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

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, device and system, and a storage medium and a program product. The communication method comprises: sending a first signal, which is used by a non-terrestrial network device to sense information of a target object. The present disclosure expands the coverage of sensing, and realizes the detection of more types of objects.

Description

Communication methods, devices, systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to communication methods, devices, systems, storage media, and program products. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is a new type of communication technology that aims to integrate sensing capabilities into the design of communication systems, enabling these systems to provide sensing as a service along with communication to users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides communication methods, devices, systems, storage media, and program products.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: transmitting a first signal, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first signal, the first signal being used by a non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is proposed, the method comprising: a non-terrestrial network device sending a first signal to a target object, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about the target object.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-terrestrial network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for transmitting a first signal, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a target object is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first signal, the first signal being used by a non-terrestrial network device to perceive information about the target object.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is proposed, including a non-terrestrial network device and a target object, wherein the non-terrestrial network device is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect, and the target object is configured to implement the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects or the second aspect and any one of the second aspects.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, comprising: a computer program, which, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one of the first aspects or the second aspect and the second aspect.

[0014] This disclosure transmits a first signal via a non-terrestrial network device. The first signal is used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about the target object, thereby improving the coverage of the sensing and enabling the detection of more types and numbers of objects. It can achieve sensing even without a terrestrial network, and can also achieve sensing in mountainous or uninhabited areas. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of a perception mode.

[0017] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2b is a schematic diagram illustrating a first signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2c is a schematic diagram illustrating a first signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2d is a schematic diagram illustrating a first signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2e is a schematic diagram illustrating a first signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2f is a schematic diagram illustrating a first signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2g is a schematic diagram illustrating a first signal transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2h is a schematic diagram of a first mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2i is a schematic diagram of a second mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2j is a schematic diagram of a second mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-terrestrial network device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the target object proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This disclosure provides communication methods, devices, systems, storage media, and program products.

[0036] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising: sending a first signal, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: during the transmission of the first signal, switching the resources used for transmitting the first signal, the resources including at least one of the following: frequency domain resources; spatial domain resources.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the resources include frequency domain resources, which are frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the resources include frequency domain resources, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch is greater than or equal to zero.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, sending the first signal includes: sending the first signal using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device, the mode including any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; or, sending the first signal by default using the first mode, and sending the first signal using the second mode or the third mode when certain conditions are met, wherein the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are different.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the condition includes: the non-terrestrial network device does not receive a second signal within a time range, the second signal being a reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb frequency domain resources, and the second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb frequency domain resources.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, in the first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency domain unit position and the same number of frequency domain units in each time domain unit, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is the same.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, in the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain unit positions in each time domain unit, occupies the same number of frequency domain units, and the frequency intervals between the frequency domain units are different.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, in the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency-domain units in each time-domain unit, occupies the same number of frequency-domain units, and the frequency interval between the frequency-domain units is the same.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, transmitting the first signal includes: repeatedly transmitting the first signal in the time domain.

[0047] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, if different frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, the number of times the first signal is repeatedly transmitted in the time domain is equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources are switched.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, there is no time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel used to transmit the first signal.

[0049] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving a second signal, the second signal being a reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object, and the power of the first signal being amplified by the target object.

[0050] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: receiving a first signal, the first signal being used by a non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0051] In some alternative embodiments of the first aspect, during the transmission of the first signal, the resources used by the first signal change, and the resources include at least one of the following: frequency domain resources; spatial domain resources.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the resources include frequency domain resources, which are frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

[0053] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the resources include frequency domain resources, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch is greater than or equal to zero.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, receiving the first signal includes: receiving the first signal using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device, the mode including any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; or, receiving the first signal by default using the first mode, and receiving the first signal using the second mode or the third mode when certain conditions are met, wherein the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are different.

[0055] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the condition includes: the non-terrestrial network device does not receive the second signal within a time range, the second signal being a reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb frequency domain resources, and the second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb frequency domain resources.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, in the first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency domain unit position and the same number of frequency domain units in each time domain unit, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is the same.

[0058] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, in the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain unit positions in each time domain unit, occupies the same number of frequency domain units, and the frequency intervals between the frequency domain units are different.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, in the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency-domain units in each time-domain unit, the number of frequency-domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency interval between the frequency-domain units is the same.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, receiving the first signal includes: repeatedly receiving the first signal in the time domain.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, if the frequency domain resources change during the reception of the first signal, the number of times the first signal is repeatedly received in the time domain is equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources change.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, there is no time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel used to transmit the first signal.

[0063] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the method further includes: amplifying the power of the first signal; and transmitting a second signal, the second signal being a reflected signal of the first signal.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments of the second aspect, the power amplification factor is indicated by the terrestrial network device; or, the power amplification factor is predefined; or, the power amplification factor is preconfigured; or, the power amplification factor depends on the capability of the target object.

[0065] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, the method comprising: a non-terrestrial network device sending a first signal to the target object, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about the target object.

[0066] Fourthly, a non-terrestrial network device is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for transmitting a first signal, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0067] Fifthly, a target object is provided, comprising: a transceiver module for receiving a first signal, the first signal being used by a non-terrestrial network device to perceive information about the target object.

[0068] A sixth aspect provides a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect.

[0069] A seventh aspect provides a communication device, comprising: one or more processors; wherein the processors are configured to execute the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0070] Eighthly, a communication system is provided, comprising a non-terrestrial network device and a target object, wherein the non-terrestrial network device is configured to implement the first aspect and any one of the communication methods in the first aspect, and the target object is configured to implement the second aspect and any one of the communication methods in the second aspect.

[0071] Ninth aspect, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions, which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform a communication method as described in the first aspect and any one thereof, or the second aspect and any one thereof.

[0072] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0073] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect.

[0074] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in an optional implementation of the first or second aspect above.

