Communication method, device and system, base station, terminal and readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication method, device and system, a base station, a terminal and a readable storage medium, and the method is used for the base station, and comprises the steps: receiving a region identifier sent by the terminal, and when the terminal is not located in a first position region covered by a first beam of the base station, sending the region identifier to the base station according to a current target position of the terminal, the first beam is a current service beam of the terminal, the area identifier is used for indicating a second position area, and the target position is in the second position area; and performing beam adjustment or beam replacement on the first beam according to the region identifier. By adopting the method, the resource consumption of the base station and the terminal can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, system, base station, terminal and readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, mobility management is required to ensure normal communication for terminals during movement. Taking satellite communication systems as an example, terminals are configured with a movement distance reporting threshold. When the terminal's movement distance exceeds the threshold, it needs to report its current location to the satellite, which then manages the terminal's mobility based on this location.

[0003] However, the current methods of managing terminal mobility result in a waste of resources for both terminals and base stations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a communication method, apparatus, system, base station, terminal, and readable storage medium that can reduce resource waste in terminals and base stations, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method for a base station, the method comprising:

[0006] The receiving terminal sends an area identifier. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current service beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, where the target location is in the second location area.

[0007] Based on the area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0008] In some embodiments, beam adjustment or beam replacement of the first beam is performed based on a region identifier, including:

[0009] Determine the beam type of the first beam;

[0010] Based on the beam type and area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0011] In some embodiments, beam adjustment or beam replacement of the first beam is performed based on the beam type and region identifier, including:

[0012] When the beam type is a tracking beam, adjust the beam direction of the first beam so that the adjusted first beam points to the second position region.

[0013] In some embodiments, beam replacement after beam adjustment of the first beam, based on the beam type and region identifier, includes:

[0014] When the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station;

[0015] When the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, the second beam is determined according to the area identifier, and a service correspondence is established between the second beam and the terminal, and the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal is terminated.

[0016] In some embodiments, determining the second beam based on a region identifier includes:

[0017] Based on the area identifier, determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area;

[0018] If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area will be identified as the second beam.

[0019] If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0021] If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0022] In some embodiments, sending a handover request to other base stations includes:

[0023] Send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or,

[0024] When all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among all satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

[0025] Secondly, this application provides a communication method for a terminal, the method comprising:

[0026] Obtain the current target location of the terminal;

[0027] Based on the target location, determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, where the first beam is the terminal's current serving beam;

[0028] If the terminal is not in the first location area, the area identifier of the second location area is sent to the base station according to the target location. The target location is in the second location area. The area identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0029] In some embodiments, determining whether a terminal is within a first location area covered by a first beam of a base station, based on the target location, includes:

[0030] Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area;

[0031] If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then the terminal is determined not to be within the first location area.

[0032] In some embodiments, sending a region identifier of a second location region to a base station based on the target location includes:

[0033] The second location area is determined based on the target location, and the corresponding area identifier of the second location area is determined from the area identifier mapping relationship. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0034] Send the area identifier to the base station.

[0035] Thirdly, this application provides a communication device for a base station, the device comprising:

[0036] The receiving module is used to receive the area identifier sent by the terminal. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current service beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, where the target location is in the second location area.

[0037] The processing module is used to adjust or replace the first beam based on the area identifier.

[0038] In some embodiments, the processing module includes a determining unit and a processing unit;

[0039] The determining unit is used to determine the beam type of the first beam;

[0040] The processing unit is used to perform beam adjustment or beam replacement on the first beam according to the beam type and area identification.

[0041] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to adjust the beam direction of the first beam when the beam type is a tracking beam, so that the adjusted first beam points to the second location region.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processing unit includes a judgment subunit and a determination subunit;

[0043] The determination sub-unit is used to determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station when the beam type is a normal beam.

[0044] The determination subunit is used to determine the second beam based on the area identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, and to establish a service correspondence between the second beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0045] In some embodiments, the determining subunit is specifically used to determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location region based on the region identifier;

[0046] If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area will be identified as the second beam.

[0047] If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0048] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes:

[0049] The sending module is used to send a handover request to other base stations when the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​the base station. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0050] In some embodiments, the sending module is specifically used to send a handover request to a plurality of other base stations adjacent to the base station; or, when all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among the satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

[0051] Fourthly, this application provides a communication device for a terminal, the device comprising:

[0052] The acquisition module is used to acquire the current target location of the terminal;

[0053] The determination module is used to determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam.

[0054] The transmitting module is used to transmit a region identifier of a second location area to the base station based on the target location when the terminal is not in the first location area. The target location is in the second location area. The region identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam based on the region identifier.

[0055] In some embodiments, the determining module is specifically used to determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area; if the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, it is determined that the terminal is not within the first location area.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sending module is specifically used to determine a second location region based on the target location, and to determine the region identifier corresponding to the second location region from the region identifier mapping relationship, the region identifier mapping relationship including the correspondence between each location region and each region identifier; and to send the region identifier to the base station.

[0057] Fifthly, this application provides a base station, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the methods described in either the first or second aspect above.

[0058] In some embodiments, the base station is a satellite base station.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a terminal, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method described in either the first or second aspect above.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a communication system, including a terminal and a base station, wherein the base station is configured to perform the steps of the method described in any of the first aspects above, and the terminal is configured to perform the steps of the method described in any of the second aspects above.

[0061] Eighthly, this application also provides a processor-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any one of the first and second aspects above.

[0062] Ninthly, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any one of the first and second aspects above.

