Synchronization signal block measurement method and device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a synchronization signal block measurement method and apparatus. The method may be applied to a terminal device. The method includes the terminal device receiving first information from a network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurements. The terminal device performs SSB measurements on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first SSB measurement period, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device. The first reference SSB for the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on in the first SSB period is autonomously determined by the terminal device. This can reduce the number of SSBs on which SSB measurements are performed, thereby reducing energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a synchronization signal block measurement method and apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, when listening to cell broadcasts / paging, a terminal device in idle state needs to measure the synchronization signal block (SSB) of the serving cell to select the SSB with the best signal quality as the SSB to camp on for the next period, and also needs to measure the SSB of neighboring cells to support cell reselection. A terminal device in connected state also needs to measure the SSB of neighboring cells to support cell handover.

[0003] In a terrestrial communication system (e.g., a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system), the network device indicates to each terminal device that the reference time for SSB measurement is subframe 0, and also indicates that the time position where the SSB index is 0 is an offset by using an offset setting. In other words, the reference SSB for SSB measurement by the terminal device is the SSB with index 0, which is determined based on instructions from the network device, and the terminal device measures all SSBs in each SSB period.

[0004] However, in a satellite communication system, the satellite coverage is wide, the transmission distance is long, and there are many SSBs in one SSB period. If the terminal device still performs SSB measurements based on the instructions of the terrestrial communication system, that is, performs SSB measurements for all SSBs in one SSB period, high energy consumption overhead will be incurred. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a synchronization signal block measurement method and apparatus, so as to reduce the energy consumption overhead of a terminal device.

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a synchronization signal block measurement method. The method may be applied to a terminal device (e.g., a device or chip of the terminal device). In the method, the terminal device receives first information from a network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurement. The terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first SSB measurement period, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0007] In this embodiment of the present application, the first reference SSB for the terminal device to perform SSB measurements in the first SSB measurement period is determined autonomously by the terminal device. For a terminal device in an idle state, the network device cannot know the location information of the terminal device, nor can it know an SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device. In this case, if the network device indicates a reference SSB for the terminal device to perform SSB measurements, the network device indicates the same reference SSB to the terminal device in the idle state, taking into account the location information of all terminal devices in the idle state. As a result, the terminal device needs to perform SSB measurements for a large number of SSBs, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. However, if the terminal device in the idle state autonomously determines the first reference SSB for the SSB measurements, the number of SSBs to be measured is minimized, while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0008] For a terminal device in a connected state, when the satellite changes suddenly, the reference SSB for the terminal device changes constantly. In this case, if a network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement, the network device needs to indicate to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement multiple times at different time domain resources based on the change in satellite, resulting in a large amount of signaling overhead. Furthermore, if the network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement once, taking into account the continuous change in the reference SSB caused by the sudden change in satellite, the terminal device determines that SSB measurements need to be performed for multiple SSBs based on the indicated reference SSB, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. However, if a terminal device in a connected state autonomously determines the first reference SSB for SSB measurement, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized, while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device. Moreover, in this method, no additional interaction between the terminal device and the network device is required, so signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the first information instructs the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval, so that the terminal device can perform SSB measurements in a first period of SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval by using the autonomously determined first reference SSB as a reference. In this manner, the number of SSBs that need to be measured by the terminal device can be reduced, and thus the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0010] In any implementation, the terminal device may further receive second information indicating an SSB index interval, where the SSB index interval is an integer greater than one.

[0011] In this method, the terminal device may perform SSB measurements on a first SSB having an index that is separated from the index of the first reference SSB by a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval, where the interval between the index of the first SSB and the index of the first reference SSB is a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval.

[0012] The SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1. Therefore, the number of SSBs determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, so the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the terminal device may further receive third information indicating an SSB index window, where the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period.

[0014] In this method, the terminal device may perform SSB measurements on a first SSB whose index is within an SSB index window whose starting index is the index of the first reference SSB, where the index of the first SSB is within the SSB index window whose starting index is the index of the first reference SSB.

[0015] The number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period. Therefore, the number of first SSBs determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, so the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the terminal device can further receive fourth information indicating an SSB time window, the SSB time window being smaller than one SSB period.

[0017] In this method, the terminal device may perform SSB measurements on a first SSB whose time-domain location is within an SSB time window that begins at the time-domain location of the first reference SSB. In other words, the time-domain location of the first SSB is within an SSB time window that begins at the time-domain location of the first reference SSB.

[0018] The SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period. Therefore, the number of first SSBs determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window is smaller than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, so the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0019] In another optional implementation, the information received by the terminal device further includes two or three of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information. For example, the terminal device may further receive the second information and the third information, the terminal device may further receive the second information and the fourth information, the terminal device may further receive the third information and the fourth information, or the terminal device may further receive the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0020] If the information received by the terminal device includes two or three of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, the terminal device determines a first SSB based on the content indicated by the received information and the first reference SSB, and performs SSB measurements on the determined first SSB.

[0021] For example, the information received by the terminal device includes the second information and the third information, and the terminal device determines the SSB index interval and the SSB index window based on the second information and the third information. The terminal device may determine the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, and the SSB index window.

[0022] In this way, the number of first SSBs determined by the terminal device is also less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, so the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0023] In any implementation, when the information received by the terminal device includes one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, the terminal device may further receive fifth information, where the fifth information indicates the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs. In other words, when acquiring one or more of the SSB index interval, the SSB index window, and the SSB time window, the terminal device may further know the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs based on the fifth information. Furthermore, the terminal device determines the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs, and one or more of the SSB index interval, the SSB index window, and the SSB time window.

[0024] If the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first SSB is greater than the index of the first reference SSB. If the satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the index of the first SSB is less than the index of the first reference SSB.

[0025] In an optional implementation, the terminal device may further perform SSB measurements on a second SSB based on a second reference SSB in a second period of SSB measurement, the second reference SSB being determined by the terminal device based on the measurement results in the first period of SSB measurement.

[0026] In this way, the terminal device can determine a reference SSB for performing SSB measurements in a current SSB measurement period based on the measurement results in the previous SSB measurement period. In other words, the reference SSB for performing SSB measurements in the current SSB measurement period by the terminal device is also determined autonomously by the terminal device. This can reduce the number of SSBs for which the terminal device performs SSB measurements in each SSB measurement period, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0027] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method. The synchronization signal block measurement method in this aspect corresponds to the synchronization signal block measurement method in the first aspect. The synchronization signal block measurement method in this aspect is described from the network device side (it can be applied to a device or chip of the network device). In the method, the network device determines first information and one or more of second information, third information, and fourth information. The network device transmits the first information to a terminal device and one or more of the second information, third information, and fourth information.

[0028] The first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurement based on an SSB index interval, the second information indicates the SSB index interval, the third information indicates an SSB index window, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window, where the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window is less than one SSB period.

[0029] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device uses the first information to instruct the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurement based on the SSB index interval, and uses one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information to indicate to the terminal device parameters for determining the SSB to be measured when the SSB measurement is performed based on the SSB index interval, which helps the terminal device to perform the SSB measurement based on the indicated parameters and the SSB index interval.

[0030] The SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window is less than one SSB period, which helps the terminal device determine the number of SSBs to be measured, which is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, based on these parameters, to help reduce the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0031] In an optional implementation, when the network device transmits the second information and / or the third information to the terminal device, the network device may further transmit fifth information, which indicates the order in which the satellites scan the SSBs. In this case, the terminal device further determines the SSB to be measured by referring to the order in which the satellites scan the SSBs.

[0032] According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device. The communication device has some or all of the functions of the terminal device of the first aspect, or some or all of the functions of the network device of the second aspect. For example, the communication device may have some or all of the functions of the terminal device of the first aspect, or may have the functions to independently implement any one of the embodiments of the present application. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by the hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the functions.

[0033] In a possible design, the structure of the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit is configured to help the communication device perform corresponding functions in the above methods. The communication unit is configured to support communication between the communication unit and other communication units. The communication device may further include a storage unit. The storage unit is configured to be coupled to the processing unit and the communication unit and stores program instructions and data required for the communication device.

[0034] In an implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit.

[0035] The communication unit is configured to receive first information from a network device, the first information instructing the device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurements.

[0036] The processing unit is configured to perform SSB measurements on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first period of SSB measurements, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0037] Furthermore, for any other implementations of the communication device in this aspect, please refer to the relevant content of the first aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0038] In another implementation, a communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, the communication unit configured to receive and transmit signaling / signals.

[0039] The processing unit is configured to determine the first information and to determine one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0040] The communication unit is configured to transmit the first information to the terminal device and one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0041] The first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, the second information indicates the SSB index interval, the third information indicates an SSB index window, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window, where the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window is less than one SSB period.

[0042] Furthermore, for any other implementations of the communication device in this aspect, please refer to the relevant content of the second aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0043] For example, the communication unit may be a transceiver or a communication interface, the storage unit may be a memory, and the processing unit may be a processor.

[0044] In an implementation, a communications device includes a processor and a transceiver.

[0045] The transceiver is configured to receive first information from the network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurements.

[0046] The processor is configured to perform SSB measurements on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first period of SSB measurements, the first reference SSB being autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0047] Furthermore, for any other implementations of the communication device in this aspect, please refer to the relevant content of the first aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0048] In another implementation, a communications device includes a processor and a transceiver.

[0049] The processor is configured to determine the first information and to determine one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0050] The transceiver is configured to transmit the first information to the terminal device and one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0051] The first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, the second information indicates the SSB index interval, the third information indicates an SSB index window, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window, where the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window is less than one SSB period.

