Communication method

Abstract

Provided in the present application is a communication method. The method comprises: a terminal device obtains first service time information, the first service time information corresponding to a first synchronization signal block (SSB) index; and, according to the first service time information, the terminal device establishes a communication connection with a target satellite device, wherein the first service time information is used for indicating the end time of a service provided by a source satellite device for the terminal device, or the first service time information is used for indicating the start time of a service provided by the target satellite device for the terminal device. During handover processes of target satellites and source satellites, the technical solution avoids handovers of all of user equipments in cells within the same time period, thus reducing occupancy of network resources.

Description

A communication method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on June 29, 2023, with application number 202310794402.2 and invention name “A Communication Method”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of satellite communications, and more particularly, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Art

[0003] Compared to terrestrial communications, satellite communications offer unique advantages. These include wider coverage, making satellite base stations less susceptible to damage from natural disasters, providing more data transmission resources for fifth-generation (5G) communications, offering higher-quality communications services, and increasing network speeds. Therefore, supporting both terrestrial and satellite communications is an inevitable trend in future 5G communications, offering significant benefits in terms of wide coverage, reliability, multiple connections, and high throughput.

[0004] Satellite communications, as one of the application scenarios for 5G communications, has been discussed within the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Due to the high mobility and high latency of satellite communications, the high mobility of satellites leads to frequent satellite handoffs for terminal devices. Therefore, during a satellite handoff, all terminal devices in a region may be handoffed at the same time, generating a large amount of handoff signaling and consuming significant network resources.

[0005] Therefore, in satellite communications, how to prevent all terminal devices (also called user equipment) in a large-scale cell from switching within the same time period has become an urgent problem to be solved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides a communication method that can prevent all user equipment in a cell from being switched in the same time period during the connection between a target satellite and a source satellite, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is executed by a terminal device. The terminal device here can refer to the terminal device itself or a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in the terminal device. The method includes: obtaining first service time information, which corresponds to a first synchronization signal block SSB index; establishing a communication connection with a target satellite device based on the first service time information; wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

[0009] According to the technical solution of the present application, a terminal device obtains first service time information corresponding to a first SSB index, and establishes a communication connection with a target satellite device according to the time indicated by the first service time information. This can prevent all user devices in a cell from switching within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving the first SSB index sent by the source satellite device; and obtaining the first service time information includes: determining the first service time information based on the first SSB index. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding first service time information and determine the time to switch to the target satellite device based on the first service time information, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a first correspondence sent by the source satellite device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; and determining first service time information based on the first SSB index, including: determining the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding first service time information and determine the time to switch to the target satellite device based on the first service time information, thereby avoiding switching of all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, obtaining the first service time further includes: receiving a first SSB message, the first SSB message including the first service time information. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding first service time information and determine the time to switch to the target satellite device based on the first service time information, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, at least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to the at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group. Based on the above technical solution, all terminal devices within a large-scale cell are grouped, and during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal devices within the cell can be switched in batches in the form of terminal groups, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the time difference between the end time of the source satellite device providing service to the first terminal group and the end time of the source satellite device providing service to the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, the time difference between the start time of the target satellite device providing service to the first terminal group and the start time of the target satellite device providing service to the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value. Based on the above technical solution, all terminal devices within a large-scale cell are grouped, and during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal devices within the cell can be switched in batches as terminal groups, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located within the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is the service area of ​​the target satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, all terminal devices within a large-scale cell are grouped, enabling the terminal devices within the cell to be switched in batches as terminal groups during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching in the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0016] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a source satellite device. The source satellite device herein may refer to the source satellite device itself or a processor, module, chip, or chip system within the source satellite device that implements the method. The method includes: sending a first synchronization signal block (SSB) index to a terminal device, where the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine first service time information; or sending a first SSB message to the terminal device, where the first SSB message includes the first service time information; wherein the first service time information indicates an end time of a service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or indicates a start time of a service provided by a target satellite device to the terminal device.

[0017] According to the technical solution of the present application, the source satellite device sends a first SSB index to the terminal device. The first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the corresponding first service time information and establish a communication connection with the target satellite device at the time indicated by the first service time information. Alternatively, the source satellite device sends a first SSB message to the terminal device. In response, the terminal device receives the first SSB message, which includes the first service time information. The terminal device then establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device at the time indicated by the first service time information. This can prevent all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period, reducing the use of network resources.

[0018] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending a first correspondence to the terminal device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the first service time information, including: the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information. Based on the above technical solution, the terminal device can obtain the corresponding first service time information and determine the time to switch to the target satellite device based on the first service time information, thereby avoiding all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0019] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, at least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group. Based on the above technical solution, all terminal devices within a large-scale cell are grouped, and during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal devices within the cell can be switched in batches in the form of terminal groups, thereby avoiding switching of all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the time difference between the end time of the source satellite device providing service to the first terminal group and the end time of the source satellite device providing service to the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or the time difference between the start time of the target satellite device providing service to the first terminal group and the start time of the target satellite device providing service to the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value. Based on the above technical solution, all terminal devices within a large-scale cell are grouped, and during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, the terminal devices within the cell can be switched in batches as terminal groups, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the first terminal group corresponds to a first geographic location area, and the at least one terminal device is located within the first geographic location area, wherein the first geographic location area is the service area of ​​the target satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, all terminal devices within a large-scale cell are grouped, enabling the terminal devices within the cell to be switched in batches as terminal groups during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching in the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0022] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a source satellite device. The source satellite device herein may refer to the source satellite device itself or a processor, module, chip, or chip system within the source satellite device that implements the method. The method includes: obtaining first information indicating that a serving satellite in a first area is changed from the source satellite device to a target satellite device, where the first area is a portion of a service area within the source satellite device's service area; sending first indication information to a first terminal device, where the first indication information instructs the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device, where the first terminal device is located within the first area; and / or sending second indication information to a second terminal device, where the second terminal device is located within a service area within the source satellite device's service area other than the first area.

[0023] According to the technical solution of the present application, the source satellite device learns through the first information that the first area will be taken over by the target satellite device, that is, the service satellite of the first area is changed to the target satellite device, and the source satellite device sends a first indication message to the first terminal device located in the first area, for instructing the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device, and sends a second indication message to the second terminal device located in the service area other than the first area in the service area of ​​the source satellite device, for instructing the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, the source satellite device sends information indicating switching to the target satellite device for the terminal device (first terminal device) in the first area, and does not send information indicating switching to the target satellite device for the terminal device (second terminal device) in other areas, which can avoid all terminal devices in the cell from switching in the same time period and reduce the occupation of network resources.