[0063] The aforementioned communication method, apparatus, system, base station, terminal, and readable storage medium allow the terminal to send a region identifier for a second location region to the base station only after determining that it is within the first location area covered by the base station's first beam based on its current target location. This eliminates the need to repeatedly report the current target location to the base station or repeatedly store the terminal's previous target location, reducing terminal storage requirements, decreasing the amount of reported information, and avoiding unnecessary reporting signaling overhead, thereby reducing terminal load and power consumption. Furthermore, since the terminal sends a region identifier to the base station, there is no risk of leaking precise location information, reducing location security risks, especially for sensitive location information of specific important users or specific areas, providing crucial protection. Attached Figure Description

[0064] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 2 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0067] Figure 3 This is a second flowchart illustrating the communication method in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the latitude and longitude regions in the embodiments of this application;

[0069] Figure 5 This is the third flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 6 This is the fourth flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0071] Figure 7 This is the fifth flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 This is the sixth flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 This is the seventh flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 10This is the eighth flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 11 This is the ninth flowchart illustrating the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0076] Figure 12 This is one of the flowcharts of the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 13 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the first beam adjustment in the embodiments of this application;

[0078] Figure 14 This is a second flowchart of the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0079] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the first beam replacement in the embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 16 This is the third flowchart of the communication method in the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 17 This is the third schematic diagram of the first beam replacement in the embodiments of this application;

[0082] Figure 18 This is one of the structural block diagrams of the communication device in the embodiments of this application;

[0083] Figure 19 This is a second structural block diagram of the communication device in the embodiments of this application;

[0084] Figure 20 This is an internal structure diagram of the terminal or base station in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0085] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0086] The serial numbers assigned to components in this article, such as "first" and "second", are used only to distinguish the objects being described and have no sequential or technical meaning.

[0087] In communication systems, to ensure that terminals can maintain continuous communication services in different geographical locations and network environments, mobility management of terminals is required. Base stations can provide communication services to terminals; these base stations can be satellite base stations or terrestrial base stations.

[0088] Taking satellite communication systems as an example, in high-Earth orbit, medium-Earth orbit, low-Earth orbit, or 4G, 5G, and 6G NTN (Non-terrestrial Network) networks such as satellite networking and satellite-ground converged networking, the number of satellite beams is limited, and the beams cover ground areas on demand. Therefore, the area covered by a satellite may not necessarily have full beam coverage. Currently, the mainstream method for mobility management of satellite terminals is based on location reporting. Specifically, satellite base stations configure a mobility distance reporting threshold for terminals. The terminal calculates its movement distance since the last report based on its own location information. When this distance exceeds the reporting threshold, it reports its current precise location information. Upon receiving the location information reported by the terminal, the satellite base station performs mobility management based on this information; that is, it determines whether beam pointing needs to be adjusted or terminal handover needs to be managed based on the location information. However, under the current location reporting system, there are instances where the terminal's movement distance exceeds the reporting threshold, but the satellite base station, after its judgment, does not need to change the original control. For example, the terminal may still move within the original beam coverage area. Therefore, current satellite base station mobility management results in multiple invalid calculations and reporting processes by terminals and satellite base stations, leading to a waste of computing resources for both. Furthermore, the fact that terminals report precise locations each time raises location security concerns.

[0089] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, system, base station, terminal, and readable storage medium, which can reduce the resource consumption of the terminal and base station.

[0090] The communication method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to communication systems, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a base station 101 and a terminal 102. The base station 101 can be a satellite base station or a terrestrial base station. The type of the terminal 102 can be related to the type of the base station 101. For example, for a satellite base station, the corresponding terminal can be a satellite phone, satellite data terminal, satellite broadband terminal, terrestrial receiving terminal, etc. For a terrestrial base station, the corresponding terminal can be a mobile phone, personal computer, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet computer, and portable wearable device, etc.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, a communication method is provided, and the method is described using a terminal in a communication system as an example. The method includes the following steps 201 to 203:

[0092] Step 201: Obtain the current target location of the terminal.

[0093] The terminal's current target location refers to its current coordinates. For example, the terminal's current target location could be its current geographic coordinates, i.e., latitude and longitude. During the terminal's movement, it can acquire its current target location in real-time or periodically.

[0094] For example, a positioning device, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS), Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi positioning, is installed in the terminal. The terminal can obtain its current target location through its own positioning device. The terminal can also obtain its current target location by communicating with the base station it serves.

[0095] Step 202: Based on the target location, determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, where the first beam is the terminal's current serving beam.

[0096] A base station has multiple beams, each with a corresponding coverage area. The base station can provide services to terminals located within the coverage area of ​​its beam. The first beam in the base station is the service beam for which the base station provides communication services to terminals. It can be understood that the terminal's current service beam can refer to the beam used by the base station to communicate with the terminal.

[0097] After acquiring the target location, the terminal can determine the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station based on the target location. In other words, the terminal can determine the location range of the first location area covered by the first beam based on the target location. The terminal compares the target location with the location range of the first location area to determine whether the target location is within the corresponding location range of the first location area.

[0098] For example, if the terminal compares the target location with the location range of the first location area and determines that the target location is within the first location area, it means that the first beam can still provide communication services to the terminal, and then returns to steps 201-202. That is, during the terminal's movement, the terminal repeatedly obtains the current target location and determines whether it is within the first location area covered by the base station's first beam based on the target location.

[0099] Step 203: If the terminal is not in the first location area, send the area identifier of the second location area to the base station according to the target location. The target location is in the second location area. The area identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0100] Each beam in a base station has a unique area identifier that identifies its coverage area. This area identifier can be represented by numbers, letters, or a combination of both. For example, "1" represents the first location area, "2" represents the second location area, and "3" represents the third location area. Another example is "a1" representing the first location area, "b1" representing the second location area, and "c1" representing the third location area.

