Information determining method, information acquisition method, and related apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application provide an information determining method, an information acquisition method, and a related apparatus. The method comprises: acquiring first information of a terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of power information, azimuth information, or elevation information of the terminal device; and determining second information based on the first information, wherein the second information comprises information about a candidate satellite and / or satellite coverage availability information, and the second information is used for the terminal device to access a non-terrestrial network. Referencing at least one of power information, azimuth information, and elevation information of a terminal device during the process of determining second information ensures that received candidate satellite information and satellite coverage availability information match an actual status of the terminal device. Thus, the actual status of the terminal device is taken into consideration, thereby improving second information accuracy, and helping the terminal device to quickly and properly access an NTN.

Description

An information determination method, an information acquisition method, and related apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025101251005, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 26, 2025, entitled "An Information Determination Method, Information Acquisition Method and Related Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information determination method, an information acquisition method, and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication is communication achieved through non-terrestrial network equipment. NTN systems can include airborne network equipment such as satellite systems. NTN offers advantages such as wide coverage, long communication distance, high reliability, high flexibility, and high throughput. It is unaffected by geographical environment, climate conditions, and natural disasters, and has been widely used in fields such as aviation communications, maritime communications, and military communications.

[0004] In NTN communication, terminal devices can establish connections with satellites (SATs) and transmit data through these connections. However, the positions of satellites change over time. A satellite that a terminal device can connect to at one time may be unreachable at another. A terminal device may need to establish connections with different satellites at different times, or it may need to establish connections with the same satellite at different times. Therefore, the terminal device can obtain information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information, and establish connections based on this information. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application proposes an information determination method, an information acquisition method, and related devices, which can filter satellites based on relevant information of the terminal device, such as power information, azimuth information, and elevation information, to ensure the accuracy of the information and facilitate the establishment of a connection between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a communication method applied to a first device. The first device can operate on any of the following devices: a terminal device, a terrestrial network element, a satellite, and an external server. The method includes: acquiring first information of the terminal device, the first information indicating at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, or elevation information; determining second information based on the first information, the second information including candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information, the second information being used by the terminal device to access a non-terrestrial network.

[0007] Because the determination of the second information takes into account at least one of the terminal device's power, azimuth, and elevation information, the resulting candidate satellite information and satellite coverage availability information can match the actual situation of the terminal device. Therefore, based on the second information, the terminal device can normally access the NTN. Thus, in addition to considering the satellite ephemeris information, the actual situation of the terminal device is also taken into account, improving the accuracy of the second information and facilitating the terminal device's rapid and normal access to the NTN.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes the elevation angle information of the terminal device, which includes any one or more of the following: the elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs, or an identifier of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs. This allows for both accurate and coarse-grained elevation angle information to be obtained, reducing the frequency of information interaction and improving efficiency for the first device, as it eliminates the need for frequent acquisition of the first information. Similarly, for similar considerations, the azimuth angle information of the terminal device may also include one or more of the following: the azimuth angle of the terminal device, the boundary azimuth angle of the azimuth angle range to which the terminal device's azimuth angle belongs, or an identifier of the azimuth angle range to which the terminal device's azimuth angle belongs.

[0009] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the power information and the azimuth information, and the second information includes the satellite coverage availability information, the elevation information of the terminal device includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, if the first device is located in one of the following devices: a ground network element, a first satellite, or an external server, after determining the second information, the method further includes: sending the second information to a terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can receive the second information and access the NTN based on it.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending the first information to a second satellite, which is the candidate satellite, to facilitate the second satellite establishing a connection with the terminal device based on the first information.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first device is located on a first satellite. After acquiring the second information, the method further includes sending the second information to a ground network element. In this way, the ground network element can send the second information to a terminal device or other satellites.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the first satellite is a geostationary orbit satellite, and the candidate satellite is a non-geostationary orbit satellite.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method is implemented by a terrestrial network element, and sending the second information to the terminal device includes sending the second information to the terminal device via a satellite.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the second information includes information on multiple candidate satellites, and the method further includes: determining multiple waiting durations, the waiting durations indicating the time the terminal device waits to establish a connection with the candidate satellites; and sending the multiple waiting durations to the terminal device. In this way, the terminal device can attempt to establish a connection with multiple candidate satellites based on the multiple waiting durations. If the terminal device cannot establish a connection with one of the candidate satellites, it can also attempt to establish a connection with other candidate satellites.

[0016] In one possible implementation, determining the multiple waiting durations includes: based on the first information and in conjunction with the information of the multiple candidate satellites, determining the multiple waiting durations corresponding to each candidate satellite. This allows for accurate determination of the candidate duration for each candidate satellite.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the power information of the terminal device includes first power information and / or second power information of the terminal device. The first power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state, and the second power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state. Thus, the terminal device can report its own power information in an energy-saving state, thereby accessing the NTN in the energy-saving state.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the second power information includes the energy-saving power and / or energy-saving power level of the terminal device.

[0019] Secondly, this application proposes an information acquisition method applied to a terminal device. The method includes: sending first information, which indicates at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, or elevation information; and acquiring second information, which is determined based on the first information. The second information includes candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information, and is used by the terminal device to access a non-terrestrial network. Thus, the terminal device actively reports at least one of power, azimuth, and elevation information, and the obtained second information matches the actual situation of the terminal device, enabling the terminal device to access an NTN (Network Telecommunication Network).

[0020] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes the elevation angle information of the terminal device, which includes at least one of the following: the elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs.

[0021] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the power information and the azimuth information, and the second information includes the satellite coverage availability information, the elevation information of the terminal device includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the elevation angle information includes the boundary elevation angles of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs. The method further includes: in response to a change in the actual elevation angle of the terminal device, determining whether the elevation angle range to which the actual elevation angle belongs has changed after the change; in response to a change in the elevation angle range to which the actual elevation angle belongs, updating the boundary elevation angles of the elevation angle range; and sending the updated boundary elevation angles. In this way, the terminal device reports the range to which its elevation angle belongs. When the elevation angle of the terminal device changes, if the elevation angle range to which the terminal device belongs has not changed, there is no need to re-report. This reduces the frequency of information reporting by the terminal device and improves the efficiency of information reporting.

[0023] For similar reasons, the azimuth information of the terminal device may also include one or more of the following: the azimuth of the terminal device, the boundary azimuth of the azimuth range to which the azimuth of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the azimuth range to which the azimuth of the terminal device belongs. Accordingly, if the azimuth information is determined based on the azimuth range to which the azimuth of the terminal device belongs, the terminal device may also update the first information and report the updated first information after the azimuth range to which the azimuth belongs changes.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the power information of the terminal device includes first power information and / or second power information of the terminal device. The first power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state, and the second power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state. Thus, reporting the power of the terminal device in the energy-saving state allows access to the NTN when the terminal device is in energy-saving mode.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second power information includes the energy-saving power and / or energy-saving power level of the terminal device.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the power information of the terminal device includes the second power information. Before sending the first information, the method further includes: determining the second power information in response to the terminal device meeting the energy-saving state triggering condition.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the terminal device meeting the energy-saving state trigger condition includes: the terminal device receiving an energy-saving state activation command; or, the remaining battery power of the terminal device being less than an energy-saving power threshold. Thus, the terminal device can actively or passively enter the energy-saving state.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the second information is sent to the terminal device by a first satellite, a ground network element, or an external server.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: acquiring information about a second satellite; determining whether the satellite is a candidate satellite based on the information about the second satellite; and if the second satellite is not a candidate satellite, sending the first information to the satellite.

[0030] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device, which is a first device. The device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to execute the steps performed in various possible implementations of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0031] Fourthly, the fifth aspect of this application provides a communication device, which is a second device. The communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module. The constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to execute the steps performed in various possible implementations of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects. For details, please refer to the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0032] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to cause the device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0033] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the first aspects described above.

[0034] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one processor coupled to a memory; the memory is used to store a program or instructions; the at least one processor is used to execute the program or instructions to enable the communication device to implement the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding second aspects. Optionally, the communication device may include the memory.

[0035] In an eighth aspect, this application provides a communication device including at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to perform the method described in any possible implementation of any of the preceding second aspects.

[0036] Ninth aspect, this application provides a communication system that includes at least one of the first or second communication devices described above.

[0037] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, perform the method as described in any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect above.

[0038] In its eleventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product (or computer program) that, when executed by a processor, performs the method described in any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect described above.

[0039] In a twelfth aspect, this application provides a chip or chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the method described in any possible implementation of either the first or second aspect.

[0040] In one possible design, the chip or chip system may further include a memory for storing program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system may also include interface circuitry that provides at least one of program instructions or data to the at least one processor.

[0041] The technical effects of any of the design methods in aspects four through twelfth can be found in the technical effects of the different design methods in aspects one through three above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in this application;

[0043] Figure 1b is another schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0044] Figure 1c is another schematic diagram of the communication system provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating one method for determining information provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 3 is another flowchart illustrating the method provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 4 is another flowchart illustrating the method provided in this application;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0049] Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0050] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application;

[0051] Figure 8 is another schematic diagram of the communication device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0053] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c. Where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0054] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in the embodiments described in this application mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0055] The following detailed embodiments further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the following are merely specific embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the technical solutions of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features of different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0057] It should be understood that the technical solution of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial networks, or scenarios where NTN and terrestrial networks (TN) are integrated. The technical solution of this application can adopt access technologies that evolve after 5G, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) access technology, 5th generation mobile communication (5G) access technology, and 6th generation mobile communication (6G) access technology.

[0058] The basic architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiments of this application is described below. The communication system provided in this application may include one or more satellites, one or more terminal devices, and may also include terrestrial network elements.