[0075] It is understood that the non-terrestrial network devices, target objects, terminals, access network devices, network elements, core network devices, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems involved in the embodiments of this disclosure are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0076] This disclosure provides communication methods, devices, systems, storage media, and program products. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information processing method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication device" and "information processing device" and "communication device," and the terms "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0077] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0078] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical environments of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0079] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0080] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0081] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0082] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0083] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0084] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0085] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0086] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0087] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0088] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0089] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0090] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0092] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0094] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0095] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0096] Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is a novel communication technology designed to integrate sensing capabilities into the design of communication systems. This allows communication systems to provide sensing as a service alongside communication. It can be applied to 5G and 6G networks, but is not limited to these. By transmitting and receiving sensing signals, information such as the distance, speed, and angle of targets / environments can be perceived, acquiring information about the surrounding targets / environment. This information can be used in scenarios such as drone detection, intrusion detection, intelligent transportation, and smart factories.

[0097] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of a sensing mode. As shown in Figure 1a, the sensing mode includes:

[0098] (a) The single-site (mono-static) mode, where the Transmission and Receiving Point (TRP) serves as the sensing transceiver, can be abbreviated as TRP mono-static mode. As shown in Figure 1a(a), TRP mono-static mode refers to a TRP transmitting a sensing signal, which, upon encountering an obstacle (a small figure), generates a reflected signal. The same TRP receives the reflected signal and calculates information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the obstacle (a small figure). Here, the TRP can be a TRP located at a ground base station.

[0099] (b) The bi-static mode with TRP as the sensing transceiver can be simply referred to as the TRP-to-TRP bi-static mode or simply the TRP-TRP bi-static mode. As shown in Figure 1a(b), the TRP to TRP bi-static mode refers to one TRP transmitting a sensing signal. When the sensing signal encounters an obstacle (a small person), it generates a transmission signal. Another TRP receives the reflected signal and calculates information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the obstacle (a small person). Here, the TRP can be a TRP on a ground base station.

[0100] (c) The bi-static mode with TRP and UE as sensing transceivers can be simply referred to as TRP-to-UE bi-static mode or TRP-UE bi-static mode. As shown in Figure 1a(c), the TRP-to-UE bi-static mode refers to the TRP sending a sensing signal, which, upon encountering an obstacle (a small person), generates a transmission signal. The UE receives the reflected signal and calculates information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the obstacle (a small person). Here, TRP can be a TRP on a ground base station. UE can be a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0101] (d) The bi-static mode with UE and TRP as sensing transceivers can be simply referred to as UE-to-TRP bi-static mode or UE-TRP bi-static mode. As shown in Figure 1a(d), the UE-to-TRP bi-static mode refers to the UE sending a sensing signal, which, upon encountering an obstacle (a small person), generates a transmission signal. The TRP receives the reflected signal and calculates information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the obstacle (a small person). Here, the TRP can be a TRP on a ground base station. The UE can be a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0102] (e) The mono-static mode with the UE as the sensing transceiver can be simply referred to as the UE mono-static mode. As shown in Figure 1a(e), the UE mono-static mode can refer to the UE sending a sensing signal, which, upon encountering an obstacle (a small person), generates a transmission signal. The same UE receives the reflected signal and calculates information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the obstacle (a small person). For example, the UE can be a vehicle-mounted terminal.

[0103] (f) The bi-static mode with the UE as the sensing transceiver can be simply referred to as the UE-to-UE bi-static mode or the UE-UE bi-static mode. As shown in Figure 1a(f), the UE-to-UE bi-static mode refers to a UE sending a sensing signal, which, upon encountering an obstacle (a small person), generates a transmission signal. Another UE receives the reflected signal and calculates information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the obstacle (a small person). The UE can be a terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0104] However, while ground base stations or terminals can be used to sense information such as the distance, speed, and angle of a target or environment, the coverage is limited.

[0105] Therefore, this disclosure transmits a first signal through a non-terrestrial network device. The first signal is used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about the target object, thereby improving the coverage, enabling the detection of more types and numbers of objects, and achieving perception even without a terrestrial network, and in mountainous or uninhabited areas.

[0106] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] As shown in Figure 1b, the communication system 100 includes at least one of a non-terrestrial network device 101 and a non-terrestrial network device 102.

[0108] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include a non-terrestrial network device 101 or a non-terrestrial network device 102. For example, the non-terrestrial network device 101 may transmit a first signal, which generates a reflected signal upon encountering a target object. The non-terrestrial network device 101 may receive the reflected signal of the first signal to perceive information about the target object. Similarly, the non-terrestrial network device 102 may transmit a first signal, which generates a reflected signal upon encountering a target object. The non-terrestrial network device 102 may receive the reflected signal of the first signal to perceive information about the target object.

[0109] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may include a non-terrestrial network device 101 and a non-terrestrial network device 102. For example, the non-terrestrial network device 101 may send a first signal, which generates a reflected signal upon encountering a target object, and the non-terrestrial network device 102 may receive the reflected signal of the first signal, thereby sensing information about the target object.

[0110] In some embodiments, the target object can be a person, a building, or other object without communication capabilities. It can also be a terminal or other object with communication capabilities. When the target object has communication capabilities, the communication system 100 may further include the target object 103. For example, in some optional embodiments of this disclosure, the target object 103 can receive a first signal, process the first signal, generate a reflected signal, and then transmit a transmission signal.

[0111] In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may further include a terrestrial network device 104.

[0112] In some embodiments, non-terrestrial network device 101, non-terrestrial network device 102, or terrestrial network device 104 may be at least one of access network device and core network device.

[0113] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0114] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0115] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0116] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0117] In some embodiments, the target object 103 may be a terminal.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0119] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0120] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1b, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1b are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1b, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1b. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0121] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future Generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0122] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a communication method interaction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method including:

[0123] In step S2101, the non-terrestrial network device 101 sends a first signal.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first signal is used to sense information about a target object. For example, information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the target object can be sensed. Compared to terrestrial base stations and UEs, sensing information about target objects by transmitting the first signal through non-terrestrial network equipment can improve coverage, enable the detection of more types and numbers of objects, and achieve sensing even without a terrestrial network, including in mountainous and uninhabited areas.

[0125] In some embodiments, the target object can be a person, building, or other object without communication capabilities, in which case the target object can passively generate a reflected signal. Alternatively, the target object can be a terminal or other object with communication capabilities, in which case the target object can actively generate a reflected signal. For example, the target object can receive a first signal, process the first signal, and then generate a reflected signal. When the target object has communication capabilities, the communication system 100 may also include the target object 103.