[0101] If the terminal compares the target location with the location range of the first location area and determines that the target location is not within the location range of the first location area (i.e., the terminal is not within the first location area), indicating that the current first beam is providing communication service to the terminal, which may affect the terminal's use, the terminal will determine the area identifier of the second location area it is currently in based on the target location. After determining the area identifier, the terminal will send the area identifier to the base station. After receiving the area identifier sent by the terminal, the base station will adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier, so that the adjusted or replaced first beam can provide stable communication service to the terminal. It can be understood that adjusting the first beam can mean adjusting the beam direction of the first beam, and replacing the first beam can mean replacing the first beam with a new beam. The new beam can be a beam in the base station corresponding to the first beam, or a beam in another base station.

[0102] In this embodiment, the terminal only sends a region identifier of the second location area to the base station when it determines that it is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station based on its current target location. This eliminates the need to report the current target location to the base station multiple times or store the terminal's target location repeatedly, reducing terminal storage requirements, decreasing the amount of reported information, and avoiding invalid reporting signaling overhead, thereby reducing terminal load and power consumption. Furthermore, since the terminal sends a region identifier to the base station, there is no risk of leaking precise location information, reducing location security risks. This is especially important for protecting sensitive location information of specific important users or specific areas.

[0103] In some embodiments, Figure 2 Based on the illustrated embodiments, see also Figure 3 In the communication method of this embodiment, step 202 includes Figure 3 Steps 301 and 302 are shown below:

[0104] Step 301: Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area.

[0105] The Earth's surface is pre-divided into regularly spaced regions based on longitude and latitude with a specific granularity, resulting in multiple longitude and latitude zones. Each zone has a corresponding range of longitude and latitude. Each zone has a unique identifier. For example, the area covered by each beam corresponds to one longitude and latitude zone. Ideally, the center of the area covered by each beam coincides with the center of the corresponding longitude and latitude zone, ensuring that each beam size completely covers its designated zone. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The perpendicular lines in the diagram are latitude and longitude lines, and the area formed by the latitude and longitude lines is called the latitude and longitude region.

[0106] The target location obtained by the terminal can be the terminal's current latitude and longitude. The terminal compares this latitude and longitude with the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area to determine whether the latitude and longitude is within the range.

[0107] For example, if the terminal determines that the target location (latitude and longitude) is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area by comparing the target location (latitude and longitude) with the latitude and longitude corresponding to the first location area, then the terminal is determined to be within the first location area.

[0108] Step 302: If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then it is determined that the terminal is not within the first location area.

[0109] If the terminal determines that the target location (latitude and longitude) is not within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area by comparing the target location (latitude and longitude) with the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area, then the terminal is determined to be outside the first location area.

[0110] In this embodiment, the terminal directly compares the target location with the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area to determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area, and thus determines whether the terminal is within the first location area. This method of determining whether the terminal is within the first location area is quick and easy to implement, and can improve the efficiency of the terminal sending the area identifier to the base station, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the terminal and the base station.

[0111] In some embodiments, Figure 2 Based on the illustrated embodiments, see also Figure 5 In the communication method of this embodiment, step 203 includes Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 are shown below:

[0112] Step 501: Determine the second location area based on the target location, and determine the area identifier corresponding to the second location area from the area identifier mapping relationship. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0113] The terminal pre-stores each location area, each area identifier, and the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier, i.e., the area identifier mapping relationship.

[0114] After obtaining the current target location, the terminal determines the location area where the target location is located, i.e., the second location area; the terminal searches for the area identifier corresponding to the location area that is the same as the second location area from the area identifier mapping relationship, and determines the area identifier as the area identifier corresponding to the second location area.

[0115] Step 502: Send the area identifier to the base station.

[0116] After determining the area identifier corresponding to its current location (second location area), the terminal sends the area identifier to the base station.

[0117] In this embodiment of the application, after the terminal determines the second location area based on the target location, it directly determines the corresponding area identifier based on the area mapping relationship. This method of determining the area identifier is quick and easy to implement, which can improve the efficiency of determining the area identifier, thereby improving the efficiency of sending the area identifier to the base station, and thus improving the practicality of the communication method.

[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, a communication method is provided. Taking the application of this method to a base station in a communication system as an example, the method includes the following steps 601 and 602:

[0119] Step 601: Receive the area identifier sent by the terminal. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when it is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area. The target location is in the second location area.

[0120] As mentioned in the above embodiments, when the terminal determines that it is not in the first location area covered by the first beam based on the current target location it has obtained, it will send the area identifier of the second location area to the base station based on the target location, and the base station will receive the area identifier.

[0121] It is understood that the first beam is the beam among the multiple beams of the base station that currently provides communication services to the terminal; that is, the beam used by the base station to communicate with the terminal. The area where the terminal's current target location is located is the second location area, and the area identifier also indicates the second location area. For a description of how the terminal determines whether it is within the first location area covered by the base station's first beam based on its target location, and how it sends the area identifier of the second location area to the base station based on its target location when it is not within the first location area, please refer to the specific description in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0122] Step 602: Adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0123] After obtaining the area identifier, the base station can determine the current location of the terminal based on the area identifier, and then adjust or replace the first beam according to the location. Adjusting the first beam can involve changing its direction, while replacing it with a new beam. The new beam can be a beam from the base station corresponding to the first beam, or a beam from another base station.

[0124] In this embodiment, after obtaining the area identifier sent by the terminal, the base station directly adjusts or replaces the first beam based on the area identifier, without needing to calculate or judge the obtained area identifier. This reduces the base station's computational resource consumption, thereby reducing the base station's load and power consumption, and increasing its operating time. Furthermore, since the base station obtains only the area identifier, not the terminal's precise location, there is no risk of leaking the exact location, reducing location security risks. This is particularly important for protecting sensitive location information of specific important users or specific areas.

