Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: acquiring a plurality of SSBs, wherein indexes of any two SSBs in the plurality of SSBs are different; on the basis of the plurality of SSBs, determining a plurality of search spaces of system information blocks, wherein one of the plurality of search spaces is determined on the basis of one of the plurality of SSBs; and on the basis of the plurality of search spaces, receiving the plurality of system information blocks, and merging and demodulating the plurality of system information blocks. In the method, one system information block is received on the basis of each of a plurality of search spaces, to obtain a plurality of system information blocks, and the plurality of system information blocks are merged and demodulated, thereby increasing the demodulation success rate of the system information blocks; the system information blocks are used for initial access, thereby increasing the success rate of the initial access process, improving the initial access performance, and reducing the initial access delay.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on September 15, 2023, with application number 202311200965.0 and invention name "A Communication Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0004] Non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications refer to communications achieved using non-terrestrial network equipment. NTN systems can include satellite systems, among others. Introducing NTN communications into mobile network communications, such as fifth-generation (5G) communications, can improve user experience. On the one hand, NTN can provide communications services in areas difficult to reach by terrestrial networks, such as oceans, forests, deserts, and remote areas. On the other hand, NTN can enhance the reliability of mobile communications, for example, providing more stable communications services for users in high-speed scenarios such as trains and airplanes.

[0005] Taking the satellite system as an example, unlike the ground base station, the satellite, as a network device, scans all beams in sequence, broadcasts the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block or SSB) and the system information block 1 (SIB1) corresponding to the SSB for different communication areas. The SSBs in different communication areas are distinguished by the SSB index. Different SSB indexes represent downlink synchronization signals in different beam directions, covering and serving different areas. After receiving the SSB, the terminal device completes timing synchronization and receives SIB1 according to the SSB. It then detects SIB19 according to the search space of SIB19 configured in SIB1 and completes data parsing to obtain the satellite's ephemeris information. After obtaining the cell information and ephemeris information, the terminal device sends a random access preamble in the uplink resource corresponding to the SSB index.

[0006] However, due to the satellite's greater speed relative to the ground and the greater signal propagation distance, satellite signal path loss is greater. Terminal devices may be unable to demodulate SIB1, resulting in initial access failure. Therefore, in order for satellites to function as base stations and provide communication services to terminal devices, urgent challenges remain: how to overcome signal path loss and improve coverage between terminal devices and the satellite base station, ensure stable initial access, and reduce access latency.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus for reducing the access delay of a terminal device.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to scenarios such as NTN communications. The method is performed by a terminal device or a module or chip in the terminal device. The method is described herein using the terminal device as the execution subject. In this method, multiple SSBs are obtained; the indexes of any two SSBs in the multiple SSBs are different; multiple search spaces for a system information block are determined based on the multiple SSBs; one search space in the multiple search spaces is determined based on one SSB in the multiple SSBs; multiple system information blocks are received based on the multiple search spaces, and the multiple system information blocks are combined and demodulated.

[0010] Through the above method, a system information block is received according to each search space in multiple search spaces, multiple system information blocks are obtained, and the multiple system information blocks are merged and demodulated, which can improve the demodulation success rate of the system information block. The system information block is used for initial access, thereby improving the success rate of the initial access process, improving the initial access performance, and reducing the initial access delay.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the system information block includes one or more of the following: system information block 1 SIB1; and a system information block carrying ephemeris information.

[0012] Through the above method, the system information block is SIB1 or a system information block carrying ephemeris information, and these system information blocks include information required for initial access, thereby improving initial access performance and reducing initial access delay.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are the first Y SSBs among all received SSBs, sorted by SSB signal quality, where Y is an integer greater than 1.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are determined according to a first rule, which is a protocol agreement or predefined.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the first rule is: the multiple SSBs include some or all of the SSBs in the SSBs corresponding to the index range of [j, j+2X]; or, the multiple SSBs include some or all of the SSBs in the SSBs corresponding to the index range of [jX, j+X]; where j is the index of the first SSB, the first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs, and X is an integer greater than 1.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the multiple SSBs include a first SSB, where the first SSB is an SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs; and the multiple SSBs include an SSB corresponding to at least one of the following indexes:

[0017] j-G+1;j+1;j-1;j;j+G+1;jG;j+G;jG-1;j+G-1;

[0018] Wherein, j is the index of the first SSB, X is an integer greater than 1, and G is the length of the SSB signal coverage pattern of the SSB.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are located in the same SSB period.

[0020] Since multiple SSBs are located in one SSB cycle, it is possible to complete the reception of the system information block within one SSB cycle, thereby reducing the delay in obtaining the system information block.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the multiple system information blocks are located in the same system information block period.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to scenarios such as NTN communications. The method is performed by a network terminal device or a module or chip in the network device. The method is described here using the network device as the execution subject as an example. In the method, an SSB is sent; the SSB indicates a search space for a system information block; the system information block is sent in the search space; wherein Q SSBs are sent within an SSB period, the indexes of any two of the Q SSBs are different, and Q is an integer greater than 1; the SSB signal coverage pattern corresponding to the Q SSBs is preset or agreed upon by the protocol.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the SSB signal coverage pattern is indicated to the terminal device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the SSB signal coverage pattern includes the coverage range and / or coverage order of Q SSBs.

[0025] In one possible implementation, when the SSB signal coverage pattern is square, it includes G rows and G columns; when the SSB signal coverage pattern is rectangular, each row of the SSB signal coverage pattern includes a coverage range of H SSBs, and each column includes a coverage range of J SSBs.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the SSB signal coverage pattern includes coverage ranges of Q SSBs, which are distributed in the order of ascending indexes of the Q SSBs, first rows then columns or first columns then rows. Each row includes coverage ranges of G SSBs, and each column includes coverage ranges of G SSBs.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the SSB signal coverage pattern includes coverage ranges of Q SSBs, which are distributed in the order of ascending indexes of the Q SSBs, first rows then columns or first columns then rows. Each row includes coverage ranges of H SSBs, and each column includes coverage ranges of J SSBs.

