Satellite communication method and electronic equipment

Abstract

The present application provides a satellite communication method and electronic device. In addition to a built-in fixed antenna, the electronic device provided by the present application is also provided with an active antenna connected by a cable. By default, the electronic device receives satellite signals through a built-in fixed antenna. When the receiving power of the satellite signal on the fixed antenna is lower than a first threshold, the electronic device can switch to the active antenna and use the above-mentioned active antenna to receive satellite signals. In the process of using the active antenna to receive satellite signals, the user can adjust the cable, that is, adjust the position of the active antenna, and place the active antenna in an open and high place as much as possible to increase the receiving power of the satellite signal on the active antenna, so that the electronic device can successfully establish a satellite communication connection and help the user to smoothly get in touch with the outside world.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of terminals, and in particular to satellite communication methods and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] In densely populated indoor environments or sparsely populated forests and canyons, the satellite signals that mobile phones and other electronic devices supporting satellite communications can receive become very weak due to the obstruction, penetration and reflection of satellite signals caused by buildings, vegetation, terrain, etc. This makes it difficult for electronic devices to establish satellite communication connections, and thus difficult to provide satellite communication services to users, causing inconvenience to users and even affecting their lives. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present application provides a satellite communication method and electronic equipment.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present application provides a satellite communication method, which is applied to an electronic device, wherein the electronic device includes a first antenna and a second antenna, and an active first cable is included between the second antenna and the radio frequency front end of the electronic device. The method includes: after detecting a user operation to enable satellite communication, receiving a satellite signal through the first antenna; when the received power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold, displaying a first prompt message, and switching to receiving the satellite signal through the second antenna, the first prompt message being used to instruct the user to unfold the first cable; when the received power of the satellite signal on the second antenna is greater than or equal to the first threshold, establishing a satellite communication connection through the second antenna.

[0005] The method provided in the first aspect is implemented. When the receiving power of the satellite signal on the default first antenna is lower than a preset first threshold, the electronic device switches to the second antenna connected via an active cable, and receives the satellite signal through the second antenna to improve the receiving power of the satellite signal on the electronic device, so that the electronic device can correctly identify the satellite signal, and then successfully establish a satellite communication connection to provide satellite communication services to the user.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second antenna and the first cable are embedded in a back cover of the electronic device.

[0007] In the above design, while carrying the electronic device, the user also carries a second antenna that can be flexibly placed, so that the user can obtain and use the second antenna at any time when the user needs to use it.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first coupling device is provided on the back cover of the electronic device, the electronic device is worn with a protective shell, a second coupling device is provided on the protective shell, and the first coupling device overlaps with the second coupling device; the first cable specifically connects the second coupling device and the second antenna, the second antenna is specifically connected to the RF front end through the first cable, the first coupling device, and the second coupling device, and the second antenna and the first cable are embedded in the protective shell.

[0009] In the above design, the researchers only need to add a coupling device to the back cover of the electronic device without having to consider how to embed the first cable and the second antenna into the electronic device. This is beneficial to reducing the structural adjustment of the electronic device and maintaining the airtightness of the electronic device and preventing it from being waterproof or dusty.

[0010] In some embodiments, before a user operation to enable satellite communication is detected, the first antenna is turned on and the second antenna is turned off. That is, when satellite communication is not needed, the second antenna is turned off. This helps save power consumption and extend battery life.

[0011] In some embodiments, the length of the first cable is N meters, 2≤N≤10, and the diameter of the first cable is K millimeters, 0.4≤K≤1. Further, preferably, N=5, K=0.5.

[0012] Such a first cable can not only significantly change the position of the first antenna, placing the first antenna in an open and high place with less obstruction, but also does not consume too much storage space and will not be easily worn or broken. It is suitable for being embedded in the back cover or protective case of an electronic device for users to use whenever they want.

[0013] In some embodiments, the impedance of the first cable is M ohms, 40≤M≤60.

[0014] In some embodiments, a fixing component, such as a vacuum suction cup, a clamp, etc., is disposed on the second antenna.

[0015] In this way, the user can fix the second antenna at a certain position, such as an outer wall of a building, a roof of a car, a tree branch, etc., through a fixing component, so that the second antenna can stably obtain satellite signals with a receiving power higher than the first threshold.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, which includes a radio frequency front end, a first antenna, and a second antenna; a movable first cable is included between the second antenna and the radio frequency front end, and the first cable is used to adjust the placement of the second antenna when it is unfolded; the first antenna is used to receive satellite signals after detecting a user operation to enable satellite communication; the second antenna is used to receive satellite signals when the received power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold; and a satellite communication connection is established when the received power of the satellite signal on the second antenna is greater than or equal to the first threshold.

[0017] The electronic device also includes a radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, which is used to disconnect the electrical connection between the first antenna and the radio frequency front end and connect the second antenna to the radio frequency front end when the receiving power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold.

[0018] Optionally, the second antenna and the first cable are embedded in a back cover of the electronic device.

