Link switching method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The application discloses a link switching method and device, equipment, storage medium and program product, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for guaranteeing the continuity of data interaction during link switching. The method comprises the following steps: in the case that a UAV transmits a data packet to a ground system through a communication link when the UAV is located at a first position point, a second position point is acquired; the second position point is a position point at which the UAV transmits a next data packet; the flight speed of the UAV is adjusted until a preset condition is met, and the UAV is controlled to switch the communication link; the preset condition comprises that the time consumption of the UAV flying to the second position point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset time delay; the preset time delay is the sum of a first time delay and a second time delay; the first time delay is the time length required by the UAV for transmitting the data packet to the ground system; and the second time delay is the time length required by the UAV for switching the communication link. The application is applied to the scene of switching the link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a link switching method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the low-altitude economy, the application of drones is becoming increasingly widespread. The essence of drone flight is to maintain continuous interaction between the drone's flight data and operational data and ground systems. Therefore, at least two communication links are typically used between the drone and the ground system. These two communication links usually include a primary communication link (e.g., a point-to-point communication link) and a secondary communication link (e.g., a carrier cellular communication link).

[0003] Currently, data interaction between the UAV and the ground system can be carried out through the primary communication link. After the primary communication link is passively disconnected, the secondary communication link is activated to carry out data interaction between the UAV and the ground system, thereby ensuring the continuity of data interaction.

[0004] However, there is a handover delay after the primary communication link is passively disconnected and before the secondary communication link is started, which can cause data exchange to be interrupted. Therefore, the continuity of data exchange during link handover cannot be guaranteed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a link switching method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and program product to solve the technical problem that a switching delay exists after the primary communication link is passively disconnected and before the secondary communication link is started, which causes data interaction to be interrupted.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] In a first aspect, a link switching method is provided, comprising: when a UAV is at a first location point transmitting a first data packet to a ground system via a communication link, obtaining a second location point; the second location point is the location point where the UAV transmits a second data packet; the second data packet is the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet; adjusting the flight speed of the UAV until a preset condition is met, and controlling the UAV to switch communication links; the preset condition includes: the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset delay; the preset delay is the sum of a first delay and a second delay; the first delay is the duration required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system; and the second delay is the duration required for the UAV to switch communication links.

[0008] In one possible implementation, obtaining the second location point includes: obtaining a first time delay and the flight speed of the UAV; determining the flight distance by the product of the first time delay and the flight speed; and determining the second location point based on the first location point and the flight distance.

[0009] In one possible implementation, adjusting the flight speed of the drone until a preset condition is met includes: obtaining a preset time delay; determining the quotient of the flight distance and the preset time delay as the target flight speed; and adjusting the flight speed based on the target flight speed until the preset condition is met.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the flight speed is adjusted based on the target flight speed until a preset condition is met, including adjusting the flight speed to be less than or equal to the target flight speed.

[0011] In one possible implementation, controlling the drone to switch communication links includes: acquiring the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link to which the drone is connected; and determining, based on the signal coverage area and a first location point, whether to control the drone to switch the communication link to a second communication link.

[0012] In one possible implementation, based on the signal coverage area and the first location point, determining whether to control the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link includes: if the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is equal to the flight distance, controlling the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link, where the flight distance is the distance between the first location point and the second location point; or, if the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is not equal to the flight distance, not controlling the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

[0013] In one possible implementation, after controlling the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link, the method further includes: when the drone is within the signal coverage area and the drone's flight speed meets a preset condition, controlling the drone to switch the communication link to the first communication link; or, when the drone is within the signal coverage area and the drone's flight speed does not meet the preset condition, adjusting the drone's flight speed until the preset condition is met, and controlling the drone to switch the communication link to the first communication link.