[0024] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending third indication information to the first terminal device, the third indication information including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device. Based on the above technical solution, the source satellite device sends the first service time information to the first terminal device to indicate the time when the first terminal device switches to the target satellite device. This can prevent all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0025] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information includes synchronization signal block (SSB) information of the target satellite device, where the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to prevent all terminal devices in a cell from switching within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0026] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the second indication information includes change information of a synchronization signal block (SSB) of the source satellite device, wherein the SSB change information includes at least one of the following: change information of an SSB period, an SSB offset, and change information of an SSB pattern. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to avoid switching all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0027] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information also includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device.

[0028] Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to avoid switching of all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0029] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the SSB information includes at least one of the following: an SSB transmission period, an SSB transmission time, an SSB offset, and an SSB transmission pattern. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to prevent all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0030] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the first indication information and the second indication information are both SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC). Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to prevent all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, obtaining the first information further includes receiving the first information sent by the target satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to prevent all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. The method is performed by a target satellite device. The target satellite device herein may refer to the target satellite device itself or a processor, module, chip, or chip system within the target satellite device that implements the method. The method includes sending first information to a source satellite device, the first information indicating that a serving satellite in a first area is changed from the source satellite device to the target satellite device, where the first area is a portion of a service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0033] According to the technical solution of the present application, the target satellite device sends a first message to the source satellite device, indicating that the first area will be taken over by the target satellite device, so that the source satellite device sends different indication information to the terminal devices in different areas. This can avoid all terminal devices in the cell from switching in the same time period during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a first terminal device. The first terminal device herein may refer to the first terminal device itself, or to a processor, module, chip, or chip system in the first terminal device that implements the method. The method includes: receiving first indication information sent by a source satellite device, the first indication information being used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with a target satellite device; and establishing a communication connection with the target satellite device based on the first indication information, wherein the first terminal device is located in a first area, wherein the first area is a portion of a service area within the source satellite device's service area.

[0035] According to the technical solution of the present application, a first terminal device receives first indication information sent by a source satellite device and establishes a communication connection with a target satellite device based on the first indication information, wherein the first terminal device is located in a first area, which is a portion of the service area of ​​the source satellite. Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device switches to the target satellite device based on the first indication information. This can ensure that only the first terminal device switches to the target satellite device, preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching in the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0036] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the method further includes: receiving third indication information sent by the source satellite device, the third indication information including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate an end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate a start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device. Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to prevent all terminal devices in a cell from switching within the same time period, thereby reducing network resource usage.

[0037] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information includes synchronization signal block (SSB) information of the target satellite device, where the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device can achieve downlink synchronization with the target satellite device and establish communication with the target satellite device, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0038] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information further includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device. Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device can achieve downlink synchronization with the target satellite device and establish communication with the target satellite device, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching in the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0039] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the SSB information includes at least one of the following: an SSB transmission period, an SSB transmission time, an SSB offset, and an SSB transmission pattern. Based on the above technical solution, the first terminal device can complete downlink synchronization with the target satellite device and establish communication with the target satellite device, thereby avoiding switching of all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0040] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in certain implementations of the fifth aspect, the first indication information is a measurement timing configuration SMTC of the SSB. Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to avoid switching of all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0041] In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a second terminal device. The second terminal device herein may refer to the second terminal device itself, or may refer to a processor, module, chip, or chip system in the second terminal device that implements the method. The method includes: receiving second indication information sent by a source satellite device, the second indication information being used to instruct the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device, and communicating with the source satellite device according to the second indication information. The second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device other than a first area, where the first area is a portion of the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0042] According to the technical solution of the present application, a second terminal device receives second indication information sent by a source satellite device and communicates with the source satellite device based on the second indication information, wherein the second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device excluding a first area, where the first area is a portion of the service area of ​​the source satellite device. Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device communicates with the source satellite device based on the second indication information, thereby preventing the second terminal device from switching to a target satellite device, thereby preventing all terminal devices in a cell from switching in the same time period, and reducing network resource usage.

[0043] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the second indication information includes change information of a synchronization signal block (SSB) of the source satellite device, wherein the SSB change information includes at least one of the following: change information of an SSB period, an SSB offset, and change information of an SSB pattern. Based on the above technical solution, the second terminal device communicates with the source satellite device based on the SSB change information, thereby preventing all terminal devices in the cell from switching within the same time period and reducing network resource usage.

[0044] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the second indication information is the SSB measurement timing configuration SMTC. Based on the above technical solution, it is possible to avoid switching of all terminal devices in the cell within the same time period, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0045] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit for obtaining first service time information, the first service time information corresponding to the first synchronization signal block SSB index; the processing unit is used to establish a communication connection with a target satellite device based on the first service time information; wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

[0046] In combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, it also includes: a transceiver unit for receiving the first SSB index sent by the source satellite device; the processing unit is specifically used to: determine the first service time information based on the first SSB index.

[0047] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: receive a first correspondence sent by the source satellite device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; the processing unit is specifically used to: determine the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information.

[0048] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the processing unit is further used to: receive a first SSB message, where the first SSB message includes the first service time information.

[0049] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, at least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to the at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group.

[0050] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the time difference between the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, the time difference between the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value.

[0051] In combination with the seventh aspect, in certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located within the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target satellite device.

[0052] In the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit for sending a first synchronization signal block SSB index to a terminal device, the first SSB index being used by the terminal device to determine first service time information; or, the transceiver unit for sending a first SSB message to the terminal device, the first SSB message including the first service time information; wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

[0053] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send a first correspondence to the terminal device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the first service time information, including: the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information.

[0054] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, at least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group.

[0055] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the time difference between the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, the time difference between the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value.

[0056] In combination with the eighth aspect, in certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located within the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target satellite device.

[0057] In the ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a processing unit for obtaining first information, the first information being used to indicate that the service satellite of a first area is changed from a source satellite device to a target satellite device, and the first area is a partial service area in the service area of ​​the source satellite device; a transceiver unit for sending first indication information to a first terminal device, the first indication information being used to indicate that the first terminal device establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device, and the first terminal device is located in the first area; and / or the transceiver unit for sending second indication information to a second terminal device, the second indication information being used to indicate that the second terminal device communicates with the source satellite device, and the second terminal device is located in a service area other than the first area in the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0058] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to: send a third indication message to the first terminal device, the third indication message including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

[0059] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the first indication information includes synchronization signal block SSB information of the target satellite device, and the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device.

[0060] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the second indication information includes change information of the synchronization signal block SSB of the source satellite device, wherein the change information of the SSB includes at least one of the following: change information of the SSB period, offset of the SSB, and change information of the SSB pattern.

[0061] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the first indication information also includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device.

[0062] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the SSB information includes at least one of the following: SSB transmission period, SSB transmission time, SSB offset, and SSB transmission mode pattern.

