Communication method and device, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and device, a storage medium, and a computer program product, for use in improving the performance of communication systems. In the present application, a terminal device determines a first data transmission mode, the first data transmission mode being associated with a timing difference between a first communication device and a second communication device. The terminal device performs data transmission with the first communication device and / or the second communication device on the basis of the first data transmission mode. Since the first data transmission mode is associated with the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device, in the present application, data transmission can be performed on the basis of a better data transmission mode, thereby improving the communication performance.

Description

A communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410522046.3, filed on April 26, 2024, entitled "A Communication Method, Apparatus, Storage Medium and Computer Program Product", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, the 5th generation (5G) New Radio (NR) technology is evolving from revision (R) 18 to revision (R19). Simultaneously, NR technology has moved from the standardization phase to the commercial deployment phase. The NR standard protocol is a wireless communication technology designed for terrestrial cellular network scenarios, providing users with ultra-low latency, ultra-reliability, ultra-high speed, and massive connectivity wireless communication services. Compared to terrestrial communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) communication features large coverage areas and flexible networking, achieving seamless global network coverage. NTN communication utilizes equipment such as drones, high-altitude platforms, and satellites to build networks, providing data transmission, voice communication, and other services to user equipment (UE). Improving communication performance is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product for determining the data transmission mode based on the timing difference between a first communication device and a second communication device, thereby improving communication performance.

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a terminal device. The terminal device may include a terminal equipment or a chip system within the terminal equipment.

[0007] The terminal device determines a first data transmission mode, which is associated with the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. The terminal device transmits data with the first communication device and / or the second communication device based on the first data transmission mode.

[0008] Since the first data transmission method can be associated with the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device, the terminal device can improve communication performance based on the more advantageous data transmission method.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can communicate with multiple communication devices. For example, the terminal device may establish a radio resource control (RRC) connection with one communication device but not with other communication devices. The communication device with which the terminal device has an RRC connection can be referred to as the primary communication device, and the communication devices without an RRC connection can be referred to as secondary communication devices. The primary communication device and one or more secondary communication devices can send the same or different data to the same terminal device on the same resources. This scheme can improve the performance and / or throughput of the communication system. In one possible implementation, the "same resources" mentioned in this application can be replaced with the same time-domain resources, the same frequency-domain resources, or both the same time-domain resources and the same frequency-domain resources.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the terminal device establishes an RRC connection with the first communication device, but does not establish an RRC connection with the second communication device. In this example, the first communication device can be considered as the primary communication device, and the second communication device can be considered as the secondary communication device. The primary and secondary communication devices can send data to the terminal device, either individually or jointly. For example, the primary and secondary communication devices can send data to the terminal device on the same resources, and the data sent by the primary and secondary communication devices can be the same or different. This scheme can improve the performance and / or throughput of the communication system. The data and resources sent by the secondary communication device to the terminal device can be notified by the primary communication device, by other devices, or determined by the secondary communication device according to preset rules. The primary and secondary communication devices can also send data to the terminal device on different resources. The "different resources" mentioned in this application can be replaced with different time-domain resources, different frequency-domain resources, or different time-domain resources and / or different frequency-domain resources.

[0011] In this application, there are multiple data transmission methods between the first communication device, the second communication device, and the terminal device. Each data transmission method has its own characteristics.

[0012] For example, the first data transmission method can be a first method, a second method, or a third method. In the first and second methods, the first and second communication devices send data to the terminal device on the same resources. In the first method, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices. In the second method, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with either the first or second communication device. Alternatively, the terminal device can also establish timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices. That is, in the second method, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with at least one communication device, whereas in the first method, the terminal device needs to establish timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices separately. Because the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices separately in the first method, the first method also supports scenarios where the difference between the timings corresponding to the first and second communication devices is greater than a first threshold, and also supports scenarios where the difference is equal to or less than the first threshold. Because the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with either the first or second communication device in the second method, the second method does not support scenarios where the difference between the timings corresponding to the first and second communication devices is greater than the first threshold; however, the second method can support scenarios where the difference between the timings corresponding to the first and second communication devices is less than the first threshold. The second approach may or may not support scenarios where the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is equal to the first threshold.

[0013] In this application, the first threshold can be information that indicates a duration. For example, the first threshold is: the length of the cyclic prefix (CP), or the duration of the CP, or the duration determined based on the CP length (for example, the first threshold is a value calculated based on the CP length, such as the first threshold being the CP length plus or minus an adjustment value; or, for example, the first threshold is the product of the CP length and a preset value).

[0014] In another possible implementation, in the first approach, when the first communication device and the second communication device transmit data based on the first approach, the data sent by the first communication device and the second communication device to the terminal device on the same resources can be the same or different. If they are different, the data transmission efficiency can be improved, thereby increasing the throughput of the communication system; if they are the same, the data transmission reliability can be improved, thereby increasing the communication throughput. In the first approach, the first communication device and the second communication device can negotiate or be instructed by other communication devices on the data to be sent to the terminal device and the resources occupied by the data.

[0015] In another possible implementation, in the second method, when the first communication device and the second communication device transmit data based on the second method, the first communication device and the second communication device send the same data to the terminal device on the same resources, thereby improving data transmission reliability and thus increasing communication throughput. In the second method, the first communication device and the second communication device can negotiate, or be instructed by another communication device, on the data they send to the terminal device and the resources occupied by that data.

[0016] In another possible implementation, in the third approach, either the first or second communication device sends data to the terminal device. In this third approach, the first and second communication devices may not jointly send data to the terminal device; they may send data independently. For example, in the third approach, the first and second communication devices send data to the terminal device on different resources. This third approach can support scenarios where the timing difference between the corresponding timings of the first and second communication devices is greater than, equal to, or less than a first threshold.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, different data transmission methods have different characteristics. In this application, the data transmission method is related to the timing difference between the first and second communication devices. Consequently, the terminal device can improve communication performance based on a better data transmission method.

[0018] In one possible implementation, if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is greater than a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the first mode, thereby improving the throughput of the communication system. Alternatively, if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is greater than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode can also be the third mode.

[0019] In one possible implementation, if the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode, thereby improving the throughput of the communication system. Alternatively, if the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the third mode.

[0020] In one possible implementation, if the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is equal to a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode. This improves the flexibility of the solution.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the terminal device switches from a second data transmission mode to a first data transmission mode. The second data transmission mode differs from the first data transmission mode; it is one of the first, second, or third modes that differs from the first data transmission mode. Thus, the terminal device can switch data transmission modes based on the timing difference between the first and second communication devices. Compared to a solution where the terminal device always uses a single data transmission mode, the solution provided in this application allows the terminal device to adopt a more appropriate data transmission mode under different circumstances, thereby improving communication performance.

[0022] In this application embodiment, there are multiple schemes for the terminal device to determine the first data transmission mode. For example, in Scheme 1, the first communication device can determine the first data transmission mode and indicate it to the terminal device. In Scheme 2, the terminal device can determine the first data transmission mode. The two schemes are described below.

[0023] Option 1: The first communication device can determine the first data transmission method and instruct the terminal device.

[0024] For example, the terminal device receives information from another communication device (e.g., the first communication device) indicating a first data transmission mode. The terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the information indicating the first data transmission mode. Since the first communication device can indicate the first data transmission mode to the terminal device, this scheme can reduce the complexity of the scheme on the terminal device side and save power consumption on the terminal device side.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the terminal device acquires first information used to determine the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. The terminal device then sends the first information to the first communication device. In this way, the first communication device can determine a more accurate first data transmission method based on the first information.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the first information includes information indicating a first timing difference, where the first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. In another possible implementation, the first information includes information indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices. Thus, when the first communication device obtains the first timing difference based on the first information, it can do so more accurately and more conveniently.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices can be expressed as a first formula. Information indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices includes coefficient values ​​in the first formula. Thus, the amount of information sent by the terminal device to the first communication device is reduced, thereby saving signaling overhead.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends first information to the first communication device when the absolute value of the difference between the first timing difference and the second timing difference is greater than or equal to a second threshold. The first timing difference is the difference between the timings of the first and second communication devices at a first moment, and the second timing difference is the difference between the timings of the first and second communication devices at a second moment, where the first moment is later than the second moment. The second timing difference can be the timing difference between the first and second communication devices previously acquired by the terminal device (e.g., the second timing difference), or it can be the timing difference of the terminal device's last report (e.g., to the first communication device). In another possible implementation, the terminal device sends first information to the first communication device when the first timing difference is less than a third threshold. In yet another possible implementation, the terminal device sends first information to the first communication device when the first timing difference is greater than a fourth threshold. This reduces the number of timing differences between the first and second communication devices that the terminal device sends, thereby saving resource overhead.

[0029] Option 2: The terminal device can determine the first data transmission method.

[0030] For example, the terminal device acquires second information. The terminal device determines a first data transmission mode based on the second information. The second information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first and second communication devices; information indicating the correlation between the data transmission mode and a time period; and information indicating the correlation between the timing difference between the first and second communication devices and time. The correlation between the data transmission mode and the time period includes the time period associated with the first data transmission mode. Since the terminal device can determine the first data transmission mode based on the second information, this scheme can reduce the complexity of the scheme on the first communication device side and reduce the workload on the first communication device side.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the terminal device acquires a first timing difference and, based on the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device, determines the data transmission method associated with the first timing difference as the first data transmission method. The first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. In another possible implementation, the terminal device acquires time information and, based on the correlation between the data transmission method and the time period, determines the data transmission method associated with the time period indicated by the time information as the first data transmission method. In yet another possible implementation, the terminal device acquires time information and, based on the correlation between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time, determines the data transmission method corresponding to the timing difference associated with the time indicated by the time information as the first data transmission method. In the above methods, the terminal device can determine the first data transmission method based on the first timing difference or time information. These schemes have lower requirements for the capabilities of the terminal device, therefore, they can also be applied to terminal devices with weaker capabilities (e.g., terminal devices without positioning capabilities), thereby expanding the applicability of the scheme.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the terminal device sends information to the first communication device indicating a first data transmission mode. In this way, the terminal device can notify the first communication device of its determined first data transmission mode, so that the first communication device and the terminal device use the same data transmission mode.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the terminal device receives response information from the first communication device indicating a first data transmission method. This response information indicates permission for the terminal device to use the first data transmission method for data transmission. Thus, the first communication device can determine whether to allow the terminal device to use the first data transmission method. In this scheme, the first communication device can also evaluate the terminal device's decision, thereby improving the correctness and rationality of the decision.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the second information may be pre-configured on the terminal device side, defined by a protocol, or sent by other communication devices. For example, the terminal device receives the second information. This increases the flexibility of the solution.

[0035] In one possible implementation of Scheme 1 and / or Scheme 2, the terminal device determines the first timing difference based on signals received from the first communication device and signals received from the second communication device. In another possible implementation, the terminal device determines the first timing difference based on acquired location information of the terminal device, the first communication device, and the second communication device. This improves the flexibility of the scheme.

[0036] Secondly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device may include a network device or a chip system within a network device. For example, the first communication device may include a satellite device or a chip (or chip system) within a satellite device. As another example, the first communication device may include a ground station or a chip (or chip system) within a ground station. The ground station may, for example, include network equipment deployed on the ground (e.g., access network equipment).

[0037] A first communication device determines a first data transmission mode, which is associated with a timing difference between the first and second communication devices. The first communication device transmits data to the terminal device based on this first data transmission mode. Because the first data transmission mode can be associated with the timing difference between the first and second communication devices, the terminal device can use a more advantageous data transmission mode, thereby improving communication performance.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the first data transmission method is a first method, a second method, or a third method. For a description of the first method, the second method, and the third method, please refer to the relevant introduction and beneficial effects of the possible implementations of the first aspect above, and they will not be repeated here.