[0052] Furthermore, for any other implementations of the communication device in this aspect, please refer to the relevant content of the second aspect, and the details will not be described again here.

[0053] In other implementations, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. The processing unit may alternatively be represented as a processing circuit or a logic circuit. The communication unit may be an input / output interface, an interface circuit, an output circuit, an input circuit, a pin, associated circuitry, etc. on the chip or chip system.

[0054] In the implementation process, the processor may be configured to perform, for example, but not limited to, baseband-related processing, and the transceiver may be configured to perform, for example, but not limited to, radio frequency reception and transmission. The above components may be individually located on independent chips, or at least some or all of the components may be located on the same chip. For example, the processor may be divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor. The analog baseband processor and the transceiver may be integrated on the same chip, and the digital baseband processor may be located on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, the number of components that can be integrated on the same chip is increasing. For example, a digital baseband processor and multiple applications (e.g., but not limited to, a graphics processing unit and a multimedia processor) may be integrated on the same chip. Such a chip may be called a system on a chip (SoC). Whether the components are located separately on different chips or integrated on one or more chips typically depends on the requirements of the product design. The above component embodiments are not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0055] According to a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a processor configured to perform the above methods. In the course of performing these methods, the process of transmitting the information and the process of receiving the information in the above methods can be understood as the process of outputting the information by the processor and the process of receiving the input information by the processor. When outputting information, the processor outputs the information to the transceiver, and the transceiver thereby transmits the information. After the information is output by the processor, other processing may need to be performed on the information before it arrives at the transceiver. Similarly, during reception of input information by the processor, the transceiver receives the information and inputs the information to the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the information, other processing may need to be performed on the information before it is input to the processor.

[0056] Unless otherwise specified, or where operations such as transmitting and receiving associated with a processor do not contradict the actual function or internal logic of the associated described operations, all operations may be understood more generally as operations such as output, receiving, and input of a processor, rather than as transmitting and receiving operations performed directly by a radio frequency circuit or antenna.

[0057] In the implementation process, the processor may be a processor specially configured to perform the method, i.e., a processor such as a general-purpose processor that executes computer instructions in a memory to perform the method. The memory may be a non-transitory memory such as a read-only memory (ROM). The memory and the processor may be integrated on the same chip or may be separately located on different chips. The type of memory and the manner in which the memory and the processor are located are not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0058] According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The system includes a network device and a satellite. Optionally, the system further includes a terminal device. In another possible design, the system may further include other devices that interact with the terminal device, the network device, and the satellite.

[0059] According to a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer-readable storage medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method according to the first or second aspect.

[0060] According to a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product comprising instructions, which when run on a computer, perform a method according to the first or second aspect.

[0061] According to an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system. The chip system includes a processor and an interface. The interface is configured to receive a program or instruction. The processor is configured to call the program or instruction to assist a terminal device in performing the function of the first aspect or to assist a network device in performing the function of the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of data and information in the above-described method. In a possible design, the chip system further includes a memory. The memory is configured to store instructions and data required by the terminal. The chip system may include a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0062] According to a ninth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communications device including a processor configured to execute computer programs or executable instructions stored in a memory, the computer programs or executable instructions, when executed, can cause the device to perform a method according to possible implementations of the first or second aspect.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the processor and memory are integrated.

[0064] In another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0065] For the advantageous effects of the third to ninth aspects, please refer to the advantageous effects of the first and second aspects, and the details will not be described again here. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system architecture of an NTN-based RAN according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of another system architecture of an NTN-based RAN according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of yet another system architecture of an NTN-based RAN according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of yet another system architecture of an NTN-based RAN according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of beam coverage in a satellite movement scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram of beam coverage in another satellite movement scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram of an SSB frame structure according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an interaction diagram of a synchronization signal block measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a satellite scanning SSB according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another diagram of a satellite scanning SSBs according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an interaction diagram of another synchronization signal block measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is an interaction diagram of yet another synchronization signal block measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an interaction diagram of yet another synchronization signal block measurement method according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of the present application; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] The following clearly and completely describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0068] For a better understanding of the synchronization signal block measurement method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application, a system to which the embodiments of the present application are applied will be described.

[0069] The embodiments of the present application may be applied to the system architecture of a wireless access network (RAN) based on a non-terrestrial network (NTN). The following uses a fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system as an example to describe some common system architectures of an NTN-based RAN.

[0070] Figure 1 is a diagram of the system architecture of an NTN-based RAN. As shown in Figure 1, the RAN system architecture has a transparent satellite and further includes a terminal device, an NTN gateway, a 5G base station (gNB), a 5G core network, and a data network (DN). The link between the NTN gateway and the satellite is called a feeder link, the link between the satellite and the terminal device is called a service link, N6 represents the interface between the User Plane Function (UPF) of the 5G core network and the DN, NG represents the interface between the gNB and the 5G core network, the New Radio (NR)-Uu ​​interface represents the interface between the terminal device and the gNB, and the satellite and the NTN gateway form a remote radio unit.

[0071] In the system architecture shown in FIG. 1, the satellite has the function of performing frequency conversion and radio frequency amplification, equivalent to an analog radio frequency repeater. Therefore, from the feeder link to the service link, the satellite transfers the NR-Uu interface signal, which is the signal between the terminal device and the gNB. Conversely, from the service link to the feeder link, the satellite transfers the NR-Uu interface signal to the gNB via the NTN gateway. In other words, the NTN gateway is used for communication between the satellite and the 5G base station and is a transport network layer node that supports all the necessary functions for transferring the NR-Uu interface signal. Furthermore, different satellites may be connected to the same terrestrial 5G base station via the NTN gateway.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another system architecture of an NTN-based RAN. As shown in FIG. 2, the system architecture includes a terminal device, a satellite, an NTN gateway, a 5G core network, and a data network DN. A 5G base station is deployed on the satellite. In this case, the satellite may also be referred to as a satellite base station. NR-Uu interface signals are transmitted via a service link between the terminal device and the satellite, and Satellite Radio Interface (SRI) signals are transmitted via a feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. The SRI signals are signals between the NTN gateway and the satellite. When transmitted from the satellite base station to the 5G core network, the NG interface signals are transmitted by the satellite base station to the NTN gateway via the SRI and then forwarded by the NTN gateway to the terrestrial 5G base station. The process of transmitting the NG interface signals from the 5G core network to the satellite base station is similar, and the details will not be described again.

[0073] Figure 3 is a diagram of yet another system architecture of an NTN-based RAN. As shown in Figure 3, the difference from the system architecture shown in Figure 2 is that the system architecture of Figure 3 has an inter-satellite link (ISL) between satellites. Terminal devices served by satellite base stations can access the 5G core network via the ISL, and different satellite base stations can be connected to the same terrestrial 5G core network.

[0074] Figure 4 is a diagram of yet another system architecture for an NTN-based RAN. As shown in Figure 4, in the system architecture, the gNB centralized unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) are separated, and the 5G base station distributed unit (gNB-DU) is deployed on a satellite. DUs deployed on different satellites may be connected to the same terrestrial CU. NR-Uu interface signals are transmitted over a service link between the terminal device and the satellite, and SRI signals are transmitted over a feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite.

[0075] System architectures of NTN-based RAN to which embodiments of the present application may be applied include, but are not limited to, the system architectures shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0076] When the NTN in the embodiment of the present application is applied to an evolved sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, the system architecture of the NTN-based RAN is similar to the system architecture shown in Figures 1 to 4. The difference is that when the NTN is applied to an evolved 6G mobile communication system, in the system architecture of the NTN-based RAN, the base station that communicates with the terminal device is a 6G base station, the CN that communicates with the base station is a 6G CN, and the interface within the system is a 6G interface.

[0077] It may be understood that a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applied includes a network device and a satellite. The network device may be deployed on the satellite. Optionally, the system may further include a terminal device. In other possible designs, the system may further include other devices that interact with ground devices, network devices, and satellites.

[0078] NTN communication systems to which embodiments of the present application may be applied include, but are not limited to, narrowband-internet of things (NB-IoT) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, 5G / 6G mobile communication systems, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) systems, etc.

[0079] Embodiments of the present application are further applicable to the following application scenarios: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine type of communication (mMTC).

[0080] In an embodiment of the present application, the network device is a device having a radio transceiver function and configured to communicate with a terminal device, and may be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, a base station in a 5G / 6G network, a base station in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, a non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access device, etc.Optionally, the network device in the embodiments of the present application may include various types of base stations, for example, a macro base station, a micro base station (also called a small cell), a relay station, an access point, future devices implementing the functions of a base station, an access point (AP), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a mobile switching center in a Wi-Fi system, a device implementing the functions of a base station and in device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), or machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, a device implementing the functions of a base station and in 5G and later evolved communication systems, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB), a cloud radio access network (C2N), a wireless access control network (WLAN), a wireless access control system ... The network devices may include a central unit CU and a distributed unit DU in a Centralized Access Network (C-RAN) system, and a network device in an NTN communication system, that is, may be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, or may be various devices forming an access node, such as an active antenna unit (AAU) and a baseband unit (BBU), although this is not limited to the embodiments of the present application.

[0081] Network devices may communicatively interact with core network devices to provide communication services to terminal devices. The core network devices are, for example, devices within the core network of a 5G network. As a bearer network, the core network devices provide an interface for a data network, provide communication connectivity, authentication, management, and policy control for terminals, bear data services, etc.