[0059] The following explanation uses the system architecture shown in Figure 1a as an example. As shown in Figure 1a, the communication system includes satellite 11, satellite 12, terminal device 13, and ground network element 14. Satellite 11 can provide NTN access services for terminal device 13. Specifically, data from terminal device 13 can be transmitted to satellite 11 via the link between satellite 11 and terminal device 13, and further transmitted to ground network element 14 via the link between satellite 11 and ground network element 14. Similarly, data from ground network element 14 can be transmitted to satellite 11 via the link between ground network element 14 and satellite 11, and further transmitted to terminal device 13 via the link between satellite 11 and terminal device 13.

[0060] The connection between satellite 11 and terminal device 13 is called the service link, and the connection between satellite 11 and ground network element 14 is called the feeder link. In a non-store-and-forward (non-S&F) architecture, both the service link and the feeder link are available simultaneously. In a store-and-forward (S&F) architecture, the service link and the feeder link are not available simultaneously. Satellite 11 can first store data from terminal device 13 (or ground network element 14), and then send data to ground network element 14 (or terminal device 13) when the service link (or feeder link) is unavailable but the feeder link (or service link) is available. Optionally, the non-store-and-forward architecture may include a normal mode.

[0061] In some application scenarios, some or all of the core network (CN) functions can be deployed to satellite 11 (and satellite 12) to reduce signal interaction between terrestrial network elements 14 and satellite 11, thereby improving network response speed and efficiency. For example, some functions of the Mobility Management Entity (MME) can be deployed to satellite 11 (and satellite 12). Under the S&F architecture, the application scenario of deploying some MME functions to satellites can be called an MME-Split scenario. Under the S&F architecture, deploying all core network functions to terrestrial network elements can be called a Full CN / Whole CN scenario.

[0062] In some other application scenarios, satellite 11 may not have core network functionality. All core network functions are deployed on ground network element 14. In this scenario, satellite 12 can carry Radio Access Network (RAN) elements. Alternatively, satellite 12 may not carry RAN elements, which are carried by other satellites. Or, there may be no satellite carrying RAN elements, and the RAN elements are located on the ground. This application does not limit this.

[0063] In some other application scenarios, Satellite-11 does not carry RAN or core network elements; it is only used for transparent forwarding between terminal equipment and ground network elements.

[0064] In other words, satellite 11 can carry some or all of the core network elements, or it can not carry any core network elements. If satellite 11 does not carry core network elements, it can carry access network elements. Alternatively, under a transparent forwarding architecture, satellite 11 is not used to carry access network and core network elements. Similarly, satellite 12 can also carry some or all of the core network elements, or it can carry core network elements but not core network elements, or it can not carry core network and access network elements. Other satellites may also have similar situations, which will not be elaborated here.

[0065] In the implementation shown in Figure 1a, the relative positions of satellite 11 and terminal device change over time. As satellite 11 moves and / or terminal device 13 moves, the link between satellite 11 and terminal device 13 is broken. As satellite 12 moves and / or terminal device 13 moves, the link between terminal device 13 and satellite 12 is established, thereby enabling access to the NTN network via satellite 12.

[0066] In one implementation, both Satellite 11 and Satellite 12 are non-geosynchronous orbit (NGSO) satellites, such as LEO and MEO satellites.

[0067] After the link between satellite 11 and terminal device 13 is lost, terminal device 13 is not connected to any satellite, and can be considered disconnected from the NTN. After the link with satellite 12 is re-established, terminal device 13 can be considered to have reconnected to the NTN. In this implementation, there is a gap between the area covered by satellite 11 and the area covered by satellite 12, and the signal range of the satellites in the NTN is discontinuous. Therefore, this scenario can be called a non-continuous coverage scenario.

[0068] In one implementation, the satellite coverage of the NTN network is limited and cannot cover the entire globe; this scenario is called a non-full coverage scenario. In another implementation, the satellite coverage of the NTN network is mobile, not fixed.

[0069] It should be noted that the number of satellites and terminal devices in Figure 1a is merely illustrative and should not be considered as a specific limitation of this application. The terminal devices and satellites involved in the system architecture will be described in detail below.

[0070] I. Terminal Equipment

[0071] Terminal equipment, also known as user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), fixed wireless access (FWA), customer premises equipment (CPE), etc., refers to devices that include wireless communication capabilities (providing voice / data connectivity to users). Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, in-vehicle devices, and machine-type communication (MTC) terminals. Currently, terminal devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving (e.g., drones, vehicles), wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. For example, wireless terminals in self-driving can be drones, helicopters, or airplanes. For example, wireless terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) can be in-vehicle equipment, vehicle-mounted equipment, in-vehicle modules, vehicles, or ships. Wireless terminals in industrial control can be cameras, robots, or robotic arms. Wireless terminals in smart homes can be televisions, air conditioners, robot vacuums, speakers, or set-top boxes. The terminal device can also be a device or module that is connected to the communication system shown above and has corresponding communication functions. The terminal device usually contains a communication module, circuit or chip that performs the corresponding communication function, and the terminal device is also configured with program instructions for performing the corresponding communication function.

[0072] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuitry, or a chip, chip system, module, or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above; the specific application is not limited to any particular type. It should also be noted that in this application, when referring to a terminal device, it can refer to the terminal device itself, or to the chip, functional module, or integrated circuit within the terminal device that performs the method provided in this application; the specific application is not limited to any particular type.

[0073] II. Satellite

[0074] Satellites are devices deployed off-ground and are a key module in NTN communications. In NTN, signals from terminal devices are first transmitted to satellites.

[0075] In the embodiments of this application, network elements in the satellite can be implemented in multiple ways. Four possible implementation methods are described below. It is understood that, in addition to these four possible implementation methods, the satellite can also have other implementation methods for carrying network elements. The embodiments of this application only provide illustrative examples of the network element carrying situation on the satellite and do not impose specific limitations.

[0076] In the first implementation, the satellite does not carry core network elements or access network elements.

[0077] For example, in a transparent forwarding architecture, satellites are used to forward signals between terminal devices and ground network elements. In this scenario, the satellite can be considered equivalent to a remote radio unit (RRU) for long-distance signal forwarding. Optionally, inter-satellite links can exist between satellites. Signals from terminal devices can be forwarded from one satellite to another via inter-satellite links to increase the signal transmission distance.

[0078] In the second implementation, the satellite does not carry core network elements, but it does carry access network elements.

[0079] For example, in a partially regenerative satellite architecture, the RAN (Radio Address Translation) is carried on the satellite. The satellite carries the base station and has the processing functions of a base station. The NTN gateway is a transport network layer node and supports the corresponding transport protocols. The satellite and the NTN gateway are connected via the satellite radio interface (SRI), and the NG interface is carried over the SRI, responsible for higher-level information transmission.

[0080] Optionally, inter-satellite links may or may not exist between satellites. If inter-satellite links exist between satellites, multiple satellites can interact via these links. For example, in a satellite architecture with integrated access and backhaul (IAB) functionality, the satellites act as base stations with IAB capabilities.

[0081] In the third implementation, the satellite carries some of the core network elements.

[0082] In some implementations, some core network elements can be deployed to satellites. That is, satellites can perform the functions of some core network elements. Correspondingly, ground-based systems can perform the functions of other core network elements. Combining ground and satellite systems enables the core network's functionality. For example, in the MME-split architecture of the S&F mode, some MME functions can be transferred to the satellite. The satellite-based network elements used to implement some MME functions can be called onboard MME elements. It is understood that ground-based network elements can also include those used to implement other MME functions. Furthermore, satellites can also carry one or more of the core network elements such as AMF, SMF, and UPF.

[0083] In the fourth implementation, all core network functions can be carried on satellite. That is, the satellite can perform the functions of all network elements in the core network. Optionally, the ground network can also include all and / or some of the core network elements. For example, in the S&F mode's full CN architecture, the satellite carries the MME and HSS.

[0084] In this application, the satellite may be, for example, a medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a high altitude platform station (HAPS), an evolved NodeB (eNB), or a 5G base station (gNB) of NGSO. The satellite may also be a GSO satellite.

[0085] In this embodiment, the form of the satellite is not limited. The device used to realize the function of the satellite can be the satellite itself; or it can be a device that supports the satellite in realizing the function, such as a chip system. The device can be installed in the satellite or used in conjunction with the satellite.

[0086] III. Ground Network Elements

[0087] Terrestrial network elements refer to network devices deployed on the ground. Terrestrial network elements can be devices within a wireless network. Optionally, terrestrial network elements can be network elements within an NTN or a TN network. For example, a network device can be a RAN device (or node) that connects terminal devices to a wireless network, and can also be called a base station.

[0088] Currently, examples of RAN equipment include: next-generation base stations, transmission reception points (TRPs), evolved Node Bs (eNBs), radio network controllers (RNCs), Node Bs (NBs), base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), home base stations (e.g., home evolved Node Bs or home Node Bs (HNBs)), base band units (BBUs), and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access points (APs) in future communication systems. Additionally, in a network architecture, terrestrial network elements may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment comprising both CU and DU nodes.

[0089] A base station can be an evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA) system, a new radio (NR) system, or a future radio access system as defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). It can also be a WiFi system, an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) system, an ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) system, a massive machine-type communication (mMTC) system, a long-range Internet of Things (LoRa) system, or a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) system. A base station can also include two or more of the above-mentioned different radio access systems. A base station can also be an open RAN (O-RAN).

