Communication methods, communication devices, and storage media

Abstract

A communication method, a communication device, and a storage medium are provided. The method includes the steps of determining an effective time offset setting and adjusting the effective time of a first setting command of a second communication node based on the effective time offset setting.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority based on a Chinese patent application with application number 202311295214.1 filed on September 28, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated into the present application by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular, relates to a communication method, a communication apparatus, and a storage medium.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Currently, low-frequency non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are also supported in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) protocols. To support high-frequency NTN, the 3GPP protocols are studying the requirements and corresponding function enhancements for high-frequency NTN (FR2-NTN, or NTN above 10 GHz) in Release 18. Compared with low-frequency NTN, user equipment (UE) in high-frequency NTN is mainly a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT). The antenna of the VSAT may be electronically controlled (e.g., a phased array antenna), and may also be mechanically controlled (e.g., a conventional reflector antenna).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one aspect, a communication method applied to a first communication node is provided. The communication method comprises: determining an activation time offset configuration; adjusting the activation time of a first configuration command from a second communication node based on the activation time offset configuration.

[0005] In another aspect, a communication method applied to a second communication node is provided. The communication method comprises: transmitting an activation time offset configuration to a first communication node; The process includes the step of sending a first setting command to a first communication node, where the effective time offset setting is used to adjust the effective time of the first setting command.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a communication method is provided for application to a first communication node. The communication method is Steps to obtain support information, The method includes the step of determining, based on supporting information, the permissible time for uplink transmission after the expiration of information from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

[0007] In yet another embodiment, a communication method is provided for application to a second communication node. The communication method is: Steps to determine support information, The process includes transmitting support information to the first communication node, which is used to instruct the first communication node to determine an acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of the GNSS information.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a communication device is provided. The communication device is A decision module used to determine the effective time offset setting, Includes an adjustment module used to adjust the effective time of a first setting command of a second communication node based on an effective time offset setting.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, a communication device is provided. The communication device is Includes a transmission module used to send the effective time offset setting to the first communication node. The aforementioned transmitting module is further used to transmit the first configuration command to the first communication node. Here, the effective time offset setting is used to adjust the effective time of the first configuration command.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a communication device is provided. The communication device is An acquisition module used to obtain support information, Includes a decision module that determines the acceptable uplink transmission time after the expiration of GNSS information, based on supporting information.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a communication device is provided. The communication device is A decision module used to determine support information, The system includes a transmitting module used to transmit support information to the first communication node, which is used to instruct the first communication node to determine the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of the GNSS information.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a communication node is provided, the communication node including memory and a processor, the memory being coupled to the processor and used to store computer programs, and the processor implementing the communication method described in any of the above embodiments when executing computer programs.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory used for storing commands that can be executed by the processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute commands so that the communication device performs the communication method described in any of the embodiments described above.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided which stores computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, realize the communication method described in any of the embodiments described above.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer program product that includes computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method described in any of the embodiments described above.

[0016] To clearly describe the technical solutions in the present disclosure, the drawings required for use in some embodiments of the present disclosure are briefly described below. Apparently, the drawings in the following description are only drawings related to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings further based on these drawings. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] is a schematic diagram of a system architecture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] is a flowchart of a communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] is a schematic diagram of an effective time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] is a flowchart of another communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] is a flowchart of yet another communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] is a flowchart of yet another communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] is a flowchart of yet another communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] is a flowchart of yet another communication method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] is a schematic structural diagram of another communication apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] is a schematic structural diagram of yet another communication apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] is a schematic structural diagram of yet another communication apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical concepts relating to the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical concepts of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings of this disclosure. Clearly, the embodiments described are not all embodiments, but only a portion of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive of based on the embodiments of this disclosure without requiring ingenuity are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0019] In this disclosure, terms such as “exemplary” or “for example” are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanatory statements. No example or design described in this disclosure as “exemplary” or “for example” should be construed as being preferable or advantageous to any other example or design. More precisely, the use of terms such as “exemplary” or “for example” is intended to specifically illustrate the relevant concepts.

[0020] In the following, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used merely to explain the purpose and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of designated technical features. Therefore, features limited by "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features.

[0021] In the descriptions of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or," for example, A / B may mean A or B. In this disclosure, "and / or" is merely a relational relationship describing the subjects in question, and there may be three types of relationships. For example, A and / or B may mean A only, B only, and A and B. Also, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0022] The methods provided by the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of communication systems. For example, such communication systems may be, but are not limited to, LTE (long term evolution) systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, Wi-Fi systems, 3GPP-related communication systems, future-evolving communication systems (e.g., 6th generation (6G) communication systems), or systems integrating multiple systems. The methods provided by the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below using the communication system 100 shown in Figure 1 as an example. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram only and does not limit the application scenarios of the technical invention provided by this disclosure.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a first communication node 110, a non-terrestrial network 120, and a second communication node 130. Here, the first communication node 110 and the second communication node 130 are connected via a non-terrestrial network 120.

[0024] The first communication node 110 is used for communication, information acquisition, and entertainment.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first communication node 110 can communicate with the second communication node 130 via a non-terrestrial network 120.

[0026] In some embodiments, the link between the first communication node 110 and the non-terrestrial network 120 is a service link. Furthermore, the aforementioned service link is public to all other communication nodes within the same area as the first communication node 110.

[0027] In some embodiments, the same area may be the cell in which the first communication node 110 is located.

[0028] Depending on the actual situation, there may be one or more first communication nodes 110. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the number of first communication nodes 110.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first communication node 110 may be a UE (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, handheld computer, notebook computer, ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), netbook, cellular phone, etc.), an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, etc. The embodiments relating to this disclosure do not impose any particular limitations on the form of the first communication node 110.

[0030] The non-terrestrial network 120 is used to enable long-distance data transmission and communication.

[0031] In some embodiments, the non-terrestrial network 120 can provide communication channels to the first communication node 110 and the second communication node 130.

[0032] In some embodiments, the non-terrestrial network 120 described above may be a satellite communication network, a high-altitude airship network, a drone network, a flotation device network, and the like. This disclosure does not impose any particular limitations on the form of the non-terrestrial network 120.