[0019] Optionally, a first coupling device is provided on the back cover of the electronic device, the electronic device is provided with a protective shell, a second coupling device is provided on the protective shell, and the first coupling device overlaps with the second coupling device; the first cable specifically connects the second coupling device and the second antenna, the second antenna is specifically connected to the RF front end through the first cable, the first coupling device, and the second coupling device, and the second antenna and the first cable are embedded in the protective shell.

[0020] Optionally, the electronic device further includes a display screen, and the display screen is used to display a first prompt message when the receiving power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold value, and the first prompt message is used to instruct the user to unfold the first cable.

[0021] Preferably, the length of the first cable is N meters, 2≤N≤10; the diameter of the first cable is K millimeters, 0.4≤K≤1.

[0022] Preferably, the impedance of the first cable is M ohms, 40≤M≤60.

[0023] Optionally, a fixing component is provided on the second antenna.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present application provides a protective case for an electronic device, on which a second coupling device and a second antenna are provided, the second coupling device and the second antenna are connected by a movable first cable, and the second antenna and the first cable are embedded in the protective case; when the electronic device is worn with the protective case, the second coupling device overlaps with the first coupling device on the back cover of the electronic device; based on the coupling effect of the first coupling device and the second coupling device, the second antenna is connected to the radio frequency front end of the electronic device through the first cable, the first coupling device, and the second coupling device.

[0025] Among them, the second antenna is used to receive satellite signals and establish a satellite communication connection.

[0026] Preferably, the length of the first cable is N meters, 2≤N≤10; the diameter of the first cable is K millimeters, 0.4≤K≤1.

[0027] Preferably, the impedance of the first cable is M ohms, 40≤M≤60.

[0028] Optionally, a fixing component is provided on the second antenna.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip system, which is applied to an electronic device, and the chip system includes one or more processors, which are used to call computer instructions so that the electronic device executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, including a computer program. When the above-mentioned computer program runs on an electronic device, the above-mentioned electronic device executes the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, enables the electronic device to execute the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0032] It can be understood that the electronic device provided in the second aspect, the electronic device protective case provided in the third aspect, the chip system provided in the fourth aspect, the computer storage medium provided in the fifth aspect, and the computer program product provided in the sixth aspect are all used to execute the method provided in the present application. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a signal-to-noise ratio of receiving satellite signals in an indoor environment with dense buildings provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a signal-to-noise ratio of a satellite signal received in an outdoor environment provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a usage scenario of a movable antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a movable antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of using a movable antenna to receive satellite signals provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of a mobile phone and an adaptable protective case provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another wireless communication system structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 9A-9G A set of user interfaces for enabling satellite communications provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of electromagnetic coupling of a coupling device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Fig.11A is a schematic diagram of a fixed antenna receiving satellite signals in an obstructed environment provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig. 11B It is a schematic diagram of satellite signal synthesis on a fixed antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig. 11C is a schematic diagram of a movable antenna receiving satellite signals provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Fig.11D It is a schematic diagram of satellite signal synthesis on a movable antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The terms used in the following embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0049] Figure 1A 1 is a schematic diagram of a signal-to-noise ratio of receiving satellite signals in an indoor environment with dense buildings provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1A As shown in the figure, in an indoor environment with dense buildings, such as office buildings in commercial areas, the signal-to-noise ratio of the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal obtained by multiple sampling by mobile phones and other electronic devices supporting satellite communications is 0, and the signal-to-noise ratio of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) signal is also 0, that is, the above-mentioned GPS signal and QZSS signal are very weak.

[0050] Figure 1B 1 is a schematic diagram of the signal-to-noise ratio of a satellite signal received in an outdoor environment provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1B As shown in the figure, in outdoor environments, such as squares, mobile phones and other electronic devices supporting satellite communications, the signal-to-noise ratio of GPS signals obtained by multiple sampling is between 20-50, and the signal-to-noise ratio of QZSS signals is between 20-30, which is much higher than Figure 1AThe indoor environment shown.

[0051] This is because densely packed buildings block satellite signals. During the process of penetration and reflection, satellite signals attenuate sharply, with an average attenuation of more than 30dB. Therefore, when electronic devices are in an indoor environment with densely packed buildings, the satellite signals they can receive are very weak, and they are unable to correctly identify satellite signals, establish satellite communication connections, and ultimately fail to provide satellite communication services to users, causing inconvenience to users and even affecting their lives.

[0052] In addition to the densely populated indoor environment mentioned above, satellite signals in sparsely populated forests, canyons and other environments are also very weak due to obstruction by vegetation, mountain terrain, etc. When electronic devices are in the above environments, they cannot correctly identify satellite signals, cannot establish satellite communication connections, and thus cannot provide satellite communication services to users.

[0053] In view of this, the present application provides an electronic device.

