Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, capable of improving positioning accuracy of a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a first communication apparatus sends signal configuration information, and the first communication apparatus sends a first positioning signal; a second communication apparatus receives the signal configuration information, and the second communication apparatus sends a second positioning signal; and a third communication apparatus receives the signal configuration information, and the third communication apparatus receives the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal, to determine position information of the third communication apparatus. In the present application, the second communication apparatus is introduced to send the second positioning signal, so that in the process in which the third communication apparatus implements positioning on the basis of the first communication apparatus, geometric distribution diversity of positioning signals received by the third communication apparatus can be increased on the basis of a positioning signal sent by another communication apparatus, thereby improving positioning accuracy of the third communication apparatus.

Description

Communication methods and devices Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In communication and positioning scenarios, network devices can determine the location information of a terminal by sending positioning reference signals (PRS). For example, in a single-satellite positioning scenario, the terminal can receive PRS sent by the satellite in multiple signal transmission cycles and determine its own location information based on the multiple PRS sent by the satellite.

[0003] In the above method, the terminal device needs to complete the positioning based on the PRS signals sent by a single satellite in multiple PRS transmission cycles. Due to the relatively simple geometric distribution of a single satellite in different cycles, the positioning accuracy of the terminal device is low. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can improve the positioning accuracy of the communication device.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a first communication device, by a component of the first communication device (such as a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device. Optionally, the first communication device may include a satellite.

[0007] The method includes: sending signal configuration information; sending a first positioning signal.

[0008] The signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send a positioning signal to the third communication device. The first positioning signal is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0009] Optionally, the first communication device may receive signal configuration information sent by the fourth communication device to enhance the flexibility in determining the signal configuration information and broaden the application scenarios.

[0010] Optionally, the signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters. This allows for indication of the configuration of the second positioning signal from different dimensions, enhancing the richness of the description of the second positioning signal configuration and thereby ensuring that the third communication device can accurately receive the second positioning signal.

[0011] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device sends signal configuration information, enabling the third communication device to receive the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device based on this signal configuration information. This allows the third communication device to determine its own location information based on the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device and the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device. By introducing the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device, the positioning process between the first and third communication devices is assisted, enhancing the geometric distribution characteristics of the positioning signals and thus improving the positioning accuracy of the third communication device.

[0012] Based on the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, first information of each candidate communication device and second information of a third communication device can be obtained from at least one candidate communication device. A second communication device is determined from the at least one candidate communication device, the second communication device being determined based on the first information of each candidate communication device and the second information of the third communication device.

[0013] The first information is used to indicate the parameter information of the signal transmitted by the candidate communication device; the second information is used to indicate the parameter information of the signal received by the third communication device.

[0014] Optionally, the first information may include first area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the candidate communication device; the second information may include second area information corresponding to the third communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the third communication device.

[0015] Based on the above technical solution, the first communication device can screen candidate communication devices based on the parameter information of the signal received by the third communication device, so as to accurately determine the second communication device that can send the positioning signal to the third communication device, that is, to ensure that the positioning signal sent by the second communication device can be accurately received by the third communication device, thereby improving the accuracy of communication between the second communication device and the third communication device.

[0016] Based on the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device can also be sent. This enables the third communication device to accurately determine its own location information based on the location information of the first communication device, the location information of the second communication device, the first positioning signal, and the second positioning signal, thereby improving positioning accuracy.

[0017] Based on the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second communication device may include multiple devices, and the method further includes: transmitting a target relationship. This target relationship can indicate the mapping relationship between the second communication device and the second positioning signal. This ensures that in scenarios with multiple second communication devices, the third communication device can distinguish the sources of different second positioning signals, thereby ensuring that the third communication device can accurately determine its own position information based on the source location information of different second positioning signals, i.e., the position information of the second communication device corresponding to different second positioning signals.

[0018] Secondly, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a second communication device, by a component of a first communication device (such as a circuit, chip, chip system, or processor), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device. The second communication device refers to a communication device, other than the first communication device, capable of sending positioning signals to a third communication device. The second communication device may include a satellite or a base station.

[0019] The method includes:

[0020] Receive signal configuration information. Send a second positioning signal, which is sent based on the signal configuration information.

[0021] The signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal, which is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0022] Optionally, the signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters. This allows for indication of the configuration of the second positioning signal from different dimensions, enhancing the richness of the description of the second positioning signal configuration and thereby ensuring that the second communication device can accurately transmit the second positioning signal.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, by introducing a second communication device to send a second positioning signal, the geometric distribution characteristics of the positioning signal received by the third communication device are enriched, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the third communication device.

[0024] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a third communication device, or by a component of the third communication device (such as a circuit, chip, chip system or processor), or by a logic node, logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device.

[0025] The method includes:

[0026] Receive signal configuration information. Receive the first and second positioning signals. Determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0027] The first positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the first communication device, and the second positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the second communication device. The location information of the third communication device is determined based on the first and second positioning signals. The signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to any communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0028] Optionally, the signal configuration information may include at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters. This allows for a richer description of the second positioning signal configuration from different dimensions, thereby ensuring that the third communication device can accurately receive the second positioning signal.

[0029] Based on the above technical solution, the third communication device determines its own location information through a first positioning signal sent by the first communication device and a second positioning signal sent by the second communication device. Thus, by introducing the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device, the positioning process between the first and third communication devices is assisted, thereby enhancing the geometric distribution characteristics of the positioning signal received by the third communication device and improving its positioning accuracy.

[0030] Based on the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the location information of the third communication device can be determined based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal and the arrival time of the second positioning signal. That is, the third communication device can determine its relative distance to different communication devices, and thus its own location information, based on the arrival time difference of different positioning signals.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes: receiving location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device sent by the first communication device. Based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of the second positioning signal, and the location information of the second communication device, the location information of the third communication device is determined. In this way, the third communication device accurately determines its own location information based on the relative distance to different communication devices and the location information of the different communication devices.

[0032] Based on the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, there may be multiple second communication devices, and the method further includes: receiving a target relationship sent by a first communication device, and determining the location information of a third communication device based on the arrival time of a first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of a second positioning signal, the location information of the second communication device, and the target relationship. The target relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between the second communication devices and the second positioning signals. In this way, it can be ensured that in scenarios with multiple second communication devices, the third communication device can distinguish the second communication devices corresponding to different second positioning signals based on the target relationship, so as to accurately distinguish the source location of different second positioning signals and thus accurately determine its own location information.

[0033] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, which can be executed by a fourth communication device, or by components of the fourth communication device (such as circuits, chips, chip systems, or processors), or by a logic node, logic module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of a terminal device.

[0034] The method includes:

[0035] Identify the second communication device corresponding to the third communication device. Send signal configuration information.

[0036] The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send a positioning signal to the third communication device. The signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal.

[0037] Optionally, the signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters. This allows for indication of the configuration of the second positioning signal from different dimensions, enhancing the richness of the description of the second positioning signal configuration and thereby ensuring that the third communication device can accurately receive the second positioning signal.

[0038] Based on the above technical solution, signal configuration information is determined by a fourth communication device, thereby improving the flexibility of signal configuration information determination and expanding the application scenarios of this application.

[0039] Based on the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, first information of each candidate communication device and second information of a third communication device can be obtained from at least one candidate communication device. A second communication device is determined from the at least one candidate communication device based on the first information of each candidate communication device and the second information of the third communication device.

[0040] The first information is used to indicate the parameter information of the signal transmitted by the candidate communication device; the second information is used to indicate the parameter information of the signal received by the third communication device.

[0041] Optionally, the first information may include first area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the candidate communication device; the second information may include second area information corresponding to the third communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the third communication device.

[0042] Based on the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the location information of the second communication device can also be sent.

[0043] Based on the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second communication device may include multiple devices, and the method further includes: transmitting a target relationship. This target relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

[0044] The solutions provided by the fourth aspect and its implementation method are used to implement or cooperate with the method provided by the first aspect, and therefore can achieve the same or corresponding beneficial effects as the first aspect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0045] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which includes modules for implementing methods as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0046] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver module.

[0047] The transceiver module is used to transmit signal configuration information. This signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device to transmit a second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can transmit positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0048] The transceiver module is also used to send a first positioning signal. The first positioning signal is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including modules for implementing the methods as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0050] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver module.

[0051] The transceiver module is used to receive signal configuration information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to send a second positioning signal.

[0052] The transceiver module is also used to send a second positioning signal, which is sent based on signal configuration information and is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0053] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including modules for implementing methods such as those in the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0054] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver module and a processing module.