[0033] The second communication node 130 is used for data exchange and communication.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second communication node 130 may be a communication node within the non-terrestrial network 120. For example, the second communication node 130 may be a base station of the non-terrestrial network 120.

[0035] In some embodiments, the link between the second communication node 130 and the non-terrestrial network 120 is a feeder link.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second communication node 130 may be located on the non-terrestrial network 120.

[0037] The system architectures and application scenarios described in the embodiments of this disclosure are intended to provide a clearer explanation of the technical solutions of the embodiments and do not limit the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that, as system architectures evolve and new business scenarios emerge, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0038] The software and hardware settings of a terminal are crucial for its ability to execute network-side configuration commands in a timely manner and maintain normal communication with the network. For example, after a terminal receives a network-side configuration command, the time it takes for the command to take effect is on the order of milliseconds. However, due to limitations in the terminal's software and hardware, the time it takes for the terminal to respond to the command may be on the order of seconds. This mismatch between the command's execution time and the terminal's response time can lead to failure of related network-side configurations, affecting normal communication between the terminal and the network.

[0039] For example, after the first communication node receives a beam configuration command from the network side (for example, a configuration command for a TCI (transmission configuration indication) and / or a configuration command for a spatial relationship), the effective time of the beam configuration command at the first communication node is on the order of milliseconds. For example, in the current 3GPP protocol, beam configuration commands (e.g., configuration commands for a TCI and / or configuration commands for a spatial relationship) may be instructed by a medium access control control element (MAC CE) or downlink control information (DCI). When the first communication node transmits the corresponding HARQ-ACK (hybrid automatic repeat request-acknowledgement) information in time slot n for a configuration command for a TCI indicated by a MAC CE, the timing at which the beam configuration command becomes effective is: Time slot or subframe This is the first time slot after m.

[0040]

number

[0041] At this time, the maximum effective time for the beam setting command is approximately 515 milliseconds.

[0042] Similarly, for beam setting commands instructed by DCI (setting commands to TCI and / or setting commands to spatial relationships), after the first communication node completes the transmission of the corresponding HARQ-ACK information, the effective time of the setting command is the first time slot after beamAppTime symbols, where the maximum value of beamAppTime is 336. In this case, the maximum effective time of the beam setting command is approximately 336 / 14 = 24 ms.

[0043] However, if the antenna of the first communication node is mechanically controlled, the time it takes for the mechanically controlled antenna to switch the beam to adapt to the beam setting command can be on the order of seconds, for example, 1.5 seconds. Therefore, the effective time of the beam setting command is insufficient to cover the time it takes for the mechanically controlled antenna to switch the beam to adapt to the setting command.

[0044] As can be seen, due to limitations in the terminal's software and hardware, the terminal may not be able to adapt to the corresponding configuration command when the network-side configuration command is issued, leading to a failure in the related network-side configuration and affecting normal communication between the terminal and the network.

[0045] To address the above issues, please refer to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the communication method provided by this embodiment is applied to a first communication node. It includes the following S101 to S102.

[0046] S101, Determine the effective time offset setting.

[0047] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is used by the first communication node to adjust the effective time of the first setting command.

[0048] For example, after a first communication node receives a first configuration command, the first configuration command has an effective time, and the first communication node can adjust the effective time of the first configuration command based on an effective time offset setting.

[0049] In some embodiments, a first configuration command is used to instruct a first communication node to adjust relevant configurations within the first communication node to conform to the first configuration command.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first setting command may be a command related to beam setting.

[0051] For example, the first setting command includes at least a beam setting command.

[0052] In some embodiments, a beam setting command includes at least one of the following: beam identification (ID), beam switching, TCI status instruction, TCI status activation, TCI status switching, spatial relationship (SR) instruction, SR activation, SR switching, etc. Exemplarily, the first setting command may be a setting command for a TCI. For example, a TCI status instruction, which is used to instruct a first communication node to activate and update the status of the TCI at the first communication node in accordance with the first setting command.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first configuration command is transmitted from the second communication node (i.e., the network side) to the first communication node.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second communication node is a communication node in a non-terrestrial network.

[0055] For example, the first configuration command can be transmitted from a second communication node to the first communication node via a non-terrestrial network.

[0056] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting includes at least one of the scale factor and the offset value.

[0057] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is determined based on at least one of the capabilities, type, or characteristics of the first communication node.

[0058] In some embodiments, the capability of the first communication node may be the antenna capability of the first communication node. The antenna capability of the first communication node varies depending on its configuration. For example, depending on the configuration of the first communication node, the type of antenna for the first communication may be a high-frequency electronically controlled antenna, a low-frequency electronically controlled antenna, a high-frequency mechanically controlled antenna, a low-frequency mechanically controlled antenna, or an omnidirectional antenna. The antenna capability corresponding to each type of antenna is different.

[0059] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is predetermined or predefined.

[0060] For example, the 3GPP protocol predefines or pre-configures one or more effective time offset settings for a first communication node based on its capabilities. The first communication node reports its capabilities when it first accesses the network, or after it has accessed the network, and negotiates and agrees on the effective time offset settings with the second communication node.

[0061] As another example, the 3GPP protocol predefines / pre-configures one or more effective time offset settings for each communication node based on the capabilities of different communication nodes. In this case, the first communication node can determine the corresponding effective time offset setting based on its own capabilities and instruct the second communication node to use that effective time offset setting.

[0062] The first communication node may not have a predefined effective time offset setting, or it may correspond to one default effective time offset setting. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the content of the predefined effective time offset settings in the 3GPP protocol.

[0063] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is configured by the second communication node.

[0064] For example, the first communication node reports its capabilities when it first accesses the network or after it has accessed the network. After receiving the capabilities of the first communication node, the second communication node instructs the first communication node to set the corresponding effective time offset.

[0065] As another example, the first communication node reports its capabilities when it first accesses the network or after it has accessed the network. After receiving the capabilities of the first communication node, the second communication node sends one or more effective time offset settings to the first communication node. After receiving instructions from the second communication node, the first communication node selects one of the above effective time offset settings.

[0066] As another example, a second communication node broadcasts one or more effective time offset settings. After receiving the broadcast from the second communication node, the first communication node selects one of the above effective time offset settings, depending on its capabilities. Alternatively, the first communication node may not be capable of handling the effective time offset settings (i.e., the first communication node does not need to adjust the effective time and uses the effective time of the original first setting command, or the adjustment time for the effective time is 0 seconds).