[0082] The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application may include various devices with wireless communication capabilities, such as handheld devices, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device may also be referred to as a terminal. A terminal device may alternatively be a user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user agent, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, handheld device, laptop computer, smart point of sale (POS), customer-premised equipment (CPE), machine type communication (MTC) terminal, communication device mounted on a high altitude aircraft, wearable device, unmanned aerial vehicle, robot, terminal in D2D, terminal in vehicle-to-everything (V2X), virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self driving, remote medical The wireless terminal may be a wireless terminal in a medical field, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, a terminal device in a future communication network, etc., but this is not intended to be limiting in the present application.

[0083] In the embodiments disclosed herein, various aspects, embodiments, or features of the present application are presented by describing systems that include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It is to be appreciated and understood that each system may include other devices, components, modules, etc. and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. that are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, combinations of these solutions may be used.

[0084] In a satellite communication scenario, when a satellite moves at high speed, the beam carrying the optimal synchronization signal block (SSB), as measured by the terminal device, changes in real time; the optimal SSB is the SSB among multiple SSBs that has a signal quality above a preset threshold.

[0085] For example, FIG. 5 is a diagram of beam coverage in a satellite movement scenario. As shown in FIG. 5, the beams covered by the satellite before movement include beams with indexes 1 to 64, and the beams covered by the satellite after high-speed movement are still beams with indexes 1 to 64. In other words, the beam coverage of the satellite does not change before and after the satellite movement. However, for a terrestrial terminal device, the coverage of the satellite where the terminal device is located changes. Therefore, the beam range where the terminal device is located changes, and even the optimal beam for the terminal device changes. For example, after the satellite moves, the terminal device switches from the beams whose indexes are shown in the shaded portion on the left side of FIG. 5 (i.e., beams whose indexes are 1 to 8) to the beams whose indexes are shown in the shaded portion on the right side (i.e., beams whose indexes are 61 to 64).

[0086] For example, Figure 6 is a diagram of beam coverage in another satellite movement scenario. As shown in Figure 6, the beam coverage of the satellite before movement is beam coverage 1. When the satellite moves to point M, the beam coverage of the satellite is beam coverage 2. When the satellite moves to point N, the beam coverage of the satellite is beam coverage 3. In different beam coverages, the beams covered by the satellite are different, so the optimal beam for the terminal device changes.

[0087] In a satellite communication scenario, it can be seen that as the satellite position changes, the optimal beam for the terminal device changes, and the optimal SSB for the terminal device also changes. The terminal device needs to perform SSB measurements in real time.

[0088] In a terrestrial communication system, the network device indicates to each terminal device that the reference time for SSB measurements is subframe 0 and, by using an offset setting, indicates that the time position where the SSB index is 0 is an offset. In other words, the reference SSB for SSB measurements by the terminal device is the SSB with index 0 determined based on the instruction from the network device, and the terminal device measures all SSBs in each SSB period. However, in a satellite communication system, satellite coverage is wide, transmission distances are long, and many SSBs exist in one SSB period. In this case, one SSB period is long. An NR communication system is used as an example. It is assumed that eight SSBs are measured every 20 ms, and that there are 256 SSBs in a low-earth-orbit satellite scenario. In this case, the frame structure of SSBs within one SSB period can be shown in Figure 7. According to the frame structure shown in Figure 7, it can be calculated that one SSB period is 640 ms. If the terminal device still performs SSB measurements on all SSBs in each SSB period based on the instruction from the terrestrial communication system, energy consumption overhead will be high.

[0089] For example, if a terminal device in an idle state performs SSB measurements on all SSBs in each SSB in real time to select the optimal SSB to camp on in the next period, the sleep time of the terminal device is short and the energy consumption overhead is high. Furthermore, if a terminal device in an idle state also measures all SSBs in each SSB period of a neighboring cell to support cell reselection, the measurement period of the terminal device is long and the energy consumption overhead is high.

[0090] For another example, if a terminal device in a connected state measures all SSBs in each SSB period of a neighboring cell to select a cell for handover, the energy consumption overhead will be high. Furthermore, the frequencies of different cells are significantly different, and a terminal device in a connected state cannot provide service in the serving cell when it measures the neighboring cell. As a result, if a terminal device in a connected state performs SSB measurements for a long time, the communication service in the current cell will be affected.

[0091] An embodiment of the present application provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 100. In the synchronization signal block measurement method 100, a network device determines first information. The first information instructs a terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurement. The network device transmits the first information to the terminal device. The terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first period of the SSB. The first SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0092] For a terminal device in an idle state, the network device cannot know the location information of the terminal device, nor can it know an SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device. In this case, if the network device indicates a reference SSB for SSB measurements to the terminal device, the network device indicates the same reference SSB to the terminal device in the idle state, taking into account the location information of all terminal devices in the idle state. As a result, the terminal device needs to perform SSB measurements for a large number of SSBs, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. However, if the terminal device in the idle state autonomously determines a first reference SSB for SSB measurements, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized, while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0093] For a terminal device in a connected state, when the satellite changes suddenly, the reference SSB for the terminal device changes constantly. In this case, if a network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement, the network device needs to indicate to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement multiple times at different time domain resources based on the change in satellite, resulting in a large amount of signaling overhead. Furthermore, if the network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement once, taking into account the continuous change in the reference SSB caused by the sudden change in satellite, the terminal device determines that SSB measurements need to be performed for multiple SSBs based on the indicated reference SSB, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. However, if a terminal device in a connected state autonomously determines the first reference SSB for SSB measurement, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized, while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device. Moreover, in this method, no additional interaction between the terminal device and the network device is required, so signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0094] An embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 200. In the synchronization signal block measurement method 200, a network device determines first information and second information. The first information instructs a terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, and the second information indicates an SSB index interval, where the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1. The network device transmits the first information and the second information to the terminal device. The terminal device determines a first SSB based on the SSB index interval and an autonomously determined first reference SSB. The terminal device performs SSB measurements on the first SSB in a first SSB measurement period. In this way, the first SSB determined by the terminal device is one of the SSBs in one SSB period, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0095] An embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 300. In the synchronization signal block measurement method 300, a network device determines first information and third information. The first information instructs a terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, and the third information indicates an SSB index window, where the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period. The network device transmits the first information and third information to the terminal device. The terminal device determines a first SSB based on the SSB index window and an autonomously determined first reference SSB. The terminal device performs SSB measurement on the first SSB in the first SSB measurement period. In this way, the first SSB determined by the terminal device is also one of the SSBs in one SSB period, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0096] An embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 400. In the synchronization signal block measurement method 400, a network device determines first information and fourth information. The first information instructs a terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window, where the SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period. The network device transmits the first information and fourth information to the terminal device. The terminal device determines a first SSB based on the SSB time window and an autonomously determined first reference SSB. The terminal device performs SSB measurement on the first SSB in the first SSB measurement period. In this way, the determined first SSB is also one of the SSBs in one SSB period, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0097] An embodiment of the present application provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 100. Figure 8 is an interaction diagram of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. The synchronization signal block measurement method 100 is described in terms of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The synchronization signal block measurement method 100 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0098] S101: A network device determines first information, and the first information instructs a terminal device to perform synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement.

[0099] It can be understood that the network device uses the first information to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements, so that the terminal device performs SSB measurements in real time when the satellite moves.

[0100] S102: The network device sends the first information to the terminal device. In response, the terminal device receives the first information from the network device.

[0101] S103: In a first period of SSB measurement, the terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0102] The first period of SSB measurement may be set for the terminal device by the network device. For example, the first period of SSB measurement may be set for the terminal device by the network device using the first information. The first period of SSB measurement may be understood as the first measurement period in which the terminal device performs SSB measurements.

[0103] It can be understood that for a terminal device in an idle state, when performing SSB measurements on an SSB of a serving cell, the terminal device may determine an SSB for initial synchronization with the serving cell as the first reference SSB, or may determine an SSB among multiple measured SSBs with a signal quality higher than a preset threshold as the first reference SSB. When a terminal device performs initial synchronization with a serving cell, it means that when the terminal device accesses a network for the first time, the terminal device synchronizes information such as time and frequency with the network device of the serving cell to acquire system messages. When performing SSB measurements on an SSB of a neighboring cell, the terminal device may determine an SSB for initial synchronization with the neighboring cell as the first reference SSB. Alternatively, the network device indicates to the terminal device a deviation between a first reference SSB for performing SSB measurements on the SSB of the serving cell and a first reference SSB for performing SSB measurements on the SSB of the neighboring cell, and the terminal device determines a first reference SSB for performing SSB measurements on the SSB of the neighboring cell based on the first reference SSB for performing SSB measurements on the SSB of the serving cell and the deviation.

[0104] For an implementation in which a terminal device in a connected state autonomously determines a first reference SSB for SSB measurements to be performed on an SSB of a serving cell and a first reference SSB for SSB measurements to be performed on an SSB of a neighboring cell, please refer to the above implementation in which a terminal device in an idle state determines a first reference SSB, and details will not be described again.

[0105] Furthermore, a first reference SSB for a terminal device in a connected state to perform SSB measurements on SSBs of neighboring cells may alternatively be indicated to the terminal device by the network device. For example, a neighboring base station of the terminal device transmits the SSB coverage area in which the terminal device is located to the source base station of the serving cell. The source base station determines a first reference SSB for the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on SSBs of neighboring cells based on the SSB coverage area of ​​the neighboring base station in which the terminal device is located, and transmits the first reference SSB to the terminal device.

[0106] As another example, the source base station may transmit location information of the terminal device to a neighboring base station, and the neighboring base station may determine a first reference SSB for the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on the SSBs of the neighboring cells based on the location of the terminal device and the SSB coverage of the neighboring base station. The neighboring base station then transmits the determined first reference SSB to the source base station, and the source base station forwards the first reference SSB to the terminal device, so that the terminal device obtains the first reference SSB for performing SSB measurements on the SSBs of the neighboring cells.