[0039] In one possible implementation, if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is greater than a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is either the first mode or the third mode. In another possible implementation, if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is less than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode. In yet another possible implementation, if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is equal to the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is either the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode. Related descriptions and beneficial effects are given in the descriptions of the possible implementations of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the first communication device switches from a second data transmission mode to a first data transmission mode. The second data transmission mode differs from the first data transmission mode; it is one of the first, second, and third modes that differs from the first data transmission mode. Related details and beneficial effects are described in the aforementioned description of the possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first communication device transmits information indicating a first data transmission mode. Related details and advantages are described in the preceding description of possible implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first communication device receives first information, which is used to determine a timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. The first communication device then determines a first data transmission mode based on the first information. Related details and beneficial effects are described in the possible implementations of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the first information includes: information indicating a first timing difference, where the first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. In another possible implementation, the first information includes: information indicating the correlation between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time. Related descriptions and beneficial effects are given in the descriptions of the possible implementations of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0044] In one possible implementation, the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device can be expressed as a first formula. Information indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device includes coefficient values ​​in the first formula.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the first communication device determines the data transmission mode associated with a first timing difference as the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first and second communication devices. The first timing difference is the timing difference between the first and second communication devices. In another possible implementation, the first communication device acquires time information and, based on the correlation between the timing difference between the first and second communication devices and time, determines the data transmission mode corresponding to the timing difference indicated by the time information as the first data transmission mode. Among the above methods, the first communication device can determine the first data transmission mode based on a first timing difference or time information, which can reduce the complexity of the solution on the first communication device side.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first communication device receives information indicating a first data transmission mode. The first communication device determines the first data transmission mode based on the information indicating the first data transmission mode. Related details and beneficial effects are described in the possible implementations of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the first communication device sends second information to determine a first data transmission mode. The second information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first and second communication devices; information indicating the correlation between the data transmission mode and a time period; and information indicating the correlation between the timing difference between the first and second communication devices and time. The correlation between the data transmission mode and the time period includes the time period associated with the first data transmission mode. Related descriptions and beneficial effects are given in the description of the possible implementations of the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first communication device sends response information indicating a first data transmission mode. This response information indicates that the terminal device is permitted to use the first data transmission mode for data transmission. Related details and beneficial effects are described in the possible implementations of the first aspect above and will not be repeated here.

[0049] Thirdly, this application provides a communication method that can be executed by a second communication device. The second communication device may include a network device or a chip system within a network device. For example, the second communication device may include a satellite device or a chip (or chip system) within a satellite device. As another example, the second communication device may include a ground station or a chip (or chip system) within a ground station. The ground station may, for example, include network equipment deployed on the ground (e.g., access network equipment).

[0050] The second communication device receives information indicating the first data transmission mode. Based on the first data transmission mode, the second communication device transmits data with the terminal device. Since the first data transmission mode can be correlated with the timing difference between the first and second communication devices, the terminal device can improve communication performance by using a more advantageous data transmission mode.

[0051] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, which can be the aforementioned terminal device, first communication device, or second communication device. The communication device may include a communication unit and a processing unit to perform any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation of the first to third aspects. The communication unit is used to perform functions related to sending and receiving. The communication unit may be referred to as a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication unit includes a receiving unit and a sending unit. In one design, the communication device is a communication chip, the processing unit may be one or more processors or processor cores, and the communication unit may be the input / output circuit, input / output interface, or antenna port of the communication chip.

[0052] In another design, the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or the communication unit can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0053] Optionally, the communication device may also include modules that can be used to perform any one of the first to third aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0054] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned terminal device, a first communication device, or a second communication device. The communication device may include a processor and a memory to execute any one of the first to third aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to third aspects. Optionally, it may also include a transceiver, the memory for storing computer programs or instructions, and the processor for retrieving and executing the computer program or instructions from the memory. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions in the memory, the communication device executes any one of the first to third aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0055] Optionally, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0056] Optionally, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0057] Optionally, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be the aforementioned terminal device, a first communication device, or a second communication device. The communication device may include a processor to execute any one of the first to third aspects, or to execute any possible implementation of the first to third aspects. The processor is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a memory. Optionally, the communication device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0059] In one implementation, when the communication device is a terminal device, a first communication device, or a second communication device, the communication interface can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. Optionally, the transceiver can be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface can be an input / output circuit.

[0060] In another implementation, when the communication device is a chip or chip system, the communication interface can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip or chip system. The processor can also be manifested as a processing circuit or logic circuit.

[0061] Seventhly, a system is provided, which includes the aforementioned terminal device.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the system may further include a first communication device and a second communication device.

[0063] Eighthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when executed, causes a computer to perform any one of the first to third aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0064] Ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any one of the first to third aspects described above, or to perform any possible implementation of the first to third aspects.

[0065] A tenth aspect provides a processing apparatus, comprising: an interface circuit and a processing circuit. The interface circuit may include an input circuit and an output circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, thereby enabling any one of the first to third aspects, or any possible implementation thereof, to be implemented.

[0066] In specific implementation, the aforementioned processing device can be a chip, the input circuit can be an input pin, the output circuit can be an output pin, and the processing circuit can be a transistor, gate circuit, flip-flop, and various logic circuits, etc. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to a transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as the input circuit and output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation method of the processor and various circuits.

[0067] In one implementation, the communication device is a terminal device, a first communication device, or a second communication device. The interface circuit can be an RF processing chip in the terminal device, the first communication device, or the second communication device, and the processing circuit can be a baseband processing chip in the terminal device, the first communication device, or the second communication device.

[0068] In another implementation, the communication device can be a component of a terminal device, a first communication device, or a second communication device, such as an integrated circuit product like a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or a communication chip. The interface circuit can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pins, or related circuits on the chip or chip system. The processing circuit can be the logic circuit on the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0069] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication system to which this application applies;

[0070] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 1F is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 1G is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 2 is a possible flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the arrival of information transmitted by multiple communication devices to a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a possible method for a terminal device to acquire data according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the arrival of information transmitted by multiple communication devices to a terminal device, according to another possible embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 7 is a possible schematic diagram of the correlation between timing difference and time provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 8 is a possible flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 9 is another possible schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between time and timing difference provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0084] Figure 10 is a possible flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0085] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0087] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another structure of the communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0088] The terms and nouns used in the embodiments of this application are described below.

[0089] (1) Resources.

[0090] The resources in the embodiments of this application may include, for example, time-domain resources and / or frequency-domain resources.

[0091] (1.1) Time domain resources.

[0092] Time-domain resources may include at least one of the following: radio frames, subframes, slots, mini slots, or symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), such as discrete fourier transform (DFT)-spread OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM), orthogonal time-frequency and space (OTFS)).

[0093] A time-domain element may include a radio frame, a subframe, a slot, a mini slot, or an OFDM symbol. A time-domain element may also include resources aggregated from multiple radio frames, subframes, slots, mini slots, or OFDM symbols. Specifically, a radio frame may include multiple subframes, a subframe may include one or more slots, and a slot may include at least one symbol. Alternatively, a radio frame may include multiple slots, and a slot may include at least one symbol. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, an OFDM symbol may also be simply referred to as a symbol.

[0094] Depending on the subcarrier spacing, the length of each symbol can vary, and therefore the time slot length can also vary. For example, a time slot with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz has a length of 0.5 ms, a time slot with a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz has a length of 0.125 ms, and so on.

[0095] In this embodiment of the application, the time domain unit can also be replaced by: time domain resource unit or time domain unit, etc.

[0096] (1.2) Frequency domain resources.

[0097] In the frequency domain, frequency domain resources can include one or more frequency domain units. A frequency domain unit can be a resource block (RB), a physical resource block (PRB), a subcarrier, a resource block group (RBG), a predefined subband, a precoding resource block group (PRG), a resource pool, a bandwidth part (BWP), a resource element (RE) (also called a resource unit or resource particle), a carrier, or a serving cell. PRBs and RBs can be interchanged. Optionally, a resource pool can include one or more resources, which can include at least one of time-domain resources, frequency-domain resources, code-domain resources, or spatial-domain resources. The number and size of resources included in the resource pool can be predetermined or configured by signaling.

[0098] Subcarrier or RE refers to the smallest frequency domain unit on a specific symbol in a multicarrier system. Subcarrier spacing (SCS) is the interval between the center or peak positions of two adjacent subcarriers in the frequency domain in an OFDM system. In 5G NR, various subcarrier spacings are introduced, and different carriers can have different subcarrier spacings. The baseline is 15kHz, which can be 15kHz × 2n, where n is an integer from 3.75, 7.5 up to 480kHz. In the embodiments of this application, RE can refer to a resource unit of time-frequency resources, such as the smallest time-frequency resource unit. In this application, subcarrier and RE are interchangeable and have the same content.

[0099] A subchannel is the smallest unit of frequency domain resources occupied by a physical cross-channel shared channel. A subchannel can include one or more resource blocks (RBs). The bandwidth of a wireless communication system in the frequency domain can include multiple RBs. For example, in the various possible bandwidths of an LTE system, the number of physical resource blocks (PRBs) included can be 6, 15, 25, 50, etc. In the frequency domain, an RB can include several subcarriers. For example, in an LTE system, an RB includes 12 subcarriers, where the spacing between each subcarrier can be 15kHz. Of course, other subcarrier spacings can also be used, such as 3.75kHz, 30kHz, 60kHz, or 120kHz subcarrier spacings, which are not limited here.

[0100] A frequency domain unit may include a RE, an RB, a channel, a subchannel, a carrier, or a bandwidth part (BWP). A frequency domain unit may also include resources aggregated from multiple REs, multiple RBs, multiple subchannels, multiple carriers, or multiple BWPs. In the embodiments of this application, a channel can be equivalently replaced by a resource block set (RB set), and the frequency domain bandwidth of an RB set can be 20 MHz.

[0101] In this embodiment, the frequency domain unit can also be replaced by: frequency domain resource unit or frequency unit, etc.

[0102] A frequency domain resource set may include one or more frequency domain elements. A frequency domain resource set may also be called a frequency domain resource collection, frequency domain resource group, etc. For example, a frequency domain resource set may include a resource block set (RBset), a resource block (RB), a subchannel, a resource pool, a carrier, and a resource pool (BWP).

[0103] (2) Reference signal.

[0104] The reference signal in the embodiments of this application may include at least one of the following: positioning reference signal (PRS), sounding reference signal (SRS), channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS), phase-tracking reference signal (PTRS), or synchronization signal and physical sidelink broadcast channel block (SSB).

[0105] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as terrestrial communication systems, NTN communication systems, and satellite communication systems. Satellite communication systems can be integrated with mobile communication systems. For example, mobile communication systems can be 4th Generation (4G) communication systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication systems, 5th Generation (5G) communication systems (e.g., New Radio (NR) systems), and future mobile communication systems. Mobile communication systems can also be vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

[0106] Figure 1A illustrates an exemplary architecture diagram of a communication system 1000 applicable to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1A, the communication system includes a wireless access network 100 and a core network 200. Optionally, the communication system 1000 may also include an Internet 300. The wireless access network 100 may include at least one wireless access network device (110a and 110b in Figure 1A) and at least one terminal device (120a-120j in Figure 1A). The terminal device is wirelessly connected to the wireless access network device, and the wireless access network device is wirelessly or wiredly connected to the core network. The core network device and the wireless access network device may be independent physical devices, or the functions of the core network device and the logical functions of the wireless access network device may be integrated on the same physical device, or a single physical device may integrate some of the functions of the core network device and some of the functions of the wireless access network device. Terminal devices and wireless access network devices may be interconnected via wired or wireless means. Figure 1A is just a schematic diagram. The communication system may also include other network devices, such as wireless relay devices and wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1A.

[0107] The network devices involved in the embodiments of this application include, for example, radio access network (RAN) devices. RAN devices can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmission reception points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs) in 5G mobile communication systems, base stations in future mobile communication systems, or access nodes in WiFi systems; they can also be modules or units that perform some of the functions of a base station, for example, they can be central units (CUs), distributed units (DUs), or radio units (RUs). The CU (Radio Control Unit) performs the functions of the radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also perform the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU (Radio Link Control Unit) performs the functions of the radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also perform some or all of the physical layer functions. For specific descriptions of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The CU and DU can be set up separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as in the baseband unit (BBU). The RU (Radio Receiver Unit) can be included in radio frequency equipment or radio frequency units, such as in the remote radio unit (RRU), active antenna unit (AAU), or remote radio head (RRH). In different systems, CU, DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art will understand their meaning. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, a CU can also be called an open CU (open-CU, O-CU), a DU can also be called an open DU (open-DU, O-DU), and a RU can also be called an open RU (open-RU, O-RU).In this application, any of the following units—CU (or CU control plane (CU-CP), CU user plane (CU-UP), DU, and RU)—can be implemented through software modules, hardware modules, or a combination of software and hardware modules. CU-CP can also be called open-CU-CP (O-CU-CP), and CU-UP can also be called open-CU-UP (O-CU-UP).