[0090] Furthermore, in other possible cases, the terrestrial network element can be any other device that provides wireless communication functionality to the terminal equipment. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terrestrial network element. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0091] Terrestrial network elements can also include core network equipment, such as access and mobility management functions (AMF), user plane functions (UPF), or session management functions (SMF). Taking a 4G network as an example, terrestrial network elements can include mobility management elements (MME) and home subscriber servers (HSS). Terrestrial network elements can also include equipment from satellite operators, such as gateway stations.

[0092] For example, in some implementations, the terrestrial network element may also include an external server, such as an external server that serves as the source of satellite coverage availability. Alternatively, in some implementations, the external server described below may be independent of the terrestrial network element. For example, the external server may be a server used to assist terminal devices in accessing the NTN. The external server may or may not belong to the communication system.

[0093] In this application embodiment, the device for implementing the function of a terrestrial network element can be a terrestrial network element itself, or it can be a device capable of supporting the terrestrial network element in implementing that function, such as a chip system. This device can be installed within the terrestrial network element. In the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment, the terrestrial network element is used as an example to describe the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0094] In non-continuous coverage scenarios, in order to ensure that terminal device 13 can establish a connection with satellite 12, information on candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information can be sent to terminal device 13.

[0095] The information of the candidate satellite may include its identifier and the time of establishing a connection with it. The candidate satellite may be one satellite or multiple satellites. In the implementation shown in Figure 1a, the candidate satellite includes satellite 12. Optionally, the identifier of satellite 12 and the corresponding waiting time can be sent to the terminal device 13. The terminal device 13 can wait, and after the waiting time reaches the specified duration, establish a connection with satellite 12 based on its identifier, thereby obtaining services through satellite 12.

[0096] Satellite coverage availability information is used for satellite access to support discontinuous coverage operations. This information can indicate when and / or where satellite coverage is available or unavailable. Based on this information, terminal devices can determine when and how their location is covered by satellite, thus establishing a connection when coverage is available.

[0097] The information on candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability can be determined by satellite 11 and sent to terminal device 13, or determined by ground network element 14 and sent to terminal device 13 via satellite 11 based on the NTN network, or determined by ground network element 14 and sent to terminal device 13 via the terrestrial network. Alternatively, the information on candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability can also be determined by an external server and sent to terminal device 13.

[0098] Currently, candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information can be determined by combining satellite ephemeris information and terminal device location information. The satellite ephemeris information is used to indicate the satellite's trajectory. Optionally, the satellite ephemeris information may include at least one of the following: the satellite's orbital plane inclination, the right ascension of the ascending node, the semi-major axis of the orbital ellipse, the eccentricity of the orbital ellipse, the perigee distance, and the time of the satellite's perigee passage.

[0099] Specifically, based on satellite ephemeris information, it is possible to determine when a satellite will pass by the location of the terminal device, thus obtaining satellite coverage availability information. Alternatively, satellites passing by the location of the terminal device can be identified as candidate satellites, and the time when these candidate satellites pass by the location of the terminal device can be used to determine the candidate duration, thereby obtaining information about the candidate satellites.

[0100] However, the above implementation method has inaccuracies. Terminal devices may not be able to access NTN based on candidate satellite information or satellite coverage availability information.

[0101] Specifically, when determining candidate satellite information and satellite coverage availability information, only the satellite signal coverage was considered, without taking into account the actual situation of the terminal devices. In some application scenarios, the terminal devices may be within the satellite's signal coverage area but still be unable to establish a connection with the satellite.

[0102] For example, if the terminal device's transmission power is insufficient, the signal transmitted by the terminal device may not be received by the satellite. For instance, the satellite may not receive the signal at all, or the power of the signal received by the satellite may be insufficient for the satellite to decode the data sent by the terminal device. In this case, even if the terminal device is within the satellite's signal coverage area, the terminal device will not be able to establish a connection with the satellite.

[0103] For example, if there is a significant deviation between the antenna direction of the terminal device and the direction from the terminal device to the satellite, the beam direction of the signal transmitted by the terminal device through the antenna will also be significantly deviated from the direction from the terminal device to the satellite. In this case, the power of the signal received by the satellite from the terminal device will be low, making it impossible for the satellite to decode the signal and obtain the data transmitted by the terminal device.

[0104] For example, if there is an obstruction in the direction from the terminal device to the satellite, the signal sent by the terminal device cannot be received by the satellite, or the signal sent by the satellite cannot be received by the terminal device, resulting in the inability to establish a connection between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0105] In other words, because the actual situation of the terminal devices is not taken into account, the accuracy of the currently determined candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information is poor, which may cause the terminal devices to be unable to establish a connection with the satellite based on the candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information, thus affecting the terminal devices' access to NTN.

[0106] Based on this, embodiments of this application propose an information determination method and an information acquisition method. When executing the information determination method, firstly, first information of the terminal device can be acquired. The first information of the terminal device indicates at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information. Based on the first information of the terminal device, combined with the satellite's ephemeris information, it can be determined when the terminal device is under satellite signal coverage and whether the signal transmitted by the terminal device can be normally received by the satellite. Based on the first information of the terminal device, second information can be determined. The second information includes candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information. Since at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information is referenced in the process of determining the second information, the obtained candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information can match the actual situation of the terminal device. Therefore, according to the second information, the terminal device can normally access the NTN. Thus, in addition to the satellite's ephemeris information, the actual situation of the terminal device is also considered, improving the accuracy of the second information and facilitating the terminal device's rapid and normal access to the NTN.

[0107] The embodiments of this application will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0108] The information determination method provided in this application can be applied to any of the following devices: a first satellite, a ground network element, a terminal device, and an external server. These will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] If the information determination method is implemented by a first satellite, the communication system can be as shown in Figure 1a. Specifically, the first satellite can be satellite 11 in Figure 1a. Terminal device 13 can send first information to satellite 11 through a service link with satellite 11. Satellite 11 can determine second information based on the first information. If the second information includes information about candidate satellites, satellite 12 is a candidate satellite. The second information may also include the waiting time corresponding to satellite 12. The waiting time may be, for example, the total time from the current moment to the time when a service link can be established between terminal device 13 and satellite 12.

[0110] In the implementation shown in Figure 1a, satellite 11 may include RAN network elements and MME network elements. The MME network element receives first information sent by terminal device 13. The MME network element determines second information based on the first information. For the S&F architecture, the MME is divided into two parts, and the MME located on the satellite can be referred to as the onboard MME network element.

[0111] As mentioned above, satellite 10 can be an NGSO satellite. In some application scenarios, the first satellite can be a high-orbit satellite, and the candidate satellite can be a non-high-orbit satellite. Optionally, the first satellite can be a geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellite, such as a geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite. Since the position of a GSO relative to the Earth is fixed, using a GSO as the first satellite facilitates communication between the terminal device and the first satellite. Optionally, the candidate satellite can be a low-orbit satellite to improve the communication speed of the terminal device in the satellite network.

[0112] Accordingly, the communication system can be as shown in Figure 1b. In the implementation shown in Figure 1b, it includes a high-orbit satellite 21, a low-orbit satellite 22, a low-orbit satellite 23, a terminal device 24, and a ground network element 25. The terminal device 24 can send first information to the high-orbit satellite 21. The high-orbit satellite 21 can determine second information based on the first information. If the second information includes information about candidate satellites, then the candidate satellites can include low-orbit satellite 22 and / or low-orbit satellite 23. The terminal device 24 can establish a service link with low-orbit satellite 22 and / or low-orbit satellite 23 based on the second information, thereby accessing the NTN.

[0113] If the information determination method is implemented by a ground network element, this method can be specifically implemented by a ground-based MME network element. Specifically, in the MME-split scenario under the S&F architecture, this method can be implemented by a ground-based MME (MME-ground) network element. In the Full CN scenario under the S&F architecture, this method can be implemented by an MME network element. Optionally, if the communication system is as shown in Figure 1a, this information determination method can be implemented by ground network element 14. Terminal device 13 can send first information to ground network element 14 via satellite 11. Ground network element 14 can determine second information based on the first information.

[0114] If the information determination method is implemented by a terminal device, the terminal device can obtain at least one of its own power information, azimuth information, and elevation information to obtain first information. Combining this with ephemeris information, the terminal device can obtain second information based on the first information. Based on the second information, the terminal device can establish a connection with a candidate satellite, or establish a connection with a satellite based on satellite coverage availability information. Optionally, if the communication system is as shown in Figure 1a, this information determination method can be implemented by terminal device 13. Terminal device 13 can determine the second information based on the first information and establish a connection with satellite 12 based on the second information.

[0115] If the information determination method is determined by an external server, the communication system can be as shown in Figure 1c. In the application scenario shown in Figure 1c, the communication system includes satellite 31, satellite 32, terminal equipment 33, ground network element 34, and external server 35. External server 35 can obtain the first information from terminal equipment 33 through a terrestrial network or a non-terrestrial network. Combining the first information and ephemeris information, external server 35 can determine satellite coverage availability information, or identify satellite 31 and / or satellite 32 as candidate satellites to obtain information about the candidate satellites. Optionally, external server 35 can be the source of satellite coverage availability information.

[0116] The above has introduced some possible application scenarios. Below, we introduce some specific implementation methods for information determination and information acquisition. It should be noted that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments are merely examples; other names may be used in specific implementations, and this application does not impose specific limitations on them.

[0117] Referring to Figure 2, which is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the information determination method proposed in this application, the information determination method shown in Figure 3 can be executed by a first device. The first device can operate on any of the following devices: a first satellite, a ground network element terminal device, or an external server.

[0118] For example, as shown in Figure 2, the method includes the following steps:

[0119] S201: Obtain the first information of the terminal device.

[0120] In order to establish a connection with a suitable satellite, the first information of the terminal device can be obtained first, so as to determine the second information based on the first information.