[0055] The transceiver module is used to receive signal configuration information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0056] The transceiver module is also used to receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal. The first positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the first communication device, and the second positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the second communication device.

[0057] The processing module is used to determine the location information of the third communication device. This location information is determined based on the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal.

[0058] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including modules for implementing methods such as those in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0059] For example, the communication device includes a processing module and a transceiver module.

[0060] The processing module is used to determine the second communication device corresponding to the third communication device. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0061] The transceiver module is used to send signal configuration information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal.

[0062] Ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which may include a first communication device, a second communication device and a third communication device.

[0063] The first communication device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0064] The second communication device is used to perform the method described in the second aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0065] The third communication device is used to perform the method described in the third aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0066] Based on the ninth aspect, in some implementations of the ninth aspect, the system may also include a fourth communication device.

[0067] The fourth communication device is used to perform the method described in the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof.

[0068] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the methods as described in the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0069] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for receiving signals from other communication devices and transmitting them to the processor, or sending signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0070] Eleventhly, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the methods as described in the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0071] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for receiving signals from other communication devices and transmitting them to the processor, or sending signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0072] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the methods as described in the third aspect or any possible implementation thereof.

[0073] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for receiving signals from other communication devices and transmitting them to the processor, or sending signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0074] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, the communication device including a processor for implementing the methods as described in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0075] Optionally, the communication device further includes an interface circuit for receiving signals from other communication devices and transmitting them to the processor, or sending signals from the processor to other communication devices.

[0076] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, the second aspect or any implementation thereof, the third aspect or any implementation thereof, or the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof is performed.

[0077] In a fifteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program that, when executed, causes the method in the first aspect or any implementation thereof, the second aspect or any implementation thereof, the third aspect or any implementation thereof, or the fourth aspect or any implementation thereof to be executed.

[0078] The solutions provided in aspects five through fifteen above are used to implement or cooperate with the methods provided in aspects one, two, three or four above, and therefore can achieve the same or corresponding beneficial effects as aspects one, two, three or four, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description

[0079] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0080] Figure 2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0081] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0083] Figure 5a is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0084] Figure 5b is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Figure 5c is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0086] Figure 6a is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figure 6b is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0088] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0089] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0090] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0091] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0092] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0093] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0094] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0095] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0096] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0097] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects. For example, "first target object" and "second target object," etc., are used to distinguish different target objects, not to describe a specific order of target objects.

[0098] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0099] In the description of the embodiments in this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. For example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units; multiple systems means two or more systems.

[0100] In the various method embodiments of this application, the order of the sequence numbers does not imply the order of execution. The execution order should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0101] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, descriptions such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if..." can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, these descriptions all refer to the corresponding processing that will be carried out under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to a specific time, nor do they require any judgment action during implementation, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0102] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0103] In this application, "sending" and "receiving" refer to the direction of signal transmission. In this application, entity A sends information to entity B, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Similarly, entity B receives information from entity A, either directly or indirectly through other entities. Entities A and B can be radio access network (RAN) nodes or terminals, or modules within RAN nodes or terminals. Information sending and receiving can be information exchange between RAN nodes and terminals, such as between a base station and a terminal; it can also be information exchange between two RAN nodes, such as between a CU and a DU; or it can be information exchange between different modules within a device, such as between a terminal chip and other modules of the terminal, or between a base station chip and other modules of the base station. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of a chip interface, such as a baseband chip outputting information to a radio frequency chip, and "receiving" can be understood as the "input" of a chip interface.

[0104] For example, "sending information to...(terminal)" can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal, and may include sending information directly or indirectly to the terminal. "Receiving information from...(terminal)" can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, and may include receiving information directly or indirectly from the terminal. Information may undergo necessary processing between the source and destination, such as format changes, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood in a similar way, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0105] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, and in the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments and between the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment are consistent and can be mutually referenced. The technical features in different embodiments and the various implementation methods / methods / implementations within each embodiment can be combined according to their inherent logical relationships to form new embodiments, implementation methods, methods, or implementation approaches. The embodiments of this application described below do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0106] In this application, "for indicating" can include both direct and indirect indication. When describing an indication information as indicating A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0107] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementation, there are many ways to instruct the information to be instructed. For example, it can be implemented through direct instruction, such as through the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also be implemented indirectly by instructing other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. Alternatively, only a part of the information to be instructed can be indicated, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent.

[0108] The information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. This application does not limit the specific sending method. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0109] The embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as wireless local area network (WLAN), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), satellite communication systems, 5th generation (5G) communication systems, or future communication network systems, etc.

[0110] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of this application can be a device with wireless transceiver capabilities, specifically referring to a subscriber unit, user equipment (UE), access terminal, cellular phone, user station, mobile station (MS), customer-premises equipment (CPE), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device can also be a satellite phone, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, laptop computer, machine-type communication (MTC) device, and wireless terminal in self-driving vehicles, etc. Terminal devices can also be cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, communication devices mounted on high-altitude aircraft, drones, robots, point-of-sale (POS) machines, terminals in device-to-device (D2D) communication, terminals in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, and wireless terminals in smart homes. Wireless terminals in the home (or terminal equipment in future communication networks), etc. Among these, user equipment includes vehicle user equipment.With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, an increasing number of devices that previously lacked communication capabilities—such as, but not limited to, home appliances, vehicles, tools, service equipment, and service facilities—are acquiring wireless communication functionality by being equipped with wireless communication units. This allows them to access wireless communication networks and be remotely controlled. Because these devices are equipped with wireless communication units and thus possess wireless communication capabilities, they also fall under the category of wireless communication devices. This application does not impose any limitations.

[0111] In this embodiment, the device for implementing the functions of the terminal device (i.e., the terminal device) can be the terminal device itself; or it can be a device capable of supporting the terminal device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This device can be installed in the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device. In this embodiment, the chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete components.

[0112] The network devices involved in the embodiments of this application are devices in a wireless network, such as radio access network (RAN) nodes that connect terminal devices to the wireless network. Network devices can be nodes in the RAN, also known as base stations, or RAN nodes (or devices). Network devices can be base transceiver stations (BTS) in GSM or CDMA networks, Node B (NB) in WCDMA, evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, or next-generation node B (gNB) in 5G networks; network devices can be base stations in future evolved public land mobile networks (PLMNs), or access devices in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP); network devices can also be radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios.Optionally, the network devices in this application embodiment may include various forms of base stations, such as: relay stations, access points, devices that implement base station functions in communication systems evolved after 5G, mobile switching centers, home evolved NodeBs (HNBs), baseband units (BBUs), devices that perform base station functions in device-to-device (D2D) communication, access points (APs), wireless relay nodes, wireless backhaul nodes, transmission points (TPs), or transmission and reception points (TRPs) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) systems, devices that perform base station functions in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and may also include centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) in cloud radio access networks (C-RAN) systems, and non-terrestrial communication networks. Network devices in a Network-Nuclear-Network (NR) communication system can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites. They can also be gNBs or transmission points in NR, one or more antenna panels of a base station in NR, or network nodes constituting gNBs or transmission points. Furthermore, network devices can be vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, network devices in future communication networks, network devices in future evolved PLMN networks, or network devices deployed on satellites; this application does not limit these specific applications. In addition, based on the size of the service coverage area provided, base stations can be divided into macro base stations for providing macrocells, micro base stations for providing picocells, and femto base stations for providing femtocells. With the continuous evolution of wireless communication technology, future base stations may also adopt other names.

[0113] NTN communication features wide coverage and flexible networking. Network equipment can also provide data transmission and voice communication services to user equipment (UE) for devices within the NTN network, such as drones, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and satellites. HAPS equipment is typically located at an altitude of 8–50 km above the ground. Based on satellite orbital altitude, satellite communication systems can be categorized into three types: geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems (also known as synchronous orbit satellite systems); medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite communication systems; and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems. GEO satellites orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km, MEO satellites orbit between 2,000 and 35,786 km, and LEO satellites orbit between 300 and 2,000 km. Furthermore, large LEO constellations can compensate for the limitations of a single satellite's communication capabilities. In future NTN communication systems, after a UE accesses the system, it will be able to communicate with multiple satellites for a period of time. At this time, multiple satellites can provide communication services for the UE, providing the basic conditions for multi-satellite collaborative transmission.