[0126] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object is referred to as the second signal. A non-terrestrial network device can receive the second signal to calculate information about the target object. For example, the non-terrestrial network device that sent the first signal can receive the second signal and calculate the information about the target object. Alternatively, other non-terrestrial network devices can receive the second signal, calculate the information about the target object, and synchronize the information about the target object to the non-terrestrial network device that sent the first signal. Because the distance between the non-terrestrial network device and the target object is relatively far, the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and / or signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received second signal are relatively small. To demodulate the second signal and calculate the information about the target object, a higher CNR and / or SNR value is often required; for example, an SNR value of at least -80 dB is required. If the SNR value of the received second signal is less than -80 dB, demodulation of the second signal may fail. Therefore, to successfully demodulate the second signal and enable the non-terrestrial network device to perceive information about the target object, this disclosure provides the following embodiments.

[0127] In some embodiments, during the transmission of the first signal, the non-terrestrial network device 101 switches resources. This causes the non-terrestrial network device receiving the second signal to receive uncorrelated fading signals, thereby improving the CNR and / or SNR values.

[0128] In some embodiments, during the transmission of the first signal, the non-terrestrial network device 101 may switch the resources used to transmit the first signal. These resources include at least one of the following: frequency domain resources; spatial domain resources.

[0129] Optionally, the frequency domain resources used to transmit the first signal can be switched during the transmission of the first signal. The technique for switching frequency domain resources can be called frequency domain diversity. For example, the first signal can be transmitted using frequency domain resource f1 during time period t1, and then using frequency domain resource f2 during the following time period t2, i.e., switching from f1 to f2. During the following time period t3, the first signal can be transmitted again using frequency resource f1, i.e., switching back from f2 to f1. During the following time period t4, the first signal can be transmitted using frequency domain resource f2, i.e., switching from f1 to f2. And so on, without exhaustive examples. Of course, the examples in this disclosure only use two frequency resources, f1 and f2, but in actual applications, there can be multiple frequency resources. For example, the first signal can be transmitted using frequency domain resource f1 during time period t1, using frequency domain resource f2 during time period t2, and using frequency domain resource f3 during time period t3. This disclosure does not exhaustively list all cases, but is not limited to this.

[0130] Optionally, the spatial resources used to transmit the first signal can be switched during the transmission of the first signal. The technique for switching spatial resources can be called spatial diversity. For example, the spatial resources can be antennas (Tx). The first signal can be transmitted using Tx1 during time period t1, and then using Tx2 during the following time period t2, i.e., switching from Tx1 to Tx2. During the following time period t3, the first signal can be transmitted again using Tx1, i.e., switching back to Tx1 from Tx2. During the following time period t4, the first signal can be transmitted using Tx2, i.e., switching back to Tx2. And so on, without exhaustive examples. Of course, the examples in this disclosure assume only two antennas, Tx1 and Tx2, but in actual applications, there can be multiple antennas. For example, the first signal can be transmitted using Tx1 during time period t1, Tx2 during time period t2, and Tx3 during time period t3, etc. This disclosure does not exhaustively list all possibilities, but is not limited to this.

[0131] Optionally, the frequency domain resources and spatial domain resources used for transmitting the first signal can be switched during the transmission of the first signal. For example, the first signal can be transmitted using frequency domain resources f1 and Tx1 during time period t1, and then using frequency domain resources f2 and Tx2 during the next time period t2, i.e., the frequency domain resources are switched from f1 to f2, and the spatial domain resources are switched from Tx1 to Tx2. During the next time period t3, the first signal is transmitted using frequency domain resources f1 and Tx1, i.e., the frequency domain resources are switched back from f2 to f1, and the spatial domain resources are switched back from Tx2 to Tx1. During the next time period t4, the first signal is transmitted using frequency domain resources f2 and Tx2, i.e., the frequency domain resources are switched back from f1 to f2 again, and the spatial domain resources are switched back from Tx1 to Tx2 again. Subsequent cases follow the same pattern, and this disclosure does not provide a complete list. Of course, the example given in this disclosure is based on only two frequency resources, f1 and f2, and only two antennas, Tx1 and Tx2. However, in actual applications, there can be multiple frequency resources and multiple antennas. This disclosure does not limit the number of frequency resources and antennas.

[0132] In some embodiments, there may be a time interval between the resource before and after the switch, or there may be no time interval.

[0133] For example, Figures 2b and 2c are schematic diagrams illustrating a first signal transmission method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 2b and 2c, a first signal can be transmitted using Tx1 and f1 during time period t1, and a first signal can be transmitted using Tx1 and f2 during time period t2. f1 and f2 are two different frequency domain resources, meaning that the frequency resources used for transmitting the first signal can be switched during the transmission of the first signal. There may be a time interval between time periods t1 and t2, as shown in Figure 2b, or there may be no time interval, as shown in Figure 2c.

[0134] For example, Figures 2d and 2e are schematic diagrams illustrating a first signal transmission method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 2d and 2e, a first signal can be transmitted using Tx1 and f1 during time period t1, and then using Tx2 and f1 during the following time period t2. Tx1 and Tx2 are two different antennas, meaning that the spatial resources used for transmitting the first signal can be switched during the transmission of the first signal. There may be a time interval between time periods t1 and t2, as shown in Figure 2d, or there may be no time interval, as shown in Figure 2e.

[0135] For example, Figures 2f and 2g are schematic diagrams illustrating a first signal transmission method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 2f and 2g, a first signal can be transmitted using f1 and Tx1 during time period t1, and then using f2 and Tx2 during the following time period t2. That is, f1 and f2 are two different frequency domain resources, and Tx1 and Tx2 are two different antennas, meaning that the frequency domain resources and spatial domain resources used for transmitting the first signal can be switched during the transmission of the first signal. There may be a time interval between time periods t1 and t2, as shown in Figure 2f, or there may be no time interval, as shown in Figure 2g.

[0136] In some embodiments, the frequency domain resources used to transmit the first signal can be frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

[0137] In some embodiments, if frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch is greater than or equal to zero. For example, if the frequency domain resources can be continuous bandwidth resources, then the frequency interval between the frequency resources before and after the switch can be understood as the frequency interval between the highest frequency value of the frequency domain resources before the switch and the lowest frequency value of the frequency domain resources after the switch. Wherein, when the frequency interval is zero, it can also be understood as there being no frequency interval between the frequency resources before and after the switch.