[0121] The first information includes at least one of the following: power information, azimuth information, or elevation information of the terminal device. Taking the example where the first information includes the power information, azimuth information, and elevation information of the terminal device, parameters such as the strength of the NTN signal transmitted by the terminal device and the unobstructed spatial range can be determined based on the first information of the terminal device. Combined with ephemeris information, it can be determined which satellites can receive the NTN signal transmitted by the terminal device at which times, or which satellites' signals the terminal device can receive at which times, thereby obtaining information on candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information.

[0122] Optionally, if the first device operates on a terminal device, the terminal device can obtain its own information to acquire the first information. If the first device operates on a device other than the terminal device, the first device can obtain the first information through the terminal device. For example, the terminal device can obtain its own information, acquire the first information, and report the first information. Alternatively, the first device can also obtain the first information through other means. For example, suppose the first information includes elevation angle information, and the elevation angle information includes the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the terminal device. Then the maximum and / or minimum elevation angles of the terminal device can be pre-configured. The first device can obtain the elevation angle information of the terminal device through the network, or read pre-stored elevation angle information. In this implementation, the first device does not obtain the elevation angle information through the terminal device.

[0123] For a detailed introduction to the first information, please refer to the following text, which will not be repeated here.

[0124] S202: Determine the second information based on the first information.

[0125] After obtaining the first information, the first device can combine the first information to determine the second information. The second information includes information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information, used by the terminal device to access the NTN. Optionally, a candidate satellite can be one satellite or multiple satellites. If multiple candidate satellites exist, the second information can include information about each candidate satellite. The types of information included in the information of different candidate satellites can be the same or different. For example, assuming that the candidate satellites include candidate satellite 1 and candidate satellite 2, then the information of the candidate satellites can include the satellite identifier and waiting time of candidate satellite 1, and the satellite identifier of candidate satellite 2. Further details on this part can be found below and will not be repeated here.

[0126] If the first device operates on a terminal device, after determining the second information, the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information. If the first device does not operate on a terminal device, for example, if it operates on a first satellite, a terrestrial network element, or an external server, the first device can send the second information to the terminal device. For example, the first device can send the second information to the terminal device via the NTN or TN so that the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information.

[0127] As can be seen, because at least one of the terminal device's power, azimuth, and elevation information is considered in determining the second information, the resulting candidate satellite information and satellite coverage availability information can match the actual situation of the terminal device. Therefore, based on the second information, the terminal device can normally access the NTN. Thus, in addition to satellite ephemeris information, the actual situation of the terminal device is also considered, improving the accuracy of the second information and facilitating the terminal device's rapid and normal access to the NTN.

[0128] The information determination method shown in Figure 2 can be implemented by a first device. This first device can operate on different devices, such as a first satellite, a ground network element, a terminal device, or an external server. When the first device operates on different devices, the way information is exchanged in the communication system differs.

[0129] Optionally, if the first device is implemented based on any of the following devices: a first satellite, a ground network element, or an external server, the terminal device may operate an information acquisition device. The information acquisition device is used to send first information and receive second information, so that the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information.

[0130] The following examples illustrate some implementation methods for information determination and information acquisition.

[0131] Referring to Figure 3, this figure is a schematic flowchart of an information determination method and an information acquisition method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 3 can be applied to an application scenario where the first device operates on a first satellite. Optionally, the first satellite can be a GSO or an NGSO.

[0132] For example, as shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps:

[0133] S301: The terminal device sends the first information to the first satellite.

[0134] The first information includes the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information.

[0135] Optionally, the terminal device may send first information to the first satellite via a registration request message and / or a tracking area update request message. The registration request message may be, for example, an Attach Request message, and the tracking area update request message may be, for example, a TAU (Tracking Area Update) Request. It is understood that the first information may also be sent via other information, and this embodiment of the application does not limit this.

[0136] In the implementation shown in Figure 3, the first information is reported by the terminal device to the first satellite. In some other possible implementations, the terminal device may report a portion of the first information to the first satellite, and the first satellite may obtain the remaining portion of the first information through other means. For example, the terminal device may report its power information to the first satellite, and the first satellite may obtain the azimuth information of the terminal device through TN or NTN, and read the pre-configured elevation information of the terminal device from its memory.

[0137] The power information, azimuth information, and elevation information are described below.

[0138] (1) Power information.

[0139] In the implementation shown in Figure 3, power information refers to information related to the transmission power of the terminal device. Optionally, the power information of the terminal device may include one or more parameters such as the terminal device's current transmission power or transmission power. Based on the power information, the strength of the signal transmitted by the terminal device can be determined, thereby determining at what position the satellite is in orbit and the signal strength is sufficient to support information exchange between the terminal device and the satellite.

[0140] The higher the power of the transmitted signal from the terminal device, the higher its energy consumption. In some application scenarios, it may be necessary to limit the energy consumption of the terminal device. For example, in scenarios where the terminal device is a mobile terminal device, considering the limited battery power of the mobile terminal device, it may be necessary to limit the power of the transmitted signal. To do this, the terminal device can be switched to an energy-saving mode. In energy-saving mode, the power of the transmitted signal from the terminal device is limited. Accordingly, the power information reported by the terminal device to the first satellite can include information about the power of the terminal device in energy-saving mode.

[0141] In other words, the power information of the terminal device may include first power information and / or second power information. The first power information indicates the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state. The second power information indicates the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state.

[0142] The first power information may include, for example, one or more of the parameters such as the current transmit power and transmit power of the aforementioned terminal device. Based on the first power information, the signal strength transmitted by the terminal device in non-energy-saving mode can be determined. The second power information is used to indicate the power of the terminal device in energy-saving mode. Optionally, the second power information may include any one or more of the terminal device's energy-saving power, energy-saving power level, and energy-saving power indication.

[0143] Energy-saving power refers to the transmission power of a terminal device in energy-saving mode. That is, in energy-saving mode, the terminal device transmits signals at energy-saving power. Energy-saving power level refers to the level of energy-saving mode the terminal device is in. Specifically, in practical applications, one or more energy-saving modes can be configured for the terminal device. If multiple energy-saving modes are configured, the transmission power under different energy-saving modes can be different. Correspondingly, the energy-saving power level can serve as an identifier for the energy-saving mode. Based on the energy-saving power level, the energy-saving mode in which the terminal device is located can be determined, thereby determining the transmission power corresponding to that energy-saving mode as the actual transmission power of the terminal device. The energy-saving power indicator is used to indicate that the terminal is currently in energy-saving mode, and the network side obtains the power under energy-saving mode based on the energy-saving power indicator.

[0144] Optionally, the transmission power corresponding to each energy-saving state can be pre-configured on the first satellite, or the first satellite can obtain the transmission power corresponding to each energy-saving state through NTN or TN. For example, the transmission power for each energy-saving state can be pre-configured on the first satellite. The terminal device can send an identifier of the energy-saving state through first information. The first satellite can determine the energy-saving state of the terminal device based on the identifier of the energy-saving state, thereby determining the maximum power of the signal transmitted by the terminal device.

[0145] Understandably, if only one energy-saving state exists, the energy-saving power level can be used to indicate whether the terminal device has activated energy saving. For example, if the energy-saving power level is 0, it can be assumed that the energy-saving state is not activated and the terminal device is in a non-energy-saving state; if the energy-saving power level is 1, it can be assumed that the energy-saving state is activated and the terminal device is in an energy-saving state.

[0146] The following describes some possible ways to enable the power-saving mode of terminal devices.

[0147] In a first possible implementation, the power-saving state of the terminal device can be triggered by a user. The user can be either the user of the terminal device or a user of the management device. For example, the remaining battery power of the terminal device can be displayed to the user so that they can determine whether to activate the power-saving state. The user can trigger a power-saving state activation command for the terminal device via the terminal device or another device. Based on the power-saving state activation command, the terminal device can switch to power-saving mode. Optionally, if multiple power-saving states exist, the power-saving state activation command can indicate the level of power saving. If the user triggers the power-saving state activation command for the terminal device via another device, the power-saving state activation command can be sent via TN and / or NTN.

[0148] In the second possible implementation, the energy-saving state of the terminal device can be switched automatically. Specifically, an automatic switching mechanism can be configured on the terminal device or its management device. Based on the automatic switching mechanism, it can be determined whether the terminal device meets the energy-saving state trigger conditions. If the terminal device meets the energy-saving state trigger conditions, it can be switched to energy-saving state.

[0149] For example, the power-saving state trigger condition may include a power level-based trigger condition. For instance, the power-saving state trigger condition may include a power level threshold. If the remaining power of the terminal device is lower than the power level threshold, the terminal device may be considered to meet the power-saving state trigger condition, and the terminal device may be switched to power-saving mode.

[0150] Optionally, if the terminal device has multiple different energy-saving states, each energy-saving state can correspond to a different energy-saving state trigger condition. Accordingly, the second power information can be determined based on the energy-saving state trigger condition. For example, suppose the terminal device has two energy-saving states: energy-saving state 1 and energy-saving state 2, and the energy-saving efficiency of energy-saving state 1 is higher than that of energy-saving state 2. Then, energy-saving state 1 can correspond to power threshold 1, and energy-saving state 2 can correspond to power threshold 2. Power threshold 1 is less than power threshold 2. Accordingly, the transmission power of energy-saving state 1 or energy-saving state 2 can be selected as the second power information based on the energy-saving state trigger condition satisfied by the remaining power of the terminal device.

[0151] Understandably, in real-world applications, there are other ways to enable energy-saving mode on terminal devices. These will not be elaborated upon here.

[0152] (2) Azimuth information.