[0108] Figure 1B illustrates an exemplary O-RAN system architecture provided by an embodiment of this application. The O-RAN system in the embodiments provided by this application may include components other than those shown in Figure 1B. As shown in Figure 1B, the access network device (RAN, for example, an eNB, gNB, or next-generation access network device) communicates with the core network (CN) via a backhaul link and with user equipment (UE) via an air interface. For example, the baseband unit (BBU) in the access network device communicates with the core network via a backhaul link, and the radio unit (RU) in the access network device communicates with at least one UE via an air interface. The BBU communicates with at least one RU via a fronthaul link; the BBU and RU may or may not be co-located. The BBU includes at least one control unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU), which can communicate via at least one midhaul link. In the embodiments of this application, the first communication device can configure information of the auxiliary communication device to the terminal device (e.g., UE), and can also send signaling to the terminal device for activating or deactivating one or more communication devices. The sending of these signaling messages can be sent to the terminal device by the CU and / or DU in the first communication device.

[0109] Figure 1C exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of an O-RAN system architecture provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1C, O-RAN may include O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, O-DU, and O-RU. This system architecture may also include an open cloud (O-cloud), a service management and orchestration framework, an open eNB (O-eNB), a near-real-time (RT) RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), and a non-real-time RIC. The non-RT RIC can monitor, configure, manage, and control radio resources of at least one of multiple O-CU-CP, O-CU-UP, DU, or O-eNB. As shown in Figure 1C, the interfaces defined by 3GPP include, for example: E1, F1 (e.g., F1-c, F1-u), NG (e.g., NG-c, NG-u), Xn (e.g., Xn-c, Xn-u), and X2 (e.g., X2-c, X2-u). For example, O-RAN communication systems also include interfaces such as O1, O2, E2, A1, and Open Front Hull (FH) interfaces (e.g., Open-FH Control (M)-plane, and Open-FH Control, User and Synchronization (CUS)-plane). The names of the interfaces and the connection methods of the units shown in Figure 1C are an example; in practical applications, O-RAN systems may include more or fewer interfaces, or more or fewer units.

[0110] Wireless access network equipment can be a macro base station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110a), a micro base station or an indoor station (as shown in Figure 1A, 110b), or a relay node or donor node, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or equipment form used in the wireless access network equipment. For ease of description, a base station is used as an example of wireless access network equipment in the following description.

[0111] Terminal devices can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, sensors, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0112] The aforementioned terminal devices can establish connections with the operator's network through interfaces provided by the operator's network (such as N1), and use data and / or voice services provided by the operator's network. The terminal devices can also access the Domain Name System (DNS) through the operator's network, and use operator services deployed on the DNS, and / or services provided by third parties. These third parties can be service providers outside of the operator's network and the terminal devices, and can provide other data and / or voice services to the terminal devices. The specific form of these third parties can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0113] Terminal devices can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile stations, mobile terminal devices, etc. Terminal devices can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart cities, etc. Terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, smart home devices, roadside units (RSUs), etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies or device forms used in the terminal devices.

[0114] Base stations and terminal equipment can be fixed or mobile. They can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water; or in the air on aircraft, balloons, and satellites. The embodiments of this application do not limit the application scenarios of the base stations and terminal equipment.

[0115] The roles of base stations and terminal devices can be relative. For example, the helicopter or drone 120i in Figure 1A can be configured as a mobile base station. For terminal devices 120j that access the wireless access network 100 through 120i, terminal device 120i is a base station; however, for base station 110a, 120i is a terminal device, meaning that 110a and 120i communicate via a wireless air interface protocol. Of course, 110a and 120i can also communicate via a base station-to-base station interface protocol. In this case, relative to 110a, 120i is also a base station. Therefore, both base stations and terminal devices can be collectively referred to as communication devices. 110a and 110b in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with base station functions, and 120a-120j in Figure 1A can be called communication devices with terminal device functions.

[0116] Communication between base stations and terminal devices, between base stations, and between terminal devices can be conducted using licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or both simultaneously. Communication can be conducted using spectrum below 6 GHz, spectrum above 6 GHz, or both simultaneously. The embodiments of this application do not limit the spectrum resources used for wireless communication.

[0117] In the embodiments of this application, the functions of the base station can be executed by modules (such as chips) within the base station, or by a control subsystem that includes base station functions. This control subsystem, including base station functions, can be a control center in the aforementioned application scenarios such as smart grids, industrial control, intelligent transportation, and smart cities. Similarly, the functions of the terminal device can be executed by modules (such as chips or modems) within the terminal device, or by a device that includes terminal device functions.

[0118] In this application, the base station sends downlink signals or downlink information to the terminal device, with the downlink information carried on the downlink channel; the terminal device sends uplink signals or uplink information to the base station, with the uplink information carried on the uplink channel. In order to communicate with the base station, the terminal device needs to establish a radio connection with a cell controlled by the base station. The cell with which the terminal device has established a radio connection is called the serving cell of the terminal device. When the terminal device communicates with this serving cell, it is also subject to interference from signals from neighboring cells.

[0119] The core network involved in this application embodiment may include network devices that process and forward user signaling and data. For example, it includes core network devices such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), session management functions (SMF), user plane gateways, and location management devices. The user plane gateway can be a server with functions such as mobility management, routing, and forwarding of user plane data, generally located on the network side, such as a serving gateway (SGW), packet data network gateway (PGW), or user plane function (UPF). AMF and SMF are equivalent to the mobility management entity (MME) in a long-term evolution (LTE) system. AMF is mainly responsible for admission aspects, and SMF is mainly responsible for session management. Of course, the core network may also include other network elements, which are not listed here.

[0120] Figure 1A is only a schematic diagram. The wireless communication system may also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices and / or wireless backhaul devices, which are not shown in Figure 1A.

[0121] Figures 1D and 1E exemplarily illustrate network architecture diagrams of several communication systems applicable to embodiments of this application. The communication system may include satellites, network devices, and terminal devices, etc. The communication system may also include gateways and core network devices. Figures 1D and 1E exemplarily illustrate a converged network architecture of NTN and terrestrial networks. A description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] The satellite can be a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite, a GEO satellite, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, or a low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This application does not limit the satellite's operating mode; for example, the satellite can operate in transparent mode or regenerative mode. Figure 1D illustrates the satellite operating in transparent mode, and Figure 1E illustrates the satellite operating in regenerative mode.

[0123] When a satellite operates in transparent mode, it provides transparent relay forwarding functionality. A gateway possesses the functions of a network device (such as a base station) or some of the functions of a network device (such as a base station); in this case, the gateway can be considered a network device (such as a base station). Alternatively, the network device (such as a base station) can be deployed separately from the gateway. In this case, the feeder link latency includes both the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the gNB. The transparent mode discussed later assumes that the gateway and gNB are located together or close to each other. For cases where the gateway and gNB are far apart, the feeder link latency is simply the sum of the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the gNB.

[0124] When a satellite is operating in regenerative mode, it has data processing capabilities and functions as a network device (such as a base station) or partially functions as a network device (such as a base station). In this case, the satellite can be regarded as a network device (such as a base station).

[0125] Satellites can communicate wirelessly with terminals via broadcast communication signals and navigation signals. Optionally, each satellite can provide communication, navigation, and positioning services to terminal devices through multiple beams. For example, each satellite uses multiple beams to cover the service area, and the relationship between different beams can be one or more of time-division, frequency-division, and space-division.

[0126] A gateway (also known as a ground station, earth station, or gateway) is a network device used to connect satellites and ground-based networks (such as ground base stations). One or more satellites can connect to one or more ground-based network devices (such as ground base stations) through one or more gateways; this is not a limitation. The link between a satellite and a terminal is called a service link, and the link between a satellite and a gateway is called a feeder link. Network devices can be deployed separately from gateways; therefore, the latency of the feeder link can include both the latency from the satellite to the gateway and the latency from the gateway to the network device.

[0127] The network devices in this application embodiment may include network devices deployed on satellites (such as satellite base stations), network devices deployed on gateways, or network devices deployed on the ground (such as ground base stations). For example, the network devices may be radio access network (RAN) nodes, RAN nodes in O-RAN systems, etc., as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. Related details are as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0128] A core network (CN) is a device located on the ground that can communicate with NTN devices in the NTN system. For example, a CN can be the CN shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. See the foregoing description for related details, which will not be repeated here.

[0129] The terminal can be the terminal involved in Figures 1A, 1B and 1C. For relevant details, please refer to the above description and we will not repeat them here.

[0130] The embodiments of this application can also be applied to other communication system architectures, such as air-to-ground (ATG) communication systems, which include at least one network device and at least one high-altitude terminal. High-altitude terminals include, for example, high-altitude aircraft and onboard terminals. The satellites in Figures 1D and 1E can also be replaced with other relay devices, such as high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) or other NTN devices. The communication system shown in Figure 1D or 1E is merely an example and does not limit the communication systems to which the methods provided in the embodiments of this application are applicable.

[0131] It is understood that the embodiments of this application can also be applied to air-to-ground (ATG) communication systems. As an example, please refer to Figure 1F, which is a schematic diagram of the network architecture of another communication system to which the embodiments of this application are applicable. This communication system includes at least one network device and at least one high-altitude terminal device. High-altitude terminal devices include, for example, high-altitude aircraft and onboard terminal devices.

[0132] Figure 1G exemplarily illustrates another possible communication system architecture applicable to embodiments of this application. As shown in Figure 1G, the communication system includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a terminal device. This application embodiment uses the first communication device as the primary communication device and the second communication device as the secondary communication device as an example for description. In Figure 1G, the first communication device is described as the primary satellite device, and the second communication device as the secondary satellite device. The terminal device can establish an RRC connection with the primary satellite device but does not establish an RRC connection with the secondary satellite device.

[0133] In this embodiment of the application, the primary satellite device and the secondary satellite device have the ability to transmit data to the terminal device on the same resources (for understanding purposes, this ability can be referred to as the first capability).

[0134] In this application's embodiments, "the same resources" can be replaced with "the same time-domain resources and the same frequency-domain resources." For descriptions of "the same resources" in other locations, please refer to this document, and they will not be repeated here.

[0135] In practical applications, the primary satellite device and the secondary satellite device can use this first capability, that is, the terminal device can send data on the same resources, or the primary satellite device and the secondary satellite device can jointly transmit data to the terminal device. Alternatively, the primary satellite device and the secondary satellite device may not use this first capability, for example, the two data transmissions sent by the primary satellite device and the secondary satellite device to the terminal device may occupy different resources (e.g., the time domain resources and / or frequency domain resources occupied by the two data transmissions may be different); for another example, the primary satellite device and the secondary satellite device may not need to jointly transmit data to the terminal device; for yet another example, the terminal device may communicate with a single satellite device (the primary satellite device or the secondary satellite device).

[0136] As shown in Figure 1G, the terminal device can be the terminal or its internal chip system involved in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, or 1F. The first communication device in this embodiment can be a satellite or its internal chip system as shown in Figures 1D, 1E, or 1F, or it can be a network device (e.g., access network equipment, ground station, etc.) or its internal chip system as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, or 1F. The second communication device in this embodiment can be a satellite or its internal chip system as shown in Figures 1D, 1E, or 1F, or it can be a network device (e.g., access network equipment, ground station, etc.) or its internal chip system as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, or 1F.

[0137] The communication device in this application embodiment can also be replaced by a cell or a transmission reception point (TRP). For example, the first communication device can also be replaced by a cell, a first cell, or a primary cell. The second communication device can be replaced by a cell, a second cell, or a secondary cell. The secondary communication device involved in this application embodiment can also be replaced by a secondary cell. When the first communication device is a first cell and the second communication device is a second cell, the first cell and the second cell can belong to cells within the coverage area of ​​different network devices, or they can belong to cells within the coverage area of ​​the same network device. This application embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0138] In the embodiments of this application, any two of the first and second communication devices can be of the same type or different types. For example, the first communication device may be a network device (e.g., access network device, ground station, etc.), and the second communication device may be a satellite device. Another example is that the first communication device is a satellite device, and the second communication device is a network device (e.g., access network device, ground station, etc.). Yet another example is that the first and second communication devices are three network devices (e.g., access network device, ground station, etc.). Still another example is that the first communication device is a first satellite device, and the second communication device is a second satellite device.