[0114] In this embodiment of the application, the apparatus for implementing the functions of the network device (i.e., the network device) can be the network device described above; or it can be an apparatus capable of supporting the network device in implementing the functions, such as a chip system. This apparatus can be installed in the network device or used in conjunction with the network device.

[0115] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in this application. The communication system includes a network device 101 and a terminal device 102.

[0116] Network device 101 can be the aforementioned network equipment, or a component module within the aforementioned network equipment. Logically, network device 101 can be a satellite.

[0117] The terminal device 102 can be the aforementioned terminal equipment, or a component module within the aforementioned terminal equipment.

[0118] In a single-satellite multi-time positioning scenario, to achieve terminal positioning within a single SSB cycle, referring to Figure 1, the positioning process can be as shown in Figure 2. Network device 101 sends an SSB to establish initial access with terminal device 102 and sends multiple downlink-positioning reference signals (DL-PRS). Terminal device 102 measures the arrival time of these multiple DL-PRS signals.

[0119] Terminal device 102 periodically measures the time difference of arrival of SSBs to obtain the time difference of arrival of SSBs sent by network device 101 at different locations, and then calculates its own location information by using downlink-positioning reference signal (DL-PRS) positioning.

[0120] In the above method, the terminal device 102 determines its own position based on signals sent by the network device 101 at multiple times. The network device 101 is a satellite moving along a fixed orbit. This means the geometric distribution of the multiple positioning signals received by the terminal device 102 is relatively fixed; for example, the geometric distribution between the multiple positioning signals is usually a straight line. This results in a small volume formed by the unit vectors of the terminal device and the space satellite, i.e., a large geometric dilution precision (GDOP). Based on the positioning error formula σ... pos =GDOP×σ indicates that, with other accuracy factors being equal, the positioning accuracy of the terminal device in this scenario is relatively low, typically at the kilometer level.

[0121] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which positioning signals are transmitted through a first communication device and a second communication device, so as to achieve terminal positioning with the assistance of the first communication device based on the second communication device. In this way, the terminal device receives positioning signals from multiple terminal devices to enrich the geometric features of the positioning signals, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the terminal device.

[0122] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another communication system provided in this application. The communication system includes a first communication device 301, a second communication device 302, and a third communication device 303.

[0123] The first communication device 301 can be a low-orbit satellite, serving as the main communication device for terminal positioning. Alternatively, the first communication device can be the main service satellite for the third communication device.

[0124] For example, the first communication device 301 may be a communication device that makes an initial connection with the third communication device 303.

[0125] The second communication device 302 is a communication device that assists the first communication device 301 in positioning. For example, the second communication device 302 is a communication device that, in addition to the first communication device 301, can send positioning signals to the third communication device 303.

[0126] In some embodiments, the communication system may include a plurality of second communication devices 302 to increase the number of communication devices transmitting positioning signals, thereby increasing the difference in geometric distribution characteristics between positioning signals to improve positioning accuracy.

[0127] Optionally, the second communication device 301 can be a satellite or a base station, and the specific choice can be made flexibly based on actual usage requirements.

[0128] The third communication device 303 can be the aforementioned terminal device, or a component module within the aforementioned terminal device.

[0129] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the communication system may further include a fourth communication device 304, which may communicate with the first communication device 301 and the second communication device 302 respectively.

[0130] For example, the fourth communication device can collect relevant information from satellite networks and terrestrial networks, and communicate with both networks. For instance, the first communication device 301 is a satellite, and the second communication device 302 is a base station. Since satellites typically communicate with each other through a satellite core network, and base stations typically communicate with each other through a terrestrial core network, in this scenario, considering that satellites may not be able to directly interact with base stations, the fourth communication device 304 can be set as an intermediate node between the first communication device 301 and the second communication device 302. The first communication device 301 can communicate with the second communication device 302 through the fourth communication device 304.

[0131] Optionally, the deployment method of the fourth communication device 304 can be flexibly adjusted.

[0132] For example, the fourth communication device 304 can be deployed on an independent gateway on the ground and connected to ground network nodes (such as base stations) and satellite network nodes (such as satellites) through power supply links, wireless communication, etc., to realize communication with the first communication device 301 and communication with the second communication device 302.

[0133] As another example, the fourth communication device 304 can be integrated with the second communication device 301, such as being connected to the second communication device 302 via a wired connection; and being connected to the first communication device via a power supply link or wireless communication, so as to realize communication with the first communication device 301 and communication with the second communication device 302 respectively.

[0134] As an example, the fourth communication device may also be integrated with the first communication device 301 and connected to a terrestrial network to enable communication with the first communication device 301 and with the second communication device 302.

[0135] Figure 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. The execution entities of the communication method provided in this embodiment are a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device.

[0136] The first and second communication devices in this application can be the aforementioned network devices or modules within network devices (e.g., circuits, chips, chip systems, or processors), or they can be logical nodes, logical modules, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network devices. The chip can be a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip; or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core; or a system-in-package (SIP) chip. In the embodiments of this application, the first communication device may include a satellite, and the second communication device may include a satellite or a base station.

[0137] The third communication device in this application can be a terminal device or a module (e.g., circuit, chip, chip system or processor) in a terminal device, or it can be a logic node, logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device.

[0138] As shown in Figure 4, the method includes:

[0139] S401: The first communication device sends signal configuration information.

[0140] This signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to a communication device, other than the first communication device, that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0141] The first communication device can send signal configuration information to the third communication device so that the third communication device can accurately receive the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device based on the signal configuration information.

[0142] Optionally, the type of signal configuration information can be flexibly set based on the actual usage scenario, such as based on the type of the second positioning signal.

[0143] For example, the second positioning signal may include the PRS, and in this scenario, the signal configuration information may include the configuration information of the PRS.

[0144] Optionally, the content of the signal configuration information can also be flexibly set based on actual usage requirements.

[0145] For example, the signal configuration information may include the signal pattern of the second positioning signal, which can be understood as the distribution of the positioning signal in the time domain, frequency, spatial domain, etc.

[0146] For example, the signal mode may include at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

[0147] Optionally, time-domain parameters are used to indicate the characteristics of the positioning signal in the time domain, and may include parameters such as periodicity, slot offset, and symbol length. Periodicity indicates the transmission period of the positioning signal, slot offset indicates the starting position of the positioning signal within a time slot, and symbol length indicates the number of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols occupied by the positioning signal in the time domain.

[0148] Frequency parameters are used to indicate the characteristics of the positioning signal in the frequency domain, and may include parameters such as bandwidth, subcarrier spacing, and resource block allocation. Bandwidth indicates the frequency range of the positioning signal, subcarrier spacing indicates the frequency interval between the subcarriers of the positioning signal, and resource block allocation indicates the location of the resource block (RB) occupied by the positioning signal in the frequency domain.

[0149] Spatial parameters are used to indicate the characteristics of the positioning signal in the spatial domain, and may include parameters such as beam direction and antenna port. The beam direction is used to indicate the beamforming direction of the positioning signal, and the antenna port is used to indicate the antenna port used to transmit the positioning signal.

[0150] Power parameters are used to indicate the characteristics of the positioning signal in terms of transmission intensity, and may include parameters such as transmit power and power allocation. Transmit power indicates the transmission power of the positioning signal, while power allocation indicates the power distribution of the positioning signal across different resource blocks.

[0151] Optionally, the method by which the first communication device sends signal configuration information can be flexibly configured. For example, as shown in FIG5a, the first communication device can determine the signal configuration information itself and send the signal configuration information.

[0152] For example, the first communication device can obtain signal configuration information from its control center. Taking a satellite as an example, the signal configuration information can be determined by the ground control center of the first communication device, and the first communication device obtains the signal configuration information from the ground control center.

[0153] As an example, as shown in Figures 5b and 5c, the signal configuration information sent by the first communication device may also be determined and sent to the first communication device by other devices.

[0154] For example, the fourth communication device can determine the signal configuration information and send the signal configuration information to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can obtain the signal configuration information and then send the signal configuration information.

[0155] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the first communication device may also send signal configuration information to the second communication device so that the second communication device can accurately send the second positioning signal based on the signal configuration information.

[0156] S402: The second communication device acquires signal configuration information.

[0157] Optionally, the method by which the second communication device acquires signal configuration information can be flexibly set.

[0158] For example, as shown in Figures 4, 5a and 5b, when the first communication device obtains signal configuration information, it can send the signal configuration information to the second communication device so that the second communication device can obtain the signal configuration information.

[0159] As an example, as shown in FIG5c, the signal configuration information acquired by the second communication device may be determined by other devices and sent to the second communication device respectively.