[0063] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the first indication information and the second indication information are both the measurement timing configuration SMTC of the SSB.

[0064] In combination with the ninth aspect, in certain implementations of the ninth aspect, the processing unit is further used to: receive the first information sent by the target satellite device.

[0065] In the tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit for sending first information to a source satellite device, wherein the first information is used to indicate that the service satellite of a first area is changed from the source satellite device to a target satellite device, and the first area is a partial service area in the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0066] In the eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit for receiving a first indication message sent by a source satellite device, the first indication message being used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with a target satellite device, and a processing unit for establishing a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first indication message, wherein the first terminal device is located in a first area, which is a partial service area within the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0067] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further used to receive third indication information sent by the source satellite device, the third indication information including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

[0068] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first indication information includes synchronization signal block SSB information of the target satellite device, and the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device.

[0069] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first indication information also includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device.

[0070] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the SSB information includes at least one of the following: SSB transmission period, SSB transmission time, SSB offset, and SSB transmission mode pattern.

[0071] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in certain implementations of the eleventh aspect, the first indication information is the measurement timing configuration SMTC of the SSB.

[0072] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a transceiver unit configured to receive second instruction information sent by a source satellite device, the second instruction information being configured to instruct a second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device; and a processing unit configured to communicate with the source satellite device based on the second instruction information. The second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device other than a first area, the first area being a portion of the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0073] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the second indication information includes change information of the synchronization signal block SSB of the source satellite device, wherein the change information of the SSB includes at least one of the following: change information of the SSB period, offset of the SSB, and change information of the SSB pattern.

[0074] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in certain implementations of the twelfth aspect, the second indication information is the measurement timing configuration SMTC of the SSB.

[0075] In the thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being used to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0076] In the fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect or the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0077] In the fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method in the fourth aspect.

[0078] In the sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being used to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the at least one memory, so that the communication device performs the method in the fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0079] In the seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, the at least one processor being used to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the at least one memory, so that the communication device performs the method as in the sixth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixth aspect.

[0080] In the eighteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the communication method as described in the above aspects.

[0081] In a nineteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the method as described in the above aspects to be executed.

[0082] In the twentieth aspect, a chip system is provided, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program or instruction from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip system implements the methods in the above aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0084] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a network application architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] FIG3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0086] FIG4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0087] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in yet another embodiment of the present application.

[0088] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0089] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0091] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system applicable to embodiments of the present application. As shown in Figure 1 , the communication system may include at least one communication device, such as the satellite device shown in Figure 1 ; the communication system may also include at least one terminal device, such as the terminal device shown in Figure 1 . The satellite device and the terminal device may communicate via a wireless link.

[0092] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), device-to-device (D2D) communication system, machine communication system, Internet of Vehicles communication system, satellite communication system or future communication system, etc.

[0093] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a user device, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent, or a user apparatus. The terminal device may also be a satellite phone, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future-evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0094] The communication device in the embodiment of the present application can be a device for communicating with a terminal device, for example, any device with a wireless transceiver function. The network device can be a base station (base transceiver station, BTS) in a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system or code division multiple access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, or an evolutionary NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, including but not limited to: a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), etc. Alternatively, it may be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the network device may be a relay station, an access point, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal that performs base station functions in D2D communication or machine communication, a network device in a 5G network, or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. It may also be one or a group of antenna panels (including multiple antenna panels) of a base station in a 5G system, etc., or it may be a satellite device, etc. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0095] The following takes a satellite communication system as an example to introduce the technical solution of the present application in detail. In a satellite communication system, the communication device may include a satellite device, or the communication device may also include a device deployed on the satellite device, or the communication device may also include a device deployed on a high-altitude platform, such as an aircraft, a drone, and a balloon.

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the concepts involved in the embodiments are first explained below.

[0097] 1. Satellite communications

[0098] A satellite communication system consists of three components: the satellite terminal, the ground terminal, and the user terminal. In previous satellite communication systems, the satellite terminal acted as a relay station in the air, amplifying electromagnetic waves transmitted from the ground station and then transmitting them back to another ground station. The satellite body comprises two major subsystems: onboard equipment and the satellite mothership. The ground station serves as the interface between the satellite system and the terrestrial public network. Ground users can also access the satellite system through the ground station to establish a link. The ground station also includes the ground satellite control center and its tracking, telemetry, and command stations. The user terminal comprises various user terminal devices.

[0099] The application areas of satellite communications are constantly expanding. In addition to finance, securities, post and telecommunications, meteorology, earthquake and other departments, distance education, telemedicine, emergency rescue, emergency communications, emergency television broadcasting, sea, land and air navigation, Internet-connected Internet phones, televisions, etc. will be widely used.

[0100] In order to achieve more flexible networking, satellite communications tend to adopt cellular technology, for example, moving the base station (BS) onto the satellite.

[0101] 2. Synchronization

[0102] In satellite communications, the terminal device must first synchronize its time with the network device. Once synchronized, the network device and the terminal device can parse the specific content contained in the signal according to a pre-agreed protocol. The first thing the terminal device needs to detect is the primary synchronization signal. Taking NR as an example, during the synchronization process, the network device first sends a synchronization signal block (SSB) beam to the UE, and the terminal device scans with a wide beam. After both the UE and the BS scan once, they confirm the narrow beam range of the network device and the wide beam of the terminal device. For example, in the NR system, the repetition period of the SSB can be 5ms, and each period contains one SSB. Therefore, the terminal device can obtain the 5ms timing of the cell by capturing the primary synchronization signal (PSS).

[0103] 3. Random access (RA)

[0104] In a communication system with access control in LTE or 5G, an information interaction mechanism (or process) is used for devices that are not connected to the network to establish a connection with the network. Since the random access process is carried by the random access channel (RACH), RA and RACH are often used interchangeably in protocols and spoken language. It is divided into contention-based random access and non-contention-based random access. Contention-based random access is usually divided into 4 steps, and each step corresponds to a message: including message 1, message 2, message 3, and message 4, which carry different signaling or information respectively. Non-contention-based random access only has the first 2 steps. In addition, in order to reduce the access time of the 4-step contention-based random access, there is further 2-step random access. In the 2-step random access, it consists of two messages, message A and message B, where message A includes the preamble and the first data information (for example, similar to message 1 and message 3 in the 4-step random access), and message B includes contention resolution and uplink scheduling (for example, similar to message 2 and message 4 in the 4-step random access).

[0105] It should be understood that the aforementioned introduction to satellite communication, downlink synchronization, random access, etc. is only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the technical solution of the present application and does not constitute any limitation to the present application.