[0125] In some embodiments, Figure 6 Based on the illustrated embodiment, see also Figure 7 In this embodiment, step 602 includes Figure 7 Steps 701 and 702 are shown below:

[0126] Step 701: Determine the beam type of the first beam.

[0127] The beams transmitted by base stations can be of various types, and can be specifically configured according to the needs of the terminals requiring service. For example, the beam types transmitted by base stations can include tracking beams and ordinary beams.

[0128] Tracking beams, also known as staring beams, cover important devices within the base station's coverage area. This can be a single specific terminal or multiple specific terminals in close proximity. The beam antenna direction is dynamically adjusted based on the terminal's location, continuously tracking and pointing towards the area where the terminal is located. This ensures the terminal receives continuous and stable communication service, avoiding issues such as data loss or dropped calls that might occur when switching beams. Ordinary beams, also known as fixed beams, typically serve terminals within a fixed area within the base station's coverage area. When a terminal moves to the boundary of this area, if a beam is available in the target area, the terminal needs to switch to the target beam; otherwise, the terminal may drop calls and lose continuous service.

[0129] Before adjusting or replacing the first beam, the base station first determines the beam type of the first beam. For example, it determines whether the first beam is a tracking beam or a normal beam.

[0130] Step 702: Adjust or replace the first beam according to the beam type and area identifier.

[0131] The processing method for the first beam varies depending on its beam type. Based on this, after determining the beam type of the first beam, the base station can adjust or replace the first beam according to the beam type and area identifier.

[0132] The embodiments of this application adjust or replace the first beam based on the beam type of the first beam and the determined area identifier. This allows the communication method provided in this embodiment to be applied in scenarios with different beam types, thereby improving the practicality of the communication method.

[0133] In some embodiments, Figure 7 Based on the illustrated embodiment, in this embodiment, when the beam type of the first beam is determined to be a tracking beam, the beam direction of the first beam can be adjusted according to the area identifier so that the adjusted first beam points to the second location area.

[0134] When the beam type of the first beam is a tracking beam, it means that the first beam needs to track the terminal. In this case, the first beam is adjusted, that is, the beam direction of the first beam is adjusted, that is, the antenna of the first beam is adjusted so that the adjusted first beam points to the second position area.

[0135] In this embodiment of the application, when the first beam is a tracking beam, the communication method can be applied to scenarios where the beam providing communication services to the terminal is a tracking beam by adjusting the first beam, thereby improving the applicability of the communication method.

[0136] In some embodiments, Figure 7 Based on the illustrated embodiments, see also Figure 8 In this embodiment, step 702 includes Figure 8 Steps 801 and 802 are shown below:

[0137] Step 801: If the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station.

[0138] When a base station determines that the first beam's beam type is a normal beam, it indicates that a new beam needs to be used to replace the first beam. When acquiring the new beam, it first needs to determine whether the second location area corresponding to the area identifier is within the base station's coverage area; that is, it needs to determine whether the terminal is currently still within the base station's coverage area. By determining whether the terminal is currently within the base station's coverage area, it can determine whether the new beam belongs to that base station or another base station.

[0139] Step 802: If the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, determine the second beam according to the area identifier, establish the service correspondence between the second beam and the terminal, and terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0140] If the base station determines that the second location area is within its coverage area, it means that the current terminal is still within the base station's coverage area. Therefore, the base station can directly search for a new beam within that base station to replace the first beam. Specifically, the base station can determine the second location area where the terminal is currently located based on the acquired area identifier. Based on this second location area, it can determine a new beam within the base station pointing to the second location area, i.e., the second beam. After determining the second beam, the base station establishes a service mapping relationship between the second beam and the terminal, and dismantles the service mapping relationship between the first beam and the terminal. That is, the base station switches from using the first beam to provide communication services to the terminal to use the second beam.

[0141] In this embodiment of the application, when the beam type of the first beam is a normal beam, the communication method can be applied to scenarios where the beam providing communication services to the terminal is a normal beam by replacing the first beam, thereby improving the applicability of the communication method.

[0142] In some embodiments, Figure 8 Based on the illustrated embodiments, see also Figure 9 In this embodiment, step 802 includes Figure 9 Steps 901 and 903 are shown below:

[0143] Step 901: Determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area based on the area identifier.

[0144] The base station can determine the second location area where the terminal is located based on the acquired area identifier. After determining the second location area, the base station checks whether there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area; that is, among the multiple beams in the base station, whether there is a beam pointing to the second location area.

[0145] Step 902: If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area is determined as the second beam.

[0146] If the base station determines that there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam corresponding to the second location area can be directly identified as the second beam, and the base station can provide communication services to the terminal through the second beam.

[0147] Step 903: If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, adjust the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0148] If the base station determines that there is no beam corresponding to the second location area within the base station, meaning the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​any of the multiple beams of the current base station, then it determines whether there is an idle target beam within the base station. If the base station determines that there is an idle target beam within the base station, it can adjust the direction of the idle target beam so that the adjusted idle target beam points to the second location area, and then designate the adjusted idle target beam as the second beam.

[0149] For example, if there are multiple idle beams in the base station, a target beam can be selected from the multiple idle beams, the direction of the target beam can be adjusted so that the adjusted target beam points to the second location area, and the adjusted target beam can be determined as the second beam.

[0150] For example, if there is no idle target beam in the base station, other base stations are needed to provide communication services for the terminal. That is, the base station sends an area identifier to other base stations so that the other base stations can replace the first beam according to the area identifier. For a description of other base stations replacing the first beam according to the area identifier, please refer to the specific description of the base station replacing the first beam according to the area identifier above, which will not be repeated here.