[0139] The satellite device (e.g., the first satellite device and / or the second satellite device) in this application embodiment can be the satellite or the chip system inside the satellite shown in Figure 1D, Figure 1E, or Figure 1F. In this application embodiment, when either the first communication device or the second communication device is a satellite device, the operating mode of the satellite device can be a pass-through mode or a regeneration mode. The operating modes of the first communication device and the second communication device can be the same or different.

[0140] Based on the content shown in at least one of Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, as well as the other content mentioned above, Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a possible flowchart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application. For ease of understanding, Figure 2 uses the interaction between a terminal device, a first communication device, and a second communication device as an example. Examples of the terminal device, the first communication device, and the second communication device can be found in the description of Figure 1G above, and will not be repeated here.

[0141] For example, the first communication device is a first satellite device (or a primary satellite device, or a primary communication device), and the second communication device is a second satellite device (or a secondary communication device or a secondary satellite device). In the example provided in Figure 2, the terminal device can communicate with one or more secondary communication devices. This embodiment uses the communication between the terminal device and the second communication device as an example; the communication process between other secondary communication devices and the terminal device can also be found in the embodiment provided in Figure 2, and will not be repeated here. In this embodiment, the terminal device can establish an RRC connection with the primary communication device, but does not need to establish an RRC connection with the secondary communication devices. The terminal device can communicate with the primary communication device (e.g., sending uplink or downlink data), and the terminal device can also communicate with the secondary communication devices (e.g., sending uplink or downlink data).

[0142] The following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying diagram.

[0143] Step 201: The terminal device determines the first data transmission method.

[0144] The first data transmission method is related to the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0145] Step 202: The first communication device determines the first data transmission mode.

[0146] Step 203: Based on the first data transmission method, the terminal device transmits data with the first communication device and / or the second communication device.

[0147] Since the data transmission method of the terminal device can be associated with the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device, the terminal device can improve communication performance based on the more advantageous data transmission method.

[0148] This application defines three data transmission methods in its embodiments: a first method, a second method, and a third method. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first data transmission method is either the first method, the second method, or the third method.

[0149] In both the first and second methods, the first communication device and the second communication device transmit data to the terminal device on the same resources. For example, in both methods, the first and second communication devices can transmit data to the terminal device on the same time-domain resources (frequency-domain resources may be the same or different). Alternatively, the first and second communication devices can transmit data to the terminal device on the same frequency-domain resources (time-domain resources may be the same or different). Or, the first and second communication devices can transmit data to the terminal device on both the same time-domain resources and the same frequency-domain resources. In the first method, the terminal device also needs to establish timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices. In the second method, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with at least one communication device. In the third method, the first and second communication devices can transmit data to the terminal device using different resources.

[0150] The following section introduces these three data transmission methods.

[0151] (1) First method.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the first method includes: a first communication device and a second communication device sending data to a terminal device on the same resources, and the terminal device establishing a timed synchronization with the first communication device and the second communication device respectively.

[0153] In one possible implementation, the "same resource" mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be replaced with the same time-domain resource, the same frequency-domain resource, or both the same time-domain resource and the same frequency-domain resource. Other locations will not be described again.

[0154] In this application embodiment, the timing can be replaced by downlink timing, downlink synchronization timing, time synchronization, or downlink time synchronization. Downlink timing is used to enable the terminal device to determine the frame boundaries, subframe boundaries, time slot boundaries, symbol boundaries, or receive window positions of frames transmitted by the communication device. For example, the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first communication device and the downlink timing corresponding to the second communication device can also be replaced by / include: the downlink timing difference between the first and second communication devices, the difference in frame boundaries of downlink frames from the first and second communication devices, downlink timing difference, synchronization position difference, time difference, downlink time difference, and the time difference of the received signal, etc. Another example is the downlink timing difference received by the terminal from data from the first and second communication devices, the difference in frame boundaries of downlink frames received by the terminal from data from the first and second communication devices, the downlink timing difference, synchronization position difference, time difference, downlink time difference, and the time difference of the received signal, etc. For example, the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first communication device and the downlink timing corresponding to the second communication device can also be replaced by / included as: the time difference of the frame boundary of the same frame number of the two downlink signals received by the terminal device from the first communication device and the second communication device respectively, the time difference of the time slot boundary of the same time slot number, or the time difference of the symbol boundary of the same symbol index number.

[0155] The difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first communication device and the downlink timing corresponding to the second communication device may be a variable, which may be related to the difference in data transmission delay between the first and second communication devices. For example, the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first and second communication devices may be equal to the difference in data transmission delay between the first and second communication devices. Alternatively, the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first and second communication devices may not be equal to the difference in data transmission delay between the first and second communication devices; for example, it may be determined based on the difference in data transmission delay between the first and second communication devices.

[0156] In some scenarios, a terminal device may need to transmit data with more communication devices. For example, a terminal device may transmit data with N communication devices, where N is a positive integer greater than 1 (e.g., N is 2, 3, or other integers). The N communication devices send data to the terminal device on the same resources (the data sent by any two of the N communication devices occupies the same time-domain and / or frequency-domain resources). The N communication devices include one main communication device and (N-1) auxiliary communication devices. The terminal device can establish timing synchronization (e.g., downlink synchronization) with the main communication device and each of the N communication devices.

[0157] In the first approach, the data transmitted by the first and second communication devices through the same resource can be the same or different. Since multiple communication devices transmit different data on the same resource, the throughput of the communication system can be increased. Furthermore, since multiple communication devices transmit the same data on the same resource, data transmission reliability can be improved, thereby increasing communication throughput.

[0158] When the first communication device and the second communication device transmit data using the first method, the terminal device also needs to process the received signals using the data processing method corresponding to the first method in order to recover the signals from each communication device. For distinction, the data processing method that the terminal device needs to use when the first communication device and the second communication device transmit data using the first method is referred to as the first data processing method.

[0159] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of the arrival of information transmitted by multiple communication devices to a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 3, the data sent by the first communication device to the terminal device includes S1 and S2. The data sent by the second communication device to the terminal device includes S3. The time when the data sent by the first communication device arrives at the terminal device is t0, and the time when the data sent by the second communication device arrives at the terminal device is (t0+t1). t1 is the time difference between the arrival of the data sent by the first and second communication devices at the terminal device. t1 can also be understood as the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first communication device and the downlink timing corresponding to the second communication device. Figure 3 illustrates an example where t1 is greater than or equal to a first threshold.

[0160] In this application, the first threshold can be information that indicates a duration. For example, the first threshold is: the CP length, or the CP duration, or the duration determined based on the CP length (for example, the first threshold is a value calculated based on the CP length, such as the first threshold being the CP length plus or minus an adjustment value; or, for example, the first threshold is the product of the CP length and a preset value).

[0161] When the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first communication device and the downlink timing corresponding to the second communication device is greater than (or equal to) a first threshold, the terminal device may need a relatively complex solution to eliminate interference between signals. To reduce the complexity of data acquisition on the terminal device side, embodiments of this application provide a processing flow for a first data processing method. Referring to Figure 3 as an example, Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a possible method flow diagram for a terminal device to acquire data provided by an embodiment of this application. The data processing flow provided in Figure 4 can be considered an example of a first data processing method. Referring to Figure 4, the process may include the following steps.

[0162] (1) The first data sent by the first communication device arrives at the terminal device through the channel corresponding to the first communication device, and the second data sent by the second communication device arrives at the terminal device through the channel corresponding to the second communication device. The first data and the second data occupy the same resources. The terminal device receives the superimposed signal corresponding to the first data and the second data. The terminal device decodes the first data (e.g., S1 and S2) from the received signal.

[0163] (2) The terminal device obtains the first data affected by the channel based on the first data and the influence of the channel on the signal. For example, the terminal device reconstructs the signal according to the decoding results of signals S1 and S2 to obtain S1 and S2 affected by the channel. S1 and S2 affected by the channel are, for example, (S1*h1+S2*h2). Where h1 and h2 represent the influence of the channel on the signal.

[0164] (3) The terminal device removes the first data affected by the channel from the superimposed signal corresponding to the first data and the second data received, and then obtains the second data (e.g., S3) from the obtained data. For example, the terminal device uses the superimposed signal of the two communication devices received to subtract the recovered signal third data (S1*h1+S2*h2) to obtain the second data. This process can be understood as a successive interference cancellation (SIC) signal processing method.

[0165] The above method can eliminate interference between signals transmitted from multiple communication devices to the terminal device. Furthermore, this interference cancellation method can better extract the data transmitted by each communication device from the received superimposed signals.

[0166] (2) Second method.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the second method includes: the first communication device and the second communication device sending data to the terminal device on the same resources; and the terminal device establishing timing synchronization with at least one of the first and second communication devices. That is, in the second method, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with one communication device (either the first or the second communication device), without needing to establish timing synchronization with each communication device; or, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with multiple (or each) communication devices (e.g., the first and the second communication devices). The description of "same resources" is as described above and will not be repeated here.

[0168] In some scenarios, a terminal device may need to transmit data with more communication devices. For example, a terminal device may transmit data with N communication devices, where N is a positive integer greater than 1 (e.g., N is 2, 3, or other integers). These N communication devices transmit data to the terminal device using the same resources (any two of the N communication devices use the same time and frequency domain resources). The N communication devices include one primary communication device and (N-1) secondary communication devices. The terminal device can establish timing synchronization with the primary communication device and at least one of the N communication devices. In other words, in the second approach, the terminal device can establish timing synchronization with one communication device or with multiple (or each) communication devices.

[0169] In another possible implementation, in the second approach, the first and second communication devices can transmit the same data using the same resources. Since multiple communication devices transmit the same data on the same resources, data transmission reliability can be improved, thereby increasing communication throughput.

[0170] When the first and second communication devices transmit data using the second method, the terminal device also needs to process the received signals using the corresponding data processing method of the second method in order to recover the signals from each communication device. For distinction, the data processing method required by the terminal device when the first and second communication devices transmit data using the second method is called the second data processing method. The second data processing method differs from the first data processing method. For the terminal device, the second data processing method eliminates the need for interference cancellation (e.g., SiC), thus reducing the complexity of the solution.

[0171] Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of the arrival of information transmitted by multiple communication devices to a terminal device according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5, the data sent by the first communication device to the terminal device includes S1 and S2. The data sent by the second communication device to the terminal device includes S3. The arrival time of the data sent by the first communication device to the terminal device is t0, and the arrival time of the data sent by the second communication device to the terminal device is (t0+t2). t2 is the time difference between the arrival time of the data sent by the first and second communication devices to the terminal device. t2 can also be understood as the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first communication device and the downlink timing corresponding to the second communication device. Figure 5 illustrates an example where t2 is less than or equal to a first threshold. When the difference between the downlink timing corresponding to the first and second communication devices is less than or equal to the first threshold, the terminal device can establish a downlink timing with one communication device. When multiple communication devices send signals to the terminal device on the same resources (time domain and / or frequency domain resources), the terminal device can obtain the data sent by each communication device.

[0172] (3) The third method.

[0173] In the third approach, the terminal device transmits data with a single communication device on a dedicated resource. For example, the third approach includes either a first or second communication device sending data to the terminal device. As another example, in the third approach, the first and second communication devices send data to the terminal device using different resources. The data sent to the terminal device by the first and second communication devices occupy different time-domain resources and / or different frequency-domain resources.

[0174] The term "different resources" in this application can be replaced with different time-domain resources, different frequency-domain resources, or different time-domain resources and / or different frequency-domain resources. This will not be repeated elsewhere. When different resources include different time-domain resources, the frequency-domain resources may be the same or different. In one possible implementation, "the same resources" refers to the same time-domain resources and the same frequency-domain resources, and "different resources" refers to different time-domain resources and / or different frequency-domain resources.

[0175] When the first and second communication devices transmit data using a third method, the terminal device also needs to process the received signals using the corresponding data processing method of the third method to recover the signals from each communication device. To distinguish this, the data processing method required by the terminal device when the first and second communication devices transmit data using the third method is called the third data processing method. The third data processing method differs from the first data processing method and also from the second data processing method. For the terminal device, the third data processing method has lower complexity because it eliminates the need for interference cancellation (e.g., SiC). Furthermore, since it does not require receiving superimposed data from multiple communication devices, the third data processing method is simpler.