[0160] For example, the fourth communication device can determine the signal configuration information and send the signal configuration information to the second communication device so that the second communication device can obtain the signal configuration information.

[0161] In some embodiments, the communication system may include a plurality of second communication devices, which respectively transmit second positioning signals to further improve the geometric distribution characteristics of the positioning signals received by the third communication device and increase the positioning accuracy of the third communication device.

[0162] In this scenario, the signal configuration information for multiple second communication devices to send second positioning signals can be the same or different, and can be flexibly set based on actual usage requirements.

[0163] For example, the signal configuration information of the multiple second communication devices can be different. For instance, the periods for the multiple second communication devices to send the second positioning signal can be different, as long as the third communication device can accurately receive the second positioning signal sent by the multiple second communication devices.

[0164] For example, the signal configuration information of multiple second communication devices sending second positioning signals can be the same, such as the period of multiple second communication devices sending second positioning signals being the same. In this way, the third communication device can receive the second positioning signals sent by all third communication devices based on a single signal receiving window, thereby improving the receiving efficiency of the third communication device in receiving positioning signals.

[0165] S403: The first communication device sends a first positioning signal.

[0166] The first positioning signal is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0167] Optionally, the type of the first positioning signal can be flexibly determined based on actual usage requirements.

[0168] For example, the first positioning signal may include initial access signals such as SSB, system information block 1 (SIB) 1, and SIB 19. In this way, the third communication device can determine its own location information based on the time of arrival (TOA) of signals such as SSB, SIB1, and / or SIB19 while simultaneously achieving initial access, thereby combining the positioning process with the initial access process and improving positioning efficiency.

[0169] As another example, the first positioning signal may also include a PRS (Positive Representation Signal) to improve the positioning accuracy of the third communication device. In this case, the first communication device can send its own PRS signal configuration information to the third communication device to ensure that the third communication device can accurately receive the PRS sent by the first communication device.

[0170] S404: The second communication device sends a second positioning signal.

[0171] The second positioning signal sent by the second communication device is determined based on signal configuration information.

[0172] Optionally, the second communication device may generate and transmit a second positioning signal based on the configuration of the positioning signal indicated by the signal configuration information.

[0173] For example, the second communication device may generate and transmit a second positioning signal based on the signal pattern indicated by the signal configuration information.

[0174] The method by which the second communication device sends the second positioning signal based on the signal configuration information can be referred to in the above description of the signal configuration information; this is only an illustrative example.

[0175] For example, taking the time-domain parameters included in the aforementioned signal configuration information as an example, the second communication device can determine the transmission period (such as signal transmission time) of the second positioning signal based on these time-domain parameters, and then transmit the second positioning signal within this transmission period. Taking the frequency-domain parameters included in the aforementioned signal configuration information as an example, the second communication device can determine the transmission frequency of the second positioning signal based on these frequency-domain parameters, and then transmit the second positioning signal at this specific frequency. In this way, the second communication device can accurately transmit the second positioning signal based on the signal configuration information.

[0176] S405: The third communication device receives signal configuration information.

[0177] For example, after the first communication device obtains the signal configuration information, it can send the signal configuration information to the third communication device.

[0178] For example, when the first communication device obtains signal configuration information, such as when the first communication device determines the signal configuration information itself, or when the first communication device determines the signal configuration information based on the fourth communication device, the first communication device sends the signal configuration information to the third communication device to simplify the signal interaction process during positioning and improve the accuracy of signal interaction.

[0179] In some embodiments, the method by which the first communication device sends signal configuration information to the third communication device can be flexibly adjusted.

[0180] Optionally, the first communication device may send signal configuration information to the third communication device at the same time as sending the first positioning signal.

[0181] For example, in conjunction with the above description of S403, the first communication device may instruct the signal configuration information in SIB1 or SIB19 to send the signal configuration information to the third communication device, so that the third communication device can obtain the signal configuration information.

[0182] In some embodiments, if the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device includes a PRS, the first communication device can send the signal configuration information of the PRS to the third communication device, so that the third communication device can obtain the signal configuration information of the PRS sent by the first communication device and accurately receive the PRS sent by the first communication device based on the signal configuration information.

[0183] Optionally, the signal configuration information of the PRS can be found in the above description of the signal configuration information of the second positioning signal, which will not be repeated here.

[0184] Optionally, the signal configuration information for the PRS sent by the first communication device and the signal configuration information for the second positioning signal can be the same or different, and can be flexibly set according to actual usage requirements.

[0185] For example, the first and second communication devices can periodically transmit positioning signals, such as the first communication device periodically transmitting a Positioning Signal (PRS), and the second communication device also periodically transmitting a PRS. In this scenario, the signal configuration information for the PRS transmitted by the first and second communication devices can be different; for example, the period for transmitting the PRS by the first and second communication devices can be different, ensuring that the third communication device can accurately receive the PRS transmitted by both the first and second communication devices. Alternatively, the signal configuration information for the PRS transmitted by the first and second communication devices can be the same; for example, the period for transmitting the PRS by the first and second communication devices can be the same, thereby improving the positioning signal reception efficiency of the third communication device.

[0186] For example, the first communication device can periodically send a first positioning signal, such as periodically sending a PRS, while the second communication device can send a second positioning signal only once. In this scenario, the signal configuration information of the first positioning signal may include information such as the time and frequency points and the transmission period, while the signal configuration information of the second positioning signal may include the time and frequency points of the second positioning signal, without needing to include information such as the transmission period.

[0187] S406: The third communication device receives the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal.

[0188] The first positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the first communication device, and the second positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the second communication device.

[0189] Optionally, the third communication device receives signal configuration information. Since the signal configuration information can indicate the configuration of the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device, the third communication device can accurately receive the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device based on the signal configuration information.

[0190] For detailed information on signal configuration, please refer to the above descriptions; this is for illustrative purposes only.

[0191] For example, in conjunction with the above description, the signal configuration information may include time-domain parameters of the second positioning signal. In this scenario, the third communication device can determine the time-domain characteristics of the second positioning signal based on these time-domain parameters to accurately receive the second positioning signal within a specific time-domain range.

[0192] Taking the period in the time domain parameters as an example, the third communication device can determine the transmission period of the second positioning signal based on the period in the time domain parameters, so as to receive the second positioning signal within a specific signal transmission and reception window.

[0193] As another example, the signal configuration information may include the frequency parameters of the second positioning signal. In this scenario, the third communication device can determine the frequency domain characteristics of the second positioning signal based on the frequency parameters in order to accurately receive the second positioning signal at a specific frequency.

[0194] Taking the bandwidth of the frequency parameter as an example, the third communication device can determine the receiving bandwidth of the second positioning signal based on the bandwidth in the frequency parameter, so as to receive the second positioning signal within a specific bandwidth.

[0195] In some embodiments, the third communication device may also receive signal configuration information of the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device, such as signal configuration information of the PRS sent by the first communication device, so as to accurately receive the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device based on the signal configuration information of the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device. The specific method by which the third communication device receives the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device based on the signal configuration information of the first positioning signal can be referred to the above description regarding the third communication device receiving the second positioning signal, and will not be repeated here.

[0196] In other embodiments, the third communication device may be able to accurately receive the first signal sent by the first communication device without needing the signal configuration information for receiving the first positioning signal. For example, the signal can be designed so that the third communication device can accurately receive the first positioning signal. Exemplarily, in conjunction with the above description, the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device may include signals such as SSB (Security Signal Bus). Since SSB signals typically have characteristics such as low time-domain density, fixed period, and wide coverage, this ensures that the third communication device can accurately receive the first positioning signal such as the SSB.

[0197] For example, beamforming can be used to make the SSB signal cover different directions, so as to ensure that the third communication device can receive the SSB signal no matter where it is located.

[0198] S407: The third communication device determines the location information of the third communication device.

[0199] The location information of the third communication device is determined based on the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device and the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device.

[0200] In some embodiments, the third communication device can determine a first TOA (Time of Arrival) based on a first positioning signal sent by the first communication device, and determine a second TOA based on a second positioning signal sent by the second communication device. Thus, the third communication device can determine the relative distance to the first communication device based on the first TOA, and the relative distance to the second communication device based on the second TOA. The third communication device can determine its own location information based on the relative distances to the first and second communication devices.