[0014] Secondly, a link switching device is provided, comprising: a transmission unit and a processing unit; the transmission unit is used to acquire a second location point when the UAV is at a first location point transmitting a first data packet to a ground system via a communication link; the second location point is the location point where the UAV transmits a second data packet; the second data packet is the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet; the processing unit is used to adjust the flight speed of the UAV until a preset condition is met, and control the UAV to switch communication links; the preset condition includes: the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset delay; the preset delay is the sum of a first delay and a second delay; the first delay is the duration required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system; the second delay is the duration required for the UAV to switch communication links.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the transmission unit is further configured to acquire a first time delay and the flight speed of the UAV; the processing unit is further configured to determine the product of the first time delay and the flight speed as the flight distance; and to determine a second position point based on the first position point and the flight distance.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the transmission unit is further configured to acquire a preset delay; the processing unit is further configured to determine the quotient of the flight distance and the preset delay as the target flight speed; and the processing unit is further configured to adjust the flight speed based on the target flight speed until the preset conditions are met.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is also used to adjust the flight speed to be less than or equal to the target flight speed.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the transmission unit is further configured to acquire the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link to which the UAV is connected; the processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the signal coverage area and the first location point, whether to control the UAV to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to control the UAV to switch the communication link to a second communication link when the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is equal to the flight distance, wherein the flight distance is the distance between the first location point and the second location point; the processing unit is further configured to not control the UAV to switch the communication link to the second communication link when the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is not equal to the flight distance.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to control the UAV to switch the communication link to the first communication link when the UAV is located within the signal coverage area and the UAV's flight speed meets the preset conditions; the processing unit is further configured to adjust the UAV's flight speed until the preset conditions are met when the UAV is located within the signal coverage area and the UAV's flight speed does not meet the preset conditions, and control the UAV to switch the communication link to the first communication link.

[0021] Thirdly, an electronic device includes: a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store one or more programs, the one or more programs including computer-executable instructions, and when the electronic device is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to cause the electronic device to perform a link switching method as described in the first aspect.

[0022] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing one or more programs, the one or more programs including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a link switching method as described in the first aspect.

[0023] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, which, when computer instructions are executed on an electronic device, causes the electronic device to perform a link switching method as described in the first aspect.

[0024] This application provides a link switching method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and program product, applied in link switching scenarios. When a UAV needs to switch links, while the UAV is at a first location point transmitting a first data packet to the ground system via a communication link, a second location point for transmitting the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet can be obtained. Furthermore, the UAV's flight speed is adjusted so that the time taken to reach the second location point at the adjusted speed is greater than or equal to the time required to transmit the data packet and switch the communication link. Furthermore, the UAV is controlled to switch communication links. That is, after the UAV sends a data packet, the slower the UAV's flight speed, the later the UAV sends the next adjacent data packet. Therefore, the UAV's flight speed can be adjusted to ensure that the UAV can complete the transmission of the previous data packet and the link switch before sending the next adjacent data packet, thereby ensuring the continuity of data interaction.

[0025] The above method allows for adjusting the drone's flight speed to control the switching of communication links based on the location points of two adjacent data packets sent by the drone. This solves the technical problem of switching delays that occur after the primary communication link is passively disconnected but before the secondary communication link is fully activated, which can lead to interruptions in data interaction. This ensures the continuity of data interaction during link switching. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a link switching system provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a link switching method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a link switching method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a link switching method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0030] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a link switching method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0031] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a link switching method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0032] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a link switching method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 6 ;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of a link switching device provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided as an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" and "multiple" refer to two or more. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0037] Currently, the low-altitude economy remains highly popular, with four key industries—manufacturing, flight, support, and integrated services—continuously developing and expanding within the actual altitude range of one kilometer. Analyzing the development trend of the low-altitude economy reveals five key development elements: policy and regulations, airspace management, infrastructure, technology, and market application. These five elements are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing, leading to the conclusion that policy provides fundamental guarantees, airspace management is a prerequisite, infrastructure and technology are crucial supports, and market application is the ultimate goal. Overall, the low-altitude economy is still in its early stages of development. The market, primarily driven by drones, manifests itself in various low-altitude applications, which will test the maturity of technology, the completeness of infrastructure, the rationality of airspace control mechanisms, and the soundness of policies and regulations. Therefore, developing various applications of the low-altitude economy and continuously exploring new and diverse application areas is the fundamental value of drone flights.