[0138] In some embodiments, if frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch can be predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by control signaling, but is not limited to these.

[0139] In some embodiments, if frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch can be an integer, but is not limited to this.

[0140] In some embodiments, a first signal is transmitted using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device. The indicated mode may include any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. Alternatively, the first signal is transmitted using the first mode by default, and the first signal is transmitted using the second mode or the third mode if certain conditions are met. This causes the non-terrestrial network device receiving the second signal to receive uncorrelated fading signals, thereby improving the CNR and / or SNR values.

[0141] In some embodiments, the mode indicated by the non-terrestrial network device can include the following two cases: one is the mode indicated by other non-terrestrial network devices, that is, the mode indicated by a non-terrestrial network device other than the one that sent the first signal. For example, assuming non-terrestrial network device 101 sends the first signal, the other non-terrestrial network device could be non-terrestrial network device 102. Non-terrestrial network device 101 can send the first signal according to the mode indicated by non-terrestrial network device 102. Of course, this disclosure is only using non-terrestrial network device 102 as an example, and other non-terrestrial network devices can be any non-terrestrial network device other than the one that sent the first signal. The other is the mode indicated by the non-terrestrial network device that sent the first signal itself, that is, the non-terrestrial network device decides on its own mode for sending the first signal. In this case, the optional solution of this disclosure can also be understood as: the non-terrestrial network device sends the first signal according to its own determined mode. For example, when there is only non-terrestrial network device 101 in the communication system, non-terrestrial network device 101 can decide on its own mode for sending the first signal. The mode determined by the non-terrestrial network equipment may include at least one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, but is not limited to these.

[0142] In some embodiments, the condition includes that the non-terrestrial network device does not receive the second signal within a time range, the second signal being the reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources. The second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources. Wherein, the first signal occupying uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources can be understood as the first signal occupying multiple time-domain units, and the number of frequency domain units occupied by the first signal in each time-domain unit is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency domain units is the same. The first signal occupying non-uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources can be understood as the first signal occupying multiple time-domain units, and the number of frequency domain units occupied by the first signal in each time-domain unit is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency domain units is different.

[0144] In some embodiments, in the first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency-domain unit position, the same number of frequency-domain units, and the same frequency spacing between the frequency-domain units in each time-domain unit. Figure 2h is a schematic diagram of the first mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2h, with a Physical Resource Block (PRB) as the granularity, the horizontal axis represents the time domain, the vertical axis represents the frequency domain, and the dark box represents the first signal. In the time domain, the first signal occupies three time domains, for example, three OFDM symbols. In each OFDM symbol, it occupies three REs in the frequency domain, and the positions of the REs in each PRB are the same, as {0,3,6} in Figure 2b.

[0145] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the position of the frequency-domain unit occupied by the first signal in each time-domain unit is different, the number of frequency-domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency-domain units is different. Figure 2i is a schematic diagram of the second mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2i, with a Physical Resource Block (PRB) as the granularity, the horizontal axis is the time domain, the vertical axis is the frequency domain, and the dark box represents the first signal. The first signal occupies 3 OFDM symbols in the time domain, and in each OFDM symbol, it occupies 3 REs in the frequency domain, but the positions of the REs are different, and the spacing between every two occupied REs is different in each OFDM symbol.

[0146] In some embodiments, in the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the position of the frequency-domain unit occupied by the first signal in each time-domain unit is different, the number of frequency-domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency-domain units is the same. Figure 2j is a schematic diagram of the second mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2j, with a Physical Resource Block (PRB) as the granularity, the horizontal axis is the time domain, the vertical axis is the frequency domain, and the dark box is the first signal. The first signal occupies 3 OFDM symbols in the time domain, and in each OFDM symbol, it occupies 3 REs in the frequency domain, but the positions of the REs are different. The RE in symbol 2 is offset by 1 RE relative to the RE in symbol 1, and the RE in symbol 3 is offset by 2 REs relative to the RE in symbol 1. In each OFDM symbol, the spacing between every two occupied REs is the same (3 REs in the example).

[0147] In some embodiments, the time-domain unit can be a frame, subframe, time slot, or symbol, but is not limited thereto. A symbol can be, for example, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol. A frequency-domain unit can be, for example, a Resource Element (RE). For example, in a second mode, the first signal may occupy N OFDM symbols, where the position of the REs occupied by the first signal in the frequency domain is different in each OFDM symbol, but the number is the same, and the frequency domain spacing between the occupied REs is different. As another example, in a third mode, the first signal may occupy N OFDM symbols, where the position of the REs occupied by the first signal in the frequency domain is different in each OFDM symbol, each RE has a certain offset relative to the REs occupied in the previous OFDM, but the number is the same, and the frequency domain spacing between the occupied REs is the same. Here, N is a positive integer.

[0148] In some embodiments, the condition may be that the non-terrestrial network device does not receive the second signal within a time range, where the second signal is the reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object. For example, the first signal may be sent using the first mode by default, and if the second signal is not received within the time range, the first signal may be sent using the second mode or the third mode. The choice between the second mode and the third mode may be pre-configured, pre-defined, dynamically indicated, or determined by the non-terrestrial network device itself; this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0149] In some embodiments, the time range may be preconfigured, predefined, dynamically indicated, or determined by the non-terrestrial network device itself, and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first signal can be repeatedly transmitted in the time domain. This allows non-terrestrial network devices receiving the second signal to receive uncorrelated fading signals, thereby improving the CNR and / or SNR values. Taking Figure 2b as an example, the first signal transmitted in time period t1 and time period t2 can be the same; that is, the first signal is transmitted in time period t1 and repeatedly transmitted in time period t2.

[0151] In some embodiments, for low-Earth orbit, medium-Earth orbit, and high-Earth orbit non-terrestrial network devices, the number of times the first signal is repeatedly transmitted can be determined from different sets. For example, the maximum value in the set of times corresponding to high-Earth orbit non-terrestrial network devices is greater than the maximum value in the set of times corresponding to medium-Earth orbit and low-Earth orbit non-terrestrial network devices. The set of times is the set of the number of times the first signal is repeatedly transmitted.