[0153] Azimuth information can include information related to the azimuth of the terminal device. The azimuth of the terminal device can refer to the azimuth of the terminal device's antenna, such as the azimuth of the beam direction of the signal transmitted by the terminal device's antenna, or the azimuth of the NTN signal transmitted by the terminal device's antenna. If the terminal device includes multiple antennas, the azimuth of the terminal device can include the azimuth of the antenna used to transmit the NTN signal. Based on the azimuth information, the azimuth of the NTN signal transmitted by the terminal device can be determined, so as to determine the second information in conjunction with ephemeris information. The NTN signal can refer to the signal transmitted by the terminal device during data transmission via NTN.

[0154] Optionally, the azimuth information may include one or more of the following: the azimuth of the terminal device, the boundary azimuth of the azimuth range to which the terminal device's azimuth belongs, or the identifier of the azimuth range to which the terminal device's azimuth belongs. Further details regarding this section can be found below.

[0155] (3) Elevation information

[0156] Elevation information can include information related to the elevation angle of the terminal device. Similar to the azimuth angle of the terminal device, the elevation information can refer to the elevation angle of the terminal device's antenna, such as the elevation angle of the beam direction of the signal transmitted by the terminal device's antenna, or the elevation angle of the NTN signal transmitted by the terminal device's antenna. If the terminal device includes multiple antennas, the elevation angle can include the elevation angle of the antenna used to transmit the NTN signal. By combining the azimuth and elevation angles, the specific direction of the NTN-related signal transmitted by the terminal device can be determined, so as to determine the second information in conjunction with ephemeris.

[0157] Optionally, the elevation angle information may include the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the terminal device. The maximum and minimum elevation angles can be used to determine the elevation angle range of the terminal device, thereby determining the second information based on the elevation angle range.

[0158] Optionally, the elevation angle information may include one or more of the following: the elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs, or the identifier of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs. See below for a description of this part.

[0159] For example, if the second information includes satellite coverage availability information, the elevation angle information includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device, and also includes other elevation angle-related information. For example, the elevation angle information also includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

[0160] Optionally, the elevation angle information may also include information related to the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs. For example, the terminal device can first determine the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle belongs, and then report the elevation angle range information. Accordingly, the first information may include information about the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs. Thus, by reporting the terminal device's elevation angle information in a coarse-grained manner, even if the terminal device's elevation angle changes, if the elevation angle range to which the terminal device belongs has not changed, the terminal device does not need to report the elevation angle information again. This reduces the number of times the terminal device reports, improving communication efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0161] If the actual elevation angle of the terminal device changes, it can be determined whether the elevation angle range to which the actual elevation angle of the terminal device belongs has changed. If it has changed, the elevation angle range can be updated, and the updated elevation angle range identifier and / or boundary elevation angle can be determined and sent. For example, the terminal device can update the first information based on the updated elevation angle range identifier and / or boundary elevation angle, and send the updated first information.

[0162] For example, the total elevation angle range of 0-90° can be divided into three elevation angle ranges, corresponding to 0° to 30°, 30° to 60°, and 60° to 90° respectively. If the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device is 78° and the minimum elevation angle is 33°, then the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle belongs can be determined to include 30° to 60° and 60° to 90°, and thus the information of these two elevation angle ranges can be reported.

[0163] For example, the elevation range information may include the boundary elevation angles of the elevation range and / or an identifier of the elevation range. In the above embodiment, the boundary elevation angles of the elevation range include a maximum boundary elevation angle of 90° and a minimum boundary elevation angle of 30°. The identifier of the elevation range is used to identify the elevation range. The first satellite (or other device for determining the second information) can determine the elevation range corresponding to the identifier according to a pre-configured correspondence. Optionally, the elevation range information may also include other information related to the elevation range.

[0164] Similar to elevation angle information, for similar considerations, the azimuth information of the terminal device may also include one or more of the following: the azimuth of the terminal device, the boundary azimuth of the azimuth range to which the azimuth of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the azimuth range to which the azimuth of the terminal device belongs. Accordingly, the azimuth information is determined based on the azimuth range of the terminal device's azimuth. The terminal device may also update the first information and report the updated first information after the azimuth range to which the azimuth belongs changes. Specifically, if the actual azimuth of the terminal device changes, it can be determined whether the azimuth range to which the actual azimuth of the terminal device belongs has changed. If it has changed, the azimuth range can be updated, and the identifier and / or boundary azimuth of the updated azimuth range can be determined and sent. For example, the terminal device can update the first information based on the identifier and / or boundary azimuth of the updated azimuth range and send the updated first information.

[0165] In the implementation described above, azimuth and / or elevation information can be carried in the first information and transmitted by the terminal device to the first satellite. In some other possible implementations, azimuth and / or elevation information can also be pre-configured to the first satellite. For example, the maximum and minimum elevation angles of the terminal device can be pre-configured. This eliminates the need for the terminal device to carry elevation information in the first information, reducing the amount of information reported by the terminal device. Alternatively, if the terminal device's location is fixed, its elevation and azimuth information can be configured in the first satellite according to the actual situation of the terminal device. Or, the terminal device's elevation and azimuth information can be configured in other network elements or servers, and the first satellite obtains the terminal device's elevation and azimuth information through the NTN or TN.

[0166] The azimuth and / or elevation information described above can be implemented in one way as unobstructed azimuth and / or elevation information for the terminal device. For example, the unobstructed azimuth and / or elevation range. For instance, the terminal device can determine the unobstructed azimuth and / or elevation information by combining sensing signals. Another example is that the terminal device can acquire azimuth and / or elevation information sent by other devices.

[0167] It is understood that, in addition to power information, azimuth information, and elevation information, the first information may also include other information. For example, the first information may also include one or more of the following: the Serving PLMN ID of the terminal device, the Radio Access Technology (RAT) type of the satellite, the frequency band of the satellite supported by the terminal device, or the location of the terminal device.

[0168] The first information has been introduced above. The following describes how the terminal device sends the first information.

[0169] Optionally, the terminal device can send the first information to the first satellite via a link with the first satellite. Specifically, after establishing a service link between the first satellite and the terminal device, the terminal device can send the first information to the first satellite via the service link. Optionally, if the terminal device also has service links with other satellites, the terminal device can also send the first information to those other satellites.

[0170] Optionally, if the first satellite is a GSO satellite, the terminal device can send the first information to the first satellite via an NGSO satellite.

[0171] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can proactively send the first information. Specifically, the terminal device can determine whether it needs to report the first information. For example, if the terminal device detects an update to the first information, it can determine that the first information needs to be reported, and the terminal device can send the first information to the first satellite. Alternatively, a periodic reporting mechanism can be configured on the terminal device to enable it to periodically report the first information.

[0172] For example, if the terminal device updates the first information, the first information can be sent via the aforementioned registration request message and / or tracking area update request message. And / or, the first information can also be sent via a first information update message and / or a first information query message. Alternatively, it can be sent via separate update messages and / or query messages. For example, if the first information includes the terminal device's power information, and the terminal device's power information needs to be updated, then the first information can send a power update message and / or a power query message to the first satellite, thereby reporting the updated power information to the first satellite. As another example, if the first information includes the terminal device's azimuth information, and the terminal device's azimuth information needs to be updated, then the first information can send an azimuth update message and / or an azimuth query message to the first satellite, thereby reporting the updated azimuth information to the first satellite. For another example, if the first information includes the terminal device's elevation information, and the terminal device's elevation information needs to be updated, then the first information can send an elevation update message and / or an elevation query message to the first satellite, thereby reporting the updated elevation information to the first satellite.

[0173] Optionally, the aforementioned first information update message, first information query message, power update message, power query message, azimuth update message, azimuth query message, elevation update message, and elevation query message may be the same message or different messages.

[0174] Optionally, at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information is included in the UE capability information, and can be obtained through UE capability query or update messages, such as UE Capability Enquiry / Update messages.

[0175] In some other possible implementations, the terminal device may also report the first information according to the instructions of the first satellite. For example, the first satellite may send an information retrieval request. The terminal device may report the first information to the first satellite according to the information retrieval request sent by the first satellite. Optionally, the information request may be carried in a system broadcast. Exemplarily, the system broadcast may be used to broadcast one or more of the information such as the identifier and ephemeris information of the first satellite.

[0176] It should be noted that the description of step S301 does not consider the influence of the second information previously acquired by the terminal device. For example, if the terminal device has acquired the historical second information before sending the first information, the terminal device can first determine whether the first satellite is a candidate satellite.

[0177] S302: The first satellite determines the second information based on the first information.

[0178] After obtaining the first information, the first satellite can combine the first information with ephemeris information to determine the second information. The second information may include information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information. These will be described in detail below.

[0179] The candidate satellite information may include the candidate satellite's identifier and / or its timing information. The candidate satellite's identifier is used to uniquely identify the candidate satellite. The candidate satellite's timing information is used to indicate the time when the terminal device establishes a connection with the candidate satellite.

[0180] For example, the time information of a candidate satellite may include a waiting duration. The waiting duration indicates the time required for the terminal device to establish a connection with the candidate satellite. The waiting duration can also be referred to as a wait timer. Alternatively, the time information of a candidate satellite may also include a connection time, indicating the time it takes for the terminal device to establish a connection with the candidate satellite. Optionally, if multiple candidate satellites exist, the information of the candidate satellites may include multiple waiting durations.

[0181] Optionally, if multiple candidate satellites exist, the second information may include information about each candidate satellite. The information about each candidate satellite may include its identifier and / or its timing information. That is, the second information may include the identifiers of one or more candidate satellites, and / or the timing information of one or more candidate satellites. Optionally, if the second information includes the identifiers and timing information of candidate satellites, the identifiers and timing information of the candidate satellites in the second information may be the same or different.