[0106] In addition, the solution provided in this application can be applied to the field of satellite communications. For example, the 3GPP members integrate satellite communications and 5G technologies. Figure 2 shows the network application architecture of this technology. The ground mobile terminal UE accesses the network through the air interface (the air interface can be various types of air interfaces, for example, a 5G air interface). The access network equipment can be deployed on the satellite or on the ground and connected to the ground core network through a wireless link. At the same time, there is a wireless link between the satellites to complete the signaling interaction and user data transmission between the access network devices. The various network elements in Figure 2 and their interfaces are described as follows:

[0107] Terminal device: A mobile device that supports the 5G new air interface, typically a mobile phone, tablet, or other mobile device. It can access the satellite network through the air interface and initiate calls, access the Internet, and other services.

[0108] Access network equipment: mainly provides wireless access services, dispatches wireless resources to access terminals, and provides reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0109] 5G core network: This network provides services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional units, divided into control plane and data plane functional entities. The Access and Mobility Management Element (AMF) is responsible for user access management, security authentication, and mobility management. The User Plane Element (UPF) manages user plane data transmission, traffic statistics, and other functions.

[0110] Ground station: responsible for forwarding signaling and service data between satellite base stations and 5G core network.

[0111] 5G New Air Interface: The wireless link between the terminal and the base station.

[0112] Xn interface: The interface between 5G base stations, mainly used for signaling interaction such as switching.

[0113] NG interface: The interface between the 5G base station and the 5G core network, which mainly interacts with the core network's NAS and other signaling, as well as user business data.

[0114] This application is applied to communication systems such as 5G, involving UE and base stations, ground stations and other wireless access network elements, and performing uplink and downlink data communications based on wireless communication protocols.

[0115] In the embodiment of the present application, the access network device is not limited to a satellite base station, and the access network device can also be deployed on a high-altitude platform, a satellite, or the ground.

[0116] In existing satellite communication technology, for example, when satellite 2 takes over cell 2, satellite 1 (the source satellite) broadcasts service time information (e.g., T-service 1) to all user equipment within cell 2, indicating the time when satellite 2 takes over cell 2. When the time indicated by the service time information (T-service 1) arrives, all user equipment within cell 2 are switched to satellite 2 in almost the same time period. This generates a large amount of handover signaling during the handover process, thereby occupying a large amount of network resources.

[0117] Based on this, the present application aims to propose a communication method that avoids switching of all user equipment in a cell within the same time period during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, thereby reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0118] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method may include at least the following steps.

[0119] S310, the terminal device obtains first service time information.

[0120] S320: The terminal device establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first service time information.

[0121] The first service time information corresponds to the first SSB index, and the first service time information is used to indicate the end time when the source satellite device provides services to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time when the target satellite device provides services to the terminal device.

[0122] It should be noted that the first service time information corresponds to the first SSB index, which can be understood as a one-to-one correspondence between the first service time information and the first SSB index, or a one-to-many correspondence between the first service time information and the first SSB index. Among them, the first service time information corresponds to the first SSB index, which can also be understood as the first service time information corresponding to the first SSB message, that is, the first service time information corresponds to the first SSB message one-to-one, for example, different SSB messages correspond to different first service time information. Alternatively, there is a one-to-many correspondence between the first service time information and the first SSB message, wherein the first SSB message is an SSB message that can be received at the location of the terminal device.

[0123] It should also be noted that in one possible implementation, the first service time information may indicate a time period, for example, 1 hour. It can be understood that the first service time information indicates that there is still 1 hour left before the source satellite device ends providing services for the terminal device, or the first service time information indicates that there is still 1 hour left before the target satellite device starts providing services for the terminal device, or the first indication information indicates that the service time duration of the source satellite device providing services for the terminal device is 1 hour.

[0124] It should also be noted that, in one possible implementation, the first service time information may indicate a time point, for example, 10:00. This can be understood as the first service time information indicating that the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device ends at 10:00, or the first service time information indicating that the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device starts at 10:00.

[0125] Specifically, before step S320, the method may further include: the source satellite device sending SSB information of the target satellite device to the terminal device, and the terminal device correspondingly receiving the SSB information of the target satellite device sent by the source satellite device. The SSB information may be at least one of an SSB transmission period of the target satellite device, an SSB transmission time of the target satellite device, an SSB offset of the target satellite device, and an SSB transmission pattern of the target satellite device.

[0126] Specifically, after receiving the SSB information of the target satellite device, the terminal device performs downlink synchronization with the target satellite device based on the SSB information. After the terminal device and the target satellite device complete the downlink synchronization, the terminal device establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first service time information.

[0127] For example, when the first service time information is a time period (e.g., 1 hour), that is, the first service time information indicates that the source satellite device will end providing services to the terminal device 1 hour from now, or the first service time information indicates that the target satellite device will start providing services to the terminal device 1 hour from now. Subsequently, at the end of the time period (1 hour) indicated by the first service time information, the terminal device initiates random access to the target satellite device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device.

[0128] In another example, when the first service time information is a time point (e.g., 10 o'clock), the first service time information indicates that the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device ends at 10 o'clock, or the first service time information indicates that the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device starts at 10 o'clock. Subsequently, when the time reaches 10 o'clock, the terminal device initiates random access to the target satellite device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device.

[0129] It should be noted that the specific steps of the random access process can be referred to the existing technology, and for the sake of simplicity, this application will not go into details here.

[0130] It should be noted that the terminal device can obtain the first service time information in two ways (method 1 and method 2 described below). The following describes the method for obtaining the first service time information for the terminal device in detail with reference to Figure 4. For simplicity, in the following description, only the differences from the above embodiment are described in detail.

[0131] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes at least the following steps.

[0132] S410, the terminal device obtains first service time information.

[0133] S420: The terminal device establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first service time information.

[0134] It should be noted that steps S410 to S420 are similar to steps S310 to S320 described above, and for the sake of simplicity, they will not be repeated here in this application.

[0135] Method 1: Before step S410, the method may further include: S401: the source satellite device sends a first SSB index to the terminal device, and in response, the terminal device receives the first SSB index sent by the source satellite device. Alternatively, the aforementioned S410 may be step S402: the terminal device determines the first service time information based on the first SSB index.

[0136] Specifically, the terminal device receives the first SSB index (for example, SSB index 1) sent by the source satellite device. At this time, the terminal device determines the first service time information corresponding to SSB index 1 (for example, t-service 1) from the pre-configured correspondence relationship based on SSB index 1.

[0137] It should be noted that the correspondence pre-configured by the terminal device may specifically be a correspondence between the SSB index and the service time information, wherein the correspondence may be a one-to-one correspondence between the SSB index and the service time information, for example, SSB index 1 corresponds to t-service 1, and SSB index 2 corresponds to t-service 2. Alternatively, the correspondence may be a correspondence between multiple SSB indexes and one service time information, for example, SSB index 1 corresponds to t-service 1, and SSB index 2 also corresponds to t-service 1. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0138] Optionally, in one possible implementation, before step S410, the method may further include: S403, where the source satellite device sends the first correspondence to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the first correspondence sent by the source satellite device. Alternatively, step S402 may be step S403, where the terminal device determines the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information.