[0151] This application provides different methods for determining the second beam when a beam corresponding to the second location region exists in the base station and when a beam corresponding to the second location region does not exist. This allows for beam replacement of the first beam in different scenarios, ensuring continuous and stable communication services for the terminal and thus improving the practicality of the communication method.

[0152] Please continue reading Figure 8 In some embodiments, when the base station determines that the beam type of the first beam is a normal beam, the communication method further includes:

[0153] Step 803: If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, and to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0154] If a base station determines that the second location area is not within its coverage area, it means the terminal is currently not within its coverage area, and the base station cannot provide stable communication service to the terminal. In this case, the base station will send a handover request to other base stations to switch to providing communication service to the terminal. It is understood that these other base stations can be one or more adjacent base stations. The handover request sent by the base station to other base stations includes an area identifier, which allows other base stations to determine whether the second location area is within their coverage area. If other base stations determine that the second location area is within their coverage area, they determine a third beam based on the area identifier, establish a service mapping between the third beam and the terminal, and dissolve the service mapping between the first beam and the terminal. In other words, the third beam replaces the first beam to provide communication service to the terminal.

[0155] The method for determining the third beam based on the area identifier may include: if it is determined that a beam corresponding to the second location area exists in other base stations, that beam is identified as the third beam; if it is determined that no beam corresponding to the second location area exists in other base stations, the beam direction of the target beam that is idle in the other base stations is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam acts as the third beam pointing towards the second location area. The description of other base stations determining the third beam based on the area identifier can be found in the detailed description of base stations determining the second beam based on the area identifier in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] This application provides a method for determining a third beam based on a region identifier and using the third beam to provide communication services to a terminal when the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station but is within the coverage area of ​​another base station. This method can maintain a continuous and stable communication service for the terminal in different scenarios, thereby improving the practicality of the communication method.

[0157] In some embodiments, Figure 8 Based on the illustrated embodiments, see also Figure 10 In this embodiment, when there are multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station, step 803 includes... Figure 10 Steps 1001 and 1002 are shown below:

[0158] Step 1001: Send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station.

[0159] When a base station sends a handover request to other base stations, it can send the request to multiple adjacent base stations. That is, multiple other base stations will receive the area identifier in the handover request, and each base station will determine whether it can provide communication services to the terminal based on its own circumstances. This embodiment does not limit the specific process by which other base stations determine whether to provide communication services to the terminal, as long as the normal operation of the terminal can be guaranteed.

[0160] Step 1002: When all other base stations are satellite base stations, determine the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time from among all satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and send a handover request to the target satellite base station.

[0161] A base station can send handover requests to multiple neighboring base stations, or it can first select a target base station from among the multiple neighboring base stations and then send a handover request to that target base station. The target base station can be the closest base station to the current base station among the multiple neighboring base stations, or it can be the base station expected to provide the terminal with the longest continuous communication service time among the multiple neighboring base stations.

[0162] Understandably, when the base station providing communication services to the terminal is a satellite base station, and other base stations are also satellite base stations, the base station acquires the movement trajectories of each of the other base stations. Based on these movement trajectories and the terminal's target location, it determines the target satellite base station among those expected to provide service to the terminal for the longest period. In other words, based on the movement trajectories and target locations of each satellite base station, the base station can predict the duration the terminal will be within the coverage area of ​​each satellite base station within a certain future timeframe, and identifies the satellite base station with the longest coverage period as the target satellite base station. After determining the target satellite base station, the base station sends a handover request to that target satellite base station.

[0163] For example, when a base station selects a target base station from multiple neighboring base stations, the distance between the base station and each of the other base stations can be directly determined, and the base station with the shortest distance can be selected as the target base station.

[0164] In this embodiment, when a base station sends a handover request to multiple other base stations, it can send the handover request to multiple adjacent base stations. Alternatively, if all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among the satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station. This allows users to choose the method of sending handover requests to multiple other base stations according to their actual application, improving the practicality of the communication method.

[0165] In some embodiments, see Figure 11 This paper provides a communication method, which is illustrated using a satellite base station as an example. The communication method includes the following steps:

[0166] Step 1101: The terminal obtains the current target location.

[0167] Step 1102: The terminal determines whether it is in the first location area by determining whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude area corresponding to the first location area covered by the first beam of the satellite base station. The first beam is the terminal's current service beam.

[0168] Step 1103: If the terminal determines that it is not in the first location area, it determines the second location area based on the target location, and the target location is in the second location area.

[0169] Step 1104: The terminal determines the area identifier corresponding to the second location area from the area identifier mapping relationship and sends the area identifier to the satellite base station. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0170] Step 1105: The satellite base station receives the area identifier sent by the terminal and determines the beam type of the first beam.

[0171] Step 1106: When the beam type is a tracking beam, the satellite base station adjusts the beam direction of the first beam so that the adjusted first beam points to the second location area.

[0172] Step 1107: When the beam type is a normal beam, the satellite base station determines whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite base station.

[0173] Step 1108: If the second location area is within its coverage area, the satellite base station determines whether there is a beam in the satellite base station corresponding to the second location area based on the area identifier.

[0174] Step 1109: If the satellite base station determines that there is a beam in the satellite base station corresponding to the second location area, then the beam corresponding to the second location area is determined as the second beam.

[0175] Step 1110: If the satellite base station determines that there is no beam in the satellite base station corresponding to the second location area, then adjust the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the satellite base station so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0176] Step 1111: The satellite base station establishes a service mapping relationship between the second beam and the terminal, and terminates the service mapping relationship between the first beam and the terminal;

[0177] In step 1112, if the second location area is not within its coverage area, the satellite base station selects a target satellite base station from multiple neighboring base stations and sends a handover request to the target satellite base station. The handover request is used to enable the target satellite base station to determine the third beam based on the area identifier.