[0176] In this embodiment, the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device may be greater than, equal to, or less than the first threshold. The relationship between the timing difference between the first and second communication devices and the first threshold can affect the data transmission method. The following embodiments A1 (when the timing difference of the communication devices is greater than the first threshold), A2 (when the timing difference of the communication devices is less than the first threshold), and A3 (when the timing difference of the communication devices is equal to the first threshold) illustrate the relationship between the timing difference between the first and second communication devices and the first threshold, and the correlation between this relationship and the data transmission method.

[0177] In implementation method A1, if the difference between the timings of the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is either the first mode or the third mode.

[0178] In implementation method A1.1, when the difference between the timings of the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the first mode.

[0179] In the first approach, since the terminal device has established timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices, even if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is large (e.g., greater than a first threshold), the terminal device can still obtain the data sent by each communication device from the received superimposed data when both devices are transmitting data on the same resources. Therefore, when the timing difference between the corresponding devices is greater than the first threshold, the communication devices (e.g., the first and second communication devices) and the terminal device can transmit data based on the first approach.

[0180] When multiple communication devices transmit data to a terminal device on the same resources, and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is large (e.g., greater than a first threshold), the first method can also be called multi-communication device joint asynchronous transmission, multi-cell joint asynchronous transmission, or multi-satellite joint asynchronous transmission.

[0181] When a communication device (e.g., a first communication device and a second communication device) transmits data with a terminal device based on a first method, the terminal device also needs to process the received data based on a first data processing method (e.g., the data processing method provided in Figure 4 above) in order to recover the data from each communication device.

[0182] In implementation method A1.2, if the difference between the timings of the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the third mode.

[0183] In the third approach, the terminal device can communicate with a single communication device on a single resource. For example, the first and second communication devices can send data to the terminal device through different resources. Therefore, even if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is large (e.g., greater than a first threshold), the terminal device can still obtain data sent by each communication device separately in the third approach. Thus, even if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is greater than the first threshold, the terminal device can still perform data transmission based on the third approach.

[0184] When a terminal device transmits data to a communication device using a third method, the terminal device also needs to process the received data using a third data processing method to recover the data from each communication device.

[0185] In implementation method A2, when the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode, the third mode, or the first mode.

[0186] In implementation method A2.1, when the difference between the timings of the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode.

[0187] In the second approach, the terminal device establishes timing synchronization with at least one communication device. Therefore, when the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is small (e.g., less than a first threshold), and both devices transmit data on the same resources, the terminal device can also obtain the data transmitted by each communication device from the received superimposed data using the second approach. Therefore, when the timing difference between the corresponding devices is less than the first threshold, the communication devices (e.g., the first and second communication devices) and the terminal device can perform data transmission based on the second approach.

[0188] When communication devices (e.g., the first communication device and the second communication device) and terminal devices can transmit data based on the second method, the terminal device also needs to process the received data based on the second data processing method in order to recover the data from each communication device.

[0189] In implementation method A2.2, when the difference between the timings of the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the third mode.

[0190] In the third approach, the terminal device can communicate with a single communication device on a single resource. For example, the first and second communication devices can send data to the terminal device through different resources. Therefore, if the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is small (e.g., less than a first threshold), the terminal device can also obtain data sent by each communication device separately in the third approach. Thus, if the timing difference between the corresponding first and second communication devices is less than the first threshold, the communication devices (e.g., the first and second communication devices) and the terminal device can perform data transmission based on the third approach.

[0191] When communication devices (e.g., the first communication device and the second communication device) transmit data with the terminal device based on the third method, the terminal device also needs to process the received data based on the third data processing method in order to recover the data from each communication device.

[0192] In implementation method A2.3, when the difference between the timings of the first communication device and the second communication device is less than a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the first mode.

[0193] In the first approach, since the terminal device establishes timing synchronization with both the first and second communication devices, the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is small (e.g., less than a first threshold). When the first and second communication devices transmit data on the same resources, the terminal device can also obtain the data transmitted by each communication device from the received superimposed data. Therefore, when the timing difference between the corresponding first and second communication devices is less than the first threshold, the communication devices (e.g., the first and second communication devices) and the terminal device perform data transmission based on the first approach.

[0194] When a communication device (e.g., a first communication device and a second communication device) transmits data with a terminal device based on a first method, the terminal device also needs to process the received data based on a first data processing method (e.g., the data processing method provided in Figure 4 above) in order to recover the data from each communication device.

[0195] In implementation method A3, when the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is equal to the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode.

[0196] In this embodiment, the case where the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is equal to the first threshold can be categorized into two types: one where the timing difference is greater than the first threshold, and the other where the timing difference is less than the first threshold. In embodiment A3, the first data transmission method is either the first method or the third method; please refer to the description of the case where the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than the first threshold. In embodiment A3, the first data transmission method is either the second method or the third method; please refer to the description of the case where the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, in one possible implementation, before step 202, the terminal device can switch from the second data transmission mode to the first data transmission mode. The second data transmission mode is different from the first data transmission mode; it is one of the first, second, and third modes that differs from the first data transmission mode.

[0198] The following section introduces a data transmission method switching scheme based on a possible scenario.

[0199] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture applicable to an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 6, a first communication device and a second communication device provide services to the area where the terminal device is located (e.g., a first area, which is, for example, a beam coverage area). A time-frequency compensation reference point is provided in the first area. The first and second communication devices perform time-frequency pre-compensation based on the time-frequency compensation reference point. When a terminal device is located at the time-frequency compensation reference point, the terminal device can simultaneously receive downlink signals from both the first and second communication devices (i.e., the timing difference between the first and second communication devices is 0), and the frequency deviation of the downlink signals received by the terminal device from both devices is 0. When the terminal device is some distance from the time-frequency compensation reference point, there will be a timing difference and frequency deviation between the downlink signals received by the terminal device from both devices. Figure 6 provides one possible implementation. In practical applications, in scenarios where the first and second communication devices communicate with the terminal device, a time-frequency compensation reference point may not be provided.

[0200] Figure 7 exemplarily illustrates a schematic diagram of the correlation between timing difference and time applicable to an embodiment of this application. The schematic diagram provided in Figure 7 may be obtained in the scenario of Figure 6, or it may be obtained in other scenarios. As shown in Figure 7, lines #1 and #2 are possible schematic diagrams of the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device changing over time. Line #1 represents a beam diameter of 20 kilometers, and line #2 represents a beam diameter of 10 kilometers. The vertical axis in the figure represents the timing difference, and the horizontal axis represents time (or the time of satellite overpass). The dashed line in the figure represents the length of the first threshold (in the figure, the first threshold is represented as CP). As can be seen from Figure 7, as the first communication device and the second communication device move (e.g., the satellite moves), the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device received by the terminal device changes over time. For example, in Figure 7, when the beam diameter is 20 km, the terminal device can use the second mode (or the first mode, or the third mode) for data transmission during the time periods [t10, t11) and (t12, t14). During the time period [t11, t12], the first mode (or the third mode) is used for data transmission. As another example, in Figure 7, when the beam diameter is 10 km, the terminal device can use the second mode (or the first mode, or the third mode) for data transmission during the time periods [t10, t21) and (t22, t14). During the time period [t21, t22], the first mode (or the third mode) is used for data transmission. It can be seen that during satellite overhead, the terminal device can switch transmission modes based on the timing difference between the first and second communication devices, thereby improving communication performance.

[0201] As can be seen, in this embodiment, the terminal device can switch data transmission modes based on the timing difference between the communication devices. If the terminal device always uses one data transmission mode, it will result in low communication performance. For example, if the terminal device always uses the second mode for data transmission, when the timing difference between the corresponding communication devices is large (e.g., greater than the first threshold), the terminal device cannot successfully acquire data sent by multiple communication devices through the same resources (the same time domain and / or frequency domain resources) because it is not using the corresponding receiving mode (e.g., the first data processing mode). Alternatively, if the terminal device always uses the first mode for data transmission, since the terminal device needs to establish downlink timing synchronization with each communication device in the first mode, this scheme will increase the complexity of the terminal device and result in greater resource overhead.

[0202] In the embodiments provided in this application, the terminal device can adopt a more reasonable data transmission method under different circumstances. For example, when the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is large (e.g., greater than or equal to the first threshold), the first method or the third method is used for data transmission. This allows the terminal device to successfully acquire data transmitted by each communication device on the same resources, thereby improving system throughput (and / or providing transmission spectral efficiency) or providing data transmission reliability. As another example, when the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is small (e.g., less than or equal to the first threshold), the second method or the third method is used for data transmission. In this case, the terminal device does not need to maintain downlink timing with all communication devices, thereby reducing the complexity of the scheme on the terminal device side, while simultaneously improving transmission performance using the second method.

[0203] In the embodiment provided in Figure 2, there are multiple ways for the terminal device and the first communication device to determine the first data transmission mode in steps 201 and 202. The following exemplifies one such method using Figures 8 and 10. In the embodiment provided in Figure 8, the first communication device can determine the data transmission mode of the terminal device and indicate this mode to the terminal device. In the embodiment provided in Figure 10, the terminal device can determine the data transmission mode. In the embodiment provided in Figure 10, after determining the data transmission mode, the terminal device can indicate it to the first communication device. The embodiments provided in Figures 8 and 10 can also be combined. For example, the terminal device can determine the data transmission mode (e.g., using the embodiment provided in Figure 10), and the first communication device can also determine the data transmission mode (e.g., using the embodiment provided in Figure 8). Both devices use the same rules to determine the same data transmission mode.

[0204] In this embodiment, the second communication device can also determine the first data transmission mode. For example, the first communication device can indicate the first data transmission mode to the second communication device; or other communication devices can send information indicating the first data transmission mode to the second communication device; or the second communication device can determine the first data transmission mode through a similar scheme to that used by the first communication device. Based on the schemes of FIG8 and / or FIG10, after the terminal device and the first communication device determine the first data transmission mode, they can perform data transmission based on the first data transmission mode (for example, by executing step 203 of FIG2 above). The data and resource information sent by the first communication device and the second communication device under different transmission modes can be resolved through negotiation, or indicated by other communication devices to the first and second communication devices.

[0205] The two implementation methods will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 10. For ease of understanding, Figures 8 and 10 will be described using the interaction between the terminal device, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the first communication device as examples. For a description of the terminal device, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the first communication device, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 2 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] The following explanation is based on Figure 8.

[0207] Step 801: The terminal device acquires the first information.

[0208] Step 802: The terminal device sends the first information.

[0209] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0210] Step 803: The first communication device determines the first data transmission mode.

[0211] Steps 801 and 802 may or may not be executed. In step 803, the first communication device may be a first data transmission method determined based on the first information (Implementation Method B), or it may not be necessary to determine the first data transmission method based on the first information (Implementation Method C). Implementation Method B and Implementation Method C will be described below respectively.

[0212] In implementation method B, the first communication device determines a first data transmission method based on first information.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the first information can be used to determine the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0214] For example, the first information includes information for indicating a first timing difference, and / or information for indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device. The first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. The content of the first information will be described below through examples of Embodiment B1 (the first information includes information for indicating a first timing difference) and Embodiment B2 (the first information includes information for indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device).

[0215] In implementation B1, the first information includes information for indicating a first timing difference.

[0216] In implementation method B1, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine a first timing difference based on the first information, and then determine a first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the first timing difference and the data transmission mode. For example, when the first timing difference is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is a second mode; when the first timing difference is greater than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is a first mode or a third mode. The implementation method of the first communication device determining the data transmission mode based on the first timing difference can be found in the descriptions of the aforementioned implementation methods A1, A2, and A3, and will not be repeated here.

[0217] In this embodiment, the terminal device can obtain the first timing difference in various ways. For example, the terminal device receives signals (e.g., downlink synchronization signals, downlink reference signals) from a first communication device and signals (e.g., downlink synchronization signals, downlink reference signals) from a second communication device. For example, the terminal device determines the first timing difference based on the received signals from the first and second communication devices. Another example is that the terminal device determines the first timing difference based on the acquired location information of the terminal device, the first communication device, and the second communication device. The terminal device can determine its location information in various ways, such as based on information sent by the first or other devices; based on signals sent by the terminal device and / or the first communication device; pre-configured on the terminal device side; or based on location information determined by a positioning system. The terminal device can determine the location information of the first and second communication devices based on the ephemeris information of the first and second communication devices. The ephemeris information of the communication device (first communication device or second communication device) may include, for example, the velocity information of the satellite device, the trajectory information of the satellite device, the position information of the satellite device, and the time information corresponding to the position information of the satellite device.