[0054] In addition to the built-in fixed antenna, the electronic device is also provided with an active antenna connected by a cable. By default, the electronic device receives satellite signals through the built-in fixed antenna. When the reception power of the satellite signal on the fixed antenna is lower than the first threshold, the electronic device can switch to the active antenna and use the above-mentioned active antenna to receive satellite signals. In the process of using the active antenna to receive satellite signals, the user can adjust the cable, that is, adjust the position of the active antenna, and place the active antenna in an open and high place as much as possible to increase the reception power of the satellite signal on the active antenna, so that the electronic device can successfully establish a satellite communication connection and help the user to smoothly get in touch with the outside world.

[0055] The receiving sensitivity of the electronic device indicates the minimum signal receiving power at which the electronic device can correctly identify the satellite signal. Therefore, in order for the electronic device to correctly identify the satellite signal, the value of the first threshold should be greater than or equal to the receiving sensitivity of the electronic device. Preferably, the value of the first threshold is equal to the receiving sensitivity of the electronic device.

[0056] Take mobile phones as an example. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile phone provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the mobile phone 10 includes a front camera module 11, a display screen 12, a rear camera module 13, a back cover 14 and a button 15. A plurality of linear polarized antennas are fixedly arranged at the frame of the mobile phone 10, such as antenna 17 and antenna 18. Generally, the mobile phone 10 receives base station signals and / or satellite signals through the linear polarized antennas at the frame.

[0058] In the embodiment of the present application, an antenna 16 may also be provided on the back cover 14. The antenna 16 includes but is not limited to a horn antenna, a helical antenna, and a whip antenna. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific type of the antenna 16.

[0059] Taking antenna 17 and antenna 18 as examples, the antenna fixed in mobile phone 10 is a fixed antenna. Fixed antennas such as antenna 17 and antenna 18 are also called first antennas. Taking antenna 16 as an example, an antenna that can be flexibly placed and connected by an active cable is an active antenna. Antenna 16 is also called a second antenna.

[0060] The antenna 16 can be fixed to the back cover 14 by a buckle. Figure 3 When the antenna 16 is needed, the user can unfasten the buckle, take the antenna 16 out of the back cover 14, extend the cable 21, and adjust the position of the antenna 16, so as to place the movable antenna in an open and high place as much as possible, and improve the receiving power of the satellite signal on the antenna 16, so that the mobile phone 10 can obtain a satellite signal that is higher than (i.e., greater than or equal to) its own receiving sensitivity and can be used for subsequent processing. The cable 21 is also called the first cable.

[0061] The cable 21 is N meters long. The specific value of N is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Considering that: if the cable 21 is too long, the storage cost of the back cover 14 will increase, and if it is too short, it will be difficult to significantly change the position of the antenna 16, and then it will be difficult to obtain satellite signals higher than its own receiving sensitivity, and it will be impossible to establish a satellite communication connection. Therefore, preferably, 2≤N≤10. Further, preferably, N=5. In this way, whether in an indoor environment with dense buildings or in a sparsely populated environment such as a forest or a canyon, the user can significantly change the position of the antenna 16 through the cable 21, and place the antenna 16 as far as possible in an open and high place with less obstruction, so as to obtain stable and reliable satellite communication services.

[0062] The diameter of the cable 21 is K millimeters. The specific value of K is not limited in the present embodiment. Considering that a cable 21 that is too thick will increase the storage cost of the rear cover 14, and a cable that is too thin will be easily worn and broken. Therefore, preferably, 0.4≤K≤1. Further, preferably, K=0.5.

[0063] The impedance of the cable 21 is M ohms. Preferably, 40≤M≤60. Further, preferably, M=50.

[0064] refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the antenna 16 may be provided with a fixing component 22, such as a vacuum suction cup, a clip, etc. After taking out the antenna 16 and extending the cable 21, the user can fix the antenna 16 at a certain location, such as an outer wall of a building, a roof, a tree branch, etc., through the fixing component 22, so that the antenna 16 (that is, the mobile phone 10) can stably obtain satellite signals with a higher receiving sensitivity than itself.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of using a movable antenna to receive satellite signals provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0066] S401, turn on the power.

[0067] S402: Obtain the status of the built-in fixed antenna and the movable antenna.

[0068] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a wireless communication system structure provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, the wireless communication system of the mobile phone 10 includes a modem, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), a power amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier (LNA), and a switch 31. The switch 31 is a single-pole multi-position switch.

[0069] When the blade of the switch 31 is moved to port D, ports A and D are connected, that is, the RF front end (PA and LNA) is connected to the antenna 17; when the blade of the switch 31 is moved to port B, ports A and B are connected, that is, the RF front end is connected to the antenna 18; when the blade of the switch 31 is moved to port C, ports A and C are connected, that is, the RF front end is connected to the antenna 16. It can be understood that the mobile phone 10 also includes other fixed antennas, and correspondingly, the wireless communication system of the mobile phone 10 also includes more PAs, LNAs and switches. The above-mentioned other fixed antennas are connected to the RFIC through the above-mentioned more PAs, LNAs and switches, and are used for the mobile phone 10 to send and receive data.