[0178] If the second location area corresponding to the area identifier of the target satellite base station is within the coverage area of ​​the target satellite base station, the third beam is determined according to the area identifier.

[0179] Step 1113: The target satellite base station establishes a service mapping relationship between the third beam and the terminal, and terminates the service mapping relationship between the first beam and the terminal.

[0180] The target satellite base station can send information to the satellite base station (the base station that previously provided communication services to the terminal) to cause the satellite base station to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0181] In some exemplary embodiments, an example is given where the base station is a satellite base station, and the beam used for communication services between the base station and the terminal is a tracking beam. Figure 12 As shown, the communication method between the terminal and the satellite base station includes the following steps:

[0182] Step 1201: The terminal determines whether the target location is within the first location area based on the acquired target location.

[0183] Step 1202: If it is determined that the target is not within the first location area, send the area identifier to the base station according to the target location.

[0184] Step 1203: The satellite base station adjusts the beam direction of the first beam according to the area identifier so that the adjusted first beam points to the center of the second location area.

[0185] A schematic diagram of the beam tracking terminal is shown below. Figure 13 As shown. Figure 13 The circle on the left represents the area covered by the first beam before adjustment (first position area), and the circle on the right represents the area covered by the first beam after adjustment (second position area). The black circle in the center of the area covered by the first beam indicates the center of that area. t1-t5 represent the positions of the terminal at different times. At time t5, the terminal moves out of the first position area. The straight line along the horizontal direction is the latitude line, and the line perpendicular to the latitude line is the longitude line. The rectangle formed by the longitude line and the latitude line is the latitude and longitude area.

[0186] In some exemplary embodiments, the example is taken as a satellite base station, where the beam used for communication services between the base station and the terminal is a normal beam, and the first beam is replaced within the satellite base station.

[0187] like Figure 14 As shown, the communication method between the terminal and the satellite base station includes the following steps:

[0188] Step 1401: The terminal determines whether the target location is within the first location area based on the acquired target location.

[0189] Step 1402: If it is determined that the target is not in the first location area, send a region identifier to the base station according to the target location. The location area corresponding to the region identifier is the second location area.

[0190] Step 1403: Based on the second location area, determine that the terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the satellite base station, and determine whether there is a second beam in the satellite base station corresponding to the second location area. If there is, switch the first beam to the second beam; if not, create a second beam to switch in.

[0191] It is understandable that creating a second beam refers to adjusting the beam direction of a target beam that is idle in a satellite base station so that the adjusted target beam acts as a second beam pointing to a second location area.

[0192] A schematic diagram of conventional beam switching within a satellite base station is shown below. Figure 15 As shown. Figure 15 The circle on the left represents the area covered by the first beam (first location area), and the circle on the right represents the area covered by the second beam (second location area).

[0193] In some exemplary embodiments, the base station is a satellite base station, and the beam used for communication services between the base station and the terminal is a normal beam. The example of replacing the first beam between satellite base stations is used for illustration. Figure 16 As shown, the communication method between the terminal and the satellite base station includes the following steps:

[0194] Step 1601: The terminal determines whether the target location is within the first location area based on the acquired target location.

[0195] Step 1602: If it is determined that the target is not within the first location area, send an area identifier to the base station according to the target location;

[0196] Step 1603: If the satellite base station determines that the terminal is not within its coverage area, it sends a handover request to other satellite base stations. The handover request includes an area identifier.

[0197] Step 1604: Other satellite base stations determine whether there is a third beam corresponding to the second location area based on the area identifier. If there is, the first beam is switched to the third beam. If there is no third beam, a third beam is created and switched in.

[0198] A schematic diagram of conventional beam switching between satellite base stations is shown below. Figure 17 As shown. Figure 17 The leftmost circle represents a satellite base station. The large circle on the left indicates the coverage area of ​​the satellite base station, and the small circle on the left indicates the coverage area of ​​the first beam of the satellite base station. The rightmost circle represents other satellite base stations. The large circle on the right indicates the coverage area of ​​other satellite base stations, and the small circle on the right indicates the coverage area of ​​the third beam of other satellite base stations.

[0199] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0200] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a communication device for implementing the communication method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, specific limitations in one or more communication device embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the communication method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0201] In one embodiment, such as Figure 18 As shown, a communication device is provided for a base station, the device comprising:

[0202] The receiving module 1801 is used to receive the area identifier sent by the terminal. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, according to the current target location of the terminal. The first beam is the current service beam of the terminal, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, and the target location is in the second location area.

[0203] The processing module 1802 is used to perform beam adjustment or beam replacement on the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0204] In some embodiments, the processing module 1802 includes a determining unit and a processing unit. The determining unit is used to determine the beam type of the first beam; the processing unit is used to perform beam adjustment or beam replacement on the first beam according to the beam type and area identifier.

[0205] In some embodiments, the processing unit is specifically configured to adjust the beam direction of the first beam when the beam type is a tracking beam, so that the adjusted first beam points to the second location region.

[0206] In some embodiments, the processing unit includes a judgment subunit and a determination subunit. The judgment subunit is used to determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station when the beam type is a normal beam. The determination subunit is used to determine the second beam according to the area identifier and establish a service correspondence between the second beam and the terminal when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, and to release the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0207] In some embodiments, the determining subunit is specifically used to determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area based on the area identifier; if there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam corresponding to the second location area is determined as the second beam; if there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam in the base station that is in an idle state is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0208] In some embodiments, the communication device further includes:

[0209] The sending module is used to send a handover request to other base stations when the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​the base station. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0210] In some embodiments, the sending module is specifically used to send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or, when all other base stations are satellite base stations, it determines the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time from among the satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and sends a handover request to the target satellite base station.