[0218] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can acquire multiple timing differences periodically or non-periodically. To reduce signaling overhead, the terminal device does not need to report each acquired timing difference. Several possible implementations are described below. In implementation B1.1, the terminal device can compare the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device with previously reported timing differences. If the difference is large, it can be reported; otherwise, it can not be reported. In implementation B1.2, the terminal device can report the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device when it is less than (or not greater than) a third threshold; otherwise, it can not be reported. In implementation B1.3, the terminal device can report the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device when it is greater than (or not less than) a fourth threshold; otherwise, it can not be reported.

[0219] In implementation method B1.1, the terminal device can acquire a second threshold. If the terminal device determines that the absolute value of the difference between the first timing difference and the second timing difference is greater than (or not less than) the second threshold, it sends first information to the first communication device.

[0220] The first timing difference is the difference between the timing of the first communication device and the second communication device at a first moment, and the second timing difference is the difference between the timing of the first communication device and the second communication device at a second moment, where the first moment is later than the second moment. For example, the second timing difference can be the difference between the timing of the first communication device and the second communication device previously acquired by the terminal device (e.g., the second timing difference), or the second timing difference can be the timing difference of the terminal device's last report (e.g., a report to the first communication device). As another example, the terminal device can acquire the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device periodically or non-periodically. The duration between the first moment and the second moment can be an integer multiple of the period duration, or it can be a non-integer multiple of the period duration.

[0221] For example, the terminal device periodically acquires the timing difference between the first and second communication devices, with a first duration as the period. The difference between the second and first moments is the first duration. If the terminal device determines that the absolute value of the difference between the currently acquired timing difference (first timing difference) and the previous timing difference (second timing difference) is greater than a second threshold, it sends information (i.e., first information) to the first communication device to indicate the currently acquired timing difference (first timing difference). If the absolute value of the difference between the currently acquired timing difference and the previous timing difference is less than the second threshold, it does not send information indicating the currently acquired timing difference to the first communication device. If the absolute value of the difference between the currently acquired timing difference and the previous timing difference is equal to the second threshold, the terminal device may or may not send information indicating the currently acquired timing difference. The second threshold may be pre-configured in the terminal device, predefined by the protocol, or indicated by other communication devices (e.g., the first communication device).

[0222] For example, when the terminal device determines that |△T_new - △T_old| ≥ Tresh (or, |△T_new - △T_old| > Tresh), it sends information indicating △T_new (the first timing difference). Here, △T_new is the timing difference between the currently acquired (or most recently acquired) first communication device and the second communication device (e.g., the first timing difference). △T_old is the timing difference between the previously acquired first communication device and the second communication device (e.g., the second timing difference), or △T_old is the timing difference previously reported by the terminal device. Tresh is the second threshold. When the terminal device determines that |△T_new - △T_old| < Tresh (or, |△T_new - △T_old| ≤ Tresh), it does not send information indicating △T_new (the first timing difference).

[0223] In implementation method B1.2, the terminal device may send first information to the first communication device when the first timing difference is less than (or not greater than) the third threshold.

[0224] For example, a terminal device acquires timing differences between multiple first and second communication devices. When it determines that the timing differences follow a decreasing pattern, the terminal device, upon determining that the currently acquired first timing difference between the first and second communication devices is less than (or not greater than) a third threshold, sends information indicating the first timing difference. In another possible implementation, the terminal device, upon determining that the currently acquired first timing difference between the first and second communication devices is greater than (or not less than) a third threshold, does not send information indicating the first timing difference. The third threshold may be pre-configured in the terminal device, predefined by the protocol, or indicated by other communication devices (e.g., the first communication device).

[0225] Since a data transmission mode switch may be triggered if the first timing difference is less than (or not greater than) the third threshold, the terminal device reporting the timing difference at this time allows the first communication device to promptly determine whether a data transmission mode switch is necessary. Furthermore, this method avoids sending excessive timing differences, thus saving resource overhead.

[0226] In the embodiments of this application, "not greater than" includes both "less than" and "equal to", and "not less than" includes both "greater than" and "equal to". The description will not be repeated elsewhere.

[0227] In implementation method B1.3, the terminal device may send first information to the first communication device when the first timing difference is greater than (or not less than) the fourth threshold.

[0228] For example, a terminal device acquires timing differences between multiple first and second communication devices. When it determines that the timing differences follow a pattern of increasing from small to large, the terminal device, upon determining that the currently acquired first timing difference between the first and second communication devices is greater than (or not less than) a fourth threshold, sends information indicating the first timing difference. In another possible implementation, the terminal device, upon determining that the currently acquired first timing difference between the first and second communication devices is less than (or not greater than) the fourth threshold, does not send information indicating the first timing difference. The fourth threshold may be pre-configured in the terminal device, predefined by the protocol, or indicated by other communication devices (e.g., the first communication device).

[0229] Since a data transmission mode switch may be triggered if the first timing difference is greater than (or not less than) the fourth threshold, the terminal device reporting the timing difference at this time allows the first communication device to promptly determine whether a data transmission mode switch is necessary. Furthermore, this method avoids sending excessive timing differences, thus saving resource overhead.

[0230] In this application embodiment, the first information specifically includes information in various forms for indicating the first timing difference.

[0231] For example, the information used to indicate the first timing difference may include / become: the first timing difference (e.g., the value of △T_new). As another example, the information used to indicate the first timing difference may include / become: the difference between the first timing difference and the second timing difference (e.g., the value of (△T_new - △T_old), or the value of (△T_old - △T_new)). The meaning of each parameter can be found in the foregoing description and will not be repeated here. The second timing difference is a timing difference that has already been reported by the terminal device (e.g., the previous one). The first communication device can determine the second timing difference through the instruction of the terminal device or according to a preset rule, and then determine the second timing difference based on the difference between the received first timing difference and the second timing difference.

[0232] In this embodiment, the first information reported by the terminal device may also include other information, such as time information. This time information may be expressed using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), or it may be expressed as a frame number, subframe number, time slot, etc. The time indicated by this time information may be the time point at which the terminal device measures the first timing difference (or time difference), or the time information corresponding to the first information reported by the terminal.

[0233] In implementation B2, the first information includes information indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0234] In implementation B2, after receiving the first information, the first communication device can determine the timing difference between the first and second communication devices corresponding to the current time based on the correlation between the timing difference and time. Further, based on the correlation between the timing difference and the data transmission mode, a first data transmission mode is determined. For example, when the timing difference is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode; when the timing difference is greater than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is either the first mode or the third mode. The implementation method for the first communication device to determine the data transmission mode based on the timing difference can be found in the descriptions of the aforementioned implementations A1, A2, and A3, and will not be repeated here.

[0235] The terminal device can determine the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices based on its own location and the locations of the first and second communication devices.

[0236] The correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device can be expressed by a first formula. Information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device includes / is: the coefficient values ​​in the first formula.

[0237] Figure 9 exemplifies a possible schematic diagram of the correlation between the timing difference and time between a first communication device and a second communication device. Figure 9 shows a possible schematic diagram of how the timing difference between the first and second communication devices changes over time. The dashed line in the figure represents the length of a first threshold (illustrated in the figure as the CP time length). As shown in Figure 9, the timing difference between the first and second communication devices may be small in one time period, for example, less than the first threshold; larger in the next time period, for example, greater than the first threshold; and smaller in the following period, for example, less than the first threshold, as detailed in Figure 9.

[0238] The terminal device can predict the timing difference between the first and second communication devices based on its own location and the locations of the first and second communication devices, and obtain a first formula through curve fitting. Then, it sends the coefficient values ​​of the first formula to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can obtain the first formula based on the acquired information, determine the timing difference corresponding to each time based on the first formula, and then determine the data transmission method corresponding to the terminal device based on the timing difference (for example, refer to the methods provided in the aforementioned embodiments A1, A2, or A3).

[0239] For example, the first formula includes: △T=a*t 3 +b*t 2 +c*t+d; where △T is the timing difference between the first and second communication devices, t is time (a variable), and a, b, c, and d are coefficients in the first formula (e.g., constants). The terminal device can send the values ​​of a, b, c, and d to the first communication device. The first communication device can determine the timing difference based on time and the formula. For example, the first communication device determines the timing difference corresponding to time t1 as (a*t1) based on the formula. 3 +b*t1 2 The value of (+c*t1+d).

[0240] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can also send specific time information from the curve (e.g., included in the first information) to the first communication device. This time information can be represented using UTC, or it can be represented by a frame number, subframe number, time slot, etc. The time indicated by this time information can be the time point at which the terminal device measures the first timing difference or the start time of the timing difference calculated using the formula. For example, this time is t0. The first formula can also be expressed as: ΔT value = a*(t-t0) 3 +b*(t-t0) 2 +c*(t-t0)+d. The meaning of each parameter can be found in the previous descriptions, and will not be repeated here.

[0241] In implementation method C, the first communication device determines the first data transmission mode.

[0242] In implementation C, the first communication device does not need to determine the first data transmission method based on the first information. In this implementation, steps 801 and 802 may also be omitted.

[0243] For example, the first communication device can determine the first timing difference in other ways. For instance, the first communication device can determine the first timing difference based on the location information of the terminal device (or the location area information of the terminal device), the location information of the first communication device, and the location information of the second communication device. Then, the first communication device determines the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the first timing difference and the data transmission mode. For example, when the timing difference is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode; when the timing difference is greater than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the first mode or the third mode. The implementation method for the first communication device to determine the data transmission mode based on the timing difference can be found in the descriptions of the aforementioned implementation methods A1, A2, and A3, and will not be repeated here. The first communication device can determine the location information of the terminal device in various ways, such as based on information sent by the terminal device or other devices; or based on signals sent by the terminal device and / or signals sent by the first communication device; or the terminal reporting its own location information to the first communication device; or the location information of the terminal device being pre-configured on the first communication device side, etc. The first communication device can determine the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device based on the ephemeris information of the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0244] Step 804: The first communication device sends information indicating the first data transmission method.

[0245] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives information indicating the first data transmission method.

[0246] Step 805: The terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the information used to indicate the first data transmission mode.

[0247] As shown in Figure 8, the first communication device can determine the data transmission method for the terminal device. This can be done based on the first information reported by the terminal device, or on other information (such as the terminal device's location information). The solution is quite flexible. Furthermore, the data transmission method determined using these methods closely matches the actual scenario, thereby improving the communication performance of the communication system.

[0248] The following explanation is based on Figure 10.

[0249] Step 1001: The terminal device obtains the second information.

[0250] The second information may be information that assists the terminal device in determining the first data transmission method. The second information may be indicated by other communication devices (such as the first communication device), or pre-configured on the terminal device side, or predefined by the protocol.

[0251] For example, the second information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; information indicating the correlation between the data transmission method and the time period; and information indicating the correlation between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device can be expressed as a first formula. Information indicating the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices includes / is: coefficient values ​​in the first formula. Related details can be found in the aforementioned description of the first formula, and will not be repeated here.

[0253] Step 1002: The terminal device determines the first data transmission method based on the second information.

[0254] The following describes several implementation methods for determining a first data transmission mode using embodiments D1, D2, and D3. In embodiment D1, the terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the data transmission mode and time period. In embodiment D2, the terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. In embodiment D3, the terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time.

[0255] In implementation method D1, the terminal device determines the first data transmission method based on the correlation between data transmission method and time period.

[0256] There are several ways for a terminal device to obtain the correlation between data transmission method and time period. For example, it could be sent by another communication device (e.g., the first communication device); pre-configured on the terminal device side; pre-defined by the protocol; or determined by itself. Similarly, there are several ways for the first communication device to obtain the correlation between data transmission method and time period. For example, it could be pre-configured on the first communication device side, sent by another communication device to the first communication device, pre-defined by the protocol, or determined by itself.