[0107] It can be seen that both the terminal device in the idle state and the terminal device in the connected state can autonomously determine a first SSB for SSB measurement to be performed on the SSB of the serving cell and a first reference SSB for SSB measurement to be performed on the SSB of the neighboring cell. Implementations in which the terminal device autonomously determines the first reference SSB include, but are not limited to, the following implementations.

[0108] It can be understood that the terminal device receives first information instructing it to perform SSB measurements, and performs SSB measurements on a first SSB based on an autonomously determined first reference SSB during a first SSB measurement period.

[0109] For a terminal device in an idle state, the network device cannot know the location information of the terminal device, nor can it know an SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device. In this case, if the network device indicates a reference SSB for SSB measurements to the terminal device, the network device considers the location information of all terminal devices in the idle state and indicates the same reference SSB to the terminal device in the idle state. As a result, the terminal device needs to perform SSB measurements for a large number of SSBs, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. For example, the network device indicates to the terminal device in the idle state that the reference SSB for SSB measurements is the SSB with index 0. If the SSB with index 0 is the reference SSB, the location information of all terminal devices in the idle state may be considered, and each terminal device in the idle state needs to perform SSB measurements starting from the SSB with index 0. In this case, for terminal devices in an NTN network, the terminal device needs to perform SSB measurements for a long time, resulting in high energy consumption overhead for the terminal device.

[0110] However, if a terminal device in an idle state autonomously determines the first reference SSB for SSB measurement, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device. For example, a terminal device in an idle state determines an SSB for initial synchronization in a neighboring cell as the first reference SSB, and the terminal device performs SSB measurements starting from the SSB for initial synchronization in the neighboring cell. In this case, even if a large number of SSBs exist within one SSB period, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on some of the SSBs within one SSB period, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device. For example, one SSB period includes 256 SSBs, and the SSB used by the terminal device for initial synchronization in the neighboring cell is the SSB with index 100. In this case, in the first SSB measurement period, the terminal device may perform SSB measurements starting from the SSB with index 100. Compared to the terminal device performing SSB measurements on 256 SSBs within an SSB period, the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0111] For a terminal device in a connected state, when the satellite changes rapidly, the reference SSB for the terminal device changes constantly. In this case, if the network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement, the network device needs to indicate the reference SSB for SSB measurement to the terminal device multiple times at different time domain resources based on the change in satellite, resulting in a large amount of signaling overhead. For example, when the satellite is at position 1, the network device determines reference SSB-1 for the terminal device to perform SSB measurement based on the beam coverage of the satellite on which the terminal device is located and transmits reference SSB-1 to the terminal device in slot 1. When the satellite is at position 2 after rapid movement, the network device determines reference SSB-2 for the terminal device to perform SSB measurement based on the latest beam coverage of the satellite on which the terminal device is located and transmits reference SSB-2 to the terminal device in slot 2.

[0112] Furthermore, if the network device indicates a reference SSB to the terminal device once for SSB measurements to be performed, taking into account continuous changes in the reference SSB caused by sudden changes in satellites, the terminal device will determine that SSB measurements need to be performed for a large number of SSBs based on the indicated reference SSB, resulting in high energy consumption overhead.

[0113] However, if a terminal device in a connected state autonomously determines a first reference SSB for SSB measurements, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device. Furthermore, in this method, signaling overhead can be reduced because the network device does not need to indicate the reference SSB to the terminal device by using signaling.

[0114] In an optional implementation, the first information instructs the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval. In this manner, the terminal device does not perform SSB measurements for SSBs in each slot resource, but performs SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval. This helps reduce the number of SSBs on which the terminal device performs SSB measurements, which helps reduce the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0115] In an optional implementation, when the first information instructs the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, the network device may further determine second information and send the second information to the terminal device. The second information indicates an SSB index interval, and the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1. Correspondingly, the terminal device may further receive the second information from the network device.

[0116] In an optional implementation, the terminal device determines the second information based on the satellite orbit direction and the arrangement direction of the SSB indexes. The satellite orbit direction is the direction in which the satellite moves, and the arrangement direction of the SSB indexes is the direction in which the SSB indexes are arranged in ascending order. The number of SSBs in one SSB period and the arrangement direction of the SSB indexes in one SSB period may be predefined.

[0117] It can be understood that when the satellite orbit direction is perpendicular to the SSB index arrangement direction, the network device determines the second information, that is, determines the SSB index interval. The specific value of the SSB index interval can be determined by the network device based on the SSB index arrangement rule.

[0118] For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a satellite scanning SSBs. As shown in FIG. 9, one SSB period includes 256 SSBs. When the satellite's orbital direction is horizontally directed leftward and the SSB indices are arranged in ascending order, the indexes are arranged vertically downward. In other words, the satellite's orbital direction is perpendicular to the SSB indices. From FIG. 9, it can be seen that when the satellite's orbital direction is perpendicular to the SSB indices, the SSB coverage of the satellite where the terminal device is located moves horizontally to the right. If the current SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device is an SSB with index 2, after the satellite moves, the SSBs with good signal quality for the terminal will be SSBs with indexes 18, 34, 50, and so on. In this case, the network device can use the SSB index interval to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on SSBs separated by multiple SSBs from the current SSB with good signal quality. In other words, the network device may instruct the terminal device of the SSB index interval, so that the terminal device performs SSB measurements on SSBs having indices that are a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval away from the index of the current SSB with good signal quality. According to the SSB index placement rule shown in Figure 9, the network device may determine that the SSB index interval is 16.

[0119] The network device indicates the SSB index interval to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can perform SSB measurements on a first SSB determined based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval in a first SSB measurement period. The SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1. Therefore, the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval is not all SSBs in one SSB period, but a portion of the SSBs in one SSB period. This can reduce the number of SSBs on which the terminal device performs SSB measurements, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0120] In another optional implementation, when the first information instructs the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval, the network device may further determine third information and send the third information to the terminal device. The third information may indicate an SSB index window, and the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period. Correspondingly, the terminal device may further receive the third information from the network device.

[0121] The terminal device may also determine the third information based on the satellite orbit direction and the SSB index arrangement direction. It can be understood that when the satellite orbit direction is parallel to the SSB index arrangement direction, the network device determines the third information, that is, determines the SSB index window. The specific value of the SSB index window can be determined by the network device based on the SSB index arrangement rule.

[0122] For example, FIG. 10 is another diagram illustrating a satellite scanning SSBs. As shown in FIG. 10, one SSB period includes 256 SSBs, the satellite's orbital direction is vertically upward, and the SSB indexes are arranged vertically downward. In other words, the satellite's orbital direction is parallel to the SSB indexes. From FIG. 10, it can be seen that when the satellite's orbital direction is parallel to the SSB indexes, the SSB coverage of the satellite where the terminal device is located moves vertically downward. If the current SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device is SSB with index 16, after the satellite moves, the SSBs with good signal quality for the terminal device will be SSBs with indexes 17, 18, 19, 20, and so on. In this case, the network device can use an SSB index window to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on multiple SSBs consecutive to the current SSB with good signal quality. In other words, the network device may indicate an SSB index window to the terminal device, so that the terminal device performs SSB measurements on SSBs whose indexes are within the SSB index window, the starting index of which is the index of the current SSB with good signal quality. According to the index placement rule shown in Figure 10, the network device may determine that the SSB index window is 16.

[0123] The network device indicates the SSB index window to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can perform SSB measurements on the first SSB determined based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window in the first SSB measurement period. The number of SSBs in the SSB index window is smaller than the number of SSBs in one SSB period. Therefore, the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window is a portion of the SSBs in one SSB period, so that the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0124] In yet another optional implementation, when the first information instructs the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval, the network device may further determine fourth information and send the fourth information to the terminal device. The fourth information may indicate an SSB time window, where the SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period. Correspondingly, the terminal device may further receive the fourth information from the network device.

[0125] The terminal device may also determine the fourth information based on the satellite orbit direction and the SSB index arrangement direction. It can be understood that when the satellite orbit direction is parallel to the SSB index arrangement direction, the network device determines the fourth information, that is, determines the SSB time window. The network device may determine a specific value of the SSB time window based on one SSB period.

[0126] For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a satellite scanning SSBs. The satellite's orbital direction is parallel to the SSB index arrangement direction. From FIG. 10, it can be seen that the SSB coverage of the satellite on which the terminal device is located moves vertically downward. If the current SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device is the SSB with index 16, after the satellite moves, the SSBs with good signal quality for the terminal device will be the SSBs with indexes 17, 18, 19, 20, etc., that is, the SSBs whose time domain positions follow the time domain position of the SSB with index 16. In this case, the network device can use the SSB time window to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on SSBs whose time domain positions follow the time domain position of the SSB with index 16, so that the terminal device can obtain SSBs with good signal quality when the satellite moves. If one SSB period contains 256 SSBs and one SSB period is 640 ms, the network device may determine that the SSB time window is 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, 100 ms, etc.

[0127] The network device indicates the SSB time window to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can perform SSB measurements on a first SSB determined based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window in a first SSB measurement period. The SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period. Therefore, the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window is a part of the SSB within one SSB period, so that the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0128] Optionally, the network device may indicate the SSB index interval and SSB index window to the terminal device, or the SSB index interval and SSB time window, or the SSB index window and SSB time window, or the SSB index interval, SSB index window, and SSB time window. In other words, the terminal device may receive the second information and the third information, or the second information and the fourth information, or the third information and the fourth information, or the second information, the third information, and the fourth information from the network device. If the terminal device receives different information, it may determine the first SSB to be measured based on the parameters indicated by the received information and the first reference SSB.