[0211] In some embodiments, such as Figure 19 As shown, a communication device is provided for a terminal, the device comprising:

[0212] The acquisition module 1901 is used to acquire the current target location of the terminal.

[0213] The determination module 1902 is used to determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam.

[0214] The transmitting module 1903 is used to transmit a region identifier of a second location area to the base station based on the target location when the terminal is not in the first location area. The target location is in the second location area. The region identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam based on the region identifier.

[0215] In some embodiments, the determining module 1902 is specifically used to determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area; if the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, it is determined that the terminal is not within the first location area.

[0216] In some embodiments, the sending module 1903 is specifically used to determine a second location region based on the target location, and to determine the region identifier corresponding to the second location region from the region identifier mapping relationship, wherein the region identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location region and each region identifier; and to send the region identifier to the base station.

[0217] Each module in the aforementioned communication device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0218] It should be noted that the communication device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the communication method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0219] In some exemplary embodiments, a terminal is provided, the internal structure of which can be as follows: Figure 20 As shown, the terminal includes a processor, memory, communication interface, display screen, and input device connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a communication method. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad mounted on the computer device casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse.

[0220] In some exemplary embodiments, a base station is provided, the internal structure of which can be as follows: Figure 20 As shown.

[0221] In some embodiments, the base station is a satellite base station.

[0222] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 20 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0223] In some exemplary embodiments, a base station is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0224] The receiving terminal sends an area identifier. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, where the target location is in the second location area.

[0225] Based on the area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0226] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0227] Determine the beam type of the first beam;

[0228] Based on the beam type and area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0229] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0230] When the beam type is a tracking beam, adjust the beam direction of the first beam so that the adjusted first beam points to the second position region.

[0231] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0232] When the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station;

[0233] When the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, the second beam is determined according to the area identifier, and a service correspondence is established between the second beam and the terminal, and the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal is terminated.

[0234] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0235] Based on the area identifier, determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area;

[0236] If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area will be identified as the second beam.

[0237] If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0238] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0239] If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0240] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0241] Send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or,

[0242] When all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among all satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

[0243] It should be noted that the base station provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the communication method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0244] In some exemplary embodiments, a terminal is provided, the terminal including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0245] Obtain the current target location of the terminal;

[0246] Based on the target location, determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, where the first beam is the terminal's current serving beam;

[0247] If the terminal is not in the first location area, the area identifier of the second location area is sent to the base station according to the target location. The target location is in the second location area. The area identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0248] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0249] Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area;

[0250] If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then the terminal is determined not to be within the first location area.

[0251] In some embodiments, when the processor executes a computer program, it further performs the following steps:

[0252] The second location area is determined based on the target location, and the corresponding area identifier of the second location area is determined from the area identifier mapping relationship. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0253] Send the area identifier to the base station.

[0254] It should be noted that the terminal provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the communication method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0255] In some exemplary embodiments, a communication system is provided, including a terminal and a base station, the base station being used to perform the following steps:

[0256] The receiving terminal sends an area identifier. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, where the target location is in the second location area.

[0257] Based on the area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0258] In some embodiments, the base station also performs the following steps:

[0259] Determine the beam type of the first beam;

[0260] Based on the beam type and area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0261] In some embodiments, the base station also performs the following steps:

[0262] When the beam type is a tracking beam, adjust the beam direction of the first beam so that the adjusted first beam points to the second position region.

[0263] In some embodiments, the base station also performs the following steps:

[0264] When the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station;

[0265] When the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, the second beam is determined according to the area identifier, and a service correspondence is established between the second beam and the terminal, and the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal is terminated.

[0266] In some embodiments, the base station also performs the following steps:

[0267] Based on the area identifier, determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area;

[0268] If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area will be identified as the second beam.

[0269] If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0270] In some embodiments, the base station also performs the following steps:

[0271] If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0272] In some embodiments, the base station also performs the following steps:

[0273] Send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or,

[0274] When all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among all satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

[0275] The terminal is used to perform the following steps:

[0276] Obtain the current target location of the terminal;

[0277] Based on the target location, determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, where the first beam is the terminal's current serving beam;

[0278] If the terminal is not in the first location area, the area identifier of the second location area is sent to the base station according to the target location. The target location is in the second location area. The area identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0279] In some embodiments, the terminal further performs the following steps:

[0280] Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area;

[0281] If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then the terminal is determined not to be within the first location area.

[0282] In some embodiments, the terminal further performs the following steps:

[0283] The second location area is determined based on the target location, and the corresponding area identifier of the second location area is determined from the area identifier mapping relationship. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0284] Send the area identifier to the base station.

[0285] It should be noted that the communication system provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above communication method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the communication method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0286] Based on the same concept, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0287] The receiving terminal sends an area identifier. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, where the target location is in the second location area.

[0288] Based on the area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0289] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0290] Determine the beam type of the first beam;

[0291] Based on the beam type and area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0292] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0293] When the beam type is a tracking beam, adjust the beam direction of the first beam so that the adjusted first beam points to the second position region.

[0294] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0295] When the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station;

[0296] When the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, the second beam is determined according to the area identifier, and a service correspondence is established between the second beam and the terminal, and the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal is terminated.

[0297] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0298] Based on the area identifier, determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area;

[0299] If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area will be identified as the second beam.

[0300] If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0301] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0302] If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0303] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0304] Send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or,

[0305] When all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among all satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

[0306] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0307] Obtain the current target location of the terminal;

[0308] Based on the target location, determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, where the first beam is the terminal's current serving beam;

[0309] If the terminal is not in the first location area, the area identifier of the second location area is sent to the base station according to the target location. The target location is in the second location area. The area identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0310] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0311] Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area;

[0312] If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then the terminal is determined not to be within the first location area.