[0038] In the application of drones, safety is paramount. Ensuring constant visibility and control over drone flight is crucial for effective practical applications in various scenarios. The essence of drone flight is maintaining continuous interaction between flight and operational data and the ground system. To achieve this, a multi-link solution is proposed, utilizing at least two communication links between the drone and the ground system. For example, in addition to the existing point-to-point communication link (using unlicensed public frequency bands), a carrier cellular communication link (represented by 5G wireless technology) is added. A primary / secondary relationship is established among these different communication links (e.g., the point-to-point link is the primary link, and the carrier cellular link is the secondary link). Through activation and switching strategies between different communication links, continuous transmission of flight and operational data between the drone and the ground system is achieved in drone applications.

[0039] There are two main strategies for activating and switching between different communication links. Strategy 1 involves the primary communication link solely providing data exchange and transmission resources between the UAV and the ground system. If the primary communication link is passively disconnected (e.g., due to line-of-sight obstruction between the UAV and the ground system, the UAV exceeding the effective operating range (signal coverage area) of the primary communication link, or abnormal interference reducing signal quality), the secondary communication link is quickly activated to replace the primary link and continue providing data exchange and transmission resources between the UAV and the ground system until the entire UAV application mission terminates. During the process of providing data exchange and transmission resources between the UAV and the ground system via the secondary communication link, if the UAV returns to the effective operating range of the primary communication link, manual intervention can be used to switch the communication link back to the primary communication link, thus ensuring continuous data transmission.

[0040] Strategy Two utilizes both primary and secondary communication links to simultaneously provide data exchange and transmission resources between the UAV and the ground system. Strategy Two is an optimization and improvement upon Strategy One, which required manual intervention to switch links. Furthermore, Strategy Two reduces the impact on the continuity of flight and operational data when a single link is lost.

[0041] However, with Strategy 1, the secondary communication link is only activated after the primary communication link is passively disconnected. Activating the secondary communication link takes time (i.e., handover latency), during which time the UAV cannot interact with the ground system. Furthermore, the passive disconnection of the primary communication link will cause the data being transmitted on the primary communication link to be passively interrupted. Therefore, the continuity of data interaction during link handover cannot be guaranteed.

[0042] In addition, if the primary communication link is restored to availability, manual intervention is required to switch the communication link back to the primary communication link, which consumes manpower and is inefficient, resulting in a low degree of automation and unmanned operation of the overall drone system.

[0043] Regarding Strategy 2, simultaneously activating the primary and secondary communication links will result in some data content being received by the ground system being identical. This will increase the difficulty of data processing for the ground system, requiring the ground system to identify, compare, and remove duplicate data, thus reducing the overall application efficiency of the UAV system.

[0044] This application provides a link switching method. When a UAV detects that its communication link is about to be passively interrupted, the method adjusts the UAV's flight speed based on the position points of two adjacent data packets sent by the UAV. This allows the UAV to complete the transmission of the previous data packet and the link switching before sending the next adjacent data packet, and then switches the UAV's communication link. This achieves the switching of the UAV's communication link before it is passively interrupted, ensuring the continuity of data interaction, reducing the need for manual intervention, and eliminating the need for the primary and secondary communication links to be used in parallel, thereby improving the overall automation and unmanned operation of the UAV system and its application efficiency.

[0045] The link switching method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to link switching systems. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a link switching system is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the link switching system 10 includes: a drone 11 and a ground system 12. The drone 11 and the ground system 12 can be connected by a wired connection or a wireless connection, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit the connection.

[0046] The UAV 11 is used to transmit data packets to the ground system via a communication link during flight; the ground system 12 is used to receive and parse the data packets transmitted by the UAV 11 and send relevant control commands to the UAV 11 according to the task content.

[0047] Optionally, the drone 11 and the ground system 12 can be physical machines, such as: the drone 11 can be an unmanned aerial vehicle or an aerial robot; the ground system 12 can be a base station device, a desktop computer, or a server, or a server cluster composed of multiple servers.

[0048] Optionally, the data packets transmitted by the UAV 11 to the ground system 12 may include flight data (such as latitude, longitude, altitude, heading angle, speed, etc.) and operational data (such as video, etc.). The relevant control commands sent by the ground system 12 to the UAV 11 may be flight control commands, payload control commands, etc.

[0049] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes a link switching method provided by an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of this application provides a link switching method applied to a drone, the method including S201-S203:

[0050] S201. When the UAV is at the first location point and is transmitting the first data packet to the ground system through the communication link, obtain the second location point.

[0051] The second location point is the location point where the UAV transmits the second data packet; the second data packet is the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet.