[0070] When the antenna is connected to the RF front end, the antenna state is recorded as on. Conversely, when the antenna is not connected to the RF front end, the antenna state is recorded as off. After the mobile phone 10 is powered on, the mobile phone 10 can obtain the state of each antenna (such as the built-in fixed antennas 17 and 18 and the movable antenna 16).

[0071] S403. Is it confirmed that the fixed antenna is turned on?

[0072] When the status of the built-in fixed antenna indicates that the antenna is turned on, the mobile phone 10 keeps the above antenna turned on and then executes the next step S404; conversely, when the status of the built-in fixed antenna indicates that the antenna is turned off, the mobile phone 10 can adjust the switch to connect the fixed antenna and the RF front end (i.e., turn on the fixed antenna).

[0073] like Figure 6As shown, the mobile phone 10 includes multiple fixed antennas. Determining that the built-in fixed antenna is turned on specifically includes: determining that at least one of the multiple fixed antennas is turned on. That is, after determining that at least one fixed antenna is turned on, the mobile phone 10 can perform the next step S404.

[0074] S404. Is it confirmed that the active antenna is turned off?

[0075] When the status of the active antenna indicates that the antenna is turned off, the mobile phone 10 keeps the antenna turned off and then executes the next step S405; conversely, when the status of the active antenna indicates that the antenna is turned on, the mobile phone 10 can adjust the switch to disconnect the electrical connection between the fixed antenna and the RF front end (i.e., turn off the active antenna).

[0076] S405. Enable satellite communication and use a fixed antenna to search for satellites.

[0077] The mobile phone 10 can detect the user operation of enabling satellite communication. In response to the above operation, the mobile phone 10 first receives satellite signals through the turned-on fixed antenna and searches for satellites.

[0078] S406. Connection successful?

[0079] When the receiving power of the satellite signal on the fixed antenna is greater than or equal to the first threshold, that is, when the fixed antenna obtains a satellite signal higher than its own receiving sensitivity, the mobile phone 10 can determine that the target satellite has been searched. Then, the mobile phone 10 can send a connection establishment request to the target satellite through the fixed antenna (such as antenna 17), and in response to the above request, the mobile phone 10 can establish a communication connection with the target satellite.

[0080] On the contrary, if the receiving power of the satellite signal on the fixed antenna is lower than the first threshold, that is, the fixed antenna does not obtain a satellite signal higher than its own receiving sensitivity, then the mobile phone 10 cannot correctly identify the satellite signal, and thus cannot send a connection request to the target satellite, nor can it receive a confirmation message from the target satellite, and cannot successfully establish a communication connection with the satellite.

[0081] S407. Conduct satellite communication.

[0082] When the user is in an open area without any obstructions, it is highly likely that the receiving power of the satellite signal on the fixed antenna can reach (i.e., be greater than or equal to) the first threshold, and the mobile phone 10 can successfully identify the satellite signal and establish a satellite communication connection. Then, based on the satellite communication connection, the mobile phone 10 can provide satellite communication services. The user can make satellite calls or send satellite text messages through the mobile phone 10 to get in touch with the outside world.

[0083] S408. Switch to the active antenna and use the active antenna to search for satellites.

[0084] When the user is in an indoor environment with dense buildings or in a sparsely populated forest or canyon, due to the obstruction of buildings, vegetation, terrain, etc., it is highly likely that the receiving power of the satellite signal on the fixed antenna cannot reach (i.e., is lower than) the first threshold, and the mobile phone 10 cannot correctly identify the above satellite signal, and thus cannot establish a satellite communication connection. At this time, the mobile phone 10 can switch to the active antenna, use the active antenna to receive satellite signals, and search for satellites.

[0085] refer to Figure 6 Before starting satellite communication, the switch 31 can be in a state where ports A and D are connected, that is, the fixed antenna 17 is turned on, and the fixed antenna 18 and the movable antenna 16 are turned off. After detecting the user operation to enable satellite communication, the mobile phone 10 can use the turned-on fixed antenna 17 to receive satellite signals. When the user is in an indoor environment with dense buildings or in a sparsely populated forest or canyon, the satellite signal received by the fixed antenna 17 is weak or even cannot be received, so the mobile phone 10 cannot establish a communication connection with the target satellite. At this time, the mobile phone 10 can toggle the blade of the switch 31 to port C, connect ports A and C, and disconnect ports A and D. At this time, the fixed antenna 17 and the fixed antenna 18 are turned off, and the movable antenna 16 is turned on. The mobile phone 10 uses the movable antenna 16 to receive satellite signals.

[0086] When using the movable antenna 16 to receive satellite signals, the user can continuously adjust the posture of the movable antenna 16, such as height, direction, elevation angle, etc., through the cable 21, so as to place the movable antenna 16 in an open and unobstructed environment as much as possible, such as the outer wall of a building, the roof of a car, branches, etc. In this way, compared with a fixed antenna, it is more likely that the receiving power of the satellite signal on the movable antenna 16 can reach the first threshold, and the mobile phone 10 can successfully identify the above satellite signal, thereby establishing a satellite communication connection.