[0129] Optionally, when the network device sets one or more of the SSB index interval, the SSB index window, and the SSB time window for the terminal device, the network device may further determine fifth information and send the fifth information to the terminal device. The fifth information indicates the order in which the satellites scan for SSBs. Correspondingly, the terminal device receives the fifth information from the network device.

[0130] When a satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first SSB is greater than the index of the first reference SSB. When a satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the index of the first SSB is less than the index of the first reference SSB.

[0131] When the terminal device receives different information, the first SSB determined by the terminal device is different. The terminal device receiving different information may be understood as the terminal device receiving different information, or as the terminal device receiving one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information. Therefore, the SSB on which the terminal device performs SSB measurement in the first SSB measurement period is different. With reference to the type of information received by the terminal device, the following describes an implementation in which the terminal device performs SSB measurement on the first SSB based on the first reference SSB in the first SSB measurement period.

[0132] Case 1: The terminal device receives the second information from the network device.

[0133] When the terminal device receives the second information from the network device, it indicates that the terminal device obtains the SSB index interval, determines a first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval, and performs SSB measurement on the determined first SSB in a first SSB measurement period. The interval between the index of the first SSB and the index of the first reference SSB is a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval. In other words, the terminal device performs SSB measurement on the first SSB having an index that is separated from the index of the first reference SSB by a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval in the first SSB measurement period.

[0134] For example, if a satellite scans SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first reference SSB is x, and the SSB index interval is m, then the index of the first SSB is equal to [x+m·n], where x is an integer greater than or equal to 0, m is an integer greater than 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0135] As another example, if a satellite scans SSBs in descending order, the index of the first reference SSB is x, and the SSB index interval is m, then the index of the first SSB is equal to [xm·n], where x is an integer greater than 0, m is an integer greater than 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0136] For example, the satellite orbital direction is shown in FIG. 9, and the first reference SSB autonomously determined by the terminal device is an SSB with an index of 2, and the SSB index interval is 16. In this case, the first SSB is an SSB with an index that is a positive integer multiple of 16 away from 2 in ascending order. For example, the first SSB may be an SSB with an index of 18, 34, 50, etc. Therefore, in order to acquire an SSB with good signal quality through SSB measurement when the satellite is moving, the terminal device may perform SSB measurement on an SSB with an index that is a positive integer multiple of 16 away from 2 in the first SSB measurement period. Furthermore, the terminal device may perform cell reselection, cell handover, etc. based on the SSB with good signal quality.

[0137] For example, the SSB index arrangement is shown in Figure 9, where the satellite orbit direction is horizontally pointing to the right, and the first reference SSB autonomously determined by the terminal device is the SSB with index 34, and the SSB index interval is 16. In this case, the first SSB is the SSB with an index that is a positive integer multiple of 16 away from 34 in descending order. For example, the first SSB is the SSB with indexes 18 and 2. Therefore, the terminal device can perform SSB measurements on the SSBs with indexes 2 and 18 in the first SSB measurement cycle.

[0138] Optionally, the terminal device may further perform SSB measurements on one or more SSBs having indexes before or after the index of the first SSB during the first SSB measurement period. In other words, the terminal device may further perform SSB measurements on additional SSBs based on the first SSB to improve the reliability of determining an SSB with good signal quality. For example, the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval is the SSB with index 18, and the terminal device may further perform SSB measurements on one or more SSBs having indexes before or after index 18. For example, the terminal device may further perform SSB measurements on SSBs with indexes 17 and 19.

[0139] It can be seen that the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval is not all SSBs in one SSB period, but a portion of the SSBs in one SSB period. Therefore, the time required for SSB measurement by the terminal device can be shortened. In other words, the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0140] Case 2: The terminal device receives third information from the network device.

[0141] When the terminal device receives the third information from the network device, it indicates that the terminal device acquires an SSB index window. In this case, the terminal device determines a first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window, and performs SSB measurement on the determined first SSB in a first SSB measurement period. The index of the first SSB is within the SSB index window whose start index is the index of the first reference SSB. In other words, the terminal device performs SSB measurement on the first SSB whose index is within the SSB index window whose start index is the index of the first reference SSB in the first SSB measurement period.

[0142] For example, if a satellite scans SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first reference SSB is x, and the SSB index window is m, then the first SSB is the SSB whose index is within the index range from x to [x+m], where x is an integer greater than or equal to 0, and m is an integer greater than 1.

[0143] As another example, if a satellite scans SSBs in descending order, the index of the first reference SSB is x, and the SSB index window is m, the first SSB is the SSB whose index is within the index of [xm] to x, where x is an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than x, and m is an integer greater than 1.

[0144] For example, the satellite orbital direction is shown in Figure 10, and the first reference SSB autonomously determined by the terminal device is the SSB with index 16, and the SSB index window is 16. In this case, the first SSB is an SSB with indexes between 16 and 31. In this case, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on the SSBs with indexes between 16 and 31 in the first SSB measurement period.

[0145] For example, the arrangement of SSB indices is shown in Figure 10, where the satellite orbit direction is vertically downward, the first reference SSB autonomously determined by the terminal device is the SSB with index 47, and the SSB index window is 16. In this case, the first SSB is an SSB with indexes between 32 and 47. Therefore, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on SSBs with indexes between 32 and 47 in the first SSB measurement cycle.

[0146] Optionally, the terminal device may perform additional SSB measurements on several SSBs with indices close to the first SSB in the first SSB measurement period to improve the reliability of determining an SSB with good signal quality. For example, if the terminal device determines that an SSB with an index between 32 and 47 is the first SSB, the terminal device may perform additional SSB measurements on SSBs with indices close to 32 and 47 in the first SSB measurement period, for example, perform SSB measurements on SSBs with indices 30 and 31, and further perform SSB measurements on SSBs with indices 48 and 49.

[0147] It can be seen that the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window is also part of the SSBs within one SSB period. Therefore, the number of SSBs on which the terminal device performs SSB measurements can be reduced, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0148] Case 3: The terminal device receives the fourth information from the network device.

[0149] When the terminal device receives the fourth information from the network device, it indicates that the terminal device acquires an SSB time window. In this case, the terminal device determines a first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window, and performs SSB measurements on the first SSB in a first SSB measurement period. The time-domain position of the first SSB is within the SSB time window whose start position is the time-domain position of the first reference SSB. In other words, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on the first SSB whose time-domain position is within the SSB time window whose start position is the time-domain position of the first reference SSB in a first SSB measurement period.

[0150] When the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the time domain location of the first SSB is within the SSB time window that follows the start position, i.e., the time domain location of the first reference SSB. When the satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the time domain location of the first SSB is within the SSB time window that precedes the start position, i.e., the time domain location of the first reference SSB.

[0151] For example, one SSB period includes 256 SSBs, one SSB period is 640 ms, the SSB time window is 40 ms, the SSB frame structure is shown in Figure 7, the first reference SSB is the SSB with index 5, and the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order. In this case, the first SSB is the SSB included 40 ms after the start position, i.e., the time domain position of the SSB with index 5. Specifically, the first SSB can be determined to be an SSB with index 4 to 21.

[0152] The SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period, and therefore the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window is also part of the SSB within one SSB period, so that the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0153] Case 4: The terminal device receives the second information and the third information.

[0154] When the terminal device receives the second information and the third information, it indicates that the terminal device acquires the SSB index interval and the SSB index window. In this case, the terminal device determines a first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, and the SSB index window, and performs SSB measurement on the determined first SSB in a first SSB measurement period.

[0155] When determining the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, and the SSB index window, the terminal device may determine the first SSB by referring to the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs.

[0156] For example, Figure 9 shows a diagram of a satellite scanning SSBs. The first reference SSB is an SSB with an index of 2, the SSB index interval indicated by the second information is 16, and the SSB index window indicated by the third information is 2. Because the satellite's orbital direction is horizontally pointing left, a better SSB for the terminal device is an SSB with an SSB index moving to the right. In this case, the terminal device first determines an SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval, and the determined SSB is an SSB with an index of 18, 34, etc. Furthermore, because the SSB index window is 2, the terminal device can further determine by referring to the SSB index window that SSB measurements can be performed on two SSBs before and after the SSB with an index of 18, 34, etc. Specifically, SSB measurements may be made for SSBs with indices 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, etc.

[0157] For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a satellite scanning SSBs. The first reference SSB is an SSB with an index of 16, the SSB index interval indicated by the second information is 1, and the SSB index window indicated by the third information is 16. Because the satellite's orbital direction is horizontally upward, the optimal SSB for the terminal device may be an SSB with an SSB index moving downward. In this case, the terminal device first determines an SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window, and the determined SSB is an SSB with an index of 16 to 31. Furthermore, because the SSB index interval is 1, the terminal device can further determine, by referring to the SSB index interval, that SSB measurements can be performed on SSBs with indexes of 16 to 31, SSBs with indexes of 32 to 47, and SSBs with indexes of 0 to 15.

[0158] It can be seen that when a terminal device acquires an SSB index interval and an SSB index window, if the satellite orbit direction is perpendicular to the SSB index arrangement direction, the terminal device can first determine the SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval, and then determine the first SSB based on the determined SSB and the SSB index window. Compared with the terminal device performing SSB measurements on the SSB determined based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval, this method allows the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on more SSBs, thereby increasing the likelihood of determining an SSB with optimal signal quality.