[0182] For example, a second piece of information can be carried through a monitoring list. The monitoring list may include identifiers of one or more candidate satellites, and / or, the waiting times for one or more candidate satellites. It is understood that the waiting times in the monitoring list may or may not be related to the satellites corresponding to the identifiers in the monitoring list.

[0183] Optionally, the candidate list may not include the waiting time. If the candidate list does not include the waiting time, the candidate satellite information includes the waiting time, which can be carried through other lists or messages. This application does not limit this aspect.

[0184] When determining candidate satellite information, candidate satellites can be identified first. Specifically, the spatial range of satellites capable of establishing a connection with the terminal device can be determined by combining the first information. For example, the first satellite can determine the strength of the NTN signal transmitted by the terminal device at each location in space based on the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information. Then, by combining ephemeris information, the first satellite can determine which satellites, at what positions, allow the terminal device to access the NTN signal via satellite, or that the signal transmitted by the satellite can be received by the terminal device. In this way, candidate satellite information can be obtained.

[0185] Optionally, the candidate satellite information may also include other relevant information used to establish a connection between the terminal device and the candidate satellite. This will not be elaborated further here.

[0186] Optionally, the information of the candidate satellites can be entirely determined by the first satellite, or a portion of the information can be determined by the first satellite, while other equipment determines the remaining portion. For example, assuming the candidate satellite information includes the candidate satellite's identifier and waiting time, the first satellite can determine the candidate satellite's identifier, and other equipment (such as ground network elements or external servers) can determine the waiting time. This application does not limit this approach.

[0187] Satellite coverage availability information is used to instruct terminal devices to access satellites to support scenarios with discontinuous obstruction. Satellite coverage availability information can be used to indicate the time or location when satellite coverage is available or unavailable. For example, when determining satellite coverage availability information, a first satellite can combine first information and ephemeris information to determine when satellite coverage is available for the terminal device, thus obtaining the terminal device's satellite coverage availability information.

[0188] S303: The first satellite sends the second information to the terminal equipment.

[0189] After the second information is determined, the first satellite can send the second information to the terminal device so that the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information.

[0190] Optionally, the first satellite can send the second information to the terminal device via any one or more of the following messages: registration accept message, registration reject message, attach accept message, attach reject message, tracking area update accept message, and tracking area update reject message. The registration accept message and attach accept message can be, for example, an attach accept message; the registration reject message or attach reject message can be, for example, an attach reject message; the tracking area update accept message can be, for example, a TAU accept message; and the tracking area update reject message can be, for example, a TAU reject message. It is understood that the second information can also be sent via other information, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0191] Optionally, if a connection exists between the first satellite and the terminal device, such as a service link, the first satellite can send the second information to the terminal device through this connection. If the connection between the first satellite and the terminal device is lost, the first satellite can send the second information to the terminal device through other devices in the NTN (such as other satellites), or the first satellite can also send the second information to the terminal device through a terrestrial network.

[0192] As can be seen, because at least one of the terminal device's power, azimuth, and elevation information is considered in determining the second information, the resulting candidate satellite information and satellite coverage availability information can match the actual situation of the terminal device. Therefore, based on the second information, the terminal device can normally access the NTN. Thus, in addition to satellite ephemeris information, the actual situation of the terminal device is also considered, improving the accuracy of the second information and facilitating the terminal device's rapid and normal access to the NTN.

[0193] The following section, with reference to Figure 3, further describes the implementation method of the terminal device accessing the NTN based on the second information, as well as the propagation process of the first information in the communication system. It is understood that since steps S304 and S305 are optional, they are represented by dashed lines in Figure 3.

[0194] S304: The first satellite sends the first message to the second satellite.

[0195] Optionally, the first satellite can transmit first information to the second satellite. Optionally, the first satellite can transmit the first information to the second satellite via an inter-satellite link (ISL). Alternatively, the first satellite can also transmit the first information to the second satellite via a ground network element. Based on the first information, the second satellite can determine second information by combining it with ephemeris information. Optionally, the second information determined by the second satellite and the second information determined by the first satellite can be the same or different.

[0196] For example, in the S&F architecture, the first satellite can send first information to the ground network element (e.g., MME-ground) after a feed link is established between the first satellite and the ground network element. After a feed link is established between the second satellite and the ground network element, the ground network element can send first information to the second satellite. Optionally, the ground network element receiving the first information sent by the first satellite and the ground network element sending the first information to the second satellite can be the same or different.

[0197] In the implementation shown in Figure 3, the first satellite transmits first information to the second satellite. In some other possible implementations, the information transmitted from the first satellite to the second satellite may not be the first information, but rather other information including at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, or elevation information. For example, after obtaining the first information, the first satellite can extract the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information, and package these three information into third information before transmitting it to the second satellite.

[0198] In addition to the first information, the first satellite can also send other information to the second satellite. For example, the first satellite can also send a second information to the second satellite.

[0199] S305: In response to the fulfillment of the conditions indicated by the second information, the terminal device accesses the NTN via the second satellite.

[0200] After receiving the second information, the terminal device can determine whether the conditions indicated by the second information are met. If the conditions indicated by the second information are met, the terminal device can access the NTN via the second satellite.

[0201] As described above, the second information may include candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information. The following sections describe possible implementations of terminal device access to the NTN when the second information includes candidate satellite information and when it includes satellite coverage availability information, respectively.

[0202] Implementation method 1: The second information includes information about the candidate satellites.

[0203] If the second information includes candidate satellite information, the terminal device can determine whether the conditions for accessing the NTN via the candidate satellite are met based on the candidate satellite information. If met, the terminal device can access the NTN via the candidate satellite. For example, the second information includes a waiting time. The terminal device can wait according to the waiting time, and after the waiting time has elapsed, it attempts to establish a connection with the candidate satellite, thereby accessing the NTN via the candidate satellite. For example, the terminal device can access the NTN via the aforementioned second satellite. The terminal device can also access the NTN via the first satellite based on the second information.

[0204] Implementation Method 2: The second piece of information includes satellite coverage availability information.

[0205] If the second information includes satellite coverage availability information, the terminal device can access the NTN when satellite coverage is available, based on the availability indicated by the satellite coverage availability information. For example, the satellite coverage availability information indicates the time when satellite coverage is available at the terminal device's location; after that time, the terminal device can attempt to access the NTN. For instance, the terminal device can send an access request, the satellite can receive the access request, and establish a connection with the terminal device based on the access request. As another example, the satellite coverage availability information can include satellite identifiers, allowing the terminal device to establish a connection with the satellites listed in the satellite coverage availability information when satellite coverage is available.

[0206] In the above implementation, the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information. In some other possible implementations, the terminal device can also access the NTN through other methods.

[0207] For example, if the terminal device receives a signal from a third satellite (e.g., the terminal device receives a signal from a third satellite other than a candidate satellite, or the terminal device receives a signal from a third satellite when satellite coverage availability information indicates that satellite coverage is unavailable), the terminal device can access the NTN via the third satellite. Optionally, the signal from the third satellite may include ephemeris information broadcast by the third satellite. The terminal device may also send first information to the third satellite. Exemplarily, the terminal device may send the first information obtained in step S301 to the third satellite, or the terminal device may update the first information and send the updated first information.

[0208] It should be noted that the above-described methods for terminal devices to access NTN are only examples. Terminal devices can also access NTN in other ways, which will not be elaborated here.

[0209] The above, with reference to Figure 3, describes some implementation methods for determining the second information using a first satellite. The following, with reference to Figure 4, describes some implementation methods for determining the second information using a ground network element. Referring to Figure 4, this figure is a schematic flowchart of another information determination and information acquisition method provided in the embodiments of this application. The method shown in Figure 4 can be applied to application scenarios where the first device operates on a ground network element. Optionally, the ground network element can be, for example, an MME network element. Exemplarily, as shown in Figure 4, the method includes the following steps:

[0210] S401: The terminal device sends the first information to the ground network element.

[0211] To determine the second information, the terminal device can first obtain the first information and send it to the ground network element. A description of the first information can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0212] When sending the first information, the terminal device can send the first information to the terrestrial network element via the NTN or via the TN (e.g., a cellular network). For example, if the terminal device sends the first information to the terrestrial network element via the NTN, step S401-1 can be executed; if the terminal device sends the first information to the terrestrial network element via the TN, step S401-2 can be executed. It is understood that since steps S401-1 and S401-2 are optional, they are represented by dashed lines in Figure 4.

[0213] S401-1: The terminal device sends the first information to the ground network element via the first satellite.

[0214] If a terminal device sends first information to a ground network element via the NTN, the terminal device can first send the first information to the first satellite through a connection with the first satellite, and then the first satellite will transmit the first information to the ground network element. Here, the first satellite is the satellite in the NTN that connects to the terminal device. It can be understood that the first information can be transmitted to the ground network element via one satellite or multiple satellites. In other words, the first information can be transmitted to the ground network element via inter-satellite links and multiple satellites.

[0215] For example, in the S&F architecture, the terminal device can first send first information to the first satellite through the service link between the terminal device and the first satellite. After the first satellite establishes a feeder link with the ground network element, the first satellite sends the first information to the ground network element through the feeder link.

[0216] S401-2: The terminal device sends the first information to the ground network element through the ground network.

[0217] If the terminal device sends the first information to a terrestrial network element via a terrestrial network, the terminal device does not need to establish a direct connection with the satellite; instead, it sends the first information to the terrestrial network element through the terrestrial network. Optionally, the terminal device can send the first information to a base station, which then sends the first information to the terrestrial network element.

[0218] It should be noted that when sending the first information to a terrestrial network element via a terrestrial network, the first information can also be transmitted via satellite. For example, the terminal device can first send the first information to the base station. The base station can then transmit the first information to the terrestrial network element via satellite.