[0087] Then, after the satellite communication connection is established, referring to S407, the mobile phone 10 can provide satellite communication services. The user can make satellite calls or send satellite text messages through the mobile phone 10 to get in touch with the outside world.

[0088] It is understandable that the mobile phone 10 also includes one or more other processors ( Figure 6 The one or more processors are not shown, such as an application processor (AP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc. Figure 6 The modem and RFIC shown in the figure cooperate to implement the satellite communication method described in this application. The one or more processors and Figure 6The modem and RFIC shown together constitute the chip system of the mobile phone 10.

[0089] It is understandable that the mobile phone 10 further includes one or more random access memories (RAM) and one or more non-volatile memories (NVM). Figure 6 Not embodied. The random access memory can be directly read and written by the processor, and can be used to store executable programs (such as machine instructions) of the operating system or other running programs, and can also be used to store user and application data, etc. The non-volatile memory can also store executable programs and store user and application data, etc. The executable programs stored in the non-volatile memory can be loaded into the random access memory in advance for direct reading and writing by the processor. The computer program product that implements the satellite communication method described in the present application can be stored in the non-volatile memory of the mobile phone 10, and loaded into the random access memory after the mobile phone 10 is powered on, for execution by the processor to implement the satellite communication method described in the present application.

[0090] Usually, the mobile phone 10 is equipped with a protective case. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cable 21 and the antenna 16 can also be embedded in the protective case. Through the coupling effect of the protective case and the coupling device on the back cover of the mobile phone 10, the antenna 16 on the protective case can be connected to the mobile phone 10, and then the mobile phone 10 can receive satellite signals.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a mobile phone and an adaptable protective case provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, at this time, a coupling device 41 can be provided on the mobile phone 10. Correspondingly, a coupling device 42 is provided on the protective shell 40. The cable 21 connects the coupling device 42 and the antenna 16. The coupling device 41 and the coupling device 42 can be metal coils or metal sheets. When the mobile phone 10 is wearing the protective shell 40, the coupling device 41 overlaps with the coupling device 42. When the coupling device 41 overlaps with the coupling device 42, based on the strong coupling effect between the coupling device 41 and the coupling device 42, the satellite signal received on the antenna 16 can be transmitted to the mobile phone 10. The coupling device 41 on the mobile phone 10 mentioned above can be called a first coupling device, and the coupling device 42 on the protective shell 40 mentioned above can be called a second coupling device.

[0093] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of another wireless communication system structure provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0094] like Figure 8As shown, at this time, the C port of the switch 31 of the mobile phone 10 is connected to the coupling device 41. When the ports A and C of the switch 31 are connected, and the coupling device 41 overlaps with the coupling device 42, based on the strong coupling between the coupling device 41 and the coupling device 42, the satellite signal received by the antenna 16 can be transmitted to the RFIC and the modem through the path composed of the cable 21, the coupling device 41, the coupling device 42, the switch 31 and the RF front end; the uplink data of the mobile phone 10 is finally transmitted by the antenna 16 through the above path.

[0095] Compared to Figure 3 The method of "installing the antenna 16 on the back cover of the mobile phone 10" is shown in FIG. Figure 7 The method of "installing the cable 21 and the antenna 16 on the protective shell 40, and using the antenna 16 through the coupling connection between the protective shell 40 and the mobile phone 10" can reduce the modification of the structure of the existing mobile phone 10 and save costs. On the other hand, embedding the cable 21 and the antenna 16 in the back cover of the mobile phone 10 will reduce the airtightness of the mobile phone 10, which is not conducive to waterproof and dustproof, while embedding the cable 21 and the antenna 16 in the protective shell 40 can avoid the above problems.

[0096] Similarly, in the method of embedding the cable 21 and the antenna 16 in the protective shell 40, a fixing component 22 may also be provided on the antenna 16 for fixing the antenna 16 so that the antenna 16 can stably obtain satellite signals with a receiving sensitivity higher than its own, which will not be repeated here.

[0097] Figure 9A-9G A set of satellite communication-enabled user interfaces provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0098] Fig. 9A This is a setting interface 81 of a mobile phone 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9A As shown, the setting interface 81 may include a satellite communication option 811. After detecting a user operation (eg, a click operation) acting on the satellite communication option 811, the mobile phone 10 may display Fig. 9B A satellite communications interface 82 is shown.

[0099] like Fig. 9B As shown, the satellite communication interface 82 includes a control 821. The mobile phone 10 can detect a user operation acting on the control 821, and in response to the above operation, the mobile phone 10 can enable satellite communication. Therefore, the above operation is also called a user operation to enable satellite communication.