[0201] Optionally, the first communication device can send multiple first positioning signals, such as periodically. The third communication device receives the first positioning signals sent by the first communication device at different times, and based on the multiple first positioning signals sent by the first communication device at various times (i.e., multiple first positioning signals), determines the first TOA at different times, thus obtaining the relative distance between the third communication device and the first communication device at different times. The third communication device can determine its own location information based on the relative distance with the first communication device at different times and the relative distance with the second communication device. By using the relative distance at multiple times, the reference value in the positioning process is increased, improving the accuracy of the determined location information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the third communication device can obtain the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device, and determine its own location information based on the location information of the first communication device, its relative distance from the first communication device, the location information of the second communication device, and its relative distance from the second communication device.

[0203] Optionally, in conjunction with the above description regarding the first communication device sending multiple first positioning signals, the third communication device can receive the first positioning signals sent by the first communication device at different times, determine its relative distance to the first communication device at different times based on the first positioning signals sent by the first communication device at different times, and obtain the location information of the first communication device at these times. In this way, the third communication device can determine its own location information based on the relative distance between itself and the first communication device at different times, the location information of the first communication device at these times, the relative distance between itself and the second communication device, and the location information of the second communication device.

[0204] For example, the third communication device can acquire the positioning signal 1 sent by the first communication device at time 1, the positioning signal 2 sent at time 2, and the positioning signal 3 sent at time 3. The third communication device can determine the relative distance 1 between itself and the first communication device at time 1 based on the positioning signal 1, the relative distance 2 between itself and the first communication device at time 2 based on the positioning signal 2, and the relative distance 3 between itself and the first communication device at time 3 based on the positioning signal 3. Additionally, the third communication device acquires the positioning signal 4 sent by the second communication device at time 4, and determines the relative distance 4 between itself and the second communication device at time 3 based on the positioning signal 4. Here, the times 1, 2, and 3 when the first communication device sends the positioning signals are different times, and the time 4 when the second communication device sends the positioning signal 4 can be different from all three times, or it can be the same as a certain time; the specific time can be flexibly set according to actual usage requirements.

[0205] Furthermore, the third communication device acquires the location information 1 of the first communication device at time 1, the location information 2 at time 2, the location information 3 at time 3, and the location information 4 of the second communication device at time 4.

[0206] In this way, the third communication device can calculate its own position information based on position information 1, relative distance 1, position information 2, relative distance 2, position information 3, relative distance 3, position information 4, and relative distance 4.

[0207] In some embodiments, the method by which the third communication device obtains the location information of the first communication device and the method by which it obtains the location information of the second communication device can be flexibly selected.

[0208] Optionally, the first communication device may send its own location information so that the third communication device can obtain its own location information.

[0209] The first communication device can also acquire and transmit the location information of the second communication device, including the location information of the second communication device, so that the third communication device can acquire the location information of the second communication device.

[0210] Optionally, the type of location information of the first communication device can be flexibly selected based on the type of the first communication device.

[0211] For example, the first communication device is a satellite, and the location information of the first communication device can be the ephemeris information of the first communication device. The third communication device can determine the location information of the first communication device at the time of sending the positioning signal based on the ephemeris information of the first communication device.

[0212] Similarly, the type of location information of the second communication device can be flexibly selected based on the type of the second communication device.

[0213] For example, the second communication device is a satellite, and the location information of the second communication device may include the ephemeris information of the second communication device. The third communication device may determine the location information of the second communication device when transmitting the second positioning signal based on the ephemeris information of the second communication device.

[0214] For example, the second communication device is a base station, and the location information of the second communication device may include the geographical coordinates of the second communication device.

[0215] Optionally, the first communication device can determine the location information of the second communication device itself, or it can obtain the location information of the second communication device from other devices.

[0216] For example, the first communication device can directly obtain the location information of the second communication device and send the location information of the second communication device.

[0217] Taking the example where both the first and second communication devices are satellites, as shown in Figure 6a, the first communication device can obtain the location information of the second communication device through the network elements of the satellite core network and send the location information of the second communication device to the third communication device.

[0218] As another example, the first communication device can obtain the location information of the second communication device from the fourth communication device through interaction with the fourth communication device, and send the location information of the second communication device.

[0219] Taking a scenario where the first communication device is a satellite and the second communication device is a base station as an example, the first communication device typically cannot directly obtain the location information of the second communication device. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6b, the first communication device can obtain the location information of the second communication device from the second communication device through a fourth communication device.

[0220] Referring to Figure 6b, the first communication device can request the location information of the second communication device from the fourth communication device. Based on this request, the fourth communication device obtains the location information of the second communication device and sends it to the first communication device. This enables the first communication device to obtain the location information of the second communication device and send it to the third communication device.

[0221] In some embodiments, the second communication device may be determined by the fourth communication device. In this scenario, the fourth communication device may also directly send the location information of the second communication device to the first communication device after determining the second communication device.

[0222] In some embodiments, the third communication device can acquire a target relationship and determine its own location information based on the first positioning signal, the second positioning signal, and the target relationship. The target relationship can indicate the correspondence between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

[0223] Considering that in some scenarios, there may be multiple second communication devices, the third communication device will receive multiple second positioning signals. The third communication device can obtain the target relationship and determine the second communication device corresponding to different second positioning signals based on the target relationship, so as to determine the position information of the second communication device when different second positioning signals are sent, that is, to determine the position information of the second communication device corresponding to different relative distances, thereby accurately determining its own position information.

[0224] Optionally, the method by which the third communication device acquires the target relationship can be flexibly selected.

[0225] For example, the first communication device can acquire and send the target relationship so that the third communication device can acquire the target relationship.

[0226] For example, the third communication device can determine the order in which the second positioning signals sent by the different second communication devices arrive at the third communication device based on the location information of the different second communication devices and the area information of the third communication device, and send the order of arrival of the signals as the target relationship to the third communication device.

[0227] For example, a communication system includes three second communication devices: second communication device A, second communication device B, and second communication device C. Second communication device A is closest to the third communication device, and second communication device B is closest to the third communication device.

[0228] The target relationship can indicate that the first second positioning signal received by the third communication device is the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device A, and that the second second positioning signal received by the third communication device is the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device B.

[0229] Optionally, the execution order of some of the above steps can be flexibly adjusted based on actual usage requirements. For example, S402 and S405 can be executed simultaneously (the first communication device simultaneously sends signal configuration information to the second and third communication devices), and S403 and S404 can also be executed simultaneously (that is, the first and second communication devices simultaneously send positioning signals).

[0230] In this embodiment, a second communication device capable of sending a positioning signal to a third communication device (i.e., a terminal device) is determined, and signal configuration information for sending the second positioning signal to the third communication device is provided, enabling the third communication device to accurately receive the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device. Thus, by having the second communication device send the second positioning signal to assist the first communication device in achieving positioning for the third communication device, the third communication device can determine its own location information based on the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device and the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device. By introducing the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device, the third communication device can determine the measurement quantities of positioning signals from different communication devices (such as different satellites). Since the geometrical distribution relationship of different satellites is lower than that of a single satellite at different times, the geometrical dilution precision (GDOP) will decrease, based on the positioning error formula σ. pos =GDOP×σ shows that, under the same measurement error, the positioning error of the third communication device can be reduced by using the second communication device for positioning assistance, thereby improving the positioning accuracy of the third communication device.

[0231] Furthermore, since the second communication device sends a second positioning signal, the third communication device can receive multiple positioning signals in a single cycle, thereby determining its own location information based on these multiple signals. Positioning by the third communication device can be achieved without the first communication device sending multiple positioning signals, thus reducing the signaling overhead of the first communication device sending multiple positioning signals and improving the positioning efficiency of the third communication device.

[0232] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned positioning process can be implemented in the initial access phase of the third communication device, that is, the second communication device can send a positioning signal at the initial access point of the third communication device, thereby enhancing the positioning reference of the third communication device in the initial access phase and improving the positioning accuracy and positioning efficiency of the third communication device in the initial access phase.

[0233] Furthermore, the embodiments of this application can also be applied to scenarios of space-ground integrated networks, such as when the first communication device is a low-Earth orbit satellite and the second communication device is a ground base station. In this way, during the initial access phase of the third communication device, positioning signals are sent through the ground base station, enabling the third communication device to receive positioning signals from both the satellite and the base station to achieve positioning. This can improve the diversity of positioning signals and reduce the positioning error of the third communication device.

[0234] Furthermore, based on the technical solution of this application, the access of the third communication device can be achieved without waiting for the first communication device to send multiple positioning signals during the initial access phase, which can reduce the total access latency of the third communication device and improve access efficiency.