[0257] For example, the first communication device can determine the correlation between the timing difference and time period between the first and second communication devices based on the location information of the terminal device, as well as the location information (or ephemeris information) of the first communication device and the location information (or ephemeris information) of the second communication device (see the relevant examples in Figures 7 and 9 above). Then, based on the correlation between the timing difference and data transmission method between the first and second communication devices, the correlation between the data transmission method and time period can be determined. The first communication device can determine the location information of the terminal device in various ways, such as based on information sent by the terminal device or other devices; or based on signals sent by the terminal device and / or signals sent by the first communication device; or the location information of the terminal device may be pre-configured on the first communication device side, etc.

[0258] The terminal device acquires time information (e.g., current time information). Based on the association between data transmission method and time period, the terminal device determines the data transmission method associated with the time period to which the time indicated by the time information belongs as the first data transmission method.

[0259] The following tables 1 and 2 exemplify an example of the relationship between data transmission method and time period. The relationship in Table 1 can be combined with Figure 7. As shown in Table 1, when the index number of the relationship is 0, the relationship indicates that the first communication device and the second communication device are in the time period [t]. 10 ,t 11 Within the time period [t], data transmission is performed jointly using the second method. As shown in Table 2, when the index number of the association is 1, the association indicates that the first communication device and the second communication device are in contact during the time period [t]. 11 ,t 12 During this period, a third method is used for data transmission, meaning that joint transmission is no longer performed, and the first and second communication devices can send data to the terminal device on different resources. The other rows in Tables 1 and 2 are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0260] Table 1. Examples of the relationship between data transmission methods and time periods.

[0261] Table 2. Examples of the Relationship between Data Transmission Methods and Time Periods

[0262] As can be seen from the above method, the terminal device can determine which data transmission method to use based on time. This method can reduce the complexity of the solution on the terminal device side and save signaling overhead. Furthermore, since the terminal device only needs time information to determine the data transmission method, this solution can reduce the capability requirements of the terminal device and can also be applied to terminal devices with weaker capabilities (such as some terminal devices without positioning capabilities).

[0263] In this embodiment of the application, when the data transmission method between the terminal device and the communication device changes (for example, switching from the first method to the second method, or from the second method to the third method), the data processing method adopted by the terminal device will also change. The terminal device may also re-estimate the channel and re-report the channel status information.

[0264] In implementation method D2, the terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0265] There are several ways for the terminal device to obtain the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first and second communication devices. For example, it could be sent by another communication device (such as the first communication device); pre-configured on the terminal device side; pre-defined by the protocol; or determined by the device itself. Similarly, there are several ways for the first communication device to obtain the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first and second communication devices. For example, it could be pre-configured on the first communication device side, sent to the first communication device by another communication device, pre-defined by the protocol, or determined by the device itself.

[0266] The terminal device acquires a first timing difference. Based on the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device, the terminal device determines the data transmission method associated with the first timing difference as the first data transmission method. There are multiple ways for the terminal device to acquire the first timing difference; please refer to the relevant descriptions in the embodiment provided in Figure 8 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0267] In implementation method D3, the terminal device determines the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0268] There are several ways for a terminal device to obtain the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices. For example, it could be sent by another communication device (such as the first communication device); pre-configured on the terminal device side; pre-defined by the protocol; or determined by the device itself. Similarly, the first communication device can determine the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices based on the location of the terminal device and the locations of both the first and second communication devices.

[0269] The relationship between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices can be expressed by a first formula. Information indicating the relationship between the timing difference and time between the first and second communication devices includes the coefficient values ​​in the first formula. The relevant content of the first formula is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0270] The terminal device acquires time information. Based on the correlation between the timing difference between the first and second communication devices and time, the terminal device determines the data transmission mode corresponding to the timing difference indicated by the time information as the first data transmission mode. For example, when the timing difference is less than or equal to a first threshold, the first data transmission mode is the second mode; when the timing difference is greater than the first threshold, the first data transmission mode is either the first mode or the third mode. The implementation method for the first communication device to determine the data transmission mode based on the timing difference can be found in the descriptions of the aforementioned implementations A1, A2, and A3, and will not be repeated here. In one possible implementation, the terminal device may also acquire the first threshold. The first threshold may be pre-configured on the terminal device side, defined by a protocol, or sent to the terminal device by other communication devices (such as the first communication device).

[0271] Step 1003: The terminal device sends information to the first communication device to indicate the first data transmission method.

[0272] Correspondingly, the first communication device receives information indicating the first data transmission method.

[0273] In another possible implementation, the terminal device may also send information to the first communication device indicating a first moment, whereby the first moment is the time when the terminal device switches its data transmission mode to the first data transmission mode. In this way, the first communication device can determine the moment when the terminal device switches to the first data transmission mode, and then, based on that moment, determine whether the terminal device's operation of switching the data transmission mode is reasonable.

[0274] In another possible implementation, the terminal device can determine multiple times for switching data transmission modes (e.g., time t in Figure 7). 11 and time t 12 For example, the moment when the terminal device switches the data transmission mode to the second data transmission mode, or the moment when the terminal device switches the data transmission mode to another data transmission mode. The terminal device can send information indicating these moments to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can then determine whether the terminal device's operation of switching the data transmission mode is reasonable based on the information at these moments. Step 1004: The first communication device sends response information indicating the first data transmission mode.

[0275] Correspondingly, the terminal device receives response information from the first communication device for indicating the first data transmission method.

[0276] The response information used to indicate the first data transmission method can indicate whether the terminal device is allowed or not allowed to use the first data transmission method corresponding to the information indicating the first data transmission method reported by the terminal device in step 1003 for data transmission. When the response information indicates that the first data transmission method is allowed, the terminal device determines to use the first data transmission method for data transmission. When the response information indicates that the first data transmission method is not allowed, the terminal device does not use the first data transmission method corresponding to the information indicating the first data transmission method reported by the terminal device in step 1003 for data transmission. In addition, the terminal device can also redetermine the data transmission method (for example, redetermine a new data transmission method based on the embodiment provided in FIG9). Alternatively, the first communication device redetermines the data transmission method (for example, by means of the embodiment provided in FIG8 above) and instructs it to the terminal device.

[0277] The response information used to indicate the first data transmission method can be an acknowledgment (ACK). Alternatively, the response information used to indicate the first data transmission method can include information indicating the first data transmission method. In these embodiments, the response information used to indicate the first data transmission method can be considered as indicating that the first data transmission method is permitted.

[0278] In another possible implementation, the response information used to indicate the first data transmission mode can be NACK, which indicates that the first communication device does not accept the terminal device's suggestion. For example, negative acknowledgment (NACK) may indicate that the first communication device does not accept the terminal device's suggested first data transmission mode (in which case, the terminal device cannot use the first data transmission mode for communication), and / or that the first communication device does not accept the terminal device's suggested time for switching the data transmission mode (e.g., the first communication device does not accept the first moment, in which case, the terminal device cannot switch the data transmission mode at the first moment).

[0279] In another possible implementation, after receiving information from the terminal device indicating a first data transmission mode, the first communication device does not accept the terminal device's suggestion. The first communication device may also send a new instruction to the terminal device. For example, if the first communication device does not accept the terminal device's suggested first data transmission mode, it may send information to the terminal device indicating another data transmission mode (e.g., a third data transmission mode). The third data transmission mode is one of the first, second, and third modes that differs from the first data transmission mode. As another example, if the first communication device does not accept one or more suggested times for switching data transmission modes (e.g., a first time), it may send information to the terminal device indicating a new time for switching data transmission modes (e.g., a second time, different from the first time). The information sent by the first communication device indicating other data transmission modes and / or indicating a new time for switching data transmission modes can be carried in one signaling message or multiple signaling messages. The information sent by the first communication device indicating other data transmission modes and / or indicating a new time for switching data transmission modes can be carried in the response information involved in step 1004, or it may not be carried in the response information.

[0280] In one possible implementation, both steps 1003 and 1004 are performed. In this implementation, step 1003 can be understood as the terminal device sending a data transmission method suggested by the terminal device to the first communication device, and the first communication device needs to determine whether to accept the suggestion.

[0281] In another possible implementation, step 1003 is executed, while step 1004 is not executed. In this implementation, step 1003 can be understood as the information sent by the terminal device to the first communication device to indicate the first data transmission method being a notification message. The first communication device uses the first data transmission method notified by the terminal device to transmit data.

[0282] In another possible implementation, step 1003 is not executed, nor is step 1004. In this method, the terminal device no longer needs to report the data transmission method determined by the terminal device to the first communication device.

[0283] In another possible implementation, the first communication device may determine the first data transmission mode based on information reported by the terminal device, or based on other methods, such as determining the first data transmission mode based on the embodiment provided in FIG8. Alternatively, the first communication device may determine the first data transmission mode based on second information, such as information indicated by the first communication device to the terminal device.

[0284] As can be seen from the above method, the terminal device can determine the data transmission method on its own. This scheme can reduce the workload of the first communication device and also save signaling overhead.

[0285] In this embodiment, the information that the first communication device needs to send (such as information indicating the first data transmission method, second information, response information indicating the first data transmission method, a first threshold, a second threshold, a third threshold, and a fourth threshold, etc.) can be carried in at least one of the broadcast information of system information block (SIB) 1, other system information (OSI), and main system information block (MIB), and is broadcast or multicast by the first communication device to the terminal device. This avoids scheduling different resources for different terminal devices to send the above signaling, thereby saving the signaling overhead of resource scheduling and reducing the complexity of system scheduling.

[0286] In another possible implementation, if the first communication device sends information (such as information indicating a first data transmission mode, second information, response information indicating the first data transmission mode, a first threshold, a second threshold, a third threshold, and a fourth threshold, etc.) during the radio resource control (RRC) connection establishment phase and subsequent communication, this information can be carried in at least one of RRC signaling (e.g., RRC setup message, RRC reconfiguration message, RRC resume message, etc.), downlink control information (DCI), group DCI, and media access control (MAC) control element (CE). This information can be indicated by signaling or by a table. Alternatively, the information that the first communication device needs to send (such as information indicating a first data transmission mode, second information, response information indicating the first data transmission mode, a first threshold, a second threshold, a third threshold, and a fourth threshold, etc.) can be transmitted with the data or carried in a separately allocated physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The information that the first communication device needs to indicate (such as information indicating the first data transmission method, second information, response information indicating the first data transmission method, first threshold, second threshold, third threshold, and fourth threshold, etc.) can be sent via unicast or multicast. This allows for flexible control of this information corresponding to each / group of terminal devices.

[0287] It is understood that, in order to achieve the functions in the above embodiments, the first communication device, the second communication device, and the terminal device may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and method steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this application, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0288] Based on the same concept, Figures 11, 12, and 13 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of this application. These communication devices shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13 can be used to implement the functions of the terminal device, the first communication device, or the second communication device in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments. In the embodiments of this application, the communication device can be a terminal device as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, or 1G; it can also be a network device (such as a satellite device or a network device deployed on the ground) as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, or 1G; or it can be a chip (or chip system) applied to the terminal device or network device shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, or 1G.

[0289] As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1300 includes a processing unit 1310 and a transceiver unit 1320. The communication device 1300 is used to implement the functions of the terminal device, the first communication device, or the second communication device in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2, 8, or 10. The transceiver unit 1320 can also be referred to as a communication unit. The transceiver unit 1320 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit.

[0290] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to determine a first data transmission mode, and based on the first data transmission mode, to transmit data with the first communication device and / or the second communication device through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0291] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to switch from the second data transmission mode to the first data transmission mode.

[0292] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to receive information indicating a first data transmission mode through the transceiver unit 1320, and determine the first data transmission mode based on the information indicating the first data transmission mode.

[0293] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain first information and send the first information to the first communication device through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0294] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to: send first information to the first communication device when it is determined that the absolute value of the difference between the first timing difference and the second timing difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0295] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to: send first information to the first communication device when the first timing difference is less than the third threshold.

[0296] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to: send first information to the first communication device when the first timing difference is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0297] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to acquire second information and determine the first data transmission mode based on the second information.

[0298] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to obtain a first timing difference and determine the data transmission mode associated with the first timing difference as the first data transmission mode according to the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device.

[0299] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to acquire time information and determine the data transmission mode associated with the time period to which the time indicated by the time information belongs as the first data transmission mode according to the correlation between the data transmission mode and the time period.

[0300] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to acquire time information and determine the data transmission mode corresponding to the time correlation of the time information indicated by the time information as the first data transmission mode according to the correlation relationship between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time.

[0301] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to determine a first timing difference based on the received signal from the first communication device and the signal from the second communication device.