[0313] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0314] The second location area is determined based on the target location, and the corresponding area identifier of the second location area is determined from the area identifier mapping relationship. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0315] Send the area identifier to the base station.

[0316] Based on the same concept, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0317] The receiving terminal sends an area identifier. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate the second location area, where the target location is in the second location area.

[0318] Based on the area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0319] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0320] Determine the beam type of the first beam;

[0321] Based on the beam type and area identification, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

[0322] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0323] When the beam type is a tracking beam, adjust the beam direction of the first beam so that the adjusted first beam points to the second position region.

[0324] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0325] When the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station;

[0326] When the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, the second beam is determined according to the area identifier, and a service correspondence is established between the second beam and the terminal, and the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal is terminated.

[0327] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0328] Based on the area identifier, determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area;

[0329] If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area will be identified as the second beam.

[0330] If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

[0331] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0332] If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​a base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes a region identifier. The region identifier is used by other base stations to determine the third beam based on the region identifier when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​other base stations, and to establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, as well as to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal.

[0333] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0334] Send a handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or,

[0335] When all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among all satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and a handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

[0336] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0337] Obtain the current target location of the terminal;

[0338] Based on the target location, determine whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, where the first beam is the terminal's current serving beam;

[0339] If the terminal is not in the first location area, the area identifier of the second location area is sent to the base station according to the target location. The target location is in the second location area. The area identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

[0340] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0341] Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area;

[0342] If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then the terminal is determined not to be within the first location area.

[0343] In some embodiments, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it further performs the following steps:

[0344] The second location area is determined based on the target location, and the corresponding area identifier of the second location area is determined from the area identifier mapping relationship. The area identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location area and each area identifier.

[0345] Send the area identifier to the base station.

[0346] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0347] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0348] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, For use in a base station, the method includes: The receiving terminal sends an area identifier, which is sent to the base station by the terminal when the terminal is not in a first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, based on the terminal's current target location. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam, and the area identifier is used to indicate a second location area, where the target location is located within the second location area. Based on the area identifier, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of adjusting or replacing the first beam according to the region identifier includes: Determine the beam type of the first beam; Based on the beam type and the region identifier, the first beam is adjusted or replaced.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting or replacing the first beam according to the beam type and the region identifier includes: When the beam type is a tracking beam, the beam direction of the first beam is adjusted so that the adjusted first beam points to the second location region.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting or replacing the first beam according to the beam type and the region identifier includes: If the beam type is a normal beam, determine whether the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station; When the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the base station, the second beam is determined according to the area identifier, and a service correspondence is established between the second beam and the terminal, and the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal is terminated.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the second beam based on the region identifier includes: Based on the area identifier, determine whether there is a beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area; If there is a beam in the base station that corresponds to the second location area, then the beam that corresponds to the second location area is determined as the second beam; If there is no beam in the base station corresponding to the second location area, the beam direction of the target beam that is in an idle state in the base station is adjusted so that the adjusted target beam is used as the second beam pointing to the second location area.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second location area is not within the coverage area of ​​the base station, a handover request is sent to other base stations. The handover request includes the area identifier. The area identifier is used by other base stations to determine a third beam and establish a service correspondence between the third beam and the terminal, and to terminate the service correspondence between the first beam and the terminal, when the second location area is within the coverage area of ​​the other base station.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Sending a handover request to other base stations includes: Send the handover request to multiple other base stations adjacent to the base station; or, When all other base stations are satellite base stations, the target satellite base station with the longest expected service time is determined from among the satellite base stations based on the target location and the movement trajectory of each satellite base station, and the handover request is sent to the target satellite base station.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, For a terminal, the method includes: obtaining the current target location of the terminal; and determining, based on the target location, whether the terminal is within a first location area covered by a first beam of a base station, wherein the first beam is the current serving beam of the terminal. If the terminal is not in the first location area, the base station sends a region identifier of a second location area to the base station based on the target location, where the target location is in the second location area. The region identifier is used by the base station to adjust or replace the first beam based on the region identifier.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the terminal is within the first location area covered by the first beam of the base station based on the target location includes: Determine whether the target location is within the latitude and longitude range corresponding to the first location area; If the target location is not within the latitude and longitude range, then it is determined that the terminal is not within the first location area.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of sending the area identifier of the second location area to the base station according to the target location includes: The second location region is determined based on the target location, and the region identifier corresponding to the second location region is determined from the region identifier mapping relationship, wherein the region identifier mapping relationship includes the correspondence between each location region and each region identifier. The region identifier is sent to the base station.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, For a base station, the device includes: A receiving module is used to receive an area identifier sent by a terminal. The area identifier is sent to the base station by the terminal based on the terminal's current target location when the terminal is not within a first location area covered by the first beam of the base station. The first beam is the terminal's current serving beam. The area identifier is used to indicate a second location area, and the target location is within the second location area. The processing module is used to adjust or replace the first beam according to the area identifier.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, For a terminal, the device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the current target location of the terminal; The determining module is used to determine, based on the target location, whether the terminal is within a first location area covered by the first beam of the base station, wherein the first beam is the current serving beam of the terminal; The transmitting module is configured to transmit a region identifier of a second location region to the base station based on the target location when the terminal is not in the first location region. The target location is in the second location region. The region identifier is used by the base station to perform beam adjustment or beam replacement on the first beam based on the region identifier.

13. A base station, characterized in that, The base station includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

14. The base station according to claim 13, characterized in that, The base station is a satellite base station.

15. A terminal, characterized in that, The terminal includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

16. A communication system, characterized in that, The system includes a terminal and a base station, wherein the base station is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 7, and the terminal is used to perform the method of any one of claims 8 to 10.

17. A processor-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images