[0235] In some embodiments, the second communication device corresponding to the third communication device may be determined by the first communication device or by the fourth communication device, and the specific choice can be flexibly made based on the actual usage scenario.

[0236] The embodiments of this application will be further described below in conjunction with different determination scenarios of the third communication device.

[0237] Scenario 1: The first communication device determines the second communication device.

[0238] The first communication device can acquire the second information of the third communication device and the first information of each of the at least one candidate communication devices, and determine the second communication device from the at least one candidate communication device based on the first information of each candidate communication device and the second information of the third communication device.

[0239] The first information is used to indicate the parameter information of the signal transmitted by the candidate communication device, and the second information is used to indicate the parameter information of the signal received by the third communication device.

[0240] Optionally, a candidate communication device can be understood as a communication device that can potentially communicate with a third communication device. For example, a candidate communication device can be a communication device that the first communication device can currently communicate with. For instance, if the first communication device is a satellite, the candidate communication device can be a neighboring satellite of the first communication device, or the candidate communication device can be a base station near the third communication device, etc.

[0241] Optionally, the first communication device may, based on the second information of the third communication device, determine the target first information that matches the second information from the first information of each candidate communication device, and determine the candidate communication device corresponding to the target first information as the second communication device.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first communication device can determine different second communication devices corresponding to different second information when the third communication device is different. In this way, when the first communication device determines the target second information of the third communication device in the current communication system, it can quickly determine the second communication device that can send a positioning signal to the third communication device based on the target second information.

[0243] In some embodiments, the content of the first information and the second information can be flexibly adjusted, such as based on the type of communication device, the location scenario, etc.

[0244] For example, the first information may include the signal transmission area corresponding to the candidate communication device, and the second information may include the signal reception area corresponding to the third communication device. Thus, based on the signal transmission area corresponding to each candidate device and the signal reception area of ​​the third communication device, a candidate device capable of covering the signal reception area can be determined from the signal transmission area corresponding to the candidate device, thereby identifying a second communication device capable of communicating with the third communication device.

[0245] For example, the first information may include first area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which may indicate the beam coverage range of the candidate communication device (such as the wave position information that the candidate communication device can cover). The second information may include second area information corresponding to the third communication device, which may indicate the beam coverage range of the third communication device (such as the wave position information of the third communication device). In this way, the first communication device can determine, based on the second area information of the third communication device, a communication device whose first area information satisfies the second area information of the third communication device as a second communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0246] Optionally, the first communication device can acquire the first information of the candidate communication device itself, or it can acquire the first information of the candidate device through other devices. The specific configuration can be flexibly set based on actual usage requirements. Scenario 1 is further subdivided below based on different methods of acquiring the first information.

[0247] Scenario 1.1: The first communication device independently determines the second communication device (e.g., the first communication device can communicate directly with the candidate communication device).

[0248] Optionally, the first communication device may obtain first information about the candidate communication device based on interaction with the candidate communication device, and determine the second communication device from the candidate communication devices based on the first information.

[0249] Based on the device types of the first communication device and the candidate communication device, the interaction mode between the first communication device and the candidate communication device can be flexibly set.

[0250] Taking a scenario where both the first communication device and the candidate communication device are satellites, the first communication device can interact with the candidate communication device through the satellite core network to obtain the candidate communication device's first information.

[0251] Scenario 1.2: The first communication device determines the second communication device based on its interaction with the fourth communication device (e.g., the first communication device cannot communicate directly with the candidate communication device).

[0252] Optionally, the first information of the candidate communication devices may be determined by the fourth communication device. The first communication device can obtain the first information of each candidate communication device from the fourth communication device through interaction with the fourth communication device. Based on the first information of each candidate communication device and the second information of the third communication device, the second communication device is determined from the candidate communication devices.

[0253] For example, the fourth communication device can obtain first information of the candidate communication device from the candidate communication device through interaction with the candidate communication device, and send the first information to the first communication device so that the first communication device can obtain the first information of the candidate communication device.

[0254] Considering that in some scenarios the first communication device may not be able to communicate directly with the candidate communication device, as described above, the first information of the candidate communication device can be determined by the fourth communication device so that the first communication device can obtain the first information of the candidate communication device from the fourth communication device.

[0255] Taking a satellite as the first communication device and a base station as the candidate communication device as an example, since satellites typically communicate with each other through a satellite core network, and base stations typically communicate with each other through a terrestrial core network, in this scenario, considering that the satellite may not be able to directly obtain the first information from the base station, a fourth communication device can be set up as an intermediate node between the first communication device and the candidate communication device. The first communication device can communicate with the candidate communication device through the fourth communication device.

[0256] In this way, the first communication device can obtain the first information of the candidate communication device based on the fourth communication device, so as to determine the second communication device from the candidate communication devices based on the first information of the candidate communication device.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first communication device may further screen candidate communication devices based on their operating status to improve the communication accuracy between the second and third communication devices.

[0258] For example, when the first communication device determines that a second communication device is capable of communicating with the third communication device, it can further screen the second communication device based on information such as the service time of the second communication device, the signal transmission frequency of the second communication device, and the location distribution of the second communication device, so as to further improve the positioning accuracy of the second communication device.

[0259] For example, the first communication device can determine the signal configuration information that the second communication device needs to satisfy to send the second positioning signal, such as the time information and frequency information for sending the second positioning signal. Based on the service time and signal transmission frequency of each second communication device, the first communication device can filter out the communication devices that can satisfy the signal configuration information of the second positioning signal, so as to ensure that the second communication device can send the second positioning signal that meets the signal configuration information conditions.

[0260] For example, the first communication device can determine the positioning accuracy requirement in the current communication system, and then, based on its own location information and the positioning accuracy requirement, determine the spatial distribution characteristics that the location information of the second communication device needs to meet. For instance, the first communication device can, based on its own location information and positioning accuracy requirement, determine the spatial distribution differences between itself and the device required to meet that accuracy requirement (such as relative distance, mutual coordinates, etc.), and then, based on the spatial distribution of the second communication device, select the second communication device that meets these spatial distribution differences, thus ensuring that the accuracy of the location information determined by the third communication device can meet the positioning accuracy requirement.

[0261] Scenario 2: The fourth communication device determines the second communication device.

[0262] Optionally, in conjunction with the above description of scenario 1.2, the fourth communication device can obtain the first information of the candidate communication device through interaction with the candidate communication device.

[0263] Based on this, in some embodiments, when the fourth communication device obtains the first information of the candidate communication device, the fourth communication device can determine the second communication device from the candidate communication devices based on the first information of the candidate communication device.

[0264] For example, the fourth communication device may acquire the second information of the third communication device to determine the second communication device from the candidate communication devices based on the first information of the candidate communication devices and the second information of the third communication device.

[0265] The method by which the fourth communication device determines the second communication device from the candidate communication devices can be referred to the above description of the first communication device determining the second communication device from the candidate communication devices, and will not be repeated here.

[0266] In some embodiments, in conjunction with the aforementioned secondary screening process regarding parameters such as service time, signal transmission frequency, and location distribution, the fourth communication device, upon determining the second communication device, can also further screen the second communication device based on information such as its service time, signal transmission frequency, and location distribution, thereby further improving the positioning accuracy of the second communication device. For details, please refer to the aforementioned description of this screening process; this is merely an illustrative example.

[0267] Taking location distribution as an example, the fourth communication device can obtain the location information of the first communication device and the location distribution of each second communication device. Based on the positioning accuracy requirements of the current communication system, the fourth communication device can select second communication devices whose spatial distribution differences from the first communication device meet the positioning accuracy requirements, thus ensuring that the accuracy of the location information determined by the third communication device can meet the positioning accuracy requirements of the communication system.

[0268] Optionally, the first or fourth communication device may determine the second information of the third communication device based on its interaction with the third communication device.

[0269] For example, the first or fourth communication device may broadcast information in different areas, and the second information of the third communication device is determined based on the area where the broadcast information received by the third communication device is located.

[0270] Taking wave position information as an example, the first or fourth communication device can broadcast information on different wave positions. Based on the wave position of the broadcast information received by the third communication device, the wave position information of the third communication device is determined.

[0271] Based on the above technical solution, a second communication device capable of sending a positioning signal to a third communication device is determined by a first or fourth communication device, and signal configuration information for sending the second positioning signal is sent to the second communication device. The first communication device sends this signal configuration information to the third communication device so that the third communication device can receive the second positioning signal sent by the second communication device. In this way, the second positioning signal sent by the second positioning device assists the positioning process between the first and third communication devices. Since the second positioning signal and the first positioning signal sent by the first communication device originate from different communication devices, the geometric distribution characteristics of the positioning signal received by the third communication device can be enriched, reducing the GDOP in the positioning error and thus improving the accuracy of the location information determined by the third communication device.