[0219] S402: The ground network element determines the second information based on the first information.

[0220] After obtaining the first information, the ground network element can determine the second information based on the first information. For a detailed explanation of the second information and how to determine it, please refer to the above text; it will not be repeated here.

[0221] S403: The ground network element sends the second information to the terminal equipment.

[0222] After determining the second information, the terrestrial network element can send the second information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can access the NTN according to the instructions in the second information. Similar to step S401, the terrestrial network element can send the second information to the terminal device via the NTN or via the TN. If the terrestrial network element sends the second information via the TN, the second information may or may not be transmitted via satellite. Specific details regarding the transmission of the second information will not be elaborated here.

[0223] As can be seen, because at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information is referenced in the process of determining the second information, the obtained candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information can match the actual situation of the terminal device. Therefore, based on the second information, the terminal device can normally access the NTN. Thus, in addition to satellite ephemeris information, the actual situation of the terminal device is also considered, improving the accuracy of the second information and facilitating the terminal device's rapid and normal access to the NTN.

[0224] In addition to sending the second information to the terminal device, the ground network element can also send the first information to the satellite so that the satellite can establish a connection with the terminal device based on the first information. The following section, with reference to Figure 4, further describes the implementation method of the terminal device accessing the NTN based on the second information, and the propagation process of the first information in the communication system. It is understood that since steps S404 and S405 are optional, they are represented by dashed lines in Figure 4.

[0225] S404: The ground network element sends the first information to the second satellite.

[0226] Optionally, the ground network element can send the first information to the second satellite. Optionally, if a connection exists between the ground network element and the second satellite (e.g., a feeder link), the ground network element can send the first information to the second network element through the connection with the second satellite. If no connection exists between the ground network element and the second satellite, the ground network element can send the first information to the second satellite through an inter-satellite link or wait for a connection to be established before sending the first information to the second satellite. Based on the first information, the second satellite can determine the second information by combining it with ephemeris information. Optionally, the second information determined by the second satellite and the second information determined by the first satellite can be the same or different.

[0227] For example, the second satellite can be a candidate satellite. That is, the ground network element can first determine the candidate satellite based on the first information, and then send the first information to the candidate satellite (e.g., the second satellite). Alternatively, the second satellite can be any satellite. For example, the ground network element can send the first information to all satellites in the NTN system.

[0228] In the implementation shown in Figure 4, the ground network element sends first information to the second satellite. In some other possible implementations, the information sent by the first satellite to the second satellite may not be the first information, but rather other information including at least one of the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, or elevation information. For example, after obtaining the first information, the first satellite can extract the terminal device's power information, azimuth information, and elevation information, and package these three information into third information before sending it to the second satellite.

[0229] Optionally, the ground network element may also send other information to the second satellite, such as information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information. For example, if the second satellite is a candidate satellite, the ground network element may also send the corresponding waiting time to the second satellite, so that the second satellite can establish a connection with the terminal device after the waiting time.

[0230] S405: Terminal equipment accesses NTN via a second satellite.

[0231] After obtaining the second information, the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information. Since the second information is determined based on the first information, the second information matches the actual situation of the terminal device, and the terminal device can access the NTN based on the second information.

[0232] As mentioned above, the second piece of information can be determined by any of the following devices: the first satellite, the ground network element, the external server, and the terminal equipment.

[0233] If the second information is determined by an external server, the external server can obtain the first information from the terminal device (or other devices) via the network, and then combine the ephemeris information and the first information to determine the second information. The external server can send the second information to the terminal device via the network, and can also send the first information (and / or the second information) to the satellite via ground network elements.

[0234] If the second information is determined by the terminal device, the terminal device can obtain its own first information. Furthermore, the terminal device may store ephemeris information, or it may obtain ephemeris information via a network. Combining the ephemeris information and the first information, the terminal device can determine the second information, thereby accessing the NTN based on the second information. Optionally, to facilitate NTN access, the terminal device can also send the first information and / or the second information to the satellite. For example, the terminal device can send the first information and / or the second information to a ground network element via the TN, thereby transmitting the first information and / or the second information to the satellite via the ground network element.

[0235] The specific details of determining the second piece of information will not be elaborated here.

[0236] The present application has been described above from a methodological perspective. Other embodiments provided by the present application will be further described below.

[0237] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the communication device provided in this application. The communication device 500 includes a transceiver unit 501 and a processing unit 502. The communication device 500 can realize the functions of the communication device (including the first device) in the above method embodiments, and therefore can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0238] In this embodiment, the communication device 500 can be a satellite network element located on the first satellite, or an integrated circuit or component, such as a chip, inside the satellite network element. The communication device 500 can be a terminal device, or an integrated circuit or component, such as a chip, inside the terminal device. The communication device 500 can be a terrestrial network element, or an integrated circuit or component, such as a chip, inside the terrestrial network element. The communication device 500 can also be an external server, or an integrated circuit or component, such as a chip, inside the external server.

[0239] In one example, the communication device 500 is applied to the first device, and the communication device 500 includes:

[0240] The transceiver unit 501 is used to acquire first information of the terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the power information, azimuth information, or elevation information of the terminal device.

[0241] Processing unit 502 is configured to determine second information based on the first information, the second information including candidate satellite information and / or satellite coverage availability information, the second information being used by the terminal device to access a non-terrestrial network.

[0242] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes the elevation angle information of the terminal device, which includes any one or more of the following: the elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs.

[0243] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the power information and the azimuth information, and the second information includes the satellite coverage availability information, the elevation angle information of the terminal device includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

[0244] In one possible implementation, the communication device 500 operates on any of the following devices: a first satellite, a ground network element, the terminal device, or an external server.

[0245] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send the second information to the terminal device.

[0246] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send the first information to a second satellite, which is the candidate satellite.

[0247] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send the second information to a ground network element.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the first satellite is a geostationary orbit satellite, and the candidate satellite is a non-geostationary orbit satellite.

[0249] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send the second information to the terminal device via a satellite.

[0250] In one possible implementation, the second information includes information on multiple candidate satellites, and the processing unit 502 is further configured to determine multiple waiting durations, which are used to indicate the time the terminal device waits to establish a connection with the candidate satellites; the transceiver unit 501 is further configured to send the multiple waiting durations to the terminal device.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 502 is configured to determine, based on the first information and in conjunction with the information of the plurality of candidate satellites, the plurality of waiting times corresponding to each of the candidate satellites.

[0252] In one possible implementation, the power information of the terminal device includes first power information and / or second power information of the terminal device, wherein the first power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state, and the second power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state.

[0253] In one possible implementation, the second power information includes the energy-saving power and / or energy-saving power level of the terminal device.

[0254] In one example, the communication device 500 is applied to the information acquisition device of a terminal device, and the communication device 500 includes:

[0255] The transceiver unit 501 is used to transmit first information, which is used to indicate at least one of the power information, azimuth information, or elevation information of the terminal device.

[0256] The transceiver unit 501 is used to acquire second information, which is determined based on the first information. The second information includes information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information. The second information is used by the terminal device to access a non-terrestrial network.

[0257] In one possible implementation, the first information further includes the elevation angle information of the terminal device, which includes at least one of the following: the elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs.

[0258] In one possible implementation, when the first information does not include the power information and the azimuth information, and the second information includes the satellite coverage availability information, the elevation angle information of the terminal device includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the elevation angle information includes the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs. The communication device 500 further includes a processing unit 502. The processing unit 502 is configured to, in response to a change in the actual elevation angle of the terminal device, determine whether the elevation angle range to which the actual elevation angle belongs has changed after the change; and, in response to a change in the elevation angle range to which the actual elevation angle belongs, update the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range. The transceiver unit 501 is specifically configured to send the updated boundary elevation angle.

[0260] In one possible implementation, the power information of the terminal device includes first power information and / or second power information of the terminal device, wherein the first power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state, and the second power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state.

[0261] In one possible implementation, the second power information includes the energy-saving power and / or energy-saving power level of the terminal device.

[0262] In one possible implementation, the power information of the terminal device includes the second power information, and the processing unit 502 is specifically used to determine the second power information in response to the terminal device meeting the energy-saving state triggering condition.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the terminal device meeting the energy-saving state triggering condition includes: the terminal device receiving an energy-saving state activation command; or, the remaining power of the terminal device being less than the energy-saving power threshold.

[0264] In one possible implementation, the second information is sent to the terminal device by a first satellite, a ground network element, or an external server.

[0265] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit 501 is used to acquire information about the second satellite; the processing unit 502 is further used to determine whether the satellite is a candidate satellite based on the information about the second satellite; and the transceiver unit 501 is further used to send the first information to the satellite if the second satellite is not a candidate satellite.

[0266] Please refer to Figure 6, which is another schematic structural diagram of the communication device 600 provided in this application. The communication device 600 includes at least an input / output interface 602. The communication device 600 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0267] Optionally, the communication device also includes logic circuitry 601.

[0268] In Figure 5, the transceiver unit 501 can be a communication interface, which can be the input / output interface 602 in Figure 6. The input / output interface 602 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be a transceiver circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0269] The logic circuit 601 and the input / output interface 602 can also perform other steps executed by the communication device in any embodiment and achieve corresponding beneficial effects, which will not be elaborated here.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 502 shown in FIG5 can be the logic circuit 601 in FIG6.

[0271] Optionally, the logic circuit 601 can be a processing device, the functions of which can be partially or entirely implemented in software.

[0272] Optionally, the processing apparatus may include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor reads and executes the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0273] Optionally, the processing device may consist of only a processor. A memory for storing computer programs is located outside the processing device, and the processor is connected to the memory via circuitry / wires to read and execute the computer programs stored in the memory. The memory and processor may be integrated together or physically independent of each other.