[0067] Furthermore, the first communication node can also report the selected effective time offset setting to the second communication node after selecting (or choosing not to use / not to use) an effective time offset setting for itself.

[0068] Furthermore, if the effective time offset setting at the second communication node corresponds to the capabilities of the first communication node, for example, if the second communication node instructs each communication node to use one effective time offset setting, the second communication node can determine which effective time offset setting the first communication node will use, based on the capabilities reported by the first communication node. In this case, the first communication node does not need to report the effective time offset setting it will use to the first communication node.

[0069] At the same time, the effective time of the first setting command in the effective time offset setting instructed by the second communication node to the first communication node should be equal to or greater than the effective time of the first setting command corresponding to the capability reported by the first communication node.

[0070] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting can be indicated by at least one of the following: system information block (SIB) signaling, (dedicated) radio resource control (RRC) signaling, MAC CE, uplink control information (UCI), and DCI.

[0071] In some embodiments, the above-described effective time offset setting may be effective for all MAC CEs, or it may be effective for only one or more specific MAC CEs (e.g., beam-setting related instructions). Exemplary beam-setting related instructions include TCI status instructions or spatial relationship setting instructions.

[0072] For example, the effective time offset setting is only valid for MAC CE / PDSCHs that contain specific configuration commands (e.g., TCI status instructions or spatial relationship configuration instructions). For instance, after the first communication node receives a MAC CE / PDSCH containing a TCI status instruction, the effective time offset setting further delays the effective time of the TCI status instruction by a certain period.

[0073] In some embodiments, the above-described effective time offset setting may be valid for all DCI settings, or it may be valid for only one or more specific DCI settings (e.g., a directive related to beam settings).

[0074] Exemplary, the effective time offset setting is only valid for DCIs that include specific setting commands (e.g., TCI status instructions or spatial relationship setting instructions). For example, if a first communication node receives a DCI that includes a TCI status instruction, and the indicated TCI status differs from a previously indicated TCI status, the first communication node will, according to the effective time offset setting, further delay the time it takes to apply the new TCI status by a certain period.

[0075] S102, Based on the effective time offset setting, the effective time of the first setting command of the second communication node is adjusted.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first communication node can determine the effective time of the first setting command based on the effective time offset setting and adjust the effective time of the first setting command.

[0077] In some embodiments, the effective time of the first setting command is the time after the reference time has elapsed, followed by the first delay time.

[0078] In some embodiments, the reference time is the time when the first setting command is received, or the time when feedback information corresponding to the first setting command is transmitted.

[0079] For example, the reference time is the time when the first communication node receives the first setup command (e.g., MAC CE / PDSCH, DCI / PDCCH, (dedicated) RRC signaling, etc.) transmitted from the second communication node, or the time when it sends a HARQ-ACK (which may be carried as PUCCH, PUSCH, etc.) corresponding to the first setup command to the second communication node.

[0080] For example, the first communication node may determine a first delay time based on the effective time offset setting and adjust the effective time of the second communication node's first setting command according to the first delay time and the reference time. In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting includes an offset value and a scale factor.

[0081] For example, the first delay time can be determined according to the effective time offset setting.

[0082] For example, the first delay time is the offset value. If the offset value is A, then the first delay time will be A.

[0083] As another example, the first delay time is determined by at least one of the effective time offset setting or the second delay time.

[0084] For example, the first delay time is the sum of the second delay time and the offset value. For instance, if the second delay time is B and the offset value is A, then the first delay time will be A + B.

[0085] For example, the first delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor. For instance, if the second delay time is B and the scale factor is C, then the first delay time will be BC.

[0086] The second delay time may include one or more parts. For example, for an effective time offset setting transmitted using MAC CE, the second delay time may be k slots / subframes / milliseconds.

[0087]

number

[0088] For the effective time offset setting transmitted using DCI, the second delay time may be represented by k=beamAppTime.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first delay time can be determined according to the effective time offset setting and the third delay time.

[0090] For example, the first delay time is the sum of the third delay time and the offset value. The third delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor. For instance, if the second delay time is B, the offset value is A, and the scale factor is C, then the first delay time will be BC + A.

[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the first communication node adjusts the effective time of the second communication node's first setting command by setting an effective time offset. After receiving the first setting command, the first communication node first returns a HARQ-ACK corresponding to the first setting command. If the first communication node does not adjust the effective time of the first setting command by setting an effective time offset, the command can be effective at time a1 in the figure. If the effective time of the first setting command has already been adjusted by setting an effective time offset, the command can be effective at time a2 in the figure.

[0092] Furthermore, if the first setting command includes a TCI status activation command, the first communication node must update the TCI by performing a beam switch (beam adjustment / antenna adjustment) in response to the TCI status activation command. If the antenna of the first communication node is a mechanical antenna, the beam switch usually takes more than 1 second, but the effective time of the TCI status activation command is on the order of milliseconds. This effective time is insufficient to cover the time it takes for a mechanically controlled antenna to perform a beam switch. To avoid communication interruptions or errors occurring because the TCI status activation command becomes effective (i.e., uses the new TCI) before the above beam switch is complete, it is necessary to set an effective time offset in addition to the effective delay time of the TCI status activation command. If the antenna of the first communication node is an electronic antenna, its beam switch time is very short (usually less than 1 microsecond), so it is not necessary to set an effective time offset in addition to the effective time of the TCI status activation command, or only a very small effective time offset is required.

[0093] The first communication node can determine the effective time offset setting and adjust the effective time of the first setting command based on the effective time offset setting to match the effective time of the first setting command with the first communication node's adaptation time to the first setting command. This ensures that when the first setting command is issued, the relevant settings at the first communication node can adapt to the first setting command, and further ensures normal communication between the first communication node and the second communication node, avoiding communication interruptions or delays and improving the quality and reliability of communication.

[0094] In some embodiments, the above method further includes a1 to a2, as shown in Figure 4.

[0095] a1, acquire the second setting command.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first communication node can receive a second configuration command transmitted by the second communication node.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second communication node can control whether or not the effective time offset setting is enabled.