[0302] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to determine the first timing difference based on the obtained location information of the terminal device, the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device.

[0303] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send information indicating the first data transmission mode to the first communication device.

[0304] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive response information from the first communication device for indicating the first data transmission mode.

[0305] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the terminal device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive second information.

[0306] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to determine the first data transmission mode, and transmit data with the terminal device through the transceiver unit 1320 based on the first data transmission mode.

[0307] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to switch from the second data transmission mode to the first data transmission mode.

[0308] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send information for indicating the first data transmission mode.

[0309] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to receive first information through the transceiver unit 1320 and determine the first data transmission mode based on the first information.

[0310] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the processing unit 1310 is used to receive information indicating the first data transmission mode through the transceiver unit 1320.

[0311] The first data transmission mode is determined based on the information used to indicate the first data transmission mode.

[0312] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send second information.

[0313] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send response information for indicating the first data transmission mode, and the response information for indicating the first data transmission mode indicates that the terminal device is allowed to use the first data transmission mode to transmit data.

[0314] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the first communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to send information indicating the first data transmission mode to the second communication device.

[0315] When the communication device 1300 is used to implement the function of the second communication device in the method embodiment shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 1320 is used to receive information indicating a first data transmission mode, and to transmit data with the terminal device based on the first data transmission mode.

[0316] For a more detailed description of the processing unit 1310 and the transceiver unit 1320, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2, 8 or 10.

[0317] As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410 and an interface circuit 1420. The processor 1410 and the interface circuit 1420 are coupled to each other. It can be understood that the interface circuit 1420 can be a transceiver or an input / output interface. The input / output interface is used for inputting and / or outputting information; output can be understood as sending, and input can be understood as receiving. Optionally, the communication device 1400 may also include a memory 1430 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1410, or storing input data required by the processor 1410 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1410 executes instructions.

[0318] When the communication device 1400 is used to implement the method shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, the processor 1410 is used to implement the function of the processing unit 1310, and the interface circuit 1420 is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0319] Please refer to Figure 13. The communication device shown in Figure 13 can also be a schematic diagram of a possible baseband architecture. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device may include a processing system, which may include one or more processors. The processors can be used to execute processes, such as process #1...process #N shown in Figure 13.

[0320] A processing system can be implemented using a bus architecture, typically represented by a bus. A bus can include any number of interconnect buses and bridges, depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system. The bus communicatively couples various circuits together, including one or more processors (typically represented by a processor), memory, and computer-readable media (typically represented by computer-readable media, such as computer-readable media #1…computer-readable media #N shown in Figure 13). The bus can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further. The bus interface provides the interface between the bus and transceivers, and between the bus and the interface.

[0321] The communication device may also include a transceiver (not shown in Figure 13), which may be replaced by interface circuitry or a communication interface, etc. The transceiver provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a wireless transmission medium. The transceiver may be coupled to an antenna array, and the transceiver and antenna array may be used together for communication with a corresponding network type. At least one interface (e.g., a network interface and / or a user interface) provides a communication interface or means for communication via an internal bus or via an external transmission medium.

[0322] The processor is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, including executing software stored on a computer-readable medium. When executed by the processor, the software causes the processing system to perform the various functions described below for any particular device. Functions achievable by the processor, memory, and computer-readable medium may include one or more of the following: encoding, decoding, rate matching, rate dematching, scrambling, descrambling, modulation, demodulation, layer mapping, fast fourier transform (FFT), inverse fast fourier transform (IFFT), inverse discrete fourier transform (IDFT), precoding, resource element (RE) mapping, channel equalization, RE demapping, digital beamforming (BF), adding CP, removing CP, etc.

[0323] The signaling involved in the embodiments of this application (such as first configuration information, second configuration information, first data, and second data) can be implemented by a processor, a memory, and a computer-readable medium. For example, the aforementioned signaling sent by the first communication device (e.g., a satellite device) to the terminal device is processed by the processor, memory, and computer-readable medium shown in FIG13 after the aforementioned parameters are processed, and then sent to the terminal device.

[0324] When the communication device shown in FIG13 is used to implement the method shown in FIG2, FIG8 or FIG10, the processing system is used to implement the function of the processing unit 1310, and the transceiver is used to implement the function of the transceiver unit 1320.

[0325] When the aforementioned communication device (e.g., the communication device shown in Figures 11, 12, or 13) is a chip applied to a terminal, the terminal chip implements the functions of the terminal device in the above method embodiments. The terminal chip receives information from a base station, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the terminal chip by these modules. The terminal chip sends information to the base station, which can be understood as the information being first sent to other modules in the terminal (such as an RF module or antenna), and then sent to the base station by these modules.

[0326] When the aforementioned communication device (e.g., the communication device shown in Figures 11, 12, or 13) is a chip applied to a base station (e.g., a satellite base station), the base station chip implements the functions of the network device in the above method embodiments. The base station chip receives information from the terminal, which can be understood as the information being first received by other modules in the base station (such as radio frequency modules or antennas), and then sent to the base station chip by these modules. The base station chip sends information to the terminal, which can be understood as the information being sent down to other modules in the base station (such as radio frequency modules or antennas), and then sent to the terminal by these modules.

[0327] In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be RAN nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information transmission and reception can be between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or between different modules within a single device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station.

[0328] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of this application (e.g., processor 1410 in FIG. 12 and / or the processor in the processing system in FIG. 13) may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0329] The method steps in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or in software instructions executable by a processor. The software instructions can consist of corresponding software modules, which can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, portable hard disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. The storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. Alternatively, the ASIC can reside in a base station or terminal. The processor and storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station or terminal.

[0330] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When a computer program or instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions of the embodiments of this application are performed. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user equipment, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, a computer program or instructions can 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 can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video optical disc; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or non-volatile storage medium, or may include both types of storage media.

[0331] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0332] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following related objects; in the formulas of this application, the character " / " indicates a "division" relationship between the preceding and following related objects. "Including at least one of A, B, and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B, and C.

[0333] It is understood that the various numbers involved in the embodiments of this application (such as the numerical numbers "first" and "second", and the letter numbers "implementation A1", "implementation A1.1", "implementation C1", etc.) are only for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the above-mentioned process numbers does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: A first data transmission mode is determined, and the first data transmission mode is associated with the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; Data is transmitted with the first communication device and / or the second communication device based on the first data transmission method.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first data transmission method is the first method, the second method, or the third method; The first method includes: the first communication device and the second communication device sending data to the terminal device on the same resources, and the terminal device establishing a timed synchronization with the first communication device and the second communication device respectively; The second method includes: the first communication device and the second communication device sending data to the terminal device on the same resources, and the terminal device establishing a timed synchronization with the first communication device or the second communication device; The third method includes: the first communication device or the second communication device sending data to the terminal device.

3. The method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be satisfied: When the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than the first threshold: the first data transmission method is the first method or the third method; When the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold: the first data transmission method is the second method; When the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is equal to the first threshold: the first data transmission mode is the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first threshold includes: the length of the cyclic prefix (CP), or the time length of the CP, or the time length determined based on the CP length.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, Before transmitting data with the first communication device and / or the second communication device based on the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Switch from the second data transmission mode to the first data transmission mode; The second data transmission method is different from the first data transmission method. The second data transmission method is one of the first, second and third methods that is different from the first data transmission method.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Determining the first data transmission method includes: Receive information indicating the first data transmission method; The first data transmission method is determined based on the information used to indicate the first data transmission method.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the information indicating the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Obtain first information, which is used to determine the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; Send the first information to the first communication device.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The first information includes: Information used to indicate a first timing difference, wherein the first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; and / or, Information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The relationship between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time is expressed by the first formula; The information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device includes: the coefficient values ​​in the first formula.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, When the first information includes a first timing difference, sending the first information to the first communication device includes one of the following: If the absolute value of the difference between the first timing difference and the second timing difference is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the first information is sent to the first communication device; wherein, the first timing difference is the difference between the timing of the first communication device and the second communication device at a first moment, the second timing difference is the difference between the timing of the first communication device and the second communication device at a second moment, and the first moment is later than the second moment. If the first timing difference is less than the third threshold, send the first information to the first communication device; If the first timing difference is greater than the fourth threshold, the first information is sent to the first communication device.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Determining the first data transmission method includes: Obtain the second information; The first data transmission method is determined based on the second information; The second information includes at least one of the following: Information used to indicate the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; Information used to indicate the association between data transmission method and time period, wherein the association between data transmission method and time period includes the time period associated with the first data transmission method; Information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device.

12. The method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Determining the first data transmission method based on the second information includes one of the following: Obtain a first timing difference, and determine the data transmission mode associated with the first timing difference as the first data transmission mode based on the correlation between the data transmission mode and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. The first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device. Obtain time information, and determine the data transmission method associated with the time period to which the time indicated by the time information belongs as the first data transmission method based on the association between the data transmission method and the time period. Obtain time information, and based on the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device, determine the data transmission mode corresponding to the timing difference indicated by the time information as the first data transmission mode.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11-12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send information to the first communication device to indicate the first data transmission method.

14. The method as described in claim 13, characterized in that, After sending information indicating the first data transmission method to the first communication device, the method further includes: The terminal device receives a response message from the first communication device indicating the first data transmission method, wherein the response message indicating the first data transmission method indicates that the terminal device is permitted to use the first data transmission method for data transmission.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applicable to a first communication device, and the method includes: A first data transmission mode is determined, and the first data transmission mode is associated with the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; Data is transmitted to the terminal device based on the first data transmission method.

16. The method as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first data transmission method is the first method, the second method, or the third method; The first method includes: the first communication device and the second communication device sending data to the terminal device on the same resources, and the terminal device establishing a timed synchronization with the first communication device and the second communication device respectively; The second method includes: the first communication device and the second communication device sending data to the terminal device on the same resources, and the terminal device establishing a timed synchronization with the first communication device or the second communication device; The third method includes: the first communication device or the second communication device sending data to the terminal device.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, At least one of the following must be satisfied: When the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is greater than the first threshold: the first data transmission method is the first method or the third method; When the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is less than the first threshold: the first data transmission method is the second method; When the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device is equal to the first threshold: the first data transmission mode is the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The first threshold includes: the length of the cyclic prefix (CP), or the time length of the CP, or the time length determined based on the CP length.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16-18, characterized in that, Before transmitting data with the first communication device and / or the second communication device based on the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Switch from the second data transmission mode to the first data transmission mode; The second data transmission method is different from the first data transmission method. The second data transmission method is one of the first, second and third methods that is different from the first data transmission method.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, characterized in that, After determining the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Send information indicating the first data transmission method.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, Before sending the information indicating the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Receive first information, the first information being used to determine the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; The first data transmission method is determined based on the first information.

22. The method as described in claim 21, characterized in that, The first information includes: Information used to indicate a first timing difference, wherein the first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; and / or, Information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device.

23. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The relationship between the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device and time is expressed by the first formula; The information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device includes: the coefficient values ​​in the first formula.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, characterized in that, Determining the first data transmission method based on the first information includes one of the following: Based on the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device, the data transmission method associated with the first timing difference is determined as the first data transmission method, and the first timing difference is the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; Obtain time information, and based on the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device, determine the data transmission mode corresponding to the timing difference indicated by the time information as the first data transmission mode.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15-24, characterized in that, Determining the first data transmission method includes: Receive information indicating the first data transmission method; The first data transmission method is determined based on the information used to indicate the first data transmission method.

26. The method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, Before determining the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Send a second message, which is used to determine the first data transmission method; The second information includes at least one of the following: Information used to indicate the correlation between the data transmission method and the timing difference between the first communication device and the second communication device; Information used to indicate the association between data transmission method and time period, wherein the association between data transmission method and time period includes the time period associated with the first data transmission method; Information used to indicate the correlation between the timing difference and time between the first communication device and the second communication device.

27. The method as described in claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, After receiving the information indicating the first data transmission method, the method further includes: Sending response information indicating the first data transmission method, wherein the response information indicating the first data transmission method indicates that the terminal device is allowed to use the first data transmission method for data transmission.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or modules for performing the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 27.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and an interface circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices and transmit them to the processor or to send signals from the processor to other communication devices, and the processor is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 27, through logic circuits or execution code instructions.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 27.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product stores a computer program, the computer program including program instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or the method as described in any one of claims 15 to 27, to be implemented.

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