[0052] It is understandable that when the drone is at the first location point and transmits the first data packet to the ground system through the communication link, the drone can obtain the second location point.

[0053] Optionally, during the drone's flight, the drone can monitor the signal quality of the data packets transmitted by the currently connected first communication link (also known as the primary communication link) and the drone's position in real time. Furthermore, if the drone detects that the signal quality of the data packets transmitted by the first communication link is lower than a first preset value, or that the distance between the drone's position and the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link is less than a preset distance, when the drone transmits a data packet (i.e., the first data packet) to the ground system via the communication link, the drone can obtain its position (i.e., the first position point) and, based on the drone's flight speed and the time required for the drone to transmit the data packet to the ground system (i.e., the first delay), predict the position point (i.e., the second position point) for transmitting the next data packet (i.e., the second data packet).

[0054] For example, a location point may include information such as latitude, longitude, and altitude of that location point.

[0055] It should be noted that, currently, to ensure the continuity of data transmission from the UAV to the ground system, the UAV typically sends the next data packet only after the previous packet transmission from the second location point is completed. The time required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system is usually known. Therefore, when the UAV reaches the second location point within the time required to transmit data packets at its current speed, the next data packet can be sent, thus ensuring the continuity of data transmission. However, due to the need for link switching, the time required for the UAV to reach the second location point needs to be extended to ensure that the link switching is completed within that timeframe.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the specific method for predicting the second location point based on the drone's flight speed and the first time delay can be found in the embodiments described below.

[0057] S202. Adjust the drone's flight speed until the preset conditions are met.

[0058] S203, Control the drone to switch communication links.

[0059] The preset conditions include: the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to the preset delay; the preset delay is the sum of the first delay and the second delay; the first delay is the time required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system; and the second delay is the time required for the UAV to switch communication links.

[0060] It is understandable that a drone can adjust its flight speed until it meets preset conditions. Furthermore, a drone can control itself to switch communication links.

[0061] Optionally, the drone can acquire its flight speed, a first delay, and a second delay, and determine the sum of the first and second delays as a preset delay. Furthermore, the drone can adjust its flight speed so that the time taken for the drone to reach the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to the preset delay. Further, the drone can control itself to switch from the first communication link to the second communication link (also known as the secondary communication link).

[0062] In one possible implementation, the specific method for adjusting the drone's flight speed so that the time taken for the drone to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset delay can be referred to in the embodiments below.

[0063] This application can, when it detects that the communication link currently connected to the UAV is about to be passively interrupted, determine the position of the next adjacent data packet to be sent by the UAV based on the UAV's flight speed and the time required for the UAV to transmit the data packet to the ground system while the UAV is sending data packets. It can then adjust the UAV's flight speed so that the communication link switch can be completed before the UAV sends the next adjacent data packet, thereby avoiding the interruption of data transmission caused by the passive disconnection of the communication link in the prior art, which affects the continuity of data interaction.

[0064] In a design, such as Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a link switching method is provided. The "obtaining the second location point" step S201 above specifically includes S301-S303:

[0065] S301, obtain the first latency and the drone's flight speed.

[0066] S302. The product of the first time delay and the flight speed is determined as the flight distance.

[0067] S303. Determine the second position based on the first position and the flight distance.

[0068] Optionally, the drone can acquire a first time delay and its flight speed, and determine the flight distance by the product of the first time delay and the flight speed. Further, the drone can obtain a second location point by adding the latitude and longitude corresponding to the first location point and the flight distance along the azimuth angle of the drone at the first location point.

[0069] This application can calculate the distance to fly before transmitting the next data packet based on the drone's flight speed and the time required for the drone to transmit data packets to the ground system. This allows the drone's flight speed to be re-determined based on the distance, the time required to transmit data packets, and the time required to switch communication links, thereby ensuring the continuity of data transmission when switching communication links.

[0070] In a design, such as Figure 4 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a link switching method is provided. The method in step S202 above specifically includes S401-S403:

[0071] S401, Get the preset delay.

[0072] S402. The quotient of the flight distance and the preset time delay is determined as the target flight speed.

[0073] S403. Based on the target flight speed, adjust the flight speed until the preset conditions are met.