[0152] In some embodiments, if different frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, the number of times the first signal is repeatedly transmitted in the time domain can be equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources are switched. For example, when switching between f1 and f2, switching from f1 to f2 requires one switch, so the first transmission is repeated, i.e., the first signal is transmitted on f1, and the first signal 1 is transmitted again on f2. Next, the first signal 2 can be transmitted on f1, and the first signal 2 can be transmitted again on f2. As another example, when switching between f1, f2, and f3, switching from f1 to f2 and then from f2 to f3 requires two switches, so the transmission is repeated twice, i.e., the first signal 1 is transmitted on f1, the first signal 1 is transmitted again on f2, and the first signal 1 is transmitted again on f3. Next, the first signal 2 can be transmitted on f1, the first signal 2 is transmitted again on f2, and the first signal 2 is transmitted again on f3. This can be understood as transmitting the same first signal at each frequency point during the switching process.

[0153] In some embodiments, there is no time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel, and the channel is used to transmit the first signal. This allows non-terrestrial network devices receiving the second signal to receive uncorrelated fading signals, thereby improving the CNR and / or SNR values.

[0154] In some embodiments, the name of the first signal is not limited, and it may be, for example, a "sensing signal," etc., and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0155] In step S2102, the target object 103 amplifies the power of the first signal.

[0156] In some embodiments, if the target object has communication capabilities, the communication system 100 may include the target object 103. For example, the target object 103 may be a terminal that can receive a first signal and amplify the power of the first signal.

[0157] In some embodiments, the power of the first signal is amplified, and the amplification factor may be indicated by the terrestrial network device; or, the amplification factor is predefined; or, the power amplification factor is preconfigured; or, the power amplification factor depends on the capability of the target object. Wherein, the power amplification factor is greater than 1.

[0158] In some embodiments, after the first signal is amplified, the target object generates a second signal based on the first signal, that is, the target object generates a reflected signal of the first signal and sends the second signal, thereby improving the CNR value and / or SNR value of the received second signal.

[0159] It is understood that step S2102 is optional. The target object can be a person, a building, or other object that does not have communication capabilities, in which case step S2102 can be omitted. In Figure 2a, step S2102 is shown as a dashed box to indicate that step S2102 is optional.

[0160] In step S2103, the non-terrestrial network device 101 acquires the second signal.

[0161] In one embodiment, the second signal is the reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object. For example, the target object can be a person, building, terminal, etc. After the first signal reaches the target object, it is equivalent to encountering an obstacle and automatically generating a reflected signal, i.e., the second signal, which can be acquired by non-terrestrial network devices. As another example, if the target object is a terminal, after the first signal reaches the target object, the target object can actively generate a reflected signal after amplifying the first signal, i.e., the second signal, which can be received by non-terrestrial network devices.

[0162] In some embodiments, the non-terrestrial network device 101 can receive a second signal and calculate information about the target object based on the second signal.

[0163] It is understood that the embodiment of Figure 2a in this disclosure uses a non-terrestrial network device 101 as an example, in which the non-terrestrial network device 101 sends a first signal and receives a second signal, but it is not limited to this. For example, the non-terrestrial network device 101 can also send the first signal, and the non-terrestrial network device 102 can receive the second signal. That is, the non-terrestrial network device sending the first signal and receiving the second signal can be the same non-terrestrial network device, or they can be two different non-terrestrial network devices. Of course, the non-terrestrial network device 102 can also send the first signal and receive the second signal, or the non-terrestrial network device 102 can send the first signal and the non-terrestrial network device 101 can receive the second signal.

[0164] In some embodiments, non-terrestrial network equipment may refer to network equipment on a satellite, or may refer to a satellite itself. Terrestrial network equipment may refer to a ground-based base station, but is not limited thereto.

[0165] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2103. For example, step S2101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. As another example, steps S2101 and S2103 may be implemented as standalone embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0166] In some embodiments, step S2102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0167] In some embodiments, other alternative implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG2a.

[0168] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method performed by a non-terrestrial network device 101, the method comprising:

[0169] Step S3101: Send the first signal.

[0170] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0171] In some embodiments, the non-terrestrial network device 101 sends a first signal to a target object. The target object can be a person, building, or other object without communication capabilities, or it can be a device with communication capabilities, such as the target object 103 in a communication system. However, it is not limited to this; the first signal can also be sent to other entities. Alternatively, the first signal can be sent in a broadcast manner. Sending the first signal in a broadcast manner can be understood as not having a single transmission direction, or not having a single receiving object.

[0172] Step S3102: Obtain the second signal.

[0173] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a, as well as other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0174] In some embodiments, the non-terrestrial network device 101 may receive a second signal passively generated after the first signal reaches the target object, or it may receive a second signal actively generated by the target object after the first signal reaches the target object and is amplified by the target object. This disclosure does not limit the scope of the second signal.

[0175] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3102. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0176] In some embodiments, step S3102 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. For example, step S3102 may be performed by the non-terrestrial network device 102, that is, the non-terrestrial network device may receive the second signal and calculate the information of the target object based on the second signal.

[0177] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to FIG3.

[0178] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a target object 103, the method comprising:

[0179] Step S4101: Obtain the first signal.

[0180] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] In some embodiments, the target object 103 may acquire the first signal sent by the non-terrestrial network device 103, but is not limited thereto, and may also acquire the first signal sent by other entities.

[0182] Step S4102: Amplify the power of the first signal.

[0183] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] Step S4103: Send the second signal.

[0185] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2a, and other related parts in the embodiment involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0186] In some embodiments, the second signal is a reflected signal of the first signal. For example, it may be a second signal generated after the target object receives the first signal and amplifies it.

[0187] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4103. For example, steps S4101 and S4102 may be implemented as independent embodiments, but are not limited thereto.

[0188] In some embodiments, step S4103 is optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0189] In some embodiments, other optional implementations may be described before or after the specification corresponding to Figure 4.

[0190] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, this disclosure relates to a communication method, which includes:

[0191] Step S5101: The non-terrestrial network device sends a first signal to the target object.

[0192] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the embodiments described above in relation to the communication system 100, non-terrestrial network device 101, non-terrestrial network device 102, target object 103, and terrestrial network device 104, which will not be repeated here.

[0193] This disclosure provides a communication method as follows:

[0194] In some embodiments, the perceived target object amplifies the received perceived signal before reflecting it.