[0159] When the terminal device acquires the SSB index interval and SSB index window, if the satellite orbital direction is parallel to the SSB index arrangement direction, the terminal device can first determine the SSB based on the first reference SSB and SSB index window, and then determine the first SSB based on the determined SSB and SSB index interval. Compared to performing SSB measurements on the SSB determined based on the first reference SSB and SSB index window by the terminal device, this method allows the terminal device to perform SSB measurements on more SSBs, thereby increasing the likelihood of determining an SSB with optimal signal quality. Furthermore, compared to performing SSB measurements on all SSBs within one SSB period, this implementation can still reduce the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0160] In this implementation, the specific values ​​of the SSB index interval and the SSB index window can be appropriately set by the network device with reference to the order in which the satellites scan for SSBs.

[0161] Case 5: The terminal device receives the second information and the fourth information from the network device.

[0162] When the terminal device receives the second information and the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal device acquires the SSB index interval and the SSB time window. In this case, the terminal device may determine the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, and the SSB time window. When determining the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, and the SSB time window, the terminal device may also determine the first SSB by referring to the relationship between the satellite orbital direction and the arrangement direction of the SSB index.

[0163] The implementation in which the terminal device determines the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, the SSB time window, and the relationship between the satellite orbit direction and the SSB index arrangement direction is similar to the implementation in which the terminal device determines the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, the SSB index window, and the relationship between the satellite orbit direction and the SSB index arrangement direction.

[0164] When the satellite orbital direction is perpendicular to the SSB index arrangement direction, the terminal device's determination of the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, SSB index interval, and SSB time window can be understood as determining the SSB based on the first reference SSB and SSB index interval, and then determining the first SSB based on the determined SSB and SSB time window.When the satellite orbital direction is parallel to the SSB index arrangement direction, the terminal device's determination of the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, SSB index interval, and SSB time window can be understood as determining the SSB based on the first reference SSB and SSB time window, and then determining the first SSB based on the determined SSB and SSB index window.

[0165] For example, Figure 9 is a diagram showing a satellite scanning for SSBs. The first reference SSB is an SSB with an index of 2, the SSB index interval indicated by the second information is 16, and the SSB time window indicated by the fourth information is 10 ms. The terminal device first determines an SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval, and the determined SSB is an SSB with an index of 18, 34, etc. Then, the terminal device refers to the SSB time window to further determine that SSB measurements can be performed on SSBs with indexes of 18, 34, etc. and SSBs included within 10 ms before and after the time domain position of the SSB with indexes of 18, 34, etc.

[0166] For example, Figure 10 is a diagram showing a satellite scanning SSBs. The first reference SSB is an SSB with an index of 5, the SSB index interval indicated by the second information is 1, and the SSB time window indicated by the fourth information is 40 ms. The SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window is an SSB with an index of 15 to 21. The terminal device then refers to the SSB index interval and determines that SSB measurements can be performed on SSBs with indexes of 5 to 21, SSBs with indexes of 21 to 37, and SSBs with indexes of 0 to 5.

[0167] In this implementation, the specific values ​​of the SSB index interval and the SSB time window may be appropriately set by the network device with reference to the order in which the satellites scan for SSBs.

[0168] In this implementation, the terminal device can also perform SSB measurements for more SSBs to increase the likelihood of determining an SSB with optimal signal quality, and the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can still be reduced compared to performing SSB measurements for all SSBs within one SSB period.

[0169] Case 6: The terminal device receives the third information and the fourth information from the network device.

[0170] If the terminal device receives the third information and the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal device acquires an SSB index window and an SSB time window. In this case, the terminal device may determine the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index window, and the SSB time window. It can be understood that the terminal device determines a portion of the SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window, and determines another portion of the SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window. The terminal device may then determine the first SSB from these two portions of the SSB, and determine the intersection of the two determined portions of the SSB as the first SSB.

[0171] For example, Figure 10 shows a satellite scanning SSBs. The first reference SSB is an SSB with an index of 17. The SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window is an SSB with an index of 17 to 32. The SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window is an SSB with an index of 17 to 25. In this case, the terminal device determines that the SSB with an index of 17 to 25 is the first reference SSB.

[0172] Case 7: The terminal device receives the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0173] When the terminal device receives the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, it indicates that the terminal device acquires the SSB index interval, the SSB index window, and the SSB time window. In this case, the terminal device determines a first SSB based on the first reference SSB, the SSB index interval, the SSB index window, and the SSB time window. Furthermore, the terminal device performs SSB measurement on the determined first SSB in a first SSB measurement period.

[0174] When the satellite trajectory direction is perpendicular to the SSB index arrangement direction, the terminal device's determination of the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, SSB index interval, SSB index window, and SSB time window can be understood as determining the SSB based on the first reference SSB and SSB index interval, and then determining the first SSB based on the determined SSB, SSB index window, and SSB time window. When the satellite trajectory direction is parallel to the SSB index arrangement direction, the terminal device's determination of the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, SSB index interval, SSB index window, and SSB time window can be understood as determining the SSB based on the first reference SSB, SSB index window, and SSB time window, and then determining the first SSB based on the determined SSB and SSB index interval. For an implementation in which the terminal device determines the first SSB based on the first reference SSB, SSB index window, and SSB time window, please refer to the description of Case 6. Details will not be described again.

[0175] In conclusion, regardless of which one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information are received by the terminal device, the first SSB determined by the terminal device based on the first reference SSB and the received information is a portion of the SSB within one SSB period. Therefore, since the terminal device performs SSB measurements on a portion of the SSB within one SSB period in the first SSB measurement period, the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0176] In any implementation, one or more of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fifth information are carried by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. It may be understood that the network device transmits one or more of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fifth information to the terminal device in the idle state by using RRC common signaling. For example, the network device transmits one or more of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fifth information to the terminal device in the idle state by using a System Information Block (SIB) or other system messages (OSI). The network device transmits one or more of the first information, the second information, the third information, and the fifth information to the terminal device in the connected state by using RRC dedicated signaling.

[0177] In an optional implementation, the terminal device may further perform SSB measurements on a second SSB based on a second reference SSB in a second period of SSB measurement, where the second reference SSB is determined by the terminal device based on the measurement results in the first period of SSB measurement.

[0178] In other words, after completing SSB measurements for the first SSB in the first period, the terminal device determines a second reference SSB based on multiple SSB measurement results. The second reference SSB may be the SSB with the best signal quality among the multiple SSB measurement results. The terminal device may determine a second SSB based on the first reference SSB and one or more of the received second information, third information, and fourth information. In this case, the terminal device may perform SSB measurements on the determined second SSB in the second SSB measurement period.

[0179] Similarly, in each subsequent SSB measurement period, the terminal device may determine a reference SSB for the SSB measurement to be performed in that SSB measurement period based on the measurement results of the SSB measurement performed in the previous SSB measurement period. In this case, the terminal device can determine the SSB that needs to be measured based on the determined reference SSB, and can perform SSB measurements on the determined SSB in that SSB measurement period.

[0180] It can be seen that since the reference SSB for the terminal device to perform SSB measurements can be determined autonomously by the terminal device at each SSB measurement period, the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced and the signaling overhead can be reduced compared to the network device constantly indicating the reference SSB to the terminal device.

[0181] In this embodiment of the present application, after receiving first information instructing to perform SSB measurement, the terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB based on an autonomously determined first reference SSB in a first SSB measurement period.

[0182] For a terminal device in an idle state, the network device cannot know the location information of the terminal device, nor can it know an SSB with good signal quality for the terminal device. In this case, if the network device indicates a reference SSB for SSB measurements to the terminal device, the network device indicates the same reference SSB to the terminal device in the idle state, taking into account the location information of all terminal devices in the idle state. As a result, each terminal device needs to perform SSB measurements for a large number of SSBs, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. However, if the terminal device in the idle state autonomously determines a first reference SSB for SSB measurements, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized, while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0183] For a terminal device in a connected state, when the satellite changes suddenly, the reference SSB for the terminal device changes constantly. In this case, if a network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement, the network device needs to indicate to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement multiple times at different time domain resources based on the change in satellite, resulting in a large amount of signaling overhead. Furthermore, if the network device indicates to the terminal device the reference SSB for SSB measurement once, taking into account the continuous change in the reference SSB caused by the sudden change in satellite, the terminal device determines that SSB measurements need to be performed for multiple SSBs based on the indicated reference SSB, resulting in high energy consumption overhead. However, if a terminal device in a connected state autonomously determines the first reference SSB for SSB measurement, the number of SSBs to be measured can be minimized, while an appropriate first reference SSB can be determined autonomously, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device. Moreover, in this method, no additional interaction between the terminal device and the network device is required, so signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0184] The embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 200. Figure 11 is an interaction diagram of the synchronization signal block measurement method 200. The synchronization signal block measurement method 200 is also described in terms of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The synchronization signal block measurement method 200 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0185] S201: A network device determines first information and second information, where the first information instructs a terminal device to perform SSB measurement based on an SSB index interval, and the second information indicates the SSB index interval, where the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1.

[0186] It can be understood that the SSB index interval is the interval between an SSB index and the index of another SSB. For example, the SSB index interval includes SSB1 and SSB2, the index of SSB1 is 0, the index of SSB2 is 1, and the SSB index interval between SSB1 and SSB2 is 1.

[0187] The first information and the second information may be the same information or may be different information. The first information and the second information being the same information may be understood as follows: the first information and the second information are transmitted at the same time. The first information and the second information being different information may be understood as follows: the first information and the second information are transmitted at different times.

[0188] For the implementation of the network device determining the second information, please refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. The details will not be described again.

[0189] S202: The network device transmits the first information and the second information to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first information and the second information from the network device accordingly.

[0190] S203: The terminal device determines a first SSB based on a first reference SSB and an SSB index interval, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0191] S204: The terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB in a first period of SSB measurement.