[0028] In a third aspect, the present application further provides a communication device capable of implementing any of the methods provided in any possible implementation of the first to second aspects above. The communication device may be implemented in hardware or by executing corresponding software implementations in hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processor configured to support the communication device in executing the corresponding functions of the network device or terminal device in the above-described method. The communication device may also include a memory, which may be coupled to the processor and stores program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. Optionally, the communication device also includes an interface circuit for supporting communication between the communication device and a device such as a terminal device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes corresponding functional modules for implementing the steps in the above method. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the structure of the communication device includes a processing unit and a communication unit, which can perform the corresponding functions in the above method examples. For details, please refer to the description of the method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation method of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor, the method in any possible implementation of any possible implementation of the first to second aspects is implemented.

[0033] In a fifth aspect, a computer program product storing instructions is provided, which, when read and executed by a computer, implements the method in any possible implementation of any possible implementation of the first to second aspects.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, a circuit is provided for executing the method in any possible implementation of any possible implementation of the first to second aspects, wherein the circuit may include a chip circuit. Optionally, the circuit may also be coupled to a memory.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor. When the processor executes a computer program or instruction, the processor is configured to implement the method of any possible implementation of any of the possible implementations of the first and second aspects. Optionally, the chip may further include a memory. The chip may be composed of a single chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0036] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, which implements the method in any possible implementation of any possible implementation of the first to second aspects through a logic circuit or by executing a computer program or instruction.

[0037] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is configured to receive signals from a communication device other than the communication device and transmit the signals to the processor, or to transmit the signals from the processor to the communication device other than the communication device, wherein the processor implements the functional modules of the method in any possible implementation of any possible implementation of the first to second aspects through logic circuits or by executing computer programs or instructions. Optionally, the communication device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instructions.

[0038] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a unit or module for executing a method in any possible implementation of any possible implementation of the first to second aspects above.

[0039] In an eleventh aspect, a circuit is provided, which is used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first to second aspects above, and the circuit may include a chip circuit. Optionally, the circuit may also be coupled to a memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system used in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an SSB signal coverage pattern provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a coverage area provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a coverage area provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG9 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to NTN communication scenarios. NTN communication can include networking using non-terrestrial network devices such as drones, high altitude platform stations (HAPS), and satellites to provide data transmission, voice communication, and other services to terminal devices. In addition, the NTN system can also include other non-terrestrial network devices, which are not limited in this application. The NTN system can also support various mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, or other future communication systems, specifically without limitation here.

[0053] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE), fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, such as 5G new radio (NR), or to various future communication systems, such as sixth-generation (6G) communication systems. The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, vehicle networking, autonomous driving, assisted driving and other fields.

[0054] The methods and devices provided in the embodiments of the present application are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the principles of solving problems by the methods and devices are similar, the implementation of the devices and methods can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0055] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following points are explained before introducing the embodiments of the present application: The definitions of many features listed in this application are only used to explain the functions of the features by way of example, and the details can be referred to the prior art.

[0056] In the embodiments shown below, the first, second, third, fourth, and various numbers are only used for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. For example, they are used to distinguish different fields, different information, etc.

[0057] "Pre-definition" can be achieved by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device. This application does not limit the specific implementation method. Here, "storage" can mean storing in one or more memories. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, which is not limited by this application.

[0058] The “protocol” involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, for example, it may include a long term evolution (LTE) protocol, a new radio (NR) protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, which are not limited in this application.

[0059] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features around systems including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary," "for example," "illustratively," and "as another example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as an "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0061] "At least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c. Where a, b and c can be single or multiple, respectively.

[0062] To facilitate understanding, a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied is first described.

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system to which an embodiment of the present application can be applied. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system may include at least one network device (such as 110a, 110b, 110c in Figure 1), and may also include at least one terminal device (such as 120a-120g in Figure 1). The terminal device may be mobile or fixed. Each network device can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminals located within the coverage area. Network devices and network devices, network devices and terminal devices, and terminal devices and terminal devices can be connected to each other in a wired or wireless manner. Figure 1 is only a schematic diagram, and the communication system may also include other devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices.

[0064] The embodiments of the present application are applicable to a communication system that integrates a terrestrial communication system and a satellite communication system, which may also be referred to as a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system.

[0065] Among them, the terrestrial communication system can be, for example, an LTE system, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), a 5G system or an NR system, or a communication system developed next to the 5G system, etc., which is not limited here.

[0066] Compared to traditional communication systems, satellite communication systems offer a wider coverage area and can overcome natural geographical obstacles such as oceans, deserts, and mountains. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional communication systems, satellite communication systems can effectively supplement them. Satellite communication systems can be categorized into three types based on their orbital altitude: geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and low Earth orbit (LEO). GEO satellite communication systems are also called synchronous orbit satellite systems.

[0067] GEO satellites, also known as geostationary orbit satellites, can reach an altitude of 35,786 kilometers (km). Their main advantages are stationary relative to the Earth and their large coverage area. However, GEO satellites also have significant disadvantages, such as their large distance from the Earth, requiring larger antennas, and relatively high transmission latency of around 0.5 seconds, which cannot meet the needs of real-time services. Furthermore, orbital resources are relatively limited, resulting in high launch costs and a lack of coverage in polar regions. MEO satellites, with orbital altitudes between 2,000 and 35,786 km, can achieve global coverage with a relatively small number of satellites. However, their transmission latency is higher than that of LEO satellites, and they are primarily used for positioning and navigation. LEO satellites, with orbital altitudes between 300 and 2,000 km, are lower than MEO and GEO satellites, resulting in lower data transmission latency, less power loss, and relatively lower launch costs. As a result, LEO satellite communication systems have made significant progress in recent years.

[0068] It is generally believed that NTN has different channel characteristics compared to terrestrial communications (e.g., large transmission delay, large Doppler frequency offset, etc.). For example, the round-trip delay of a GEO satellite communication system is 238-270 milliseconds (ms), and the round-trip delay of a LEO satellite communication system is 8ms-20ms.

[0069] Satellite operating modes can be categorized as transparent or regenerative. When operating in transparent mode, a satellite performs relay functions. Gateway stations have base station functions, or some of them, and can be considered base stations. When operating in regenerative mode, a satellite has data processing capabilities and performs base station functions, or some of them, and can be considered base stations.

