure 8 As shown, the device 800 may include: The transceiver module is used to send NTN system messages to the user equipment (UE).

[0104] According to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the network device can send an NTN system message to the UE to solve the problem in NTN communication related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0105] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the transceiver module 810 is further configured to: Receive capability information sent by the UE, where the capability information indicates whether the UE supports the early application of NTN system messages.

[0106] In some embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 9 As shown, the above-mentioned device 800 further includes: The configuration module is used to configure parameters in NTN system messages based on capability information.

[0107] In summary, according to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided in this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports advance application system messages, thereby better configuring the parameters in the system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0108] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a communication system, the communication system comprising: a user equipment (UE) and a network device, wherein: The UE reports capability information to the network device.

[0109] The network device configures the parameters in the NTN system message based on the UE's capability information.

[0110] The network device sends an NTN system message to the UE.

[0111] According to the NTN system message, the UE confirms that uplink synchronization has been restored when the preset conditions are met.

[0112] In summary, according to the non-terrestrial network communication method provided in this disclosure, the network can receive capability information reported by the UE, and the network can know whether the UE supports advance application system messages, thereby better configuring the parameters in the system messages and improving communication performance. The network device sends a configured NTN system message to the UE to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored when preset conditions are met. This disclosure solves the problem in related technologies where the UE's RRC layer indicates to the lower layer that uplink synchronization has been restored when the effective time in the system message points to a future time.

[0113] Please see Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 can be a network device, a user device, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the user device in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and for details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments.

[0114] The communication device 1000 may include one or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0115] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more memories 1002, which may store a computer program 1004. The processor 1001 executes the computer program 1004 to cause the communication device 1000 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1002 may also store data. The communication device 1000 and the memory 1002 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0116] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a transceiver 1005 and an antenna 1006. The transceiver 1005 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 1005 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0117] Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include one or more interface circuits 1007. The interface circuit 1007 is used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 1000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiments.

[0118] In one implementation, the processor 1001 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0119] In one implementation, processor 1001 may store computer program 1003, which runs on processor 1001 and causes communication device 1000 to execute the methods described in the above method embodiments. Computer program 1003 may be embedded in processor 1001, in which case processor 1001 may be implemented in hardware.

[0120] In one implementation, the communication device 1000 may include a circuit capable of performing the functions of transmitting, receiving, or communicating as described in the aforementioned method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this application can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0121] The communication device described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a user equipment, but the scope of the communication device described in this application is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device may vary. Figure 10 The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device could be: (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs; (3) ASIC, such as modem; (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices; (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc. (6) Others, etc.

[0122] For cases where the communication device can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 The diagram shows the structure of the chip. Figure 11 The chip shown includes a processor 1101 and an interface 1102. There can be one or more processors 1101, and multiple interfaces 1102.

[0123] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1103 for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0124] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this application.

[0125] This application also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0126] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0127] 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. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When a computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, it generates, in whole or in part, the processes or functions according to the embodiments of this application. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0128] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., involved in this application are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application, nor do they indicate the order of sequence.

[0129] At least one in this application can also be described as one or more, and multiple can be two, three, four or more, and this application does not impose any limitation. In the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", and there is no order or size among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0130] As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, device, and / or apparatus (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0131] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include backend components (e.g., as a data server), or computing systems that include middleware components (e.g., an application server), or computing systems that include frontend components (e.g., a user computer with a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with implementations of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication of any form or medium (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the Internet.

[0132] Computer systems can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally located far apart and typically interact through communication networks. Client-server relationships are created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0133] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution disclosed in this disclosure can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0134] Furthermore, it should be understood that the various embodiments of this application can be implemented individually or in combination with other embodiments, where the scheme allows.

[0135] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0136] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0137] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a user equipment (UE), and the method includes: The system receives an NTN system message sent by a network device and confirms that uplink synchronization has been restored before the time indicated by the NTN system message or when the time indicated by the NTN system message arrives; or, it determines that uplink synchronization has been restored at the time indicated by the NTN system message.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NTN system message includes at least one of the following: satellite auxiliary information, timing advance TA information, and effective time information.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The NTN system message includes any of the following: SIB19, SIB31, SIB31-NB.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The network device sends capability information, which identifies whether the UE supports the early application of the NTN system message. The capability information is used to assist the network device in configuring the parameters in the NTN system message.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the time indicated by the NTN system message points to a time after the UE receives the NTN system message and the UE supports applying the NTN system message in advance, the application of the NTN system message includes at least one of the following: Based on the satellite assistance information in the NTN system message, determine the satellite assistance information used during the period from the current time to the time indicated by the NTN system message, and apply the satellite assistance information used during the period from the current time to the time indicated by the NTN system message; Based on the TA information in the NTN system message, determine the TA information used during the period from the current time to the time indicated by the NTN system message, and apply the TA information used during the period from the current time to the time indicated by the NTN system message; The satellite auxiliary information and / or TA information in the NTN system message are applied.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The confirmation that uplink synchronization has been restored includes: Indicates that uplink synchronization has been restored between different layers of the UE, and / or indicates the time of uplink synchronization restoration between different layers of the UE.

7. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a network device, and the method includes: The system sends an NTN system message to the user equipment (UE). The NTN system message is used to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored before the time indicated by the NTN system message or when the time indicated by the NTN system message arrives. Alternatively, it is used to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored at the time indicated by the NTN system message.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The NTN system message includes at least one of the following: satellite auxiliary information, timing advance TA information, and effective time information.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The NTN system message includes any of the following: SIB19, SIB31, SIB31-NB.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive capability information sent by the UE, wherein the capability information identifies whether the UE supports the early application of the NTN system message; Based on the capability information, configure the parameters in the NTN system message.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The configuration of parameters in the NTN system message based on the capability information includes: If the capability information indicates that the UE supports the early application of the NTN system messages, configure at least two NTN system messages to have overlapping effective times.

12. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transceiver module is used to receive NTN system messages sent by network devices, and to confirm that uplink synchronization has been restored before the time indicated by the NTN system message or when the time indicated by the NTN system message arrives, or to determine that uplink synchronization has been restored at the time indicated by the NTN system message.

13. A non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication device, characterized in that, The device includes: The transceiver module is used to send NTN system messages to the user equipment (UE). The NTN system messages are used to assist the UE in confirming that uplink synchronization has been restored before the time indicated by the NTN system message or when the time indicated by the NTN system message arrives, or to assist the UE in determining that uplink synchronization has been restored at the time indicated by the NTN system message.

14. A communication device, wherein, include: transceiver; Memory; The processor is connected to the transceiver and the memory respectively, and is configured to control the wireless signal transmission and reception of the transceiver by executing computer-executable instructions on the memory, and to implement the method of any one of claims 1-6 or 7-11.

15. A computer storage medium, wherein, The computer storage medium stores computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions can implement the method of any one of claims 1-6 or 7-11.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, include: User equipment (UE) and network equipment, among which... The UE is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; The network device is configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

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