[0139] Specifically, the first correspondence includes a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time information. It can be understood that the first correspondence can be a correspondence between multiple SSB indexes and one service time information, for example, SSB index 1 corresponds to t-service 1, and SSB index 2 also corresponds to t-service 1. Alternatively, the first correspondence can also be a one-to-one correspondence between the SSB index and the service time, for example, SSB index 1 corresponds to t-service 1, and SSB index 2 corresponds to t-service 2.

[0140] Exemplarily, the first correspondence is a one-to-one correspondence between an SSB index and a service time. Specifically, the terminal device receives a first SSB index (e.g., SSB index 1) sent by the source satellite device. At the same time, the terminal device receives the first correspondence sent by the source satellite device. The terminal device determines, based on the received first SSB index (SSB index 1), the service time information (e.g., t-service 1) corresponding to the first SSB index (SSB index 1) in the first correspondence as the first service time information.

[0141] It should be noted that the source satellite device can send the first correspondence to the terminal device in a broadcast manner, or the source satellite device can also send the first correspondence to the terminal device in a unicast or multicast manner. Exemplarily, the source satellite device can send the first correspondence through radio resource control (RRC), or the source satellite device can also send the first correspondence through downlink control information (DCI), or the source satellite device can also send the first correspondence through a MAC control element (MAC CE). It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the manner in which the source satellite device sends the first correspondence.

[0142] It should also be noted that step S403 can be executed before step S401, or after step S401 and before step S420. It should be understood that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order.

[0143] Method 2: Before step S410, the method may further include: S404, the source satellite device sends a first SSB message to the terminal device, and accordingly, the terminal device receives the first SSB message, wherein the first SSB message includes first service time information.

[0144] Specifically, the source satellite device sends the first SSB message to the terminal device in a beam manner, wherein different SSB indexes correspond to different geographical locations, that is, the SSB indexes (first SSB messages) received by terminal devices in different geographical locations are also different.

[0145] Exemplarily, a terminal device (e.g., UE1) receives a first SSB message (e.g., SSB message 1) sent by a source satellite device, where SSB message 1 includes first service time information (e.g., t-service 1). At this time, UE1 obtains the first service time information as t-service 1.

[0146] In another example, the terminal device (e.g., UE2) receives the first SSB message (e.g., SSB message 2) sent by the source satellite device, and the SSB message 2 includes the first service time information (e.g., t-service 2). At this time, UE2 obtains the first service time information as t-service 2.

[0147] Optionally, in a possible implementation, at least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group.

[0148] For example, assuming that the SSB indexes corresponding to the first service time information (t-service 1) are SSB index 1, SSB index 2, SSB index 3 and SSB index 4, then these four SSB indexes together constitute the first SSB index set, and the terminal devices (UE1, UE2, UE3, UE4) corresponding to these four SSB indexes constitute the first terminal group.

[0149] Taking the first terminal group as an example, a communication method provided in another embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

[0150] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the method may include: the source satellite device sending a first correspondence to the first terminal group, and the first terminal group receiving the first correspondence. The source satellite device sending a first SSB index set to the first terminal group, and the first terminal group receiving the first SSB index set.

[0151] Specifically, the first correspondence includes a correspondence between multiple first SSB indexes (first SSB index set) and first service time information (t-service 1). That is, the first SSB indexes (SSB index 1 to SSB index 4) in the first SSB index set all correspond to t-service 1.

[0152] The source satellite device sends a first SSB index set to the first terminal group. This can be understood as the source satellite device sending the first SSB index to each terminal device in the first terminal group. Accordingly, each terminal device in the first terminal group receives the first SSB index. For example, UE1 receives SSB index 1, UE2 receives SSB index 2, UE3 receives SSB index 3, and UE4 receives SSB index 4. Each terminal device in the first terminal group determines, based on the received first correspondence, that the corresponding first service time information is t-service 1.

[0153] Subsequently, each terminal device in the first terminal group establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device based on the first service time information (t-service 1). Because the first service time information corresponding to each terminal device in the first terminal group is the same, t-service 1, it can be understood that the four terminal devices in the first terminal group (UE1 to UE4) switched from the source satellite device to the target satellite device during the same time period.

[0154] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the method may further include: the source satellite device sends a first SSB message to the first terminal group, and accordingly, the first terminal group receives the first SSB message, wherein the first SSB message includes first service time information (t-service 1).

[0155] Specifically, the source satellite device sends a first SSB message to each terminal device in the first terminal group. The first SSB message includes first service time information (t-service 1). Each terminal device in the first terminal group establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device based on the received first service time information (t-service 1). Since the first service time information received by each terminal device in the first terminal group is the same, namely t-service 1, it can be understood that the four terminal devices in the first terminal group (UE1 to UE4) switched from the source satellite device to the target satellite device during the same time period.

[0156] It should be noted that there may be various conditions for grouping terminal devices in a large-scale cell.

[0157] Exemplarily, the time difference between the end time of the service that the source satellite device can provide to the first terminal group and the end time of the service that the source satellite device can provide to at least one terminal device in the first terminal group is less than a first preset value.

[0158] It should be understood that the first preset value is a preset time difference range, which can be understood as the remaining service time that the source satellite device can provide to the first terminal group is basically equal to the remaining service time that the source satellite device can provide to at least one terminal device in the first terminal group.

[0159] As another example, assuming that the geographical area location of the first terminal group is a first geographical location area, the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target terminal device, when at least one terminal device is located in the first geographical location area, the at least one terminal device belongs to the first terminal group.

[0160] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 500 provided in yet another embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the method includes at least the following steps.

[0161] S510: A source satellite device obtains first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate that a service satellite in a first area is changed from the source satellite device to a target satellite device, wherein the first area is a partial service area within a service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0162] Specifically, after the source satellite device obtains the first information, the source satellite device determines, based on the first information, that part of its service area (e.g., the first area) will be taken over by the target satellite device. The way in which the source satellite device obtains the first information can be roughly divided into the following two types.

[0163] In the first method, the target satellite device sends a first message to the source satellite device, and the source satellite device receives the first message. This means that the target satellite device sends the first message to the source satellite device, and upon receiving the first message, the source satellite device learns that a portion of its service area (e.g., the first area) will be taken over by the target satellite device. In other words, the serving satellite device for the first area is changed from the source satellite device to the target satellite device.