[0192] It can be understood that for the implementation in which the terminal device determines the first reference SSB and the implementation in which the terminal device determines the first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval, reference should be made to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. Details will not be described again.

[0193] In any implementation, the network device may further transmit fifth information to the terminal device, the fifth information indicating the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs, and the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending or descending order. Correspondingly, the terminal device may further receive fifth information from the terminal device.

[0194] The terminal device may determine the first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index interval by referring to the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs. For specific implementation, please refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. Details will not be described again.

[0195] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device uses first information to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval, and uses second information to indicate the SSB index interval to the terminal device. In this case, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on a first SSB determined based on the SSB index interval and an autonomously determined first reference SSB in a first SSB measurement period. Furthermore, since the terminal device does not perform SSB measurements on all SSBs within one SSB period, but performs SSB measurements on a portion of the SSBs within one SSB period, energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0196] An embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 300. Figure 12 is an interaction diagram of the synchronization signal block measurement method 300. The synchronization signal block measurement method 300 is also described in terms of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The synchronization signal block measurement method 300 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0197] S301: A network device determines first information and third information, the first information instructing a terminal device to perform SSB measurement based on an SSB index interval, and the third information indicating an SSB index window, wherein the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period.

[0198] The first information and the third information may be the same information or different information. The first information and the third information being the same information may be understood as follows: the first information and the third information are transmitted simultaneously. The first information and the third information being different information may be understood as follows: the first information and the third information are transmitted at different times.

[0199] For the implementation of the network device determining the third information, please refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. The details will not be described again.

[0200] S302: The network device sends the first information and the third information to the terminal device. In response, the terminal device receives the first information and the third information from the network device.

[0201] S303: The terminal device determines a first SSB based on a first reference SSB and an SSB index window, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0202] S304: The terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB in a first period of SSB measurement.

[0203] It can be understood that the implementation of the terminal device determining the first reference SSB and the implementation of the terminal device determining the first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window should refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. The details will not be described again.

[0204] In any implementation, the network device may further transmit fifth information to the terminal device, the fifth information indicating the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs, and the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending or descending order. Correspondingly, the terminal device may further receive fifth information from the terminal device.

[0205] The terminal device can determine the first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB index window by referring to the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs. For specific implementation, please refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. Details will not be described again.

[0206] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device uses the first information to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval, and uses the third information to instruct the terminal device about the SSB index window. In this case, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on a first SSB determined based on the SSB index window and the autonomously determined first reference SSB in the first SSB measurement period. In this way, the determined first SSB is a portion of the SSBs within one SSB period, so the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0207] An embodiment of the present application further provides a synchronization signal block measurement method 400. Figure 13 is an interaction diagram of the synchronization signal block measurement method 400. The synchronization signal block measurement method 400 is also described in terms of interaction between a network device and a terminal device. The synchronization signal block measurement method 400 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0208] S401: A network device determines first information and fourth information, where the first information instructs a terminal device to perform SSB measurement based on an SSB index interval, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window, where the SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period.

[0209] The first information and the fourth information may be the same information or different information. The first information and the fourth information being the same information may be understood as follows: the first information and the fourth information are transmitted simultaneously. The first information and the fourth information being different information may be understood as follows: the first information and the fourth information are transmitted at different times.

[0210] For the implementation of the network device determining the fourth information, please refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. The details will not be described again.

[0211] S402: The network device sends the first information and the fourth information to the terminal device. In response, the terminal device receives the first information and the fourth information from the network device.

[0212] S403: The terminal device determines a first SSB based on a first reference SSB and an SSB time window, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0213] S404: The terminal device performs SSB measurement on a first SSB in a first period of SSB measurement.

[0214] It can be understood that the implementation of the terminal device determining the first reference SSB and the implementation of the terminal device determining the first SSB based on the first reference SSB and the SSB time window should refer to the description of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100. Details will not be described again.

[0215] In any implementation, the network device may further transmit fifth information to the terminal device, the fifth information indicating the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs, and the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending or descending order. Correspondingly, the terminal device may further receive fifth information from the terminal device.

[0216] The terminal device may determine whether the first SSB is an SSB within the SSB time window preceding or following the start position, i.e., the time domain position of the first reference SSB, based on the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs. If the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the terminal device determines that the first SSB is an SSB within the SSB time window following the start position, i.e., the time domain position of the first reference SSB. If the satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the terminal device determines that the first SSB is an SSB within the SSB time window preceding the start position, i.e., the time domain position of the first reference SSB. In this implementation, the terminal device can flexibly determine the first SSB within one SSB period that needs to be measured based on the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs and the SSB time window, thereby reducing the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device.

[0217] In this embodiment of the present application, the network device uses the first information to instruct the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on the SSB index interval, and uses the fourth information to instruct the terminal device about the SSB time window. In this case, the terminal device performs SSB measurements on the first SSB determined based on the SSB time window and the autonomously determined first reference SSB in the first SSB measurement period. In this way, the determined first SSB is a part of the SSBs in one SSB period, so the energy consumption overhead of the terminal device can be reduced.

[0218] It is understood that the synchronization signal block measurement method 200, the synchronization signal block measurement method 300, and the synchronization signal block measurement method 400 may be combined with each other to form an embodiment having another implementation, which is not limited to the embodiments of the present application. For example, the synchronization signal block measurement method 200 may be combined with the synchronization signal block measurement method 300 to form a new synchronization signal block measurement method.

[0219] For the technical solutions mentioned above, the corresponding device implementation solutions are described below.

[0220] To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of the present application, the network device and the terminal device may include a hardware structure and / or a software module, and may implement the functions in the form of a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module. Whether the functions among the above functions are implemented by using a hardware structure, a software module, or a combination of a hardware structure and a software module depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0221] As shown in Fig. 14, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 1400. The communication device 1400 may be a component (e.g., an integrated circuit or chip) of a network device, or may be a component (e.g., an integrated circuit or chip) of a terminal device. Alternatively, the communication device 1400 may be another communication unit configured to implement the method in the method embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1400 may include a communication unit 1401 and a processing unit 1402. Optionally, a storage unit 1403 may be further included.

[0222] In a possible design, one or more units in FIG. 14 may be implemented by one or more processors, or one or more processors and memories, or one or more processors and transceivers, or one or more processors, memories, and transceivers. This is not a limitation of the embodiments of the present application. The processor, memory, and transceiver may be located separately or may be integrated.

[0223] The communication device 1400 has functions for implementing the network device or terminal device described in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the communication device 1400 includes corresponding modules, units, or means related to the network device and used to perform the steps described in the embodiments of the present application. The functions, units, or means may be implemented by software or hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software, or by a combination of software and hardware. For details, please refer to the corresponding descriptions of the corresponding method embodiments above.

[0224] In one possible design, communications device 1400 may include a processing unit 1402 and a communications unit 1401 .

[0225] The communication unit 1401 is configured to receive first information from a network device, where the first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurement.

[0226] The processing unit 1402 is configured to perform SSB measurements on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first period of SSB measurement, where the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device.

[0227] In an optional implementation, the first information instructs the terminal device to perform SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval.

[0228] In an optional implementation, the communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive second information, where the second information indicates an SSB index interval, and the interval between the index of the first SSB and the index of the first reference SSB is a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval, and the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1.

[0229] In an optional implementation, the communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive third information, the third information indicating an SSB index window, the index of the first SSB being within the SSB index window having a starting index equal to the index of the first reference SSB, and the number of SSBs within the SSB index window being less than the number of SSBs within one SSB period.

[0230] In an optional implementation, the communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive fourth information, the fourth information indicating an SSB time window, the time domain position of the first SSB being within the SSB time window having a starting position at the time domain position of the first reference SSB, and the SSB time window being smaller than one SSB period.

[0231] In any implementation, the communication unit 1401 is further configured to receive fifth information, the fifth information indicating the order in which the satellite scans the SSBs, and if the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first SSB is greater than the index of the first reference SSB, or if the satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the index of the first SSB is less than the index of the first reference SSB.

[0232] In any implementation, the processing unit 1402 is further configured to perform SSB measurements on a second SSB based on a second reference SSB in a second period of SSB measurement, the second reference SSB being determined by the terminal device based on the measurement results in the first period of SSB measurement.

[0233] This embodiment of the present application and the above method embodiment are based on the same concept and achieve the same technical effect. For the specific principle, please refer to the description of the above embodiment. The details will not be described again.

[0234] In another possible design, communications device 1400 may include a processing unit 1402 and a communications unit 1401 .

[0235] The processing unit 1402 is configured to determine the first information, and to determine one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0236] The communication unit 1401 is configured to send the first information to the terminal device, and to send one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information.

[0237] The first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block SSB measurement based on the SSB index interval, the second information indicates the SSB index interval, the third information indicates the SSB index window, and the fourth information indicates the SSB time window.

[0238] The SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window is less than one SSB period.

[0239] In an optional implementation, the communication unit 1401 is further configured to transmit fifth information, where the fifth information indicates the order in which the satellites scan the SSBs.

[0240] This embodiment of the present application and the above method embodiment are based on the same concept and achieve the same technical effect. For the specific principle, please refer to the description of the above embodiment. The details will not be described again.

[0241] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 1500. Figure 15 is a diagram of the structure of the communication device 1500. The communication device 1500 may be a network device, or a chip, chip system, processor, etc. that helps the network device implement the above method, or may be a terminal device, or a chip, chip system, processor, etc. that helps the terminal device implement the above method. The device may be configured to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0242] The communications device 1500 may include one or more processors 1501. The processor 1501 may be a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, etc. For example, the processor may be a baseband processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor may be configured to process communications protocols and communications data. The central processing unit may be configured to control a communications device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal, a terminal chip, a distributed unit DU, or a central unit CU), execute software programs, and process data for the software programs.