[0070] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an NTN in regeneration mode. As shown in Figure 2, a satellite has some or all of the functions of a base station and can be called a satellite base station. A satellite base station can provide wireless access services and schedule wireless resources for terminal devices that access the network through the satellite base station. The satellite base station and terminals can communicate via the user-universal terrestrial radio access network (Uu) interface. Furthermore, the satellite base station and the core network (CN) can communicate via the next generation network (NG) interface. The satellite base station and the core network can exchange core network non-access stratum (NAS) signaling and user service data via the NG interface. The satellite radio interface (SRI) is the feeder link between the NTN gateway and the satellite. In Figure 2, the SRI interface can be used as part of the next generation network (NG) interface to enable communication between the satellite base station and the core network.

[0071] FIG3 is another schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the terminal device communicates with the ground base station via the Uu interface. The satellite can realize transparent payload transmission between the terminal device and the ground base station. The satellite and the NTN gateway can be considered as the remote radio unit (RRU) of the ground base station, realizing transparent signal forwarding. That is, the satellite supports functions such as RF filtering, frequency conversion, and amplification, and the signal waveform remains unchanged. The satellite forwarding is transparent to the terminal device. Among them, the ground base station and the CN can communicate via the NG interface, and the NAS signaling of the core network and the service data of the terminal device can be exchanged through the NG interface.

[0072] FIG4 shows a schematic diagram of a satellite communication scenario. As shown in FIG4 , the network equipment in the satellite communication scenario includes satellites and gateways. Terminal devices include Internet of Things terminals, mobile phone terminals, and high-altitude aircraft, etc. Terminal devices can also be terminal devices of other forms and performances, etc., which are not limited here. The link between the satellite and the terminal device is called a service link, and the link between the satellite and the gateway is called a feeder link. The gateway can also be called a signal gateway. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the satellite communication scenario obtained by expanding on FIG3 .

[0073] The terminal device in the embodiments of the present application is a device that can access a wireless communication network. The terminal and network equipment can communicate using air interface technologies (such as NR or LTE). Terminals can also communicate with each other using air interface technologies (such as NR or LTE). A terminal device may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal, user, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. For ease of description, the terminal device is collectively referred to as a terminal device below. The terminal device can be widely used in various scenarios, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), D2D, V2X, MTC, IoT, virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, or smart city scenarios. The terminal device may be a mobile phone (such as 120a, 120d, or 120f in FIG1 ), a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver functionality (such as computer 120g in FIG1 ), a wearable device, a vehicle (such as 120b in FIG1 ), a drone, a helicopter, an airplane (such as 120c in FIG1 ), a ship, a robot, a robotic arm, or a smart home device (such as printer 120e in FIG1 ). This application does not limit the specific technology or device form used by the terminal device.

[0074] The network device in the embodiment of the present application can be a device for communicating with a terminal device, or it can be a device for connecting a terminal device to a wireless communication network. The network device can be a base station, a node B, an evolved node B (eNodeB or eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation node B (gNB) in a 5G system, an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN or open RAN), a next generation base station in a 6G system, and a satellite base station in an NTN (such as the satellite base station in Figure 2), or a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. Alternatively, the network device can be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) module. The network device may be a macro base station (such as 110b in FIG1 ), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110c in FIG1 ), a relay node or a donor node, etc. The present application does not limit the specific technology and specific device form used by the network device.

[0075] In one implementation, the network device includes, but is not limited to, a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point, a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system; or it may be a module or unit that performs part of the functions of a base station, for example, a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a centralized unit control plane (CU-CP) module, or a centralized unit user plane (CU-UP) module.

[0076] In some deployments, network equipment may include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). RAN equipment, including CU and DU nodes, splits the protocol layers of the gNB in ​​the NR system. Some protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while some or all of the remaining protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. Furthermore, the CU can be divided into a control plane (CU-CP) and a user plane (CU-UP). The CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions, primarily including radio resource control (RRC) and the control plane's corresponding packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) (i.e., PDCP-C). PDCP-C is primarily responsible for encryption, decryption, integrity protection, and data transmission of control plane data. The CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions, primarily including the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) and the user plane's corresponding PDCP (i.e., PDCP-U). SDAP is primarily responsible for processing core network data and mapping flows to bearers. The PDCP-U is primarily responsible for data plane encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, sequence number maintenance, and data transmission. The CU-CP and CU-UP are connected via the E1 interface. The CU-CP represents the gNB's connection to the core network via the NG interface and to the DU via the F1 interface control plane (i.e., F1-C). The CU-UP connects to the DU via the F1 interface user plane (i.e., F1-U). Alternatively, the PDCP-C may also reside in the CU-UP.

[0077] It is understandable that in different systems, CU (including CU-CP or CU-UP) or DU may have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in an open radio access network (O-RAN) system, CU may also be called O-CU (open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, and CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP. For convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP and DU as examples. The network device may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services and implementing the functions of the RRC layer. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services and implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the media access control (MAC) layer and the physical (PHY) layer. In some deployments, the CU can be further divided into a Centralized Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) node and a Centralized Unit User Plane (CU-UP) node, where the CU-CP is responsible for control plane functions and the CU-UP is responsible for user plane functions.

[0078] Network devices and / or terminal devices may be fixed or mobile. They may be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. This application does not limit the environments or scenarios in which network devices and terminal devices are located.

[0079] It should be understood that the network architecture shown above is only an exemplary illustration, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0080] Considering the advantages of satellites, such as their insusceptibility to natural disasters or external damage, research is underway to use satellites as network equipment (such as base stations) in mobile communication systems to provide communication services in areas such as oceans and forests. Unlike terrestrial network equipment, satellites move at higher speeds relative to the ground and their signals travel greater distances, resulting in greater signal path loss when used as network equipment. Furthermore, due to the high speed of satellites, the coverage and service time of a single satellite and each beam within a single satellite are limited. Therefore, this communication scenario places higher requirements on terminal access latency.

[0081] Taking a satellite system as an example, the satellite acts as a network device. During the initial access phase, the terminal device receives the synchronization signal / physical broadcast channel block (SS / PBCH block or SSB) from the satellite, and then receives system information block 1 (SIB1) based on the SSB. Then, based on the SIB19 search space configured in SIB1, it receives SIB19 and obtains the ephemeris information carried in SIB19. After obtaining the cell information and ephemeris information, the terminal device sends a random access preamble to the satellite using the uplink resources corresponding to the SSB, thereby initiating the random access process.