[0272] The technical solution of this application will be illustrated below with specific application scenarios.

[0273] Application Scenario 1: The first and second communication devices are both satellites. If they are both low-orbit satellites, they are referred to as the first satellite and the second satellite, respectively. The third communication device is a terminal device, and the positioning signal is PRS.

[0274] Referring to Figure 7, the method may include the following steps:

[0275] S701: The first satellite determines the second satellite.

[0276] For example, the first satellite can select satellites that can effectively cover the wavelength of the terminal device, i.e., visible satellites of the terminal device, from the candidate satellites based on the signal reception area information such as the wavelength information of the terminal device.

[0277] Optionally, the first satellite can further filter based on the operating parameters of each visible satellite to select available satellites that can serve the terminal device. For example, if available satellites whose operating parameters meet the signal configuration information requirements are selected, then available satellites that can send positioning signals that meet the signal configuration information requirements can be used.

[0278] Optionally, the first satellite can further filter available satellites based on the positioning accuracy requirements of the terminal device and the distribution of currently available satellites to obtain a second satellite. This ensures that the spatial distribution difference between the second satellite and the first satellite meets the actual positioning accuracy requirements.

[0279] S702: The first satellite sends PRS signal configuration information to each of the second satellites to configure the PRS.

[0280] For example, the first satellite can send PRS signal configuration information to each of the second satellites through the satellite core network, thereby enabling the second satellites to determine the PRS transmission configuration, such as the time and frequency information of the PRS.

[0281] S703: The first satellite sends SSB, SIB1, and SIB19 information to the terminal device to enable the terminal device to access the system initially.

[0282] Optionally, the first satellite can indicate signal configuration information via SIB1 or SIB19 information, so that the terminal device can determine the signal configuration information for the second satellite to transmit PRS.

[0283] Optionally, the first satellite may also indicate the ephemeris information of each of the second satellites through SIB1 or SIB19 information, so that the terminal device can determine the position information of the second satellites.

[0284] Optionally, there may be multiple second satellites, and the first satellite may also indicate the target relationship through SIB1 or SIB19 information so that the terminal device can determine the second satellite corresponding to different PRS.

[0285] S704: The second satellite broadcasts the PRS to the terminal device based on the signal configuration information of the PRS sent by the first satellite.

[0286] Optionally, if the first satellite determines the second satellite, it may send the preamplitude information of the terminal device to the second satellite, so that the second satellite can broadcast PRS in the direction indicated by the preamplitude information based on the preamplitude information of the terminal device.

[0287] S705: The terminal device receives SSB, SIB1, SIB19 and other information sent by the first satellite, and based on the PRS configuration information indicated by SIB1 or SIB19, sequentially receives DL-PRS sent by each satellite and records the TOA of each DL-PRS.

[0288] S706: The terminal device determines its own location information based on the TOA of the DL-PRS transmitted by each satellite and the location information of each satellite.

[0289] Optionally, the terminal device can determine the location information of each satellite transmitting DL-PRS based on the ephemeris information of each second satellite.

[0290] Optionally, the terminal device can determine its own position information based on the TOA of information such as SSB, SIB1, SIB19, the position information of the first satellite, the TOA of each DL-PRS, and the position information of each second satellite.

[0291] In some embodiments, for details regarding S801 to S806 above, please refer to the relevant descriptions of S401 to S407 in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0292] Scenario 2: The first communication device is a satellite, such as a low-orbit satellite; the second communication device is a base station; the third communication device is a terminal device; and the positioning signal is PRS.

[0293] Referring to Figure 8, the method includes the following steps:

[0294] S801: The fourth communication device acquires satellite ephemeris information, terminal device wave position information, and the coverage area of ​​candidate base stations.

[0295] S802: The fourth communication device identifies the target base station.

[0296] For example, the fourth communication device can filter out target base stations whose service area covers the terminal device's wavelength information and whose spatial distribution difference with the satellite meets the positioning accuracy requirements, based on the signal reception area information such as the terminal's wavelength information, the signal coverage area of ​​the candidate base station, the satellite's ephemeris, and the location of the candidate base station.

[0297] S803: The fourth communication device acquires signal configuration information and sends it to the target base station and satellite.

[0298] Optionally, the fourth communication device can also send the location information of the target base station to the satellite.

[0299] S804: The satellite sends initial access signals such as SSB, SIB1, and SIB19 to the terminal device to enable the terminal to access the terminal initially.

[0300] Optionally, the satellite can use SIB1 or SIB19 information to indicate signal configuration information in order to achieve synchronization of signal configuration information.

[0301] Optionally, the satellite can also indicate the location information of each target base station through SIB1 or SIB19 information.

[0302] Optionally, the satellite can also indicate the number of positioning signals via SIB1 or SIB19 information.

[0303] S805: The target base station broadcasts PRS to the terminal device based on the PRS signal configuration information transmitted by the satellite.

[0304] Optionally, once the satellite has identified the target base station, it can send the wavelength information of the terminal device to the target base station, so that the target base station can broadcast PRS in the direction of the wavelength information based on the wavelength information of the terminal device.

[0305] S806: The terminal device receives information such as SSB, SIB1, and SIB19 sent by the satellite, and based on the PRS configuration information indicated by SIB1 or SIB19, sequentially receives DL-PRS sent by each target base station and records the TOA of each DL-PRS.

[0306] S807: The terminal device determines its own location information based on the TOA of the DL-PRS sent by each target base station and the location information of each target base station.

[0307] Optionally, the terminal device can determine its own location information based on the TOA of information such as SSB, SIB1, and SIB19, the location information of satellites, the TOA of each DL-PRS, and the location information of each target base station.

[0308] In some embodiments, for details regarding S901 to S907 above, please refer to the relevant descriptions of S401 to S407 in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0309] The communication method provided by the embodiments of this application has been described above. The execution subject used to perform the above communication method will be described below.

[0310] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 900 can be the first communication device shown in Figures 3 to 6b, or the first satellite shown in Figure 7, or the satellite shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, the communication device 900 includes a transceiver module 901.

[0311] The transceiver module 901 is used to send signal configuration information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to send the second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0312] The transceiver module 901 is also used to send a first positioning signal, which is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0313] Optionally, the signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

[0314] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the device 900 may further include a processing module 902.

[0315] The processing module 902 is used to acquire first information of each candidate communication device and second information of a third communication device among at least one candidate communication device. The first information is used to indicate parameter information of the signal transmitted by the candidate communication device, and the second information is used to indicate parameter information of the signal received by the third communication device.

[0316] The processing module 902 is further configured to determine a second communication device from at least one candidate communication device. The second communication device is determined based on first information of each of the at least one candidate communication device and second information of a third communication device.

[0317] Optionally, the first information includes first area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the candidate communication device; the second information includes second area information corresponding to the third communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the third communication device.

[0318] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to receive signal configuration information sent by the fourth communication device.

[0319] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to transmit the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device.

[0320] In some embodiments, the second communication device includes multiple devices. The transceiver module 901 is further configured to transmit a target relationship. This target relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

[0321] Optionally, for a detailed description of the actions performed by each module of the communication device 900, please refer to the above description of the steps performed by the first communication device in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0322] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1000 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1000 can be the second communication device in Figures 3 to 6b, the second satellite in Figure 7, or the target base station in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 10, the communication device 1000 includes a transceiver module 1001.

[0323] The transceiver module 1001 is used to receive signal configuration information. This signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device on the configuration for sending a second positioning signal.

[0324] The transceiver module 1001 is also used to transmit a second positioning signal. This second positioning signal is transmitted based on signal configuration information and is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

[0325] Optionally, the signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

[0326] Optionally, for a detailed description of the actions performed by each module of the communication device 1000, please refer to the above description of the steps performed by the second communication device in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0327] Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1100 can be the third communication device in Figures 3 to 6b, or the terminal device in Figures 7 to 8. As shown in Figure 11, the communication device 1100 includes a transceiver module 1101 and a processing module 1102.

[0328] The transceiver module 1101 is used to receive signal configuration information. This signal configuration information can instruct the second communication device to send a second positioning signal. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0329] The transceiver module 1101 is also used to receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal. The first positioning signal is sent by the first communication device, and the second positioning signal is sent by the second communication device.

[0330] The processing module 1102 is used to determine the location information of the third communication device. This location information is determined based on the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal.