[0243] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may include one or more memories 1502. The memories may store instructions 1504, which may be executed by the processor 1501 to enable the communication device 1500 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 1502 may further store data. The processor 1501 and the memory 1502 may be located separately or may be integrated.

[0244] The memory 1502 may include non-volatile memory such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), ROM, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the like.

[0245] Optionally, the communications device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1505 and an antenna 1506. The transceiver 1505 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver machine, transceiver circuit, etc., and is configured to implement transceiver functionality. The transceiver 1505 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver, receiving circuit, etc., and is configured to implement receiving functionality. The transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., and is configured to implement transmitting functionality.

[0246] When the communication device 1500 is a network device, the processor 1501 is configured to perform S101 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100, S201 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 200, S301 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 300, and S401 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 400, and the transceiver 1505 is configured to perform S102 of the synchronization signal block measurement method, S202 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 200, S302 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 300, and S402 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 400.

[0247] When the communication device 1500 is a terminal device, the processor 1501 is configured to perform S103 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100, perform S203 and S204 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 200, perform S303 and S304 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 300, and perform S403 and S404 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 400, and the transceiver 1505 is configured to perform S102 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 100, perform S202 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 200, perform S302 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 300, and perform S402 of the synchronization signal block measurement method 400.

[0248] In another possible design, the processor 1501 may include a transceiver configured to implement 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 configured to implement receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be configured to read and write code / data. Alternatively, the transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit may be configured to transmit or forward signals.

[0249] In yet another possible design, the processor 1501 may optionally store instructions 1503. When the instructions 1503 are executed by the processor 1501, the communication device 1500 can perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The instructions 1503 may be fixed in the processor 1501. In this case, the processor 1501 may be implemented by hardware.

[0250] In yet another possible design, the communication device 1500 may include circuitry. The circuitry may implement the transmitting, receiving, or communication functions in the method embodiments described above. The processors and transceivers described in the embodiments herein may be implemented in an integrated circuit (IC), an analog IC, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a mixed-signal IC, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a printed circuit board (PCB), an electronic device, or the like. The processor and transceiver may alternatively be fabricated using various IC technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (nMOS), p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS), bipolar junction transistor (BJT), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), and gallium arsenide (GaAs).

[0251] The scope of the communication device described in the embodiments of the present application is not so limited, and the structure of the communication device is not limited by Figure 15. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may: (1) A standalone integrated circuit IC technology, chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) Optionally, the IC set includes one or more ICs that may alternatively include a storage component configured to store data and instructions; (3) ASICs such as modems (modular), or (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices It may be.

[0252] The communication device and chip in the embodiments of the present application may further implement the communication device 1500. Those skilled in the art may further understand that the various illustrative logic blocks and steps described in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. Whether such functions are implemented by using hardware or software depends on the specific application and design requirements of the entire system. Those skilled in the art may use various methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but it should not be considered that such implementation goes beyond the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0253] This embodiment of the present application and the method embodiments shown in the synchronization signal block measurement method 100 to the synchronization signal block measurement method 400 are based on the same concept and achieve the same technical effect. For the specific principles, please refer to the description of the embodiments shown in the synchronization signal block measurement method 100 to the synchronization signal block measurement method 400. The details will not be described again.

[0254] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium configured to store computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, perform the functions of any one of the above method embodiments.

[0255] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product configured to store computer software instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, perform the functions of any one of the method embodiments described above.

[0256] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, performs the functions of any one of the above method embodiments.

[0257] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system. The system includes a network device and a satellite. Optionally, the system further includes a terminal device. In other possible designs, the system may further include other devices that interact with the terminal device, the network device, and the satellite.

[0258] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the present specification, claims, and accompanying drawings are intended to distinguish between different objects, but are not intended to indicate a particular order. "First," "second," and the like are intended merely for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as an indication or suggestion of the relative importance of, or an implicit indication of the quantity of, the technical features depicted. Thus, a feature defined by "first," "second," and the like may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0259] Furthermore, the terms "comprises," "having," and any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, e.g., a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally also includes unlisted steps or units, or optionally also includes other inherent steps or units of the process, method, product, or steps.

[0260] In the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that "plurality" means two or more. The term "and / or" is used to indicate an association relationship between related objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" may indicate three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist, where A and B may be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates an "OR" relationship between related objects. Both "if" and "when" mean that the corresponding processing is performed in the intended case, are not intended to limit the time, do not require a decision operation during implementation, and do not imply any other limitations.

[0261] In the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "example," "for example," and the like are used to provide an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described in the embodiments of the present application as an "example" or "for example" should not be described as being preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design schemes. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as "example," "for example," and the like is intended to present relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0262] All or part of the above embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When software is used to implement the embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded into a computer and executed, all or part of the procedures or functions of the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from a computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, radio waves, or microwave) transmission. The computer-readable storage medium may be any useful medium accessible by a computer or a data storage device incorporating one or more useful media, such as a server or data center. Useful media can be magnetic media (eg, floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tape), optical media (eg, high density digital video discs (DVDs)), semiconductor media (eg, SSDs), and the like.

[0263] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be governed by the scope of protection of the claims.

[0264] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310033294.7, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 10, 2023, entitled "SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNAL BLOCK MEASUREMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A synchronization signal block measurement method, comprising: receiving first information from a network device, the first information instructing the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements; In a first period of the SSB measurement, the SSB measurement is performed on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB, and the first reference SSB is autonomously determined by the terminal device. A method having the following.

2. the first information instructs the terminal device to perform the SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval; The method of claim 1.

3. The method further comprises receiving second information indicative of the SSB index interval; The interval between the index of the first SSB and the index of the first reference SSB is a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval; the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The method further comprises receiving third information indicating an SSB index window; The index of the first SSB is within the SSB index window, the starting index of which is the index of the first reference SSB; The number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The method further comprises receiving fourth information indicative of an SSB time window; a time domain location of the first SSB within the SSB time window starting at the time domain location of the first reference SSB; the SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period; 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The method further includes receiving fifth information indicating an order in which the satellites scan for SSBs; If the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first SSB is greater than the index of the first reference SSB; or When the satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the index of the first SSB is less than the index of the first reference SSB. The method according to claim 3 or 4.

7. The method further includes performing the SSB measurements on a second SSB based on a second reference SSB during a second period of the SSB measurements; The second reference SSB is determined by the terminal device based on measurement results in the first period of the SSB measurement.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A synchronization signal block measurement method, comprising: determining first information and determining one or more of second information, third information, and fourth information; transmitting the first information to a terminal device and one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information, wherein the first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement based on an SSB index interval, the second information indicates the SSB index interval, the third information indicates an SSB index window, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window, the SSB index interval being an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window being less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window being less than one SSB period; A method having the following.

9. The method further includes transmitting fifth information indicating an order in which the satellites scan for SSBs. The method of claim 8.

10. A communication device, a processing unit and a communication unit; The communication unit is configured to receive first information from a network device, the first information instructing the device to perform synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements; the processing unit is configured to perform the SSB measurement on a first SSB based on a first reference SSB in a first period of the SSB measurement; The first reference SSB is determined autonomously by the device. Device.

11. the first information instructs the device to perform the SSB measurements based on an SSB index interval; 11. The apparatus of claim 10.

12. the communication unit is further configured to receive second information indicative of the SSB index interval; The interval between the index of the first SSB and the index of the first reference SSB is a positive integer multiple of the SSB index interval; the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1; 12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11.

13. the communication unit is further configured to receive third information indicating an SSB index window; The index of the first SSB is within the SSB index window, the starting index of which is the index of the first reference SSB; The number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. the communication unit is further configured to receive fourth information indicating an SSB time window; a time domain location of the first SSB within the SSB time window starting at the time domain location of the first reference SSB; the SSB time window is smaller than one SSB period; 14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. the communication unit is further configured to receive fifth information indicating an order in which satellites scan for SSBs; If the satellite scans the SSBs in ascending order, the index of the first SSB is greater than the index of the first reference SSB; or When the satellite scans the SSBs in descending order, the index of the first SSB is less than the index of the first reference SSB.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.

16. the processing unit is further configured to perform the SSB measurement on a second SSB based on a second reference SSB in a second period of the SSB measurement; The second reference SSB is determined by the device based on a measurement result in the first period of the SSB measurement.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

17. A communication device, a processing unit and a communication unit; the processing unit is configured to determine first information and one or more of second information, third information, and fourth information; the communication unit is configured to transmit the first information to a terminal device and one or more of the second information, the third information, and the fourth information; the first information instructs the terminal device to perform synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement based on an SSB index interval, the second information indicates the SSB index interval, the third information indicates an SSB index window, and the fourth information indicates an SSB time window; the SSB index interval is an integer greater than 1, the number of SSBs in the SSB index window is less than the number of SSBs in one SSB period, and the SSB time window is less than one SSB period; Device.

18. the communication unit is further configured to transmit fifth information indicating an order in which the satellites scan the SSBs; 18. The apparatus of claim 17.

19. A communication device, a processor and a transceiver; the transceiver is configured to communicate with other communication devices; The processor is configured to execute a program to enable the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or to perform the method according to claim 8 or 9. Communication equipment.

20. An apparatus configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7; An apparatus configured to carry out the method according to claim 8 or 9; A communication system having:

21. configured to store instructions; The instructions, when executed on a computer, perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to claim 8 or 9. A computer-readable storage medium.

22. 1. A computer program product comprising instructions, The computer program product, when run on a computer, performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to claim 8 or 9. Computer program products.

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