[0098] In some embodiments, a second communication node can transmit a second configuration command over a non-terrestrial network. For example, the second configuration command may be indicated by at least one of SIB broadcast, (dedicated) RRC signaling, MAC CE, or DCI.

[0099] For example, if the second communication node has (dedicated) RRC signaling configured, the second communication node will ensure that the effective time offset setting is enabled. Otherwise (if the second communication node does not have (dedicated) RRC signaling configured, or if (dedicated) RRC signaling is configured but disabled), the effective time offset setting will not be enabled.

[0100] a2. Based on the second setting command, it is determined whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting.

[0101] For example, the first communication node can decide whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting based on the instruction method of the second setting command.

[0102] For example, if the first communication node determines that the instruction method for the second setting command is (dedicated) RRC signaling, and (dedicated) RRC signaling is not disabled, it decides to enable the effective time offset setting.

[0103] As another example, the first communication node analyzes the second configuration command and, based on the content of the analyzed second configuration command, decides whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting.

[0104] For example, the second setting command includes a first enable flag indicating whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting. The first communication node determines whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting based on the parsed first enable flag.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first enable flag may be 0 or 1. A first enable flag of 1 indicates that the effective time offset setting is enabled, and a first enable flag of 0 indicates that the effective time offset setting is not enabled.

[0106] The above embodiments are merely some examples of how the second setting command determines whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting in the embodiments of this disclosure. Depending on the actual situation, the method by which the first communication node determines whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting in the second setting command will also differ, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0107] In the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, if a second communication node transmits a second setting command to a first communication node, and the second setting command instructs the first communication node to enable an effective time offset setting, the first communication node adjusts the effective time of the first setting command by the effective time offset setting. If the second setting command instructs the first communication node not to enable an effective time offset setting, even if the first communication node has determined an effective time offset setting, it will not use that setting to adjust the effective time of the first setting command. It should be understood that this improves the flexibility of adjusting the effective time of the first setting command.

[0108] Referring to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 5, the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a second communication node and can be implemented as shown in S201 to S202 below.

[0109] S201 sends the effective time offset setting to the first communication node.

[0110] The effective time offset setting is used to adjust the effective time of the first setting command.

[0111] S202 transmits the first configuration command to the first communication node.

[0112] In some embodiments, the implementation of S201-S202 above and the method for determining the effective time offset can be found by referring to S101-S102 above, and embodiments of this disclosure are not repeated here.

[0113] It should be understood that by the second communication node transmitting an effective time offset setting to the first communication node, the first communication node, upon receiving the first setting command, adjusts the effective time of the first setting command based on the effective time offset setting, thereby facilitating a match between the first communication node's adaptation time to the first setting command, and ensuring communication quality and improving communication stability between the first and second communication nodes.

[0114] In Internet of Things (NTN, IoT-NTN) non-terrestrial networks, simultaneous communication and GNSS positioning cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the first communication node must report the validity period of the GNSS information to IoT-NTN after acquiring it. Subsequently, the first communication node and IoT-NTN agree on how long the first communication node should perform high-precision pre-compensation based on the GNSS information. In conventional Rel-17 IoT-NTN, if the (original) GNSS information expires, the first communication node is considered unable to maintain uplink transmission. However, considering closed-loop adjustment mechanisms supported by existing 3GPP protocols (e.g., closed-loop timing advance (TA) adjustment), errors in uplink transmission time due to GNSS positioning errors can be compensated for by closed-loop adjustment signaling. In this case, even if the (original) GNSS information has expired, the first communication node can perform uplink transmission within a certain period. To obtain the longest possible uplink transmission time, IoT-NTN needs to specify how long the first communication node can continue uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information has expired (if GNSS information is not reacquired).

[0115] For the above issues, please refer to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a first communication node and can be implemented as shown in S301-S302 below.

[0116] S301 retrieves support information.

[0117] In some embodiments, the support information is used to indicate the time the first communication node is allowed to uplink transmit after the GNSS information has expired.

[0118] In some embodiments, the support information is predefined, preconfigured, or configured by the second communication node.

[0119] In some embodiments, support information is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, (dedicated) RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0120] For example, if a second communication node uses SIB broadcasting to instruct support information, it can broadcast one piece of support information in the SIB and apply it to all first communication nodes. Alternatively, it can broadcast multiple pieces of support information and apply them to different types of first communication nodes (e.g., first communication nodes with different communication speeds). After a first communication node selects one piece of support information from the support information broadcast by the second communication node, the first communication node may report the selected support information (e.g., report the label of the support information or report the time to continue online transmission as instructed by the support information).

[0121] As another example, when a second communication node uses (dedicated) RRC signaling to provide support information, a new (dedicated) RRC signaling can be defined, or a new information element (IE) can be added to an existing RRC signaling.

[0122] As another example, if the second communication node uses MAC CE to provide support information, the following methods of instruction should be considered depending on the actual situation.

[0123] b1. The second communication node defines a new MAC CE and instructs it to provide support information. The second communication node can assign the corresponding MAC header / subheader, LCID (logical channel identity), or eLCID (extended logical channel identity) to this MAC CE.

[0124] b2. The second communication node shares the existing MAC CE and / or MAC(PDU) headers.

[0125] In some embodiments, b2 above includes at least one of the following:

[0126] b2-1. The second communication node redefines / interprets the MAC header (including redefining / interpreting the state of an entire bit field or at least one state within it). For example, the second communication node redefines a bit field in the MAC header (e.g., a reserved bit in the MAC CE TAC). If it indicates state 1, the corresponding MAC CE indicates the aforementioned support information. Otherwise (e.g., indicating state 2), the corresponding MAC CE indicates the original MAC CE content (e.g., MAC CE TAC).

[0127] b2-2. The second communication node redefines / interprets the MAC CE (including redefining / interpreting the state of an entire bit field or at least one state within it). For example, the second communication node redefines a bit field of the CE (e.g., TAG in MAC CE TAC). If it indicates state 1, the MAC CE indicates the aforementioned support information. Otherwise (e.g., indicating another state), the corresponding MAC CE indicates the original MAC CE content (e.g., MAC CE TAC).

[0128] b2-3. If the pre-defined conditions are met (for example, if timeAlignmentTimer is set to infinity), the second communication node redefines / interprets the MAC CE (including redefining / interpreting the entire bit field or at least one state) and directs the above support information. Otherwise, the conventional MAC CE definition is used (the MAC CE is not redefined / interpreted).

