Thuraya satellite communication method and system based on Android system
By integrating satellite and cellular communication functions on the Android system, the problem of single functions and poor interoperability of satellite phones is solved, and an efficient and stable satellite communication experience is achieved, suitable for a variety of environments.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411537513.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing satellite phones are single in function, unable to communicate seamlessly with cellular communication networks, and lack advanced functions, limiting user experience and popularity.
A Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system was designed. By integrating application APP, framework layer, wireless interface layer, driver layer and APSI satellite module, the integration of cellular and satellite communication functions is achieved, supporting telephone, SMS, positioning, Multimedia and other functions, and middleware modules are used to encrypt data and monitor status, power management module optimizes power usage, and logging module records system operation status.
It realizes seamless integration with cellular networks, improves user experience, expands smartphone functions, ensures the security of data transmission and the stability of communication, and provides rich satellite communication functions, suitable for a variety of environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN119276340A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a Thuraya satellite communication method and system based on an Android system. Background Art
[0002] With the continuous advancement and development of satellite communication technology, more and more consumer smartphones are equipped with satellite communication functions. However, the satellite phones currently on the market either only support satellite phone functions but not cellular communication functions, or have both cellular and satellite communication functions, but their satellite communication functions are not perfect and cannot meet users' daily needs like cellular communication. There are two main reasons for this problem.
[0003] First, many satellite networks use independent communication protocols that are not internationally standardized 3GPP communication protocols, and therefore cannot interoperate with existing cellular networks, which limits the practical application of satellite communication functions.
[0004] Secondly, many satellite phones only have basic satellite text messaging or calling functions, but lack more rich functions and cannot meet the diverse needs of users in daily life. This means that when using satellite phones, users cannot enjoy the same convenience and comprehensiveness as cellular communications.
[0005] Specifically, although satellite communication technology has unique advantages in certain scenarios, such as in remote areas or when natural disasters occur, it still has major shortcomings in terms of popularity and user experience.
[0006] On the one hand, because the communication protocol used by satellite networks is different from that of cellular networks, satellite phones cannot seamlessly access existing communication infrastructure, which limits their use in wide areas.
[0007] On the other hand, existing satellite phones are relatively simple in function, mainly focusing on basic text messaging and call services, and lacking advanced functions such as data transmission and multimedia communication, which makes it impossible for users to get the same rich experience as cellular communications when using satellite phones. Therefore, although satellite communication technology has unique advantages in some aspects, it still needs further improvement and development in terms of popularity and user experience. Summary of the invention
[0008] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention discloses a Thuraya satellite communication method and system based on the Android system, which are used to solve the above problems.
[0009] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:
[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a Thuraya satellite communication system based on an Android system, comprising:
[0011] The application program APP is provided with program segments for realizing satellite functions and cellular network functions;
[0012] The framework layer is used for data transmission, provides an interface for the application layer, forwards requests to the radio interface layer RIL, and reports responses or messages to the application layer;
[0013] The wireless interface layer RIL sets the Android GSM RIL1 interface and the SAT RIL interface, and communicates with the cellular module and the satellite module respectively;
[0014] The driver layer is used for basic control of the serial port and satellite module;
[0015] APSI satellite module for communication with the Thuraya satellite network.
[0016] Furthermore, the application APP not only includes program segments that implement basic communication and device management functions such as phone calls, text messages, contacts, settings, and status bars, but also integrates program segments that implement advanced functions such as positioning, navigation, data transmission, and multimedia playback and recording. These program segments work together to provide users with a comprehensive and convenient mobile application experience.
[0017] Furthermore, the application APP also includes a user interface, which is designed to provide users with an intuitive and easy-to-use operating experience, while supporting real-time status display functions, allowing users to instantly understand the application's operating status and related information. Such a design not only improves the user experience, but also enhances the interactivity and practicality of the application.
[0018] Furthermore, the framework layer plays a vital role. It contains a key component, the middleware module. The main responsibility of this middleware module is to handle the data interaction process between the application layer and the wireless interface layer. In order to ensure the security of data transmission, the middleware module also has the function of data encryption and decryption. In this way, it can effectively protect the security and integrity of data during transmission and prevent data from being intercepted or tampered by unauthorized third parties.
[0019] Furthermore, the middleware module can also optimize the efficiency of data transmission and ensure smooth communication between the application layer and the wireless interface layer. In general, the middleware module plays the role of a bridge and a security barrier in the framework layer, ensuring the stable operation of the entire system and the secure transmission of data.
[0020] Furthermore, the radio interface layer RIL also includes an important component, the status monitoring module, in terms of functional implementation. This module undertakes a vital task, namely, real-time and accurate monitoring of the connection status between the cellular module and the satellite module. Through uninterrupted monitoring, it can ensure the stability and reliability of the connection status, thereby ensuring smooth communication.
[0021] Furthermore, during the monitoring process, once a connection anomaly is detected, such as signal interruption, connection delay, or connection quality degradation, the status monitoring module will respond immediately and take corresponding measures. Among them, the most critical link is to send alarm information to the application layer. This measure is designed to quickly notify the application layer of the current connection problem so that it can respond quickly and take corresponding recovery or response measures, thereby minimizing the impact of connection anomalies on user experience or business operations.
[0022] Furthermore, a dedicated power management module is also included in the driver layer. The main responsibility of this power management module is to control and manage the power supply of the satellite module and the cellular module. Specifically, the power management module will reasonably allocate and adjust power resources according to the needs of the system to ensure that the satellite module and the cellular module can operate in the best state. In addition, the power management module also has functions such as overload protection, voltage regulation and power monitoring to ensure the stability and safety of the entire system. Through this sophisticated power management, the service life of the equipment can be effectively extended and the overall performance of the system can be improved.
[0023] Furthermore, the APSI satellite module has the ability to automatically search and lock the Thuraya satellite network, which means that it can autonomously find and connect to the Thuraya satellite network in the vast sky, ensuring that users can smoothly access the satellite communication system at any location. In addition, the module also supports more than 2 data transmission protocols and provides a variety of data transmission methods to meet the needs of different users and application scenarios. Regardless of the protocol, users can enjoy stable and reliable satellite communication services to ensure the efficiency and security of data transmission.
[0024] Furthermore, in the satellite communication system, a special log recording module is also included. The main function of this module is to record and save the usage of the equipment and various log information during the communication process in detail. Through these records, technicians can conduct detailed troubleshooting and analysis when the system fails, so as to quickly locate the problem and take corresponding solutions. In addition, these log data can also be used for later