[0195] In some embodiments, the target object is an object with communication capabilities (i.e., an object with a transceiver antenna that can transmit and receive signals uplink and downlink).

[0196] In some embodiments, the target object amplifies the received sensing signal by a factor of K, where K is greater than 1.

[0197] In some embodiments, the amplification factor K may be indicated by the network device, predefined, preconfigured, or the amplification factor may depend on the UE's capabilities.

[0198] In some embodiments, frequency diversity and / or spatial diversity techniques are used when the satellite transmits sensing signals.

[0199] In some embodiments, satellites use frequency diversity (i.e., frequency hopping) when transmitting sensing signals.

[0200] In some embodiments, the transmission of the sensing signal adopts N-hop in the frequency domain. When the bandwidth allocated to the sensing signal is BW, it is transmitted on frequency domain resource f1 in time period t1 and on frequency domain resource fN in time period tN. Frequency domain resource f1 and frequency domain resource fN are located on the same carrier. Frequency domain resources f1 and fN are continuous resources with bandwidth of BW in the frequency domain, and N is an integer.

[0201] In some embodiments, frequency diversity employs N hops, with a frequency interval of B between every two hops. The interval between frequency domain resource f1 and frequency domain resource fN is B, meaning the interval between the highest frequency value of the lower frequency domain resource and the lowest frequency value of the higher frequency domain resource corresponding to the adjacent hop is B kilohertz (kHz) or B megahertz (MHz). The interval is predefined or preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by control signaling, and B takes the value of an integer. When B = 0, it indicates that there is no interval between the frequency domain resource f1 of the frequency hopping and the frequency domain resource fN of the adjacent hop.

[0202] In some embodiments, frequency diversity and time-domain repetitive transmission are used in combination, with the number of repetitions being M, where M = N. That is, the number of repetitions is equal to the number of frequency hopping, i.e., a sensing signal is transmitted on frequency domain resource f1 at time t1, a sensing signal is transmitted again on frequency domain resource f2 at time t2, and a sensing signal is transmitted again on frequency domain resource fN at time tN.

[0203] In some embodiments, the number of times the time-domain sensed signal is repeatedly transmitted is predefined, preconfigured, or dynamically indicated by the network device.

[0204] In some embodiments, there is no interval between time period t1 and time period t2, or there is a certain time interval. When there is an interval, the interval can be greater than the coherence time of the mobile channel (this allows the receiver to obtain uncorrelated fading signals, which also achieves the purpose of time diversity).

[0205] In some embodiments, spatial diversity techniques are used when satellites transmit sensing signals.

[0206] In some embodiments, spatial diversity means that a satellite uses multiple antennas to transmit sensing signals, and the satellite can switch to different antennas at different times to transmit sensing signals.

[0207] In some embodiments, such as a satellite using two antennas to transmit sensing signals, the sensing signal is transmitted on antenna 1 in time period t1 on frequency domain resource f1, and then jumps from antenna 1 to antenna 2 in time period t2 on frequency domain resource f1, and the sensing signal is transmitted again on antenna 2.

[0208] In some embodiments, spatial diversity and frequency diversity are used when the satellite transmits sensing signals.

[0209] In some embodiments, spatial diversity and frequency diversity are used together, that is, during time period t1, a sensing signal is transmitted using antenna 1 on frequency domain resource f1, and during time period t2, the sensing signal is transmitted again on antenna 2 at frequency f2.

[0210] In some embodiments, such as a satellite using Y antennas, sensing signals are transmitted in the frequency domain using N hops, Y = N. The signals are transmitted on frequency domain resource f1 and on TX1 within time period t1, on frequency domain resource f2 and on TX2 within time period t2, and on frequency domain resource fN and on antenna TXY within time period tN. fN is a continuous bandwidth resource in the frequency domain, and N is a positive integer.

[0211] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2b or Figure 2c, a sensing signal is transmitted on one antenna, two hops are sampled in the frequency domain, N=2, the number of times the sensing signal is repeatedly transmitted is M=2, the sensing signal is transmitted on frequency domain resource f1 in time period t1, and the sensing signal is transmitted again on frequency f2 in time period t2.

[0212] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2d or Figure 2e, the satellite uses two antennas to transmit sensing signals. In the frequency domain resource f1, during the time period t1, the sensing signal is transmitted on antenna 1. In the frequency domain resource f1, during the time period t2, the signal jumps from antenna 1 to antenna 2 and is transmitted again on antenna 2.

[0213] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2f or Figure 2g, a two-hop approach is used in the frequency domain, N=2, and two antennas are used to transmit sensing signals, Y=2. That is, in time period t1, sensing signals are transmitted on frequency domain resource f1 and antenna 1, and in time period t2, sensing signals are transmitted again on frequency f2 and antenna 2.

[0214] In some embodiments, when a satellite transmits sensing signals, it uses only the time-domain repetitive transmission method, and the number of repetitions is N.

[0215] In some embodiments, there is no time interval between two adjacent repetitions.

[0216] In some embodiments, there is a time interval between each two adjacent repetitions, which may be greater than the coherence time of the mobile channel.

[0217] In some embodiments, the set of N values ​​is predefined, preconfigured, dynamically indicated by the network device, or broadcast by the base station via SIB.

[0218] In some embodiments, the sets of N values ​​for low-Earth orbit, medium-Earth orbit, and high-Earth orbit satellites can be different. For example, the maximum value in the set of N values ​​for high-Earth orbit satellites is greater than the maximum value in the sets of N values ​​for medium-Earth orbit and low-Earth orbit satellites.

[0219] In some embodiments, when a satellite transmits a sensing signal, it selects one pattern to transmit the sensing signal according to a defined pattern.

[0220] In some embodiments, when a satellite transmits sensing signals, the network device instructs which pattern to use to transmit the sensing signals.

[0221] In some embodiments, when a satellite transmits sensing signals, it can select the pattern of the sensing signal to be transmitted based on conditions. For example, it may use pattern 1 by default to transmit sensing signals (sensingRS), and switch to pattern 2 or pattern 3 when the following conditions are met:

[0222] In some embodiments, the condition is as follows: If the satellite uses pattern 1 to transmit the sensing signal, and the satellite does not detect the reflected signal corresponding to the sensingRS on the corresponding resource within the time range, then when transmitting the sensing signal again, pattern 2 or pattern 3 is used to transmit the sensingRS. The time range can be [Tmin, Tmax], where Tmin and Tmax are the start and end times of the time range, and Tmin and Tmax are pre-configured or predefined, or dynamically indicated by the network device.