[0129] b3, The second communication node extends the existing MAC CE.

[0130] In some embodiments, b3 includes at least one of the following:

[0131] b3-1. If the pre-configured conditions are met (for example, if timeAlignmentTimer is set to infinity), the second communication node will add a few more bits to an existing MAC CE to indicate the above support information. Otherwise, the conventional MAC CE format will be used.

[0132] b3-2. The second communication node adds a few bits to an existing MAC CE. If the pre-set conditions are met (for example, if timeAlignmentTimer is set to infinity), these bits are used to indicate the above-mentioned support information. Otherwise, these bits are reserved (not used to indicate any information) or indicate other information.

[0133] b3-3, The second communication node redefines / interprets the MAC header using the method described in b2-1. If indicating state 1, it adds a few more bits after the corresponding MAC CE to indicate the above support information. Otherwise, it uses the conventional MAC CE format.

[0134] b3-4, The second communication node adds a few bits to an existing MAC CE. It redefines / interprets the MAC header using the method in b2-1. If it indicates state 1, these bits are used to indicate the above-mentioned auxiliary information. Otherwise, these bits are reserved (i.e., not used to indicate any information) or indicate other information.

[0135] S302, based on support information, determines the permissible time for uplink transmission after the expiration of GNSS information.

[0136] In some embodiments, the support information includes the first hour.

[0137] In some embodiments, if the supporting information is different, the first communication node will also have a different uplink transmission allowable time (i.e., the timing period of the GNSS information timer) after the (original) GNSS information expires. At the same time, different supporting information may result in different instruction methods. In other words, the first communication node will achieve an uplink transmission allowable time after the (original) GNSS information expires using different methods (e.g., extending the GNSS validity period, introducing a new timer, extending a new timer, extending an existing timer, sharing an existing timer, etc.).

[0138] For example, the allowable uplink transmission time is the first time. For instance, if the first time is Y, then the allowable uplink transmission time (i.e., the first time) is Y.

[0139] As another example, the permissible uplink transmission time is the second time. Here, the second time is the difference between the first time and the remaining valid time of the GNSS information. For example, if the first time is Y, and the remaining valid time of the GNSS information after the first communication node receives the support information (or the information carrying the support information) is Z, then the permissible uplink transmission time (i.e., the second time) is YZ. In this case, if YZ is 0 or less, the valid time of the GNSS information or the permissible uplink transmission time is not extended.

[0140] As yet another example, the allowable uplink transmission time is the third time, which is the difference or sum of the first time and the offset time.

[0141] In some embodiments, the offset time is predetermined or set by the second communication node.

[0142] For example, if the first time is Y and the offset time is M, then the allowable uplink transmission time (i.e., the third time) will be Y+M or YM.

[0143] As yet another example, the allowable uplink transmission time is the fourth time, which is the difference or sum of the second time and the offset time.

[0144] For example, if the second time is YZ and the offset time is M, then the allowable uplink transmission time (i.e., the fourth time) will be Y-Z+M or YZM.

[0145] One possible implementation is that, after acquiring support information, S302 above can be implemented such that the first communication node extends the timing of the first timer for GNSS information, and the extended time is one of the first, second, third, and fourth hours; or, after the first timer expires, the first communication node restarts the first timer and sets the timing of the first timer to one of the first, second, third, and fourth hours.

[0146] In some embodiments, if the second time is 0 or less, the timing period of the first timer is not extended or set.

[0147] Another possible implementation is that, after the first timer for GNSS information expires, the first communication node activates the second timer and sets the timing of the second timer to one of the first, second, third, and fourth hours.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first communication node is permitted to perform uplink transmission after the first timer has expired and before the second timer has expired, or when neither the first nor the second timer has expired. If the second time is 0 or less, the timing period of the second timer is not extended or set. In other words, the first communication node is not permitted to perform uplink transmission after the first timer has expired. Or, the first communication node is not permitted to perform uplink transmission after the second timer has expired.

[0149] Another possible implementation is that, after acquiring support information, S302 above can be implemented such that the first communication node activates the second timer and sets the timing of the second timer to the first or third hour.

[0150] For example, the first timer described above is used to determine the validity of GNSS information.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first communication node is permitted to perform uplink transmission after the first timer has expired and before the second timer has expired, or when neither the first nor the second timer has expired. If the third time is 0 or less, the timing of the second timer is not extended or set. In other words, the first communication node is not permitted to perform uplink transmission after the first timer has expired, or when the second timer has expired.

[0152] In the example above, the second timer could be a new timer used by the first communication node to indicate the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information has expired. Alternatively, an existing timer (e.g., timeAlignmentTimer) could be used by the first communication node to (implicitly) indicate the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information has expired.

[0153] In some embodiments, the support information may be indicated or set by newly defined signaling. Alternatively, the support information may be indicated or set by existing signaling, for example, the timeAlignmentTimer setting signaling.

[0154] If timeAlignmentTimer is set to infinity, the support information is set by the new signaling. Otherwise, the support information is implicitly indicated by the length of timeAlignmentTimer.

[0155] In some embodiments, over time, the error of positioning information in GNSS information may gradually increase, which may shorten the time during which the first communication node can maintain uplink transmission via closed-loop adjustment. For example, when using the existing timer and configuration of timeAlignmentTimer to implicitly indicate the available time for uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information expires, every time the first communication node receives a MAC CE TAC, the time during which the first communication node can perform uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information expires is correspondingly extended. In this way, if a long timeAlignmentTimer is configured (assuming the length is X), the received MAC CE TAC extends the uplink transmission time by X ’ only. If X ’ is X, the first communication node cannot further extend the allowable uplink transmission time by increasing the reception frequency of the MAC CE TAC. Therefore, by introducing an additional offset or restriction condition (exemplarily, the third time), it is possible to indicate the time during which the first communication node can perform uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information expires.

[0156] As an example, if the length configured by the second communication node for timeAlignmentTimer is P, and an additional offset time N is introduced, the first communication node can perform uplink transmission before the first timer reaches P-N.

[0157] As another example, if the time when the (original) GNSS information expires is Q, and an additional offset time N is introduced, the first communication node can perform uplink transmission before Q+N. After Q+N, the first communication node cannot perform uplink transmission.