[0100] Specifically, in response to the above operation, the mobile phone 10 can set the switch 31 to connect the fixed antenna and the RF front end. Taking the antenna fixed 17 as an example, the mobile phone 10 can toggle the blade of the switch 31 to port D to connect ports A and D, thereby connecting the fixed antenna 17 and the RF front end. Then, the mobile phone 10 can use the above fixed antenna to receive satellite signals and search for satellites. It can be understood that the fixed antenna includes antennas suitable for satellite communication and antennas not suitable for satellite communication. If the antenna used by the mobile phone 10 before enabling satellite communication is an antenna suitable for satellite communication, then after detecting the user operation acting on the control 821, the mobile phone 10 does not need to set the switch 31 to switch the antenna; otherwise, the mobile phone 10 needs to set the switch 31 to switch the antenna.

[0101] refer to Fig. 9C In the process of searching for satellites, the mobile phone 10 may display a search interface 83 to prompt the user that the satellite is being searched. Optionally, the mobile phone 10 may also display an operation prompt in the search interface 83 to instruct the user to adjust the position of the mobile phone 10 so as to obtain a satellite signal with a higher receiving sensitivity than the mobile phone 10 and establish a satellite communication connection.

[0102] When the user is in an open and unobstructed area, the fixed antenna is likely to receive satellite signals with a higher reception sensitivity than itself and establish a satellite communication connection. Fig.9D After successfully establishing the satellite communication connection, the mobile phone 10 may display a connection success interface 84 .

[0103] The connection success interface 84 may include a satellite call control 841 and a satellite text message control 842. After detecting a user operation on the satellite call control 841, the mobile phone 10 may display a dialing interface. At this time, the user can dial a satellite phone through the mobile phone 10 and get in touch with the outside world through the satellite phone. After detecting a user operation on the satellite text message control 842, the mobile phone 10 may display a text message sending interface. At this time, the user can edit and send a satellite text message through the mobile phone 10 and get in touch with the outside world through the satellite text message.

[0104] When users are in a densely populated indoor environment or a sparsely populated forest or canyon, due to obstructions from buildings, vegetation, terrain, etc., no matter how the user moves around to update his or her standing position, the fixed antenna will find it difficult to receive satellite signals that are higher than its own receiving sensitivity, and thus cannot establish a satellite communication connection.

[0105] The mobile phone 10 can set the search time. After the search time is over, if the mobile phone 10 does not receive a satellite signal with a sensitivity higher than its own receiving sensitivity, the mobile phone 10 can determine that the search has failed. Fig.9E After failing to search for satellites through the fixed antenna, the mobile phone 10 may display a search failure interface 85 .

[0106] The search failure interface 85 may include a prompt message 851, such as “Please find an open area, deploy an active antenna and try again.” The prompt message 851 is also called the first prompt message.

[0107] After the user unfolds the cable 21 according to the above prompt and places the movable antenna 16 in an open and unobstructed environment (such as the outer wall of a building, the roof of a car, a tree branch, etc.), the user can click the control 852. In response to the above user operation on the control 852, the mobile phone 10 can switch to the active antenna and use the active antenna to search for satellites. The specific operation of the mobile phone 10 switching to the active antenna and using the active antenna to search for satellites can refer to the introduction of S408, which will not be repeated here.

[0108] refer to Fig.9F In the process of searching for satellites using the active antenna, the mobile phone 10 may display a search interface 86. The search interface 86 may display a prompt message 861, instructing the user to adjust the position of the active antenna 16 so as to obtain a satellite signal with a higher receiving sensitivity than the mobile phone 10 and establish a satellite communication connection.

[0109] After breaking through the handheld limitation and placing the mobile antenna 16 in an open and unobstructed environment such as the outer wall of a building, the roof of a car, or tree branches, the mobile antenna 16 is more likely to receive satellite signals with a higher receiving sensitivity than itself, thereby establishing a satellite communication connection. Fig.9D After successfully establishing the satellite communication connection, the mobile phone 10 may display a connection success interface 84. Then, the user may make a satellite call or send a satellite text message through the mobile phone 10, and get in touch with the outside world through the satellite call or satellite text message.

[0110] In adopting Figure 7 In the structure shown, in some scenarios, the mobile phone 10 may not be wearing the protective case 40.

[0111] At this time, after the search for satellites through the fixed antenna fails, the mobile phone 10 can first detect whether the movable antenna 16 is in place. If the movable antenna 16 is detected to be in place, the mobile phone 10 can display the search failure interface 85 and directly display the prompt message 851 in the search failure interface 85, prompting the user to unfold the cable 21 and the movable antenna 16; on the contrary, if the movable antenna 16 is detected to be not in place, refer to Figure 9G The mobile phone 10 may first display a prompt message 853 on the search failure interface 85 , prompting the user to put on the protective case 40 with the active antenna 16 for the mobile phone 10 , and then display a prompt message 851 , prompting the user to unfold the cable 21 and the active antenna 16 .

[0112] Among them, the mobile phone 10 can determine whether the active antenna 16 is in place through the coupling state of the back cover coupling device 41, that is, whether the mobile phone 10 is wearing a protective case 40 carrying the active antenna 16.