[0074] Optionally, the drone can acquire a preset time delay and determine the quotient of the flight distance and the preset time delay as the target flight speed. Furthermore, the drone can adjust its flight speed based on the target flight speed until preset conditions are met.

[0075] It should be noted that, assuming the drone flies at the target flight speed, it is possible that when the drone sends the next adjacent data, the previous data packet has just been sent and the link switch has been completed.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the flight speed is adjusted to be less than or equal to the target flight speed.

[0077] Alternatively, the drone can adjust its flight speed to be less than or equal to the target flight speed.

[0078] This application ensures the continuity of data transmission when switching communication links by adjusting the flight speed to be less than or equal to the target flight speed, thereby ensuring that the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to the preset delay.

[0079] In a design, such as Figure 5 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a link switching method is provided. The method in step S203 above specifically includes S501-S502:

[0080] S501, Obtain the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link connected to the UAV.

[0081] S502, based on the signal coverage area and the first location point, determine whether to control the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

[0082] Optionally, if the adjusted flight speed of the UAV meets preset conditions, the UAV can acquire the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link it is connected to. Furthermore, based on the signal coverage area and the first location point, the UAV can determine whether to switch the communication link to a second communication link.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the specific method for determining whether to switch the communication link based on the signal coverage area and the first location point can be found in the embodiments described below.

[0084] Optionally, if the adjusted flight speed of the UAV meets the preset conditions, the UAV can switch the communication link to the second communication link when the signal quality of the data packets transmitted on the first communication link is lower than the second preset value.

[0085] When the signal quality of data packets transmitted on the first communication link is higher than a second preset value, the drone can switch the communication link to the second communication link. The second preset value is lower than the first preset value.

[0086] This application can perform link switching before the drone goes beyond the signal coverage area of ​​the currently connected communication link or when the signal quality of the currently connected communication link is low, thereby avoiding the problem of passive link interruption and data transmission interruption when the drone goes beyond the signal coverage area or the signal quality of the communication link is low.

[0087] In a design, such as Figure 6 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a link switching method is provided. The method in step S502 above specifically includes S601 or S602:

[0088] S601, when the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is equal to the flight distance, control the UAV to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

[0089] The flight distance is the distance between the first position point and the second position point.

[0090] Optionally, the drone can switch its communication link to a second communication link when the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is equal to the flight distance. The flight distance is the distance between the first and second location points. The flight distance is less than a preset distance.

[0091] S602. If the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is not equal to the flight distance, the drone shall not be controlled to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

[0092] Optionally, the drone may switch the communication link to the second communication link without controlling the drone if the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is not equal to the flight distance.

[0093] This application controls the drone to switch communication links when the distance between the drone's location and the signal coverage area of ​​the currently connected communication link is equal to the flight distance. This ensures that the transmission of the previous data packet and the link switch are completed precisely when the drone transmits the next adjacent data packet, thus improving the rationality of controlling the link switch.

[0094] In a design, such as Figure 7 As shown, the link switching method provided in this application embodiment, after "controlling the UAV to switch the communication link to the second communication link" in the above step S601, further includes S701 or S702:

[0095] S701. When the UAV is within the signal coverage area and the UAV's flight speed meets the preset conditions, control the UAV to switch the communication link to the first communication link.

[0096] S702. When the UAV is located within the signal coverage area and the UAV's flight speed does not meet the preset conditions, adjust the UAV's flight speed until the preset conditions are met, and control the UAV to switch the communication link to the first communication link.

[0097] Optionally, the drone can detect the signal quality of data packets (e.g., video) transmitted by the currently connected second communication link in real time during flight, and if the signal quality of data packets transmitted by the first communication link is lower than a third preset value, the drone can determine whether the drone is located in the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link.

[0098] If the drone is within the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link, it is determined whether the drone's flight speed meets the preset conditions; if the drone is not within the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link, it is controlled to continue using the second communication link to transmit data packets.

[0099] If the drone's flight speed meets the preset conditions, the drone will switch the communication link to the first communication link when it sends the next data packet; if the drone's flight speed does not meet the preset conditions, the drone's flight speed will be adjusted until it meets the preset conditions, and the drone will switch the communication link to the first communication link when it sends the next data packet.