[0223] In some embodiments, the following three patterns are defined:

[0224] Pattern 1 and 3 can be uniform comb patterns in the frequency domain, while pattern 2 can be a non-uniformly distributed comb pattern in the frequency domain.

[0225] In some embodiments, Pattern2 refers to the sensing signal occupying N OFDM symbols. On each OFDM symbol, the position of the RE occupied by the sensing signal in the frequency domain is different, but the number is the same, and the frequency domain spacing between the occupied REs is different.

[0226] In some embodiments, pattern 3 may involve the sensing signal occupying N OFDM symbols. In each OFDM symbol, the position of the REs occupied by the sensing signal in the frequency domain is different. Each RE has a certain offset relative to the REs occupied in the previous OFDM, but the number is the same, and the frequency domain spacing between the occupied REs is the same.

[0227] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2h, the sensing signal is perceived in the time domain and occupies 3 OFDM symbols at the granularity of 1 PRB. For pattern 1, each OFDM symbol occupies 3 REs in the frequency domain, and the position of the REs in each PRB is the same, that is, the position of the REs is {0,3,6}.

[0228] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2i, with 1 PRB as the granularity, the sensing signal is coupled with 3 OFDM symbols in the time domain. For the non-uniform comb result of pattern2, 3 REs are occupied in the frequency domain in each OFDM symbol, but the positions of the REs are different, and the interval between each two occupied REs is different in each OFDM symbol.

[0229] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2j, for pattern 3, if the sensing signal is in the time domain with 3 OFDM symbols at the granularity of 1 PRB, then in each OFDM symbol, 3 REs are occupied in the frequency domain, but the positions of the REs are different. The REs in OFDM symbol 2 are offset by 1 RE relative to the REs in OFDM symbol 1, and the REs in OFDM symbol 3 are offset by 2 REs relative to the REs in OFDM symbol 1. In each OFDM symbol, the interval between every two occupied REs is the same (3 REs in the example).

[0230] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the target object in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by non-terrestrial network equipment (e.g., access network equipment, core network functional nodes, core network equipment, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0231] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0232] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0233] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-terrestrial network device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the non-terrestrial network device 6100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6101 and a processing module 6102. The transceiver module 6101 is used to transmit a first signal, which is used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about a target object.

[0234] In some embodiments, the processing module 6102 is configured to: switch the resources used for transmitting the first signal during the transmission of the first signal, the resources including at least one of the following: frequency domain resources; spatial domain resources.

[0235] In some embodiments, the resources include frequency domain resources, which are frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

[0236] In some embodiments, the resources include frequency domain resources, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the handover is greater than or equal to zero.

[0237] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 transmits a first signal in the following manner: using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device, the mode including any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; or, by default, the first signal is transmitted using the first mode, and if certain conditions are met, the first signal is transmitted using the second mode or the third mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode being different.

[0238] In some embodiments, the condition includes: the non-terrestrial network device does not receive the second signal within a time range, the second signal being the reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object.

[0239] In some embodiments, the first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb frequency domain resources, and the second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb frequency domain resources.

[0240] In some embodiments, in a first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency-domain unit position, the same number of frequency-domain units, and the same frequency spacing between the frequency-domain units in each time-domain unit.

[0241] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency domain units is different.

[0242] In some embodiments, in the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency domain units is the same.

[0243] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6101 transmits the first signal by repeatedly transmitting the first signal in the time domain.

[0244] In some embodiments, if different frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, the number of times the first signal is repeatedly transmitted in the time domain is equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources are switched.

[0245] In some embodiments, there is no time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel, and the channel is used to transmit the first signal.

[0246] In some embodiments, the processing module 6102 is further configured to: receive a second signal, the second signal being a reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object, and the power of the first signal being amplified by the target object.

[0247] Figure 6b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the target object proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 6b, the target object 6200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 6201 and a processing module 6202. The transceiver module 6201 is used to receive a first signal, which is used by non-terrestrial network devices to perceive information about the target object.

[0248] In some embodiments, during the transmission of the first signal, the resources used by the first signal change, and the resources include at least one of the following: frequency domain resources; spatial domain resources.

[0249] In some embodiments, the resources include frequency domain resources, which are frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

[0250] In some embodiments, the resources include frequency domain resources, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the handover is greater than or equal to zero.

[0251] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 receives the first signal in the following manner: receiving the first signal using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device, the mode including any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; or, by default, receiving the first signal using the first mode, and, if conditions are met, receiving the first signal using the second mode or the third mode, the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode being different.

[0252] In some embodiments, the condition includes: the non-terrestrial network device does not receive the second signal within a time range, the second signal being the reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb frequency domain resources, and the second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb frequency domain resources.

[0254] In some embodiments, in a first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time-domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency-domain unit position, the same number of frequency-domain units, and the same frequency spacing between the frequency-domain units in each time-domain unit.

[0255] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency domain units is different.

[0256] In some embodiments, in the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency spacing between the frequency domain units is the same.

[0257] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 6201 receives the first signal by repeatedly receiving the first signal in the time domain.

[0258] In some embodiments, if frequency domain resources change during the reception of the first signal, the number of times the first signal is repeatedly received in the time domain is equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources change.

[0259] In some embodiments, there is no time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repetitions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel, and the channel is used to transmit the first signal.

[0260] In some embodiments, the processing module 6202 is further configured to: amplify the power of the first signal; and send a second signal, wherein the second signal is a reflected signal of the first signal.

[0261] In some embodiments, the power amplification factor is indicated by the terrestrial network device; or, the power amplification factor is predefined; or, the power amplification factor is preconfigured; or, the power amplification factor depends on the capabilities of the target object.

[0262] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 7100 can be a non-terrestrial network device or a target object with communication capabilities, such as a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. Optionally, the network device can be an access network device, a core network device, etc. Optionally, the terminal can be a user equipment, etc. The communication device 7100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0263] As shown in Figure 7a, the communication device 7100 includes one or more processors 7101. The processor 7101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device, execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 7100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, the communication device can be a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU (Distributed Unit), or a CU (Computer Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0264] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more memories 7102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7102 may also be located outside the communication device 7100.