[0164] In the second mode, the source satellite device determines that part of its service area (eg, the first area) will be taken over by the target satellite device. That is, the source satellite device determines that the service satellite device in the first area will be changed to the target satellite device.

[0165] S520: The source satellite device sends first indication information to the first terminal device. Correspondingly, the first terminal device receives the first indication information.

[0166] Specifically, the first terminal device is located in the first area, that is, the service satellite device of the first terminal device is changed from the source satellite device to the target satellite device, and the source satellite device sends a first indication information to the first terminal device, and the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device.

[0167] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first indication information includes SSB information of the target satellite device, and the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device. The SSB information includes at least one of the following: SSB transmission period, SSB transmission time, SSB offset, and SSB transmission mode pattern. Specifically, after receiving the SSB information of the target satellite device, the first terminal device performs downlink synchronization with the target satellite device based on the SSB information, and after the downlink synchronization is completed, initiates random access to the target satellite device.

[0168] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the first indication information may further include at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device. The ephemeris information of the target satellite device is used by the first terminal device to calculate the location information of the target satellite device for downlink synchronization with the target satellite device.

[0169] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the first indication information may be the measurement timing configuration SMTC of the SSB. Specifically, when the SSB information of the target satellite device is configured in the SMTC, when the terminal device receives such SMTC, it considers that it is necessary to switch from the source satellite device to the target satellite device, that is, the terminal device needs to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device.

[0170] It should be noted that, in addition to the SSB information of the target satellite device, the SMTC may also be configured with at least one of the following information: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device. Specifically, the resource configuration information may be the resources used for uplink transmission after the first terminal device switches to the target satellite device, or the resource configuration information may also be information such as random access resource configuration. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0171] Optionally, in a possible implementation, before step S520, the method may further include: S511, the source satellite device sends third indication information to the first terminal device, and accordingly, the first terminal device receives the third indication information, where the third indication information includes first service time information.

[0172] The first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information can also be used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

[0173] Exemplarily, the first service time information may indicate a time period, for example, 1 hour. It can be understood that the first service time information indicates that there is still 1 hour left before the source satellite device ends providing the service for the first terminal device, or the first service time information indicates that there is still 1 hour left before the target satellite device starts providing the service for the first terminal device, or the first indication information indicates that the service time duration of the source satellite device providing the terminal device is 1 hour.

[0174] In another example, the first service time information may indicate a time point, for example, 10 o'clock. It can be understood that the first service time information indicates that the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device ends at 10 o'clock, or the first service time information indicates that the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device starts at 10 o'clock.

[0175] It should be noted that in the present application, both step S511 and step S520 can be executed, that is, after the time indicated by the first service time information arrives, the first terminal device switches to the target satellite device according to the received first indication information. It can be understood that the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to switch to the target satellite device, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the time for switching to the target satellite device is the time indicated by the first service time information.

[0176] It should also be noted that in the present application, alternatively, the above-mentioned step S520 can also be step S511, that is, the source satellite device only sends the third indication information to the first terminal device, then the first terminal device establishes a communication connection with the target satellite device when the time indicated by the first service time information arrives based on the first service time information included in the third indication information.

[0177] S530: The source satellite device sends second indication information to the second terminal device. Correspondingly, the second terminal device receives the second indication information.

[0178] Specifically, the second terminal device is located in a service area other than the first area within the service area of ​​the source satellite device. The second satellite device determines that its service satellite device is the source satellite device based on the received second indication information and has not changed to the target satellite device. At this time, the source satellite device sends the second indication information to the second terminal device, which is used to instruct the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device.

[0179] Optionally, in a possible implementation, the second indication information includes SSB change information of the source satellite device, wherein the SSB change information includes at least one of the following: SSB period change information, SSB offset, and SSB pattern change information.

[0180] Optionally, in one possible implementation, the second indication information may be an SSB measurement timing configuration (SMTC). Specifically, when the SMTC includes SSB change information of the source satellite device, upon receiving such an SMTC, the terminal device deems that there is no need to switch from the source satellite device to the target satellite device. That is, the terminal device continues to communicate with the source satellite device, but only the original SSB information is changed accordingly, such as by shortening the SSB period.

[0181] It should be noted that only one of the above-mentioned steps S520 and S530 can be executed, or both steps S520 and S530 can be executed. When both steps S520 and S530 are executed, the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order.

[0182] It should be noted that the first terminal device and the second terminal device in the above steps S520 and S530 may be the same terminal device, and receive different indication information when they are in different service areas.

[0183] According to the technical solution of the present application, during the connection between the target satellite and the source satellite, it is possible to avoid switching of all user equipments in the cell within the same time period and generation of a large amount of switching signaling, thereby further reducing the occupation of network resources.

[0184] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 3 to 5. The above communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of interaction between various devices. It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, each device includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0185] It should be understood that the size of the serial numbers of the above processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0186] It should also be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0187] It can be understood that, in the above embodiments of the present application, the method implemented by the communication device can also be implemented by a component (such as a chip or circuit) that can be configured inside the communication device.

[0188] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to FIG6 and FIG7 .

[0189] Referring to FIG6 , a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the source satellite device, target satellite device, or terminal device in the above embodiments. As shown in FIG6 , the communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and a transceiver unit 620.

[0190] In the first embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above embodiments:

[0191] The processing unit 610 is configured to obtain first service time information, where the first service time information corresponds to a first synchronization signal block SSB index;

[0192] The processing unit 610 is configured to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first service time information;

[0193] The first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

[0194] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver unit 620 is used to receive the first SSB index sent by the source satellite device; the processing unit 610 is specifically used to determine the first service time information based on the first SSB index.

[0195] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver unit 620 is also used to: receive a first correspondence sent by the source satellite device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; the processing unit 610 is specifically used to: determine the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information.

[0196] Optionally, in some embodiments, the processing unit 610 is further used to: receive a first SSB message, where the first SSB message includes the first service time information.

[0197] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group.

[0198] Optionally, in some embodiments, the time difference between the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, the time difference between the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value.

[0199] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located in the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target satellite device.

[0200] In a second embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the source satellite device in the above embodiments:

[0201] The transceiver unit 620 is configured to send a first synchronization signal block SSB index to a terminal device, where the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine first service time information; or

[0202] The transceiver unit 620 is configured to send a first SSB message to the terminal device, where the first SSB message includes the first service time information;

[0203] The first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

[0204] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver unit 620 is further used to: send a first correspondence to the terminal device, the first correspondence including a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the first service time information, including: the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first correspondence as the first service time information.

[0205] Optionally, in some embodiments, the at least one first SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and the first terminal devices corresponding to the first SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitute a first terminal group.

[0206] Optionally, in some embodiments, the time difference between the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the end time when the source satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, the time difference between the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the first terminal group and the start time when the target satellite device provides service to the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value.