[0100] This application can determine whether a UAV should return to its original communication link when the signal quality of the UAV decreases after a communication link switch. When the UAV returns to its original communication link, the application can adjust the UAV's flight speed and control the communication link to switch back to the original communication link. This ensures uninterrupted data transmission during link switching and solves the problem in existing technologies that require manual intervention to switch the communication link back to the primary communication link, which is labor-intensive, inefficient, and results in a low degree of automation and unmanned operation of the overall UAV system.

[0101] This application provides a link switching method that relies on a switching strategy that includes time calculation and judgment, and corresponding parameter adjustment to establish a multi-link solution that can be implemented unmanned and intelligently. While ensuring continuous transmission of UAV application data, it eliminates the need for manual intervention and improves the overall system application efficiency.

[0102] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from a methodological perspective. To achieve the above functions, it includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0103] This application embodiment can divide a link switching method into functional modules based on the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a link switching device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8As shown, a link switching device 90 is used to ensure the continuity of data interaction during link switching, for example, to perform... Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a link switching method. The link switching device 90 includes a transmission unit 901 and a processing unit 902.

[0105] The transmission unit 901 is used to obtain a second location point when the UAV is at a first location point transmitting a first data packet to the ground system via a communication link; the second location point is the location point where the UAV transmits the second data packet; the second data packet is the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet.

[0106] The processing unit 902 is used to adjust the flight speed of the UAV until a preset condition is met, and to control the UAV to switch communication links. The preset condition includes: the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset delay; the preset delay is the sum of a first delay and a second delay; the first delay is the time required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system; and the second delay is the time required for the UAV to switch communication links.

[0107] In one possible implementation, the transmission unit 901 is further configured to acquire a first time delay and the flight speed of the UAV; the processing unit 902 is further configured to determine the product of the first time delay and the flight speed as the flight distance; and determine a second position point based on the first position point and the flight distance.

[0108] In one possible implementation, the transmission unit 901 is further configured to acquire a preset delay; the processing unit 902 is further configured to determine the quotient of the flight distance and the preset delay as the target flight speed; and the processing unit 902 is further configured to adjust the flight speed based on the target flight speed until the preset conditions are met.

[0109] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is also used to adjust the flight speed to be less than or equal to the target flight speed.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the transmission unit 901 is further configured to acquire the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link to which the UAV is connected; the processing unit 902 is further configured to determine, based on the signal coverage area and the first location point, whether to control the UAV to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is further configured to control the UAV to switch the communication link to a second communication link when the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is equal to the flight distance, wherein the flight distance is the distance between the first location point and the second location point; the processing unit 902 is further configured to not control the UAV to switch the communication link to the second communication link when the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is not equal to the flight distance.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 902 is further configured to control the UAV to switch the communication link to the first communication link when the UAV is located within the signal coverage area and the UAV's flight speed meets the preset conditions; the processing unit 902 is further configured to adjust the UAV's flight speed until the preset conditions are met when the UAV is located within the signal coverage area and the UAV's flight speed does not meet the preset conditions, and control the UAV to switch the communication link to the first communication link.

[0113] In the case where the functions of the integrated modules described above are implemented in hardware, this application provides a possible structural schematic diagram of the electronic device involved in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 9 As shown, an electronic device 100 is used to ensure the continuity of data interaction during link switching, for example, for performing... Figure 2 This illustrates a link switching method. The electronic device 100 includes a processor 1001, a memory 1002, and a bus 1003. The processor 1001 and the memory 1002 can be connected via the bus 1003.

[0114] Processor 1001 is the control center of the communication device. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 1001 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) or other general-purpose processors. Among them, the general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0115] As one embodiment, processor 1001 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 9 CPU 0 and CPU 1 are shown in the diagram.

[0116] The memory 1002 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] As one possible implementation, the memory 1002 can exist independently of the processor 1001. The memory 1002 can be connected to the processor 1001 via the bus 1003 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 1001 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 1002, it can implement a link switching method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0118] In another possible implementation, the memory 1002 can also be integrated with the processor 1001.

[0119] Bus 1003 can be an industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 9 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0120] It should be pointed out that, Figure 9 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 100. Except... Figure 9 In addition to the components shown, the electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than those shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0121] As an example, combined Figure 8 The functions implemented by the transmission unit 901 and processing unit 902 in the link switching device 90 are the same as those of the transmission unit 901 and processing unit 902. Figure 9 The processor 1001 in it has the same function.