[0265] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 further includes one or more transceivers 7103. When the communication device 7100 includes one or more transceivers 7103, the transceivers 7103 perform communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, such as steps S2101 and S2103, and the processor 7101 performs other steps.

[0266] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0267] In some embodiments, the communication device 7100 may include one or more interface circuits 7104. Optionally, the interface circuit 7104 is connected to the memory 7102, and the interface circuit 7104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 7102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 7102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7104 can read instructions stored in the memory 7102 and send the instructions to the processor 7101.

[0268] The communication device 7100 described in the above embodiments can be a non-terrestrial network device or a target object with communication capabilities, such as a terminal. However, the scope of the communication device 7100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 7100 may not be limited by FIG. 7a. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0269] Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of the chip structure proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 7100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 7200 shown in Figure 7b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0270] Chip 7200 includes one or more processors 7201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0271] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more interface circuits 7202. Optionally, the interface circuit 7202 is connected to memory 7203, and the interface circuit 7202 can be used to receive signals from memory 7203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 7202 can be used to send signals to memory 7203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 7202 can read instructions stored in memory 7203 and send the instructions to processor 7201.

[0272] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 7202 performs communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method, such as steps S2101 and S2103, while the processor 7201 performs other steps.

[0273] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0274] In some embodiments, chip 7200 further includes one or more memories 7203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 7203 may be located outside of chip 7200.

[0275] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 7100, cause the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0276] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 7100, causes the communication device 7100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0277] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a non-terrestrial network device, the method includes: Send a first signal, which is used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about the target object.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: During the transmission of the first signal, the resources used for transmitting the first signal are switched, and the resources include at least one of the following: frequency domain resources; Airspace resources.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The resources include frequency domain resources, which are frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

4. The method according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The resources include frequency domain resources, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch is greater than or equal to zero.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first signal includes: The first signal is transmitted using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device, wherein the mode includes any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; or, The first signal is sent by default using the first mode, and the first signal is sent by using the second mode or the third mode when certain conditions are met. The first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are different.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conditions include: The non-terrestrial network device did not receive the second signal within the time range, the second signal being the reflected signal generated after the first signal reached the target object.

7. The method according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that, The first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources, and the second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, In the first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency domain unit position and the same number of frequency domain units in each time domain unit, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is the same.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, In the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is different.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, In the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, but the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is the same.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, Sending the first signal includes: The first signal is repeatedly transmitted in the time domain.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, If different frequency domain resources are switched during the transmission of the first signal, then the number of times the first signal is repeatedly transmitted in the time domain is equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources are switched.

13. The method according to any one of claims 11-12, characterized in that, There is no time interval between two adjacent repeated transmissions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repeated transmissions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel, wherein the channel is used to transmit the first signal.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, The method further includes: The system receives a second signal, which is a reflected signal generated after the first signal reaches the target object, and the power of the first signal is amplified by the target object, which has communication capabilities.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, Performed by a target object having communication capabilities, the method includes: Receive a first signal, which is used by non-terrestrial network devices to sense information about target objects.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, During the transmission of the first signal, the resources used by the first signal change, and the resources include at least one of the following: Frequency domain resources; Airspace resources.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The resources include frequency domain resources, which are frequency domain resources with continuous bandwidth.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, characterized in that, The resources include frequency domain resources, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain resources before and after the switch is greater than or equal to zero.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Receiving the first signal includes: The first signal is received using a mode indicated by a terrestrial network device or a non-terrestrial network device, wherein the mode includes any one of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode; or, The first signal is received by default using the first mode, and the second or third mode is used to receive the first signal when certain conditions are met. The first mode, the second mode, and the third mode are different.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The conditions include: The non-terrestrial network device did not receive the second signal within the time range, the second signal being the reflected signal generated after the first signal reached the target object.

21. The method according to any one of claims 19-20, characterized in that, The first mode and the third mode are modes in which the first signal occupies uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources, and the second mode is a mode in which the first signal occupies non-uniform comb-shaped frequency domain resources.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19-21, characterized in that, In the first mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies the same frequency domain unit position and the same number of frequency domain units in each time domain unit, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is the same.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, characterized in that, In the second mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is different.

24. The method according to any one of claims 19-23, characterized in that, In the third mode, the first signal occupies multiple time domain units, and the first signal occupies different frequency domain units in each time domain unit, but the number of frequency domain units occupied is the same, and the frequency interval between the frequency domain units is the same.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15-24, characterized in that, Receiving the first signal includes: The first signal is repeatedly received in the time domain.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, If the frequency domain resources change during the reception of the first signal, then the number of times the first signal is received repeatedly in the time domain is equal to the number of times the frequency domain resources change.

27. The method according to any one of claims 25-26, characterized in that, There is no time interval between two adjacent repeated transmissions of the first signal, or the time interval between two adjacent repeated transmissions of the first signal is greater than the coherence time of the channel, wherein the channel is used to transmit the first signal.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15-27, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first signal is amplified in power; A second signal is sent, which is a reflection of the first signal.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that, The power amplification factor is indicated by the terrestrial network equipment; or, The power amplification factor is predefined; or, The power amplification factor is pre-configured; or, The power amplification factor depends on the capability of the target object.

30. A communication method, characterized in that, For a communication system, the communication system including non-terrestrial network equipment and a target object, the method includes: The non-terrestrial network device sends a first signal to the target object, the first signal being used by the non-terrestrial network device to perceive information about the target object.

31. A non-terrestrial network device, characterized in that, The non-terrestrial network equipment includes: The transceiver module is used to send a first signal, which is used by the non-terrestrial network device to sense information about the target object.

32. A target object, characterized in that, The target object has communication capabilities, and the target object includes: The transceiver module is used to receive a first signal, which is used by non-terrestrial network devices to perceive information about target objects.

33. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 1-14.

34. A communication device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; The processor is used to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 15-29.

35. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A non-terrestrial network device and a target object, wherein the non-terrestrial network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1-14, and the target object is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 15-29.

36. A storage medium, characterized in that, include: The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-14 or 15-29.

37. A program product, characterized in that, include: A computer program, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-14 or 15-29.

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