[0082] However, due to the satellite's greater speed relative to the ground and the greater signal propagation distance, satellite signal path loss is greater. Terminal devices may be unable to demodulate SIB1 and / or SIB19, resulting in initial access failure. Therefore, in order for satellites to function as base stations and provide communication services to terminal devices, there are pressing challenges in overcoming signal path loss and improving coverage between terminal devices and satellite base stations, ensuring stable initial access, and reducing access latency.

[0083] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field will know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0084] When the method provided in the present application is applied to the system in Figures 1 to 4, the method executed by the terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by the terminal device in Figures 1 to 4 or the module in the terminal device, the method executed by the network device in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by the network device in Figures 1 to 4 or the module in the network device, or the method executed by the network device in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by the satellite in Figures 1 to 4 or the module in the satellite.

[0085] It can be understood that the present application does not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. The method executed by the terminal device can be applied to the terminal device or a module or chip in the terminal device, and the method executed by the network device can be applied to the network device or a module or chip in the network device. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the interaction between the terminal device and the network device is used as an example for explanation below.

[0086] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, wherein the method includes:

[0087] Step 501: The terminal device obtains multiple SSBs from the network device.

[0088] The indexes of any two SSBs in the plurality of SSBs are different. The network device may be a satellite or a ground base station, which is not limited in this application.

[0089] In the present application, the network device can send Q SSBs in each SSB period according to the SSB signal coverage pattern (also referred to as the SSB scanning pattern or the SSB coverage pattern), and the indexes of any two SSBs of the Q SSBs are different, and Q is an integer greater than 1. The Q SSBs can be distinguished by the index of the SSB. The network device can broadcast SSBs with different indexes in different areas. It can be understood that SSBs with different indexes represent downlink synchronization signals in different beam directions covering and serving different areas. The SIB1 associated with SSBs of different indexes carries the same content; if the SSB is also associated with SIB19, then the SIB19 associated with SSBs of different indexes also carries the same content. The value of Q is not limited. For example, the value of Q can be a power of 2, for example, Q is one of the following: 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, etc. The value of Q can be agreed or predefined, and the network device can indicate the value of Q to the terminal device.

[0090] The SSB signal coverage pattern includes coverage of Q SSBs. The SSB signal coverage pattern can have different shapes, such as square, rectangular, etc. When the SSB signal coverage pattern is square, each row of the SSB signal coverage pattern includes coverage of G SSBs, and each column includes coverage of G SSBs. When the SSB signal coverage pattern is rectangular, each row of the SSB signal coverage pattern includes coverage of H SSBs, and each column includes coverage of J SSBs.

[0091] Among them, the SSB signal coverage pattern can be preset or agreed upon by the protocol, or it can be determined by the network device. The network device can indicate the SSB signal coverage pattern to the terminal device. This application does not limit how to indicate the SSB signal coverage pattern. The coverage range of Q SSBs included in the SSB signal coverage pattern is distributed in the order of increasing index of the Q SSBs, in the order of rows first and then columns or columns first and then rows. When the SSB signal coverage pattern is square, each row includes the coverage range of G SSBs, and each column includes the coverage range of G SSBs. When the SSB signal coverage pattern is rectangular, each row includes the coverage range of H SSBs, and each column includes the coverage range of J SSBs.

[0092] Taking Q=256 as an example, for one SSB cycle, the network device can send SSBs with indices of 0, 1, 2, ..., 255 in ascending order of the SSB index, and send 256 SSBs in each SSB cycle. Assuming that 20 milliseconds (ms) are used as a group, that is, 8 SSBs are sent in 20ms, then 256 SSBs require 32 groups, and the duration of one SSB cycle is 32*20=640ms. Assuming that each row in the SSB signal coverage pattern includes G SSBs and each column also includes G SSBs, the network device can start from the first column in the SSB signal coverage pattern in the order of the SSB index. The indexes of the G SSBs from bottom to top in the first column are 0 to G-1 respectively; the indexes of the 16 SSBs from bottom to top in the second column are G to 2G-1 respectively, and the same applies to the other columns.

[0093] For example, taking Q = 256, as shown in Figure 6, the network device uses 256 beams to transmit 256 SSBs. The coverage range corresponding to each beam is a small grid in the figure, that is, the coverage range of one SSB is a small grid. In the SSB signal coverage pattern shown in the figure, each row includes the coverage range of G = 16 beams, and each column includes the coverage range of G = 16 beams. The number in each grid represents the index of the SSB transmitted using that beam. In the SSB signal coverage pattern shown in the figure, the 256 SSBs are arranged in ascending order of index, first row and then column, that is, the SSB index starts at 0 and the largest index is 255; starting from the first column on the left, the indexes of the 16 SSBs in the first column from bottom to top are 0 to 15 respectively; the indexes of the 16 SSBs in the second column from bottom to top are 16 to 31 respectively, and the situation in other columns is similar. Please refer to the figure for details.

[0094] A beam is the main lobe of a signal's directional array pattern, while the coverage of a beam (or SSB) can refer to the projection of the beam onto the Earth's surface. Network devices can adjust antenna weights to point the beam in different directions, resulting in different coverage and antenna gain.

[0095] In one implementation, multiple SSBs obtained by the terminal device may be located within the same SSB period.

[0096] In this application, the multiple SSBs obtained by the terminal device can be part or all of the Q SSBs sent by the network device within an SSB cycle. If the multiple SSBs are part of the Q SSBs, then this application does not limit how the terminal device determines the multiple SSBs from the Q SSBs. Several possible implementations are given below.

[0097] Implementation method 1: The multiple SSBs are the first Y SSBs among all SSBs received by the terminal device, sorted according to the signal quality of the SSBs, where Y is an integer greater than 1.

[0098] The coverage of some SSBs may be far from the terminal device, and the terminal device may not be able to receive these SSBs. Therefore, in one SSB cycle, the terminal device may only receive P SSBs out of Q SSBs, where P is an integer less than or equal to Q and greater than 0. These P SSBs are all the SSBs received by the terminal device.