[0158] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the above method further includes the following S401 to S402.

[0159] S401: Acquire a control command.

[0160] In some embodiments, the second communication node can control whether or not the first communication node enables the function to continue uplink transmission (i.e., use the support information) after the validity of the (original) GNSS information has expired.

[0161] In some embodiments, control commands may be communicated via SIB broadcast, (dedicated) RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0162] In some embodiments, if the second communication node is configured with (dedicated) RRC signaling, the first communication node is permitted to continue uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information has expired. Otherwise (if the second communication node is not configured with (dedicated) RRC signaling, or if (dedicated) RRC signaling is configured but disabled), the first communication node is not permitted to continue uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information has expired.

[0163] In some embodiments, after enabling support information, an existing timer (e.g., timeAlignmentTimer) and associated parameters can be used to indicate the time after the (original) GNSS information has expired that the first communication node can uplink transmit. If support information is not enabled, the existing timer (exemplified by timeAlignmentTimer) and associated parameters perform only their original functions.

[0164] S402 determines whether or not to enable support information based on the control command.

[0165] For example, the first communication node decides whether or not to enable support information based on the instruction scheme of the control command.

[0166] For example, if the first communication node determines that the instruction method for the second configuration command is (dedicated) RRC signaling and that (dedicated) RRC signaling is not set to disabled, it decides to enable the support information.

[0167] As another example, the first communication node analyzes the control command and, based on the content of the analyzed control command, decides whether or not to enable the support information.

[0168] For example, a control command may include an enable flag to indicate whether or not to enable support information. (i.e., the second enable flag) The first communication node determines whether or not to enable support information based on the enable flag of the analyzed control command.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second enable flag may be 0 or 1. If the second enable flag is 1, Support Information This indicates that it is enabled. If the second enable flag is 0, Support Information This indicates that it will not be enabled.

[0170] The above embodiments are merely some examples of how the control instruction determines whether or not to enable support information in the embodiments of this disclosure. Depending on the actual situation, the method by which the first communication node determines whether or not to enable support information in the control instruction may differ, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0171] In the communication method provided by the embodiments of this disclosure, if a second communication node sends a control command to a first communication node, and the control command instructs the first communication node to enable support information, the first communication node adjusts the time for which uplink transmission continues based on the support information. If support information is not enabled, even if the first communication node has determined to use the support information, it will not use the support information to adjust the acceptable time for uplink transmission, thus improving flexibility in adjusting the time for uplink transmission.

[0172] The first communication node acquires support information and, based on that information, determines the permissible time for uplink transmission after the expiration of the (original) GNSS information. After the expiration of the (original) GNSS information, the first communication node can acquire high-precision positioning and navigation data via uplink transmission, perform related processing and calculations, and improve the reliability of positioning and navigation. It should also be understood that this simultaneously improves the user experience.

[0173] Referring to Figure 8, which is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 8, the communication method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is applied to a second communication node and is implemented as shown in S501 to S502 below.

[0174] S501, decides on support information.

[0175] In some embodiments, the support information is used to instruct the first communication node to determine the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the (original) GNSS information has expired.

[0176] S502 transmits support information to the first communication node.

[0177] In some embodiments, the contents of S501 to S502 described above can be rephrased by referring to the implementation of S301 to S302 described above, so the embodiments of this disclosure will not be repeated here.

[0178] The second communication node determines support information and transmits it to the first communication node. After the expiration of the (original) GNSS information, the first communication node indicates the acceptable time for uplink transmission. After the expiration of the (original) GNSS information, the first communication node can acquire high-precision positioning and navigation data via uplink transmission, perform related processing and techniques, and improve the reliability of positioning and navigation, while simultaneously improving the user experience.

[0179] The above describes the technical proposals of the embodiments of this disclosure primarily from a methodological standpoint. It should be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device includes at least one hardware structure and software module corresponding to performing each function. Those skilled in the art will readily understand, based on the units and algorithmic steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, that the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by hardware, or by a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed by integrated hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application of the technical proposal and design constraints. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0180] The embodiments of this disclosure demonstrate how to divide a communication device into functional modules using the method embodiments described above. For example, each functional module may be divided according to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one functional module. The integrated module may be implemented in hardware or in software. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the division of modules is approximate and only involves the division of logical functions; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. The following description will explain the division of each functional module according to each function as an example.

[0181] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device is applied to a first communication node and can perform the communication method provided by the method embodiment described above. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 200 includes a determination module 201 and an adjustment module 202. In some embodiments, the communication device 200 further includes an acquisition module 203.

[0182] The decision module 201 is used to determine the effective time offset setting.

[0183] The adjustment module 202 is used to adjust the effective time of the first setting command of the second communication node based on the effective time offset setting.

[0184] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 203 is used to acquire the second setting command. The decision module 201 is used to determine whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting based on the second setting command.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first setting command includes at least a beam setting command. In some embodiments, the beam setting command includes at least one of the following: beam identifier ID, beam switching, transmission setting instruction TCI status instruction, transmission setting instruction TCI status activation, transmission setting instruction TCI status switching, spatial relationship instruction, spatial relationship activation, and spatial relationship switching.

[0186] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is determined by at least one of the capabilities, type, or characteristics of the first communication node.

[0187] In some embodiments, the effective time of the first setting command is the time after the reference time has elapsed a first delay time, and the first delay time can be determined by at least one of the effective time offset setting or the second delay time.

[0188] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting includes at least one of a scale factor and an offset value.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first delay time is the offset value. Alternatively, the first delay time is the sum of the second delay time and the offset value. Alternatively, the first delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor. Alternatively, the first delay time is the sum of the third delay time and the offset value, and the third delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor.

[0190] In some embodiments, the reference time is the time when the first setting command is received, or the time when feedback information corresponding to the first setting command is transmitted.

[0191] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is predefined, pre-configured, or set by the second communication node.

[0192] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, UCI, and DCI.

[0193] In some embodiments, the second communication node is a communication node in a non-terrestrial network.

[0194] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device is applied to a second communication node and can perform the communication method provided by the above embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 300 includes a transmitting module 301 and a receiving module 302.

[0195] The transmission module 301 is used to transmit the effective time offset setting to the first communication node.