[0113] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of electromagnetic coupling occurring in the coupling device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0114] There is a current I1 on the coupling device 41 of the back shell of the mobile phone 10, and a high-frequency changing magnetic field B2 generated based on the current I1. When the mobile phone 10 is wearing the protective shell 40, the coupling device 42 on the protective shell 40 is close to the coupling device 41 of the back shell of the mobile phone 10, and the magnetic flux in the coupling device 42 changes, thereby generating a changing current I2 (refer to the Faraday-Lenz electromagnetic induction theorem and Maxwell's equations), and generating a magnetic field B1 based on the current I2. Among them, the current I1 and the current I2 are in opposite directions, and the magnetic field B1 and the magnetic field B2 are in opposite directions.

[0115] Through the above-mentioned electromagnetic coupling effect, the satellite signal received by the antenna 16 on the protective shell 40 can be transmitted from the coupling device 42 to the rear shell coupling device 41, and then transmitted to the modem and RFIC for processing and identification; the uplink data output by the modem and RFIC can be transmitted from the rear shell coupling device 41 to the coupling device 42 of the protective shell 40, and then transmitted to the antenna 16 through the cable 21 and radiated through the antenna 16.

[0116] Fig.11A It is a schematic diagram of a fixed antenna receiving satellite signals in an obstructed environment provided by an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 11B It is a schematic diagram of satellite signal synthesis on a fixed antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0117] In an obstructed environment, fixed antennas (such as antennas 17 / 18) are basically unable to receive satellite signals in the direct path. Fig.11A As shown, for example, the fixed antenna can receive four scattered (NLOS) signals r1, r2, r3, and r4. At this time, the composite signal R is:

[0118]

[0119] like Fig. 11B As shown in the figure, under multipath scattered signals, due to the randomness and uncertainty of the scattered signals, that is, the signal timing in each direction is almost equal, the signals in each direction are basically cancelled out, which ultimately results in a very small composite signal R. The fixed antenna cannot receive satellite signals higher than its own receiving sensitivity, and thus cannot establish a satellite communication connection.

[0120] Fig. 11C It is a schematic diagram of a movable antenna receiving satellite signals provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11D It is a schematic diagram of satellite signal synthesis on a movable antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] Based on the extensibility of the cable 21, the user can place the active antenna (such as antenna 16) in an open and unobstructed environment such as the outer wall of a building, the roof of a vehicle, or a tree branch. At this time, the active antenna can大概率 receive the satellite signal of the direct path. As Fig. 11C shown, exemplarily, in addition to the scattered four signals r1, r2, r3, r4, the active antenna can also receive the direct (LOS) satellite signal W0. At this time, the composite signal Q:

[0122]

[0123] In one case, the phase of the LOS composite signal R differs from the phase of the NLOS composite signal by Δφ = 180, and at this time the new composite vector Q is the smallest. When Δφ ∈ (0 - π / 2) ∪ (-π / 2 - 0), the composite signal Q > W0, and when Δφ ∈ (π / 2 - π) ∪ (-π / 2 - π), the composite signal Q < W0. However, whether Q > W0 or Q < W0, the NLOS-based composite signal R is very small, so |Q - W0| is very small, and the benefit of the main radiation path is significantly higher.

[0124] At this time, based on the above-mentioned direct satellite signal W0, the active antenna can more大概率 receive a satellite signal higher than its own reception sensitivity, and then establish a satellite communication connection to provide satellite communication services for the user.

[0125] Not limited to mobile phones, the electronic device described in this application can also be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, etc. The specific type of the electronic device in the embodiments of this application is not specially limited.

[0126] The term "user interface (UI)" in the specification, claims and drawings of this application refers to the medium interface for interaction and information exchange between an application or operating system and a user, which realizes the conversion between the internal form of information and the form acceptable to the user. The user interface of an application is source code written in a specific computer language such as Java and extensible markup language (XML). The interface source code is parsed and rendered on the terminal device, and finally presented as content that the user can recognize, such as pictures, text, buttons and other controls. A control, also called a widget, is a basic element of a user interface. Typical controls include a toolbar, menu bar, text box, button, scrollbar, picture and text. The properties and contents of controls in the interface are defined by tags or nodes, such as XML through <textview> 、 <imgview> 、 <videoview>The controls contained in the interface are specified by nodes such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. A node corresponds to a control or attribute in the interface. After parsing and rendering, the node is presented as user-visible content. In addition, many applications, such as hybrid applications, usually also contain web pages in their interfaces. A web page, also known as a page, can be understood as a special control embedded in the application interface. A web page is source code written in a specific computer language, such as hypertext markup language (HTML), cascading style sheets (CSS), JavaScript (JS), etc. The web page source code can be loaded and displayed as user-recognizable content by a browser or a web page display component with similar functions to a browser. The specific content contained in a web page is also defined by tags or nodes in the web page source code. For example, HTML is defined by 、 、 <video> 、 <canvas>To define the elements and attributes of a web page.