[0099] Each SSB received by the terminal device corresponds to a signal quality, and the signal quality can be a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) or a reference signal received power (RSRP) or a signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), etc., which is not limited in this application. The terminal device can sort all received SSBs according to the signal quality of the SSBs, for example, sorting them from high to low according to the signal quality, and taking the first Y SSBs as multiple SSBs. The terminal device demodulates the Y SSBs, thereby obtaining the content included in the Y SSBs.

[0100] The value of Y is agreed upon or predefined by the protocol, or it can be determined by the terminal device, and this application does not limit this.

[0101] Implementation method 2: multiple SSBs are SSBs whose signal quality is greater than a quality threshold among all SSBs received by the terminal device.

[0102] Similar to implementation method 1, each SSB received by the terminal device corresponds to a signal quality. The terminal device can use the SSBs with signal quality greater than the quality threshold among the P received SSBs (i.e., all SSBs) as the multiple SSBs for final demodulation.

[0103] The quality threshold may be agreed upon or predefined by the protocol, or may be determined by the terminal device, or may be indicated by the network device, and this application does not limit this.

[0104] Implementation method three: multiple SSBs are determined according to a first rule. The first rule is a protocol agreement or predefined, and can also be determined by the terminal device.

[0105] Here are a few examples of the first rule.

[0106] In Example 1, the first rule is: the multiple SSBs include the SSB with index j, and the multiple SSBs include some or all of the SSBs corresponding to the SSBs with indexes in the range [j, j+2X], where X is an integer greater than 1. The value of X is agreed upon or predefined by the protocol, and may also be determined by the terminal device or indicated by the network device.

[0107] Here, j is the index of the first SSB, and the first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs.

[0108] In Example 1, 2X consecutive SSBs starting from the SSB with index j are used as a candidate set. The terminal device selects multiple SSBs from the candidate set, and the selected multiple SSBs include the first SSB.

[0109] For example, the index of the SSB with the best signal quality received by the terminal device is j=7, X=4, then the index range of the candidate set is [7,15], and the indexes of the included SSBs are {7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15}.

[0110] Example 2: The first rule is: multiple SSBs include the SSB with index j, and multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs corresponding to the SSBs in the index range [jX, j+X].

[0111] Here, j is the index of the first SSB, and the first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs.

[0112] For example, the index of the SSB with the best signal quality received by the terminal device is j=7, X=4, then the index range of the candidate set is [7-4,7+4], and the indexes of the included SSBs are {3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11}.

[0113] In this application, the SSB index value range can be [0, Q-1]. When the determined index value is not within the above range, it can be considered invalid. For example, if j = 4 and X = 6, then although the determined index range is [-2, 10], -2 and -1 are invalid indexes, so the actual index range is [0, 10].

[0114] Example 3: The first rule is: the multiple SSBs include an SSB with index j, and the multiple SSBs include an SSB corresponding to at least one of the following indexes:

[0115] jN×G+1; j+1; j-1; j; j+N×G+1; jG; j+G; jN×G-1; j+N×G-1;

[0116] Wherein, j is the index of the first SSB, which is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs. G is the length of the SSB signal coverage pattern, which is an integer greater than 1. The value of G is agreed upon or predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the network device. The value of N is agreed upon or predefined by the protocol, or it can be indicated by the network device, or it can be determined by the terminal device.

[0117] The SSBs corresponding to the above multiple indexes can be used as a candidate set, that is, the indexes of the SSBs in the candidate set are {jN×G+1,j+1,j-1,j+N×G+1,jG,j+G,jN×G-1,j+N×G-1}.

[0118] For example, if N=0,1, the multiple SSBs include the SSBs corresponding to at least one of the following indexes:

[0119] j-G+1;j+1;j-1;j;j+G+1;jG;j+G;jG-1;j+G-1;

[0120] In this application, the value range of the SSB index can be [0, Q-1]. Therefore, in Example 3, when the index value determined based on j, N and G is not within the above value range, the index value can be considered invalid and discarded.

[0121] For example, if Q = 256 and the network device transmits SSBs according to the SSB signal coverage pattern shown in Figure 6, j = 7, N = 0, 1, and G = 16. Based on the above description, the SSB indices in the candidate set are {-10, -19, -8, 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24}. Since some values ​​are less than 0 and not between [0, 255], these values ​​are discarded, resulting in the final SSB indices in the candidate set being {6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24}. The multiple SSBs obtained by the terminal device are determined from this candidate set.

[0122] In another implementation, an index that satisfies the following form can be used as an index in the candidate set:

[0123] {jN×G+1,j+1,j-1,j+N×G+1,jG,j+G,jN×G-1,j+N×G-1}modG=j or j±1. mod is the remainder operation.

[0124] For example, if Q = 256, and the network device transmits SSB according to the SSB signal coverage pattern shown in FIG6 , j = 7, N = 0, 1, and G = 16. Combined with the above description, the determined SSB indexes are {-10, -19, -8, 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24}.

[0125] The candidate set of indices satisfying {-10, -19, -8, 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24} mod 16 = 7 or 7 ± 1 is {6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24}. That is, the multiple SSBs obtained by the terminal device are determined from the above candidate set.

[0126] In Example 4, the first rule is: the multiple SSBs include a first SSB (SSB with index j), and the multiple SSBs include at least one SSB adjacent to the coverage area of ​​the first SSB. The first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs.

[0127] For example, as shown in Figure 7, a small grid represents the coverage of an SSB. The number in each grid represents the index of the SSB. The SSB with index j is surrounded by the coverage of eight SSBs with indices a, b, c, d, e, f, and g. Therefore, the multiple SSBs include the SSB with index j and at least one SSB with indices a, b, c, d, e, f, g, and h.

[0128] For example, assuming that each row of the SSB signal coverage pattern includes G SSBs and each column also includes G SSBs, the network device can start from the first column of the SSB signal coverage pattern in the order of the SSB index. The indexes of the G SSBs in the first column from bottom to top are 0 to G-1; the indexes of the 16 SSBs in the second column from bottom to top are G to 2G-1, and so on for the other columns. As shown in Figure 8, a small grid in the figure represents the coverage range of an SSB. The number in each grid in the figure represents the index of the SSB. The indices of the 8 SSBs surrounding the SSB with index j are j-G+1, j+1, j-1, j+G+1, jG, j+G, jG-1, and j+G-1 respectively.