[0196] The transmitting module 301 is further used to transmit a first configuration command to the first communication node. The effective time offset setting is used to adjust the effective time of the first configuration command.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first setting command includes at least a beam setting command. In some embodiments, the beam setting command includes at least one of the following: beam identifier ID, beam switching, transmission setting instruction TCI status instruction, transmission setting instruction TCI status activation, transmission setting instruction TCI status switching, spatial relationship instruction, spatial relationship activation, and spatial relationship switching.

[0198] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is determined by at least one of the capabilities, type, or characteristics of the first communication node.

[0199] In some embodiments, the effective time of the first setting command is the time after the reference time has elapsed, and the first delay time is the effective time offset setting. or Second delay time , at least one of the items It is determined by [the following].

[0200] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting includes at least one of a scale factor and an offset value.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first delay time is the offset value. Alternatively, the first delay time is the sum of the second delay time and the offset value. Alternatively, the first delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor. Alternatively, the first delay time is the sum of the third delay time and the offset value, and the third delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor.

[0202] In some embodiments, the reference time is the time when the first setting command is received, or the time when feedback information corresponding to the first setting command is transmitted.

[0203] In some embodiments, the effective time offset setting is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, UCI, and DCI.

[0204] In some embodiments, the second communication node is a communication node in a non-terrestrial network.

[0205] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device is applied to a first communication node and can perform the communication method provided by the above embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 400 includes an acquisition module 401 and a determination module 402.

[0206] The acquisition module 401 is used to acquire support information.

[0207] The decision module 402 is used to determine, based on supporting information, the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of GNSS information.

[0208] In some embodiments, the support information includes the first hour.

[0209] In some embodiments, the uplink transmission allowable time is the first time. Or, the uplink transmission allowable time is the second time, or the second time is the difference between the first time and the remaining valid time of the GNSS information. Or, the uplink transmission allowable time is the third time, or the difference or sum of the first time and the offset time, where the offset time is predefined, pre-set, or set by the second communication node. Or, Uplink transmission allowable time This is the fourth time, and the fourth time is the difference or sum of the second time and the offset time.

[0210] In some embodiments, the decision module 402, after acquiring support information, then processes the GNSS information The timing time of the first timer is extended, and the extended time is used to be one of the first, second, third, and fourth hours; Alternatively, after the first timer expires, it is used to restart the first timer and set its timing to one of the first, second, third, or fourth hours. Here, the first timer is the timer used to determine the validity of GNSS information.

[0211] In some embodiments, the decision module 402 is used to activate a second timer after the first timer for GNSS information has expired, and to set the timing of the second timer to one of the first, second, third, and fourth hours. Here, the first timer is a timer used to determine the validity of the GNSS information.

[0212] In some embodiments, the decision module 402 is used to activate a second timer after acquiring support information and to set the timing of the second timer to the first or third hour.

[0213] In some embodiments, the support information is predefined, preconfigured, or configured by the second communication node.

[0214] In some embodiments, the support information is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0215] In some embodiments, the acquisition module 401 is used to acquire control commands. The decision module 401 is used to determine whether or not to enable support information based on the control commands.

[0216] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device is applied to a second communication node and can perform the communication method provided by the above embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 500 includes a determination module 501 and a transmission module 502.

[0217] Module 501 is used to determine the support information.

[0218] The transmitting module 502 is used to transmit support information to the first communication node. The support information is used to instruct the first communication node to determine the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the GNSS information has expired.

[0219] In some embodiments, the support information includes the first hour.

[0220] In some embodiments, Uplink transmission allowable time This is the first hour. Or, Uplink transmission allowable time The first time is the second time, which is the difference between the first time and the remaining valid time of the GNSS information. Alternatively, the third time is the third time, which is the difference or sum of the first time and the offset time, which is predefined, pre-set, or set by the second communication node. Alternatively, the fourth time is the fourth time, which is the difference or sum of the second time and the offset time.

[0221] In some embodiments, the support information is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI.

[0222] When the functions of the above-described integrated module are to be implemented in hardware, the embodiments of this disclosure provide one possible structure of a communication device according to the above embodiments. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 600 includes a memory 601, a processor 602, a communication interface 603, and a bus 604.

[0223] The memory 601 may be a read-only memory (ROM), or any other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and commands; a random access memory (RAM), or any other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing dynamic information and commands; an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a disk storage medium, or any other magnetic storage device; or any other medium accessible by a computer and used to transport or store desired program code having the form of commands or data structures.

[0224] The processor 602 implements or performs various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in relation to embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 602 may be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processor 602 implements or performs various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in relation to embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 602 may be, for example, a combination of one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, or other combinations that implement arithmetic functions.

[0225] The communication interface 603 is used to connect to other devices via a communication network. This communication network may be Ethernet®, a wireless access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), or the like.

[0226] In some embodiments, the memory 601 may exist independently of the processor 602, or it may be connected to the processor 602 via the bus 604 and used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 602 calls and executes instructions or program code stored in the memory 601, the communication method provided by embodiments of this disclosure can be realized.

[0227] In some embodiments, the memory 601 can also be integrated with the processor 602.

[0228] Bus 604 may be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 604 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. In Figure 13, for the sake of simplicity, it is simply shown as a single thick solid line, but this does not mean that only one bus or only one type of bus exists.

[0229] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium (exemplary, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium) that, when executed by a computer, stores computer program instructions causing the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the embodiments described above.

[0230] Exemplary computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, or magnetic tapes), optical discs (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), etc.), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), cards, sticks, key drives, etc.). The various computer-readable storage media described in this disclosure may represent one or more devices and / or other machine-readable storage media for storing information. The term “machine-readable storage media” includes, but is not limited to, a variety of other media capable of storing and / or carrying radio channels, commands and / or data.

[0231] The embodiments of this disclosure, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to execute the communication method described in any of the embodiments described above and provide a computer program product including instructions.

[0232] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the Disclosure, but the scope of the claims of this Disclosure is not limited thereto. Any change or substitution within the technical scope set forth in this Disclosure is included within the scope of the claims of this Disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the claims of this Disclosure should be governed by the claims of the patent.