[0207] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located in the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target satellite device.

[0208] In a third embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the source satellite device in the above embodiments:

[0209] The processing unit 610 is configured to obtain first information, where the first information is configured to indicate that a service satellite in a first area is changed from a source satellite device to a target satellite device, where the first area is a portion of a service area within a service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0210] The transceiver unit 620 is used to send first indication information to the first terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device, and the first terminal device is located in the first area; and / or

[0211] The transceiver unit 620 is used to send second indication information to a second terminal device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device. The second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device other than the first area.

[0212] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver unit 620 is further used to: send a third indication message to the first terminal device, the third indication message including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

[0213] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes synchronization signal block SSB information of the target satellite device, and the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device.

[0214] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second indication information includes change information of the synchronization signal block SSB of the source satellite device, wherein the change information of the SSB includes at least one of the following: change information of the SSB period, offset of the SSB, and change information of the SSB pattern.

[0215] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information further includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device.

[0216] Optionally, in some embodiments, the SSB information includes at least one of the following: SSB transmission period, SSB transmission time, SSB offset, and SSB transmission mode pattern.

[0217] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information and the second indication information are both the measurement timing configuration SMTC of SSB.

[0218] Optionally, in some embodiments, the processing unit 610 is further configured to: receive the first information sent by the target satellite device.

[0219] In a fourth embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the target satellite device in the above embodiments:

[0220] The transceiver unit 620 is used to send first information to the source satellite device, where the first information is used to indicate that the service satellite of the first area is changed from the source satellite device to the target satellite device, where the first area is a partial service area within the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0221] In a fifth embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the first terminal device in the above embodiments:

[0222] The transceiver unit 620 is used to receive first instruction information sent by the source satellite device, where the first instruction information is used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device;

[0223] The processing unit 610 is configured to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first indication information, wherein the first terminal device is located in a first area, which is a partial service area within the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0224] Optionally, in some embodiments, the transceiver unit 620 is also used to receive a third indication message sent by the source satellite device, and the third indication message includes first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

[0225] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information includes synchronization signal block SSB information of the target satellite device, and the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device.

[0226] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information further includes at least one of the following: ephemeris information of the target satellite device, beam information of the target satellite device, and resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device.

[0227] Optionally, in some embodiments, the SSB information includes at least one of the following: SSB transmission period, SSB transmission time, SSB offset, and SSB transmission mode pattern.

[0228] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first indication information is the measurement timing configuration SMTC of SSB.

[0229] In a sixth embodiment, the communication device is used to implement the steps corresponding to the second terminal device in the above embodiments:

[0230] The transceiver unit 620 is configured to receive second indication information sent by the source satellite device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device;

[0231] The processing unit 610 is configured to communicate with the source satellite device according to the second indication information, wherein the second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device excluding a first area, and the first area is a partial service area of ​​the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

[0232] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second indication information includes change information of the synchronization signal block SSB of the source satellite device, wherein the change information of the SSB includes at least one of the following: change information of the SSB period, offset of the SSB, and change information of the SSB pattern.

[0233] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second indication information is the measurement timing configuration SMTC of SSB.

[0234] Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage unit for storing data or instructions (also referred to as code or program). Each of the above units may interact or couple with the storage unit to implement the corresponding method or function. For example, the processing unit 610 may read the data or instructions in the storage unit so that the communication device implements the method in the above embodiment.

[0235] It should be understood that the division of units in the above communication device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Moreover, the units in the communication device can all be implemented in the form of software called through processing elements; or all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some units can be implemented in the form of software called through processing elements, and some units can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated into a chip of the communication device. In addition, it can also be stored in the form of a program in a memory, called by a processing element of the communication device to perform the function of the unit. In addition, these units can be fully or partially integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above units can be implemented by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor element or by software called through the processing element.

[0236] In one example, the unit in any of the above communication devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital singnal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For another example, when the unit in the communication device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that can call a program. For another example, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0237] Referring to Figure 7 , a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided for implementing the operations of the terminal device, source satellite device, and target satellite device in the above embodiments. As shown in Figure 7 , the communication device includes a processor 710 and an interface 730, with the processor 710 coupled to the interface 730. The interface 730 is used to implement communication with other devices. The interface 730 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface. For example, the interface 730 may be an interface circuit. Optionally, the communication device also includes a memory 720 for storing instructions executed by the processor 710, input data required by the processor 710 to execute instructions, or data generated after the processor 710 executes instructions.

[0238] The methods performed by the terminal device, source satellite device, and target satellite device in the above embodiments can be implemented by the processor 710 calling a program stored in a memory (which can be the memory 720 in the terminal device, source satellite device, and target satellite device, or an external memory). That is, the terminal device, source satellite device, and target satellite device may include a processor 710, which executes the methods performed by the terminal device, source satellite device, and target satellite device in the above method embodiments by calling the program in the memory. The processor here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities, such as a CPU. The terminal device, source satellite device, and target satellite device can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods. For example: one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, etc., or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. Alternatively, the above implementation methods can be combined.

[0239] Specifically, the functions / implementation processes of the processing unit 610 and the transceiver unit 620 in FIG6 can be implemented by the processor 710 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG7 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 720. Alternatively, the functions / implementation processes of the processing unit 610 in FIG6 can be implemented by the processor 710 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG7 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 720, and the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver unit 620 in FIG6 can be implemented by the interface 730 in the communication device 700 shown in FIG7. Exemplarily, the functions / implementation processes of the transceiver unit 620 can be implemented by the processor calling program instructions in the memory to drive the interface 730.

[0240] When the communication device is a chip used in a terminal, the terminal chip implements the terminal functions in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from other modules in the terminal device (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), where the information is from other terminals or satellite devices; or the terminal chip sends information to other modules in the terminal (such as a radio frequency module or antenna), where the information is sent from the terminal to other terminals or satellite devices.

[0241] When the communication device is a chip used in a satellite device, the satellite device chip implements the satellite device functions described in the method embodiments. The satellite device chip receives information from other modules in the satellite device (e.g., a radio frequency module or antenna), where the information originates from other satellite devices or terminals. Alternatively, the satellite device chip transmits information to other modules in the satellite device (e.g., a radio frequency module or antenna), where the information originates from the satellite device and is intended for other satellite devices or terminals.

[0242] It should be understood that the processing unit in the above-mentioned device includes a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions or and / or data, and the processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions and / or data stored in the memory, so that the method in the above method embodiment is executed.