[0129] Additionally, the SSB index can range from [0, Q-1]. If the determined SSB index value is not within this range, it is considered invalid and discarded. For example, if G = 16, j = 7, and G = 16, then the three obtained index values ​​are negative: -10, -19, and -8; these indexes are invalid. The actual indices obtained are 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, and 24, respectively.

[0130] Step 502: The terminal device determines multiple search spaces of the system information block based on multiple SSBs.

[0131] Among them, multiple search spaces correspond one-to-one to multiple SSBs, and one search space among the multiple search spaces is determined according to one SSB among the multiple SSBs.

[0132] In this application, the terminal device may determine a search space of a system information block according to each SSB. The system information block may be used for initial access, and it may be understood that the system information block includes information required for initial access of the terminal device.

[0133] For example, the system information block is one or more of the following: SIB1;

[0134] The system information block carrying the ephemeris information may be, for example, SIB19 or other system information blocks; wherein the ephemeris information is the ephemeris information of the network device.

[0135] For example, the system information block includes the following information:

[0136] Random access channel occasion (RO) resource configuration information;

[0137] ephemeris information of network devices;

[0138] Random access channel (RACH) common configuration information (rach-ConfigCommon);

[0139] The SSB-related information includes at least one of the following information: the number of SSBs, the SSB period, and the SSB pattern.

[0140] In this application, considering the access delay during the initial access process, the search space of SIB19 used to carry ephemeris information can be untied from SIB1, and a new search space is introduced for the system information block carrying ephemeris information, which does not rely on SIB1 data parsing. A new search space is introduced for the system information block carrying ephemeris information, and the search space of the system information block carrying ephemeris information can be indicated by SSB.

[0141] In this application, how does SSB indicate the search space of the system information block? For example, when the system information block is SIB1, the starting time slot n0 of the search space of the system information block in the time domain and the index i of the SSB satisfy the following form:

[0142] Among them, i is the index of SSB, μ is used to determine the subcarrier spacing, for example, μ = 0, the subcarrier spacing is 15kHz; μ = 1, the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz; μ = 2, the subcarrier spacing is 60kHz, and so on for other cases, which will not be repeated here; O represents the offset of the control resource set (CORESET) #0 corresponding to the SSB with index 0 relative to the starting position of the system frame where SSB #0 (that is, the SSB with index 0) is located, in milliseconds (ms). Since 1ms contains 2 u time slots, O*2 u Indicates the number of time slots contained in O ms.

[0143] M is the interval between the search spaces of CORESET#0 corresponding to the two SSBs sent one after another, in slots. Indicates the number of time slots in a system frame. For example, when the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, Indicates rounding down, and mod is the remainder operator.

[0144] For example, when the system information block is a system information block carrying ephemeris information, the starting time slot n1 of the search space of the system information block in the time domain and the index i of the SSB satisfy the following form:

[0145] or,

[0146] Among them, L is the maximum number of candidate SSBs in a time unit, where a time unit can be half a system frame, 1 system frame, or multiple system frames, etc., which can be pre-agreed or configured by the network device; wherein, L can be determined according to different SSB patterns (SSB patterns) defined by the protocol. For example, when the SSB pattern of the SSB sent by the network device is case C, the subcarrier spacing is 30kHz, and L = 8. For another example, when the SSB pattern is case D, the subcarrier spacing is 120kHz, and L = 64.

[0147] In addition, it should be pointed out that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the frequency domain position of the search space of the system information block, and the present application does not limit how the network device indicates the frequency domain position of the search space of the system information block.

[0148] Step 503: The terminal device receives multiple system information blocks according to multiple search spaces, and combines and demodulates the multiple system information blocks.

[0149] The terminal device may obtain a system information block based on each of the multiple search spaces. For example, the terminal device may receive scheduling information for scheduling a system information block in each of the multiple search spaces to obtain multiple scheduling information, thereby receiving multiple system information blocks based on the multiple scheduling information.

[0150] In one implementation, multiple system information blocks are located in the same system information block period.

[0151] In this application, how to combine and demodulate multiple system information blocks is not limited to the specific process of combining and demodulating, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] Through the above method, the terminal device receives multiple system information blocks in multiple search spaces, and the terminal device merges and demodulates the multiple system information blocks, thereby improving the demodulation success rate of the system information blocks, thereby improving the success rate of the initial access process, improving the initial access performance, and reducing the initial access delay.

[0153] In combination with the above description, as shown in FIG9 , a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown, and the method includes:

[0154] Step 901: The network device sends SSB.

[0155] Taking the case where the network device sends SSB according to the SSB signal coverage pattern shown in FIG6 as an example, the network device sends 256 SSBs in one SSB cycle.

[0156] Step 902: The terminal device determines multiple SSBs.

[0157] Assume that the index of the SSB with the best signal quality received by the terminal device is 7, and the indexes of multiple SSBs determined by the terminal device according to the first rule are {6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24} respectively.

[0158] Step 903: The network device sends SIB1.

[0159] Among them, each SSB sent by the network device corresponds to a SIB1. If one SSB cycle includes 256 SSBs, then in one SIB1 cycle, the network device can send 256 SIB1s.

[0160] Step 904: The network device sends SIB19.

[0161] Here, the description is given by taking the system information block carrying the ephemeris information as SIB19 as an example. When the system information block carrying the ephemeris information is other SIBs, the description here may be referred to.

[0162] Here, the search space of SIB19 is indicated by SSB as an example for description. The search space of SIB19 can also be indicated by SIB1, which is not limited in this application.

[0163] Step 905: The terminal device determines multiple search spaces 1 of SIB1 based on multiple SSBs, and receives multiple SIB1s based on the multiple search spaces 1.

[0164] The terminal device can determine a search space 1 of SIB1 based on each SSB in the multiple SSBs. There is a corresponding relationship between the starting time slot n0 of the search space 1 of SIB1 in the time domain and the index i of the SSB. For details, please refer to the description of the previous formula (1), which will not be repeated here.

[0165] The terminal device receives a piece of scheduling information 1 in each search space 1 among the multiple search spaces 1. Each scheduling information 1 is used to schedule one SIB1. Therefore, the terminal device receives multiple SIB1s based on the multiple search spaces 1. The terminal device can combine and demodulate the multiple SIB1s, thereby improving the demodulation success rate of the SIB1.