Claims

1. A first communication method, which is applied to a first communication node, The steps include determining the effective time offset setting, The step of adjusting the effective time of the first setting command of the second communication node based on the effective time offset setting, Communication method.

2. Steps include obtaining the second setting command, The step of determining whether or not to enable the effective time offset setting based on the second setting command, The method according to claim 1.

3. The first setting command includes at least a beam setting command. The method according to claim 1.

4. The beam setting command includes at least one of the following: beam identifier ID, beam switching, transmission setting instruction (TCI) status instruction, TCI status activation, TCI status switching, spatial relationship instruction, spatial relationship activation, and spatial relationship switching. The method according to claim 3.

5. The effective time offset setting is determined by at least one of the capabilities, type, or characteristics of the first communication node. The method according to claim 1.

6. The effective time of the first setting command is the time after the reference time has elapsed, and the first delay time is determined by at least one of the effective time offset setting or the second delay time. The method according to claim 1.

7. The effective time offset setting includes at least one term of scale factor and offset value, The method according to claim 6.

8. The first delay time is the offset value, or The first delay time is the sum of the second delay time and the offset value, or The first delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor, or The first delay time is the sum of the third delay time, which is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor, and the offset value. The method according to claim 7.

9. The reference time is the time when the first setting command is received, or the time when feedback information corresponding to the first setting command is transmitted. The method according to claim 6.

10. The effective time offset setting is predetermined, predetermined, or set by the second communication node. The method according to claim 1.

11. The step further includes instructing the second communication node to set the effective time offset, The method according to claim 1.

12. The effective time offset setting is indicated by at least one of the following: system information block (SIB) signaling, wireless resource control (RRC) signaling, media access control element (MAC CE), uplink control information (UCI), and downlink control information (DCI). The method according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The second communication node is a communication node within a non-terrestrial network. The method according to claim 1.

14. A communication method, which is applied to the second communication node, The steps include sending the effective time offset setting to the first communication node, The steps include transmitting a first setting command to the first communication node, Includes, The aforementioned effective time offset setting is used to adjust the effective time of the first setting command. Communication method.

15. The first setting command includes at least a beam setting command. The method according to claim 14.

16. The beam setting command includes at least one of the following: beam identifier ID, beam switching, transmission setting instruction (TCI) status instruction, TCI status activation, TCI status switching, spatial relationship instruction, spatial relationship activation, and spatial relationship switching. The method according to claim 15.

17. The effective time offset setting is determined by at least one of the capabilities, type, or characteristics of the first communication node. The method according to claim 14.

18. The effective time of the first setting command is the time after the reference time has elapsed, and the first delay time is determined by the effective time offset setting and the second delay time. The method according to claim 14.

19. The effective time offset setting includes at least one term of scale factor and offset value, The method according to claim 18.

20. The first delay time is the offset value, or The first delay time is the sum of the second delay time and the offset value, or The first delay time is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor, or The first delay time is the sum of the third delay time, which is the product of the second delay time and the scale factor, and the offset value. The method according to claim 19.

21. The reference time is the time when the first setting command is received, or the time when feedback information corresponding to the first setting command is transmitted. The method according to claim 20.

22. The effective time offset setting is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI. The method according to claim 14.

23. The second communication node is a communication node within a non-terrestrial network. The method according to claim 14.

24. A communication method, which is applied to the first communication node, Steps to obtain support information, The steps include determining, based on the aforementioned support information, the permissible time for uplink transmission after the expiration of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) information, Communication method.

25. The aforementioned support information includes the first hour, The method according to claim 24.

26. The uplink transmission permissible time is the first time, or the uplink transmission permissible time is the second time, where the second time is the difference between the first time and the remaining valid time of the GNSS information, or the uplink transmission permissible time is the third time, where the third time is the difference or sum of the first time and the offset time, where the offset time is predetermined, predetermined, or set by the second communication node, or the uplink transmission permissible time is the fourth time, where the fourth time is the difference or sum of the second time and the offset time. The method according to claim 25.

27. Based on the aforementioned support information, the step of determining the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of GNSS information is: After obtaining the support information, the timer of the first timer of the GNSS information is extended, and the extended time is one of the first hour, second hour, third hour, and fourth hour, or The process includes the step of restarting the first timer after it has expired and setting the timer duration of the first timer to one of the first, second, third, and fourth hours, wherein the first timer is a timer used to determine the validity of the GNSS information. The method according to claim 26.

28. Based on the aforementioned support information, the step of determining the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of GNSS information is: The step of starting a second timer after the first timer for the GNSS information has expired, and setting the timing of the second timer to one of the first hour, second hour, third hour, and fourth hour, wherein the first timer is a timer used to determine the validity of the GNSS information. The method according to claim 26.

29. Based on the aforementioned support information, the step of determining the acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of GNSS information is: The process includes the steps of obtaining the support information, starting a second timer, and setting the timing of the second timer to the first hour or the third hour, The method according to claim 26.

30. The aforementioned support information is predefined, pre-configured, or configured by the second communication node. The method according to claim 24.

31. The aforementioned support information is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI. The method according to claim 30.

32. Steps to acquire control commands, The step of determining whether or not to enable the support information based on the control command is included, The method according to claim 24.

33. A communication method, which is applied to the second communication node, Steps to determine support information, A step of transmitting the support information to a first communication node, wherein the support information is used to instruct the first communication node to determine an acceptable time for uplink transmission after the expiration of the GNSS information. including, Communication method.

34. The aforementioned support information includes the first hour, The method according to claim 33.

35. The uplink transmission time is the first time, or the uplink transmission time is the second time, where the second time is the difference between the first time and the remaining valid time of the GNSS information, or the uplink transmission allowable time is the third time, where the third time is the difference or sum of the first time and the offset time, where the offset time is predetermined, predetermined, or set by the second communication node, or the uplink transmission allowable time is the fourth time, where the fourth time is the difference or sum of the second time and the offset time. The method according to claim 34.

36. The aforementioned support information is indicated by at least one of SIB signaling, RRC signaling, MAC CE, and DCI. The method according to claim 33.

37. Processor and The processor comprises a memory used to store executable commands, The processor is configured to execute the command so that the communication device executes the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 36.

38. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer command, and when the computer command is executed by the computer, it causes the computer to execute the communication method described in any one of claims 1 to 36. A computer-readable storage medium.

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