[0243] It should also be understood that the division of units in the above device is merely a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Moreover, the units in the device can all be implemented in the form of software called through processing elements; or all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some units can be implemented in the form of software called through processing elements, and some units can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated into a certain chip of the device. In addition, it can also be stored in a memory in the form of a program, and called by a certain processing element of the device to execute the function of the unit. Here, the processing element can also be called a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each unit above can be implemented by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor element or in the form of software called through the processing element.

[0244] An embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes: the above-mentioned source satellite device, target satellite device and terminal device.

[0245] The present invention also provides a computer-readable medium for storing computer program code, wherein the computer program includes instructions for executing the communication method of the present invention in the above-mentioned method. The computer-readable medium can be a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), which is not limited in the present invention.

[0246] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes instructions. When the instructions are executed, the source satellite device, the target satellite device and the terminal device perform operations corresponding to the source satellite device, the target satellite device and the terminal device of the above method.

[0247] The present invention also provides a system-on-chip (SoC) comprising a processing unit and a communication unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, and the communication unit may be, for example, an input / output interface, a pin, or a circuit. The processing unit may execute computer instructions to cause the chip within the communication device to perform any of the feedback information transmission methods provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0248] Optionally, the computer instructions are stored in a storage unit.

[0249] Optionally, the storage unit is a storage unit within the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc. The storage unit may also be a storage unit within the terminal located outside the chip, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc. The processor mentioned in any of the above may be a CPU, a microprocessor, an ASIC, or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the above-mentioned feedback information transmission method. The processing unit and the storage unit may be decoupled and respectively provided on different physical devices, and connected by wired or wireless means to implement the respective functions of the processing unit and the storage unit, so as to support the system chip to implement the various functions in the above-mentioned embodiments. Alternatively, the processing unit and the memory may also be coupled on the same device.

[0250] It will be appreciated that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a ROM, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a RAM, which is used as an external cache. There are many different types of RAM, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0251] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0252] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0253] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0254] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0255] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0256] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0257] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a terminal device, and the method includes: Obtaining first service time information, where the first service time information corresponds to a first synchronization signal block SSB index; Establishing a communication connection with a target satellite device according to the first service time information; The first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving the first SSB index sent by the source satellite device; The obtaining of the first service time information includes: Determine the first service time information according to the first SSB index.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a first correspondence sent by the source satellite device, wherein the first correspondence includes a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; The determining the first service time information according to the first SSB index includes: The service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first corresponding relationship is determined as the first service time information.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The obtaining of the first service time further includes: A first SSB message is received, wherein the first SSB message includes the first service time information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that At least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to the at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The time difference between the end time when the source satellite device provides services for the first terminal group and the end time when the source satellite device provides services for the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, The time difference between the start time when the target satellite device provides service for the first terminal group and the start time when the target satellite device provides service for the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located in the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target satellite device.

8. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a source satellite device, and the method includes: Sending a first synchronization signal block SSB index to a terminal device, where the first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine first service time information; or, Sending a first SSB message to the terminal device, where the first SSB message includes the first service time information; The first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: Sending a first correspondence to the terminal device, where the first correspondence includes a correspondence between at least one SSB index and at least one service time; The first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the first service time information, including: The first SSB index is used by the terminal device to determine the service time information corresponding to the first SSB index in the first corresponding relationship as the first service time information.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: At least one SSB index corresponding to the first service time information constitutes a first SSB index set, and at least one terminal device corresponding to the at least one SSB index included in the first SSB index set constitutes a first terminal group.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The time difference between the end time when the source satellite device provides services for the first terminal group and the end time when the source satellite device provides services for the at least one terminal device is less than a first preset value; or, The time difference between the start time when the target satellite device provides service for the first terminal group and the start time when the target satellite device provides service for the at least one terminal device is less than a second preset value.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first terminal group corresponds to a first geographical location area, and the at least one terminal device is located in the first geographical location area, wherein the first geographical location area is a service area of ​​the target satellite device.

13. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a source satellite device, and the method includes: Acquire first information, where the first information is used to indicate that a service satellite in a first area is changed from the source satellite device to a target satellite device, where the first area is a partial service area in a service area of ​​the source satellite device; Sending first indication information to a first terminal device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with the target satellite device, and the first terminal device is located in the first area; and / or Second indication information is sent to a second terminal device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device, and the second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device other than the first area.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send third indication information to the first terminal device, the third indication information including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The first indication information includes synchronization signal block SSB information of the target satellite device, and the SSB information is used for downlink synchronization between the first terminal device and the target satellite device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The second indication information includes change information of a synchronization signal block SSB of the source satellite device, wherein the change information of the SSB includes at least one of the following: Information about changes in the SSB period, SSB offset, and SSB pattern.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The first indication information further includes at least one of the following: The ephemeris information of the target satellite device, the beam information of the target satellite device, and the resource configuration information of the target satellite device for the first terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The SSB information includes at least one of the following: SSB sending cycle, SSB sending time, SSB offset, and SSB sending mode pattern.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that The first indication information and the second indication information are both the measurement timing configuration SMTC of SSB.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that The obtaining of the first information further includes: The first information sent by the target satellite device is received.

21. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a target satellite device, and the method includes: First information is sent to a source satellite device, where the first information is used to indicate that a service satellite in a first area is changed from the source satellite device to the target satellite device, and the first area is a partial service area in a service area of ​​the source satellite device.

22. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a first terminal device, and includes: Receiving first indication information sent by a source satellite device, where the first indication information is used to instruct the first terminal device to establish a communication connection with a target satellite device; Establishing a communication connection with the target satellite device according to the first indication information; The first terminal device is located in a first area, and the first area is a partial service area of ​​the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive third indication information sent by the source satellite device, the third indication information including first service time information, wherein the first service time information is used to indicate the end time of the service provided by the source satellite device to the first terminal device, or the first service time information is used to indicate the start time of the service provided by the target satellite device to the first terminal device.

24. A communication method, characterized in that: The method is performed by a second terminal device, and includes: receiving second indication information sent by a source satellite device, where the second indication information is used to instruct the second terminal device to communicate with the source satellite device; communicating with the source satellite device according to the second indication information; The second terminal device is located in a service area of ​​the source satellite device except a first area, and the first area is a partial service area of ​​the service area of ​​the source satellite device.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The second indication information includes change information of a synchronization signal block SSB of the source satellite device, wherein the change information of the SSB includes at least one of the following: Information about changes in the SSB period, SSB offset, and SSB pattern.

26. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, and the at least one processor is used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory, so that the communication device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

27. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 or 13 to 20.

28. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method according to claim 21.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method according to claim 22 or 23.

30. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device comprises at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the at least one memory so that the communication device performs the method according to claim 24 or 25.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

32. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When it is run on a computer, the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25 is executed.

33. A chip system, characterized in that: include: A processor, used to call and run a computer program or instruction from a memory so that a communication device equipped with the chip system implements a method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

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