[0166] In one implementation, multiple SIB1s are located within one SIB1 cycle, so that multiple SIB1s can be combined and demodulated within one SIB1 cycle, thereby improving the demodulation success rate of SIB1, reducing the reception delay of SIB1, and thus reducing the initial access delay, which is particularly suitable for scenarios such as NTN.

[0167] Step 906: The terminal device determines multiple search spaces 2 of SIB19 based on multiple SSBs, and receives multiple SIB19s based on the multiple search spaces 2.

[0168] Among them, the terminal device can determine a SIB19 search space 2 based on each SSB in the multiple SSBs. There is a corresponding relationship between the starting time slot n1 of the SIB19 search space 2 in the time domain and the index i of the SSB. For details, please refer to the description of the previous formula (2), which will not be repeated here.

[0169] The terminal device receives a piece of scheduling information 2 in each search space 2 in the multiple search spaces 2, and each scheduling information 2 is used to schedule one SIB19. Therefore, the terminal device receives multiple SIB19s according to the multiple search spaces 2, and the terminal device can combine and demodulate the multiple SIB19s, thereby improving the demodulation success rate of the SIB19.

[0170] In one implementation, multiple SIB19s are located within one SIB19 cycle, so that multiple SIB19s can be merged and demodulated within one SIB19 cycle, improving the demodulation success rate of SIB19, reducing the reception delay of SIB19, and thus reducing the initial access delay, which is particularly suitable for scenarios such as NTN.

[0171] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the terminal device or network device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, 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 hardware or in a manner driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0172] The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of possible communication devices provided in the embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication device can be a terminal device, or a module (such as a chip) applied to the terminal device; or the communication device can be a network device, or a module (such as a chip) applied to the network device.

[0173] As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processing unit 1010 and a communication unit 1020. The communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device or network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 5 or Figure 9 above.

[0174] When the communication device 1000 is used to implement the functions of a terminal device:

[0175] A communication unit, configured to obtain a plurality of synchronization signal blocks / synchronization signal broadcast channel blocks (SSBs); indexes of any two SSBs in the plurality of SSBs are different;

[0176] A processing unit is configured to determine a plurality of search spaces of a system information block according to the plurality of SSBs; one search space among the plurality of search spaces is determined according to one of the plurality of SSBs;

[0177] The communication unit is configured to receive a plurality of the system information blocks according to the plurality of search spaces, and combine and demodulate the plurality of the system information blocks.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the system information block includes one or more of the following:

[0179] System Information Block 1 SIB1;

[0180] System Information Block that carries ephemeris information.

[0181] In a possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are the first Y SSBs among all received SSBs, sorted by SSB signal quality, where Y is an integer greater than 1.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are determined according to a first rule, which is a protocol agreement or predefined.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the first rule is:

[0184] The multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs corresponding to the index range [j, j+2X];

[0185] Alternatively, the multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs corresponding to the index range [jX, j+X];

[0186] Wherein, j is the index of the first SSB, the first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs, and X is an integer greater than 1.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the multiple SSBs include a first SSB, where the first SSB is an SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs;

[0188] The multiple SSBs include an SSB corresponding to at least one of the following indexes:

[0189] j-G+1;j+1;j-1;j;j+G+1;jG;j+G;jG-1;j+G-1;

[0190] Wherein, j is the index of the first SSB, X is an integer greater than 1, and G is the length of the SSB signal coverage pattern of the SSB.

[0191] In one possible implementation, the multiple SSBs are located in the same SSB period.

[0192] In a possible implementation manner, the multiple system information blocks are located in the same system information block period.

[0193] A more detailed description of the processing unit 1010 and the communication unit 1020 can be directly obtained by referring to the relevant description in the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] It should 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 calling through processing elements; or they can all be implemented in the form of hardware; or some units can be implemented in the form of software calling 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 the memory in the form of a program, called by a certain processing element of the device and execute the function of the unit. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can also be a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each operation 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 calling through the processing element.

[0195] In one example, the unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital singnal processors (DSPs), 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 device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose 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).

[0196] The above-mentioned receiving unit is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the receiving unit is the interface circuit of the chip used to receive signals from other chips or devices. The above-mentioned sending unit is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to send signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the sending unit is the interface circuit of the chip used to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0197] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device described in the embodiment of the present application can be implemented by a general bus architecture. For ease of explanation, refer to Figure 11, which is a structural diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the communication device 1100 includes a processor 1101 and a transceiver 1102. The communication device 1100 can be a terminal device, or a chip or chip system therein; or, the communication device 1100 can be a network device, or a chip or module therein. Figure 11 only shows the main components of the communication device 1100. In addition to the processor 1101 and the transceiver 1102, the communication device 1100 may further include a memory 1103, and an input and output device (not shown in the figure).

[0198] Optionally, the processor 1101 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, as well as control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process software program data. The memory 1103 is primarily used to store software programs and data. The transceiver 1102 may include a radio frequency circuit and an antenna. The radio frequency circuit is primarily used to convert baseband signals into radio frequency signals and process radio frequency signals. The antenna is primarily used to transmit and receive radio frequency signals in the form of electromagnetic waves. Input and output devices, such as a touch screen, display, and keyboard, are primarily used to receive user input and output data to the user.

[0199] Optionally, the processor 1101 , the transceiver 1102 , and the memory 1103 may be connected via a communication bus.

[0200] When the communication device is powered on, the processor 1101 can read the software program in the memory 1103, interpret and execute the instructions of the software program, and process the data of the software program. When data needs to be sent wirelessly, the processor 1101 performs baseband processing on the data to be sent and outputs the baseband signal to the radio frequency circuit. The radio frequency circuit performs radio frequency processing on the baseband signal and then transmits the radio frequency signal to the outside in the form of electromagnetic waves through the antenna. When data is sent to the communication device, the radio frequency circuit receives the radio frequency signal through the antenna, converts the radio frequency signal into a baseband signal, and outputs the baseband signal to the processor 1101. The processor 1101 converts the baseband signal into data and processes the data.

[0201] In another implementation, the RF circuit and antenna may be provided independently of the processor performing baseband processing. For example, in a distributed scenario, the RF circuit and antenna may be remotely arranged independent of the communication device.