[0127] The most common form of user interface is graphical user interface (GUI), which refers to a user interface related to computer operation that is displayed in a graphical manner. It can be an icon, window, control or other interface element displayed on the display screen of an electronic device, where a control can include icons, buttons, menus, tabs, text boxes, dialog boxes, status bars, navigation bars, widgets and other visual interface elements.

[0128] As used in the specification and appended claims of the present application, the singular expressions "a", "an", "said", "above", "the" and "this" are intended to include plural expressions as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used in the present application refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the listed items. As used in the above embodiments, the term "when..." may be interpreted to mean "if..." or "after..." or "in response to determining..." or "in response to detecting...", depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "when determining..." or "if (stated condition or event) is detected" may be interpreted to mean "if determining..." or "in response to determining..." or "when (stated condition or event) is detected" or "in response to detecting (stated condition or event)", depending on the context.

[0129] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state hard disk), etc.

[0130] Those skilled in the art can understand that to implement all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments, the processes can be completed by computer programs to instruct related hardware, and the programs can be stored in computer-readable storage media. When the programs are executed, they can include the processes of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The aforementioned storage media include: ROM or random access memory RAM, magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.< / canvas> < / video> < / videoview> < / imgview> < / textview>

Claims

1. A satellite communication method, applied to electronic equipment, characterized in that: The electronic device has a first antenna built in, the electronic device is provided with a protective shell, the protective shell is provided with a second antenna, the back cover of the electronic device is provided with a first coupling device, the protective shell is provided with a second coupling device, the first coupling device overlaps with the second coupling device, the second antenna is connected to the second coupling device via a movable first cable, and is connected to the electronic device via the first coupling device and the second coupler, the method comprises: receiving satellite signals via the first antenna upon detecting a user operation to enable satellite communications; When the receiving power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold, displaying a first prompt message, and switching to receiving the satellite signal through the second antenna, the first prompt message is used to instruct the user to unfold the first cable; When the receiving power of the satellite signal on the second antenna is greater than or equal to the first threshold, a satellite communication connection is established through the second antenna.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second antenna and the first cable are embedded in the protective shell.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before the user operation of enabling satellite communication is detected, the first antenna is turned on and the second antenna is turned off.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cable has a length of N meters, where 2≤N≤10; and a diameter of K millimeters, where 0.4≤K≤1.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The impedance of the first cable is M ohms, 40≤M≤60.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The second antenna is provided with a fixing component.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a radio frequency front end, a first antenna, and a first coupling device; The radio frequency front end is in communication with the first antenna; The first coupling device is coupled to a second coupling device outside the electronic device, so that the RF front end is connected to a second antenna outside the electronic device through the first coupling device and the second coupler, and the second coupling device outside the electronic device is connected to the second antenna through a movable first cable; The first antenna is used to receive satellite signals after detecting a user operation to enable satellite communication; The second antenna is used to receive the satellite signal when the receiving power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold; When the received power of the satellite signal on the second antenna is greater than or equal to the first threshold, establishing a satellite communication connection; The first coupling component is arranged on the back cover of the electronic device, the electronic device is provided with a protective shell, the second coupling component is arranged on the protective shell, and the first coupling component overlaps with the second coupling component.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second antenna and the first cable are embedded in the protective shell.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electronic device further comprises a display screen, The display screen is used to display first prompt information when the receiving power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold, wherein the first prompt information is used to instruct a user to unfold the first cable.

10. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The electronic device also includes a radio frequency integrated circuit RFIC, which is used to disconnect the electrical connection between the first antenna and the radio frequency front end and connect the first coupling device to the radio frequency front end when the receiving power of the satellite signal on the first antenna is lower than a first threshold.

11. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first cable has a length of N meters, where 2≤N≤10; and a diameter of K millimeters, where 0.4≤K≤1.

12. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The impedance of the first cable is M ohms, 40≤M≤60.

13. The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second antenna is provided with a fixing component.

14. An electronic device protective case, characterized in that: The protective shell is provided with a second coupling device and a second antenna, the second coupling device and the second antenna are connected via a movable first cable, and the second antenna and the first cable are embedded in the protective shell; When the electronic device is wearing the protective shell, the second coupling component overlaps with the first coupling component of the back cover of the electronic device; Based on the coupling effect between the first coupling component and the second coupling component, the second antenna is connected to the radio frequency front end of the electronic device through the first cable, the first coupling component and the second coupling component.

15. The electronic device protective case according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second antenna is used to receive satellite signals and establish a satellite communication connection.

16. The electronic device protective case according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first cable has a length of N meters, where 2≤N≤10; and a diameter of K millimeters, where 0.4≤K≤1.

17. The electronic device protective case according to claim 14, characterized in that: The impedance of the first cable is M ohms, 40≤M≤60.

18. The electronic device protective case according to claim 14, characterized in that: The second antenna is provided with a fixing component.

19. A chip system, the chip system is applied to electronic equipment, the chip system comprises one or more processors, characterized in that: The processor is configured to call computer instructions so that the electronic device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

20. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When the computer program product runs on an electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

21. A computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed on an electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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