[0331] Optionally, the signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

[0332] In some embodiments, the processing module 1102 may determine the location information of the third communication device based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal and the arrival time of the second positioning signal.

[0333] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1101 is further configured to receive location information of the first communication device and location information of the second communication device sent by the first communication device;

[0334] The processing module 1102 can determine the location information of the third communication device based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of the second positioning signal, and the location information of the second communication device.

[0335] In some embodiments, the second communication device includes multiple devices. The transceiver module 1101 is further configured to receive a target relationship sent by the first communication device. The target relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

[0336] The processing module 1102 can determine the location information of the third communication device based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of the second positioning signal, the location information of the second communication device, and the target relationship.

[0337] Optionally, for a detailed description of the actions performed by each module of the communication device 1100, please refer to the above description of the steps performed by the third communication device in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0338] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1200 can be the fourth communication device in Figures 3 to 8. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 1200 includes: a processing module 1201 and a transceiver module 1202.

[0339] The processing module 1201 is used to determine the second communication device corresponding to the third communication device. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device.

[0340] The transceiver module 1202 is used to transmit signal configuration information. This signal configuration information is used to instruct the second communication device on the configuration for transmitting the second positioning signal.

[0341] Optionally, the signal configuration information may include at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

[0342] In some embodiments, the processing module 1201 is configured to:

[0343] The system acquires first information about a third communication device and second information about at least one candidate communication device. The first information is used to indicate parameter information for the third communication device to receive signals, and the second information is used to indicate parameter information for the candidate communication device to transmit signals.

[0344] A second communication device corresponding to a third communication device is determined from at least one candidate communication device. This second communication device is determined based on first information of each of the at least one candidate communication device and second information of the third communication device.

[0345] Optionally, the first information includes first area information corresponding to the third communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the candidate communication device; the second information includes second area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the third communication device.

[0346] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 1202 is further configured to transmit the location information of the second communication device.

[0347] In some embodiments, the second communication device includes multiple devices. The transceiver module 1202 is also configured to transmit a target relationship. This target relationship is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

[0348] Optionally, for a detailed description of the actions performed by each module of the communication device 1200, please refer to the above description of the steps performed by the fourth communication device in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0349] This application also provides a communication system, including a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device as described in the communication method of this application. The first communication device is used to perform the steps performed by the first communication device in the above method embodiments. The second communication device is used to perform the steps performed by the second communication device in the above method embodiments. The third communication device is used to perform the steps performed by the third communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0350] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a fourth communication device for instructing steps performed with respect to the fourth communication device in the calligraphy method embodiment.

[0351] Optionally, for details regarding the first, second, third, and fourth communication devices, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the corresponding devices in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0352] Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device 1300 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 1300 can be the first terminal device, the second terminal device, or the network device described above. The communication device 1300 includes a processor 1301.

[0353] The processor 1301 implements the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application through logic circuits or by executing code instructions.

[0354] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include interface circuitry 1302. Processor 1301 and interface circuitry 1302 are coupled to each other. It is understood that interface circuitry 1302 may be a transceiver or an input / output interface.

[0355] Optionally, the communication device 1300 may also include a memory 1303 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1301, or storing input data required by the processor 1301 to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor 1301 executes instructions.

[0356] The aforementioned processor 1301 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method embodiments can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the processor's hardware or by software instructions. The aforementioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. This storage medium is located in memory; the processor reads information from the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0357] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for implementing the methods in the above-described method embodiments. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer can implement the methods in the above-described method embodiments.

[0358] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the methods in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0359] This application also provides a chip, including a processor connected to a memory for storing computer programs, and the processor for executing the computer programs stored in the memory, so that the chip performs the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0360] It should be understood that, in the embodiments of this application, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second" and "third", and there is no order of precedence or size among the technical features described by "first", "second" and "third".

[0361] Furthermore, the term "and / or" in this application 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 existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship. The term "at least one" in this application can represent "one" and "two or more." For example, A, B, and C can represent: A existing alone, B existing alone, C existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, A and C existing simultaneously, C and B existing simultaneously, and A, B, and C existing simultaneously.

[0362] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0363] 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.

[0364] 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; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0365] 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.

[0366] In addition, 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.

[0367] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion 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 described 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.

[0368] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first communication device, the method includes: Send signal configuration information, the signal configuration information being used to instruct the second communication device to send a second positioning signal, the second communication device referring to a communication device other than the first communication device that is capable of sending a positioning signal to a third communication device; Send a first positioning signal, which is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Acquire first information for each candidate communication device in at least one candidate communication device and second information for the third communication device, wherein the first information is used to indicate parameter information for the candidate communication device to transmit signals; and the second information is used to indicate parameter information for the third communication device to receive signals. The second communication device is determined from the at least one candidate communication device, the second communication device being determined based on the first information of each of the at least one candidate communication device and the second information of the third communication device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the signal configuration information sent by the fourth communication device.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first information includes first area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the candidate communication device. The second information includes second area information corresponding to the third communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the third communication device.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second communication device includes multiple devices, and the method further includes: Send a target relationship, which is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first communication device includes a satellite.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second communication device, which is a communication device other than the first communication device capable of sending positioning signals to a third communication device, the method includes: Receive signal configuration information, the signal configuration information being used to instruct the second communication device to send a second positioning signal; The second positioning signal is sent based on the signal configuration information, and is used by the third communication device to determine the location information of the third communication device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The first communication device includes a satellite.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a third communication device, the method includes: Receive signal configuration information, the signal configuration information being used to instruct the second communication device to send a second positioning signal, the second communication device referring to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send a positioning signal to the third communication device; Receive a first positioning signal and a second positioning signal, wherein the first positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the first communication device, and the second positioning signal is a positioning signal sent by the communication device; The location information of the third communication device is determined based on the first positioning signal and the second positioning signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Determining the location information of the third communication device includes: The location information of the third communication device is determined based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal and the arrival time of the second positioning signal.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the location information of the first communication device and the location information of the second communication device sent by the first communication device; Determining the location information of the third communication device based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal and the arrival time of the second positioning signal includes: The location information of the third communication device is determined based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of the second positioning signal, and the location information of the second communication device.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The second communication device includes multiple devices, and the method further includes: Receive the target relationship sent by the first communication device, wherein the target relationship is used to indicate the correspondence between the second communication device and the second positioning signal; Determining the location information of the third communication device based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of the second positioning signal, and the location information of the second communication device includes: Based on the arrival time of the first positioning signal, the location information of the first communication device, the arrival time of the second positioning signal, the location information of the second communication device, and the target relationship, the location information of the third communication device is determined.

17. The method according to claim 1 or 13, characterized in that, The first communication device includes a satellite.

18. A communication method applied to a fourth communication device, characterized in that, The method includes: The second communication device corresponding to the third communication device is determined. The second communication device refers to a communication device other than the first communication device that can send positioning signals to the third communication device. Send signal configuration information, which is used to instruct the second communication device to send a second positioning signal.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The step of determining the second communication device corresponding to the third communication device includes: Acquire first information for each of the at least one candidate communication devices and second information for the third communication device, wherein the first information is used to indicate parameter information for the signal transmitted by the three candidate communication devices; and the second information is used to indicate parameter information for the signal received by the third communication device. The second communication device is determined from the at least one candidate communication device, the second communication device being determined based on the first information of each of the at least one candidate communication device and the second information of the third communication device.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first information includes first area information corresponding to the candidate communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the candidate communication device. The second information includes second area information corresponding to the third communication device, which is used to indicate the beam coverage range corresponding to the third communication device.

21. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the location information of the second communication device.

22. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The second communication device includes multiple devices, and the method further includes: Send a target relationship, which is used to indicate the mapping relationship between the second communication device and the second positioning signal.

23. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The signal configuration information includes at least one of the following: time-domain parameters, frequency parameters, spatial parameters, and power parameters.

24. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The first communication device includes a satellite.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 17, or a module for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 24.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, The method includes a processor for performing the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, for performing the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, for performing the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 17, or for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 24.

27. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes a first communication device, a second communication device, and a third communication device, wherein the first communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the second communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, and the third communication device is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 12 to 17.

28. The system according to claim 27, characterized in that, The system further includes a fourth communication device for performing the method as described in any one of claims 18 to 24.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, include: The computer-readable medium stores a computer program; When the computer program is run by the processor, the method of any one of claims 1 to 24 is performed.

30. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program, which, when executed, causes the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 24 to be performed.

Images