[0274] Optionally, the processing device may be one or more chips, or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing device may be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-chips (SoCs), central processing units (CPUs), network processors (NPs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontroller units (MCUs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors.

[0275] Please refer to Figure 7, which shows the communication device 700 involved in the above embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the communication device 700 can be the communication device that serves as the first device and the second device in the above embodiments.

[0276] The present invention provides a possible logical structure diagram of the communication device 700, which may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor 701 and a communication port 702.

[0277] Further optionally, the device may also include at least one of a memory 703 and a bus 704. In the embodiments of this application, the at least one processor 701 is used to control the operation of the communication device 700.

[0278] Furthermore, the processor 701 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0279] It should be noted that the communication device 700 shown in Figure 7 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first device and the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and to achieve the technical effects corresponding to the first device and the second device. The specific implementation of the communication device shown in Figure 7 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0280] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 800 involved in the above embodiments provided by the present application. Specifically, the communication device 800 can be the communication device that serves as the first device and the second device in the above embodiments. The structure of the communication device can be referred to the structure shown in Figure 5.

[0281] The communication device 800 includes at least one processor 810 and at least one network interface 840. Further optionally, the communication device also includes at least one memory 820, at least one transceiver 830, and one or more antennas 850. The processor 810, memory 820, transceiver 830, and network interface 840 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited thereto. The antenna 850 is connected to the transceiver 830. The network interface 840 is used to enable the communication device to communicate with other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 840 may include a network interface between the communication device and core network equipment, such as an S1 interface, or a network interface between the communication device and other communication devices (e.g., other satellites, ground network elements, terminal equipment, and external devices), such as an X2 or Xn interface.

[0282] The processor 810 is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs, for example, to support the actions described in the embodiments of the communication device. The communication device may include a baseband processor and a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor is primarily used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU is primarily used to control the entire communication device, execute software programs, and process data from these programs. The processor 810 in Figure 8 can integrate the functions of both a baseband processor and a CPU. Those skilled in the art will understand that the baseband processor and CPU can also be independent processors interconnected via technologies such as buses. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first and second devices may include multiple baseband processors to adapt to different network standards, and multiple CPUs to enhance their processing capabilities. The components of the first and second devices can be connected via various buses. The baseband processor can also be described as a baseband processing circuit or a baseband processing chip. The CPU can also be described as a central processing circuit or a central processing chip. The function of processing communication protocols and communication data can be built into the processor or stored in memory as a software program, which is then executed by the processor to implement the baseband processing function.

[0283] The memory is primarily used to store software programs and data. The memory 820 can exist independently or be connected to the processor 810. Optionally, the memory 820 can be integrated with the processor 810, for example, integrated within a single chip. The memory 820 can store program code that executes the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and its execution is controlled by the processor 810. The various types of computer program code being executed can also be considered as drivers for the processor 810.

[0284] Figure 8 shows only one memory and one processor. In the actual first and second devices, there may be multiple processors and multiple memories. Memory can also be called storage medium or storage device, etc. Memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or it can be a separate storage element; the embodiments of this application do not limit this.

[0285] Transceiver 830 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency (RF) signals between a communication device and a terminal. Transceiver 830 can be connected to antenna 850. Transceiver 830 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 850 can receive RF signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 830 receives the RF signals from the antennas, converts the RF signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals, and provides the digital baseband signals or IF signals to processor 810 so that processor 810 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or IF signals, such as demodulation and decoding. Furthermore, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 830 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals from processor 810, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into RF signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 850. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the radio frequency signal to obtain a digital baseband signal or a digital intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The order of these downmixing and IF conversion processes is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signal or digital IF signal to obtain a radio frequency signal. The order of these upmixing and IF conversion processes is also adjustable. The digital baseband signal and the digital IF signal can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0286] The transceiver 830 can also be called a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver device. Optionally, the device in the transceiver unit that performs the receiving function can be considered as the receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit that performs the transmitting function can be considered as the transmitting unit. That is, the transceiver unit includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can also be called a receiver, input port, or receiving circuit, and the transmitting unit can be called a transmitter, transmitter, or transmitting circuit, etc.

[0287] It should be noted that the communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 can be used to implement the steps implemented by the first device and the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments, and achieve the corresponding technical effects. The specific implementation of the communication device 800 shown in Figure 8 can be referred to the description in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0288] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs a method as described in the possible implementations of the first and second devices in the foregoing embodiments.

[0289] This application also provides a computer program product (or computer program) that stores one or more computers. When the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the method of the possible implementation of the first and second devices described above.

[0290] This application also provides a chip system including at least one processor for supporting a communication device in implementing the functions involved in the possible implementations of the communication device described above. Optionally, the chip system further includes an interface circuit that provides program instructions and / or data to the at least one processor. In one possible design, the chip system may also include a memory for storing the program instructions and data necessary for the communication device. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices, wherein the communication device may specifically be the first device and the second device in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0291] This application also provides a communication system, which includes the first device and the second device in any of the above embodiments.

[0292] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, or indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0293] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0294] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

Claims

1. A method for determining information, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain first information of the terminal device, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the power information, azimuth information, or elevation information of the terminal device; Based on the first information, second information is determined, which includes information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information. The second information is used by the terminal device to access the non-terrestrial network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information also includes the elevation angle information of the terminal device, which includes any one or more of the following: The elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first information does not include the power information and the azimuth information, and the second information includes the satellite coverage availability information, the elevation angle information of the terminal device includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information includes the azimuth information of the terminal device, which includes at least one of the following: The azimuth angle of the terminal device, the boundary azimuth angle of the azimuth angle range to which the azimuth angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the azimuth angle range to which the azimuth angle of the terminal device belongs.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method is performed by any of the following devices: The first satellite, ground network element, terminal equipment or external server.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method is implemented by one of the following devices: a ground network element, a first satellite, or an external server. After determining the second information, the method further includes: The second information is sent to the terminal device.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The first information is sent to a second satellite, which is one of the candidate satellites.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The method is implemented by a first satellite, and after acquiring the second information, the method further includes: The second information is sent to the ground network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that, The first satellite is a geostationary orbit satellite, and the candidate satellite is a non-geostationary orbit satellite.

10. The method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The method is implemented by a terrestrial network element, and sending the second information to the terminal device includes: The second information is sent to the terminal device via satellite.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The second information includes information on multiple candidate satellites, and the method further includes: Multiple waiting durations are determined, and the waiting durations are used to indicate the time during which the terminal device waits to establish a connection with the candidate satellite; Send the multiple waiting durations to the terminal device.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The determination of multiple waiting durations includes: Based on the first information and combined with the information of the multiple candidate satellites, the multiple waiting times corresponding to each candidate satellite are determined.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The power information of the terminal device includes first power information and / or second power information of the terminal device. The first power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state, and the second power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second power information includes the energy-saving power and / or energy-saving power level of the terminal device.

15. An information acquisition method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a terminal device, and the method includes: Send first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the power information, azimuth information, or elevation information of the terminal device; The second information is obtained based on the first information. The second information includes information about candidate satellites and / or satellite coverage availability information. The second information is used by the terminal device to access the non-terrestrial network.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first information includes the elevation angle information of the terminal device, and the elevation angle information of the terminal device includes at least one of the following: The elevation angle of the terminal device, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the elevation angle range to which the elevation angle of the terminal device belongs.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the first information does not include the power information and the azimuth information, and the second information includes the satellite coverage availability information, the elevation angle information of the terminal device includes the maximum elevation angle of the terminal device and / or the current elevation angle of the terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The elevation angle information includes the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range to which the terminal device's elevation angle belongs, and the method further includes: In response to a change in the actual elevation angle of the terminal device, it is determined whether the range of elevation angles to which the actual elevation angle belongs has changed after the change; In response to a change in the elevation angle range to which the actual elevation angle belongs, the boundary elevation angle of the elevation angle range is updated; Send the updated boundary elevation angle.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The first information includes the azimuth information of the terminal device, which includes at least one of the following: The azimuth angle of the terminal device, the boundary azimuth angle of the azimuth angle range to which the azimuth angle of the terminal device belongs, or the identifier of the azimuth angle range to which the azimuth angle of the terminal device belongs.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The azimuth information includes the boundary azimuth of the azimuth range to which the azimuth of the terminal device belongs, and the method further includes: In response to a change in the actual azimuth angle of the terminal device, it is determined whether the azimuth angle range to which the actual azimuth angle belongs has changed after the change; In response to a change in the azimuth range to which the actual azimuth angle belongs, the boundary azimuth angle of the azimuth range is updated; Send the updated boundary azimuth.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that, The power information of the terminal device includes first power information and / or second power information of the terminal device. The first power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in a non-energy-saving state, and the second power information is used to determine the power of the terminal device in an energy-saving state.

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The second power information includes the energy-saving power and / or energy-saving power level of the terminal device.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The power information of the terminal device includes the second power information. Before sending the first information, the method further includes: In response to the terminal device meeting the energy-saving state trigger condition, the second power information is determined.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The terminal device meets the energy-saving state triggering conditions including: The terminal device receives a power-saving mode activation command; or... The remaining power of the terminal device is less than the energy-saving power threshold.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that, The second information is sent to the terminal device by the first satellite, ground network element, or external server.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain information from the second satellite; Based on the information from the second satellite, determine whether the satellite is the candidate satellite; If the second satellite is not the candidate satellite, the first information is sent to the satellite.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes at least one processor coupled to a memory; the at least one processor is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a communication device, implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 26.

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