[0202] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the above-mentioned communication device 1000 may take the form of the communication device 1100 shown in FIG. 11 .

[0203] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing unit 1010 in FIG10 may be implemented by the processor 1101 in the communication device 1100 shown in FIG11 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1103. The functions / implementation process of the communication unit 1020 in FIG10 may be implemented by the transceiver 1102 in the communication device 1100 shown in FIG11.

[0204] As another possible product form, the terminal device or network device in the present application may adopt the structure shown in Figure 12, or include the components shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1200 provided in the present application.

[0205] As shown in FIG12 , the communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1201. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface 1202.

[0206] When the program instructions are executed in the at least one processor 1201, the communication device 1200 can implement the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs therein. Alternatively, the processor 1201 implements the method provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments and any possible designs therein through logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

[0207] The communication interface 1202 can be used to receive program instructions and transmit them to the processor. Alternatively, the communication interface 1202 can be used for the communication device 1200 to communicate with other communication devices, such as exchanging control signaling and / or service data. Exemplarily, the communication interface 1202 can be used to receive signals from devices other than the communication device 1200 and transmit them to the processor 1201, or to send signals from the processor 1201 to other communication devices other than the communication device 1200.

[0208] Optionally, the communication interface 1202 may be a code and / or data read and write interface circuit, or the communication interface 1202 may be a signal transmission interface circuit between a communication processor and a transceiver, or a pin of a chip.

[0209] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include at least one memory 1203, which may be used to store required program instructions and / or data. It should be noted that the memory 1203 may exist independently of the processor 1201 or may be integrated with the processor 1201. The memory 1203 may be located within or outside the communication device 1200, without limitation.

[0210] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a power supply circuit 1204, which may be used to supply power to the processor 1201. The power supply circuit 1204 may be located in the same chip as the processor 1201, or in another chip other than the chip where the processor 1201 is located.

[0211] Optionally, the communication device 1200 may further include a bus, and various parts of the communication device 1200 may be interconnected via the bus.

[0212] In some embodiments, in terms of hardware implementation, those skilled in the art may conceive that the communication device 1000 shown in FIG. 10 may take the form of the communication device 1200 shown in FIG. 12 .

[0213] As an example, the functions / implementation process of the processing unit 1010 in FIG10 may be implemented by the processor 1201 in the communication device 1200 shown in FIG12 calling computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1203. The functions / implementation process of the communication unit 1020 in FIG10 may be implemented by the communication interface 1202 in the communication device 1200 shown in FIG12.

[0214] It should be noted that the structure shown in FIG12 does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device or network device. For example, in other embodiments of the present application, the terminal device or network device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine or split some components, or arrange the components differently. The components shown in the figure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0215] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0216] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station or a terminal. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in a base station or a terminal as discrete components.

[0217] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of the present application are performed. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media, such as floppy disks, hard disks, or magnetic tapes; optical media, such as digital video disks; or semiconductor media, such as solid-state drives. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0218] 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 by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0219] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0220] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0221] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0222] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Acquire multiple synchronization signal blocks / synchronization signal broadcast channel blocks SSB; The indexes of any two SSBs among the multiple SSBs are different; Determine a plurality of search spaces of a system information block according to the plurality of SSBs; A search space among the plurality of search spaces is determined according to an SSB among the plurality of SSBs; A plurality of the system information blocks are received according to the plurality of search spaces, and the plurality of the system information blocks are combined and demodulated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The system information block is one or more of the following: System information block 1 SIB1; System Information Block carrying ephemeris information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs are the first Y SSBs among all received SSBs, sorted according to the signal quality of the SSBs, where Y is an integer greater than 1.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs are determined according to a first rule, which is a protocol agreement or predefined.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first rule is: The multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs corresponding to the index range [j, j+2X]; Alternatively, the multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs in the SSBs corresponding to the index range [jX, j+X]; Wherein, j is the index of the first SSB, the first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs, and X is an integer greater than 1.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs include a first SSB, where the first SSB is an SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs; The multiple SSBs include an SSB corresponding to at least one of the following indexes: j-G+1;j+1;j-1;j;j+G+1;jG;j+G;jG-1;j+G-1; Among them, j is the index of the first SSB, X is an integer greater than 1, and G is the length of the SSB signal coverage pattern of the SSB.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs are located in the same SSB period.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The multiple system information blocks are located in the same system information block period.

9. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to obtain a plurality of synchronization signal blocks / synchronization signal broadcast channel blocks SSB; The indexes of any two SSBs among the multiple SSBs are different; a processing unit, configured to determine a plurality of search spaces of a system information block according to the plurality of SSBs; A search space among the plurality of search spaces is determined according to an SSB among the plurality of SSBs; The communication unit is used to receive a plurality of the system information blocks according to the plurality of search spaces, and combine and demodulate the plurality of the system information blocks.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The system information block is one or more of the following: System information block 1 SIB1; System Information Block carrying ephemeris information.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The multiple SSBs are the first Y SSBs among all received SSBs, sorted according to the signal quality of the SSBs, where Y is an integer greater than 1.

12. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs are determined according to a first rule, which is a protocol agreement or predefined.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The first rule is: The multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs corresponding to the index range [j, j+2X]; Alternatively, the multiple SSBs include part or all of the SSBs in the SSBs corresponding to the index range [jX, j+X]; Wherein, j is the index of the first SSB, the first SSB is the SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs, and X is an integer greater than 1.

14. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs include a first SSB, where the first SSB is an SSB with the best signal quality among all received SSBs; The multiple SSBs include an SSB corresponding to at least one of the following indexes: j-G+1;j+1;j-1;j;j+G+1;jG;j+G;jG-1;j+G-1; Among them, j is the index of the first SSB, X is an integer greater than 1, and G is the length of the SSB signal coverage pattern of the SSB.

15. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that: The multiple SSBs are located in the same SSB period.

16. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that The multiple system information blocks are located in the same system information block period.

17. A communication device, characterized in that: including a processor and a memory; The processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A computer program or instruction is stored, and when the computer program or instruction is executed on a computer, the computer is caused to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

19. A chip, characterized in that: The chip comprises a processor, which is coupled to a memory and is used to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory, so that the chip implements the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

20. A computer program product, characterized in that When a computer reads and executes the computer program product, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is executed.

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