[0122] Optional, such as Figure 9 As shown, the electronic device 100 provided in this application embodiment may further include a communication interface 1004.

[0123] The communication interface 1004 is used to connect with other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, a wireless access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. The communication interface 1004 may include a receiving unit for receiving data and a transmitting unit for sending data.

[0124] In one design, the communication interface in the electronic device provided in this application embodiment can also be integrated into the processor.

[0125] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional units is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0126] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. When a computer executes these instructions, the computer performs each step of the method flow shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0127] The embodiments of this application provide a computer program product in which, when computer instructions are run on an electronic device, the electronic device executes a link switching method described in the above method embodiments.

[0128] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), registers, hard disks, optical fibers, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium in the art.

[0129] An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside within an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0130] In the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0131] Since the electronic devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the above methods, the technical effects they can achieve can also be referred to the above method embodiments. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0132] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A link switching method, characterized in that, The method includes: When the UAV is at a first location point transmitting a first data packet to the ground system via a communication link, a second location point is obtained; the second location point is the location point where the UAV transmits a second data packet; the second data packet is the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet; the first data packet and the second data packet are data packets continuously sent by the UAV to the ground system; The flight speed of the UAV is adjusted until a preset condition is met, and the UAV is controlled to switch communication links. The preset condition includes: the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset delay; the preset delay is the sum of a first delay and a second delay; the first delay is the time required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system; the second delay is the time required for the UAV to switch communication links. The process of obtaining the second location point includes: Obtain the first latency and the flight speed of the drone; The product of the first time delay and the flight speed is determined as the flight distance; The second location is determined based on the first location and the flight distance.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjusting the flight speed of the drone until a preset condition is met includes: Obtain the preset delay; The quotient of the flight distance and the preset time delay is determined as the target flight speed; Based on the target flight speed, adjust the flight speed until the preset conditions are met.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the flight speed based on the target flight speed until the preset condition is met includes: Adjust the flight speed to be less than or equal to the target flight speed.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of the UAV to switch communication links includes: Obtain the signal coverage area of ​​the first communication link connected to the UAV; Based on the signal coverage area and the first location point, determine whether to control the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining whether to control the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link based on the signal coverage area and the first location point includes: When the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is equal to the flight distance, the drone is controlled to switch the communication link to the second communication link, where the flight distance is the distance between the first location point and the second location point; or, If the distance between the first location point and the signal coverage area is not equal to the flight distance, the drone will not be controlled to switch the communication link to the second communication link.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After controlling the drone to switch the communication link to the second communication link, the method further includes: When the drone is located within the signal coverage area and the drone's flight speed meets the preset conditions, the drone is controlled to switch the communication link to the first communication link. or, If the drone is located within the signal coverage area and its flight speed does not meet the preset conditions, adjust the drone's flight speed until the preset conditions are met, and control the drone to switch the communication link to the first communication link.

7. A link switching device, characterized in that, The link switching device includes: a transmission unit and a processing unit; The transmission unit is used to acquire a second location point when the UAV is transmitting a first data packet to the ground system via a communication link from a first location point; the second location point is the location point where the UAV transmits a second data packet; the second data packet is the next data packet adjacent to the first data packet; the first data packet and the second data packet are data packets continuously sent by the UAV to the ground system; The processing unit is used to adjust the flight speed of the UAV until a preset condition is met, and to control the UAV to switch communication links; the preset condition includes: the time taken for the UAV to fly to the second location point based on the adjusted flight speed is greater than or equal to a preset delay; the preset delay is the sum of a first delay and a second delay; the first delay is the time required for the UAV to transmit data packets to the ground system; the second delay is the time required for the UAV to switch communication links; The transmission unit is also used to acquire the first delay and the flight speed of the drone; The processing unit is further configured to determine the product of the first time delay and the flight speed as the flight distance; The processing unit is further configured to determine the second location point based on the first location point and the flight distance.

8. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Processor and memory; The memory is used to store one or more programs, the one or more programs including computer execution instructions. When the electronic device is running, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the electronic device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more programs, characterized in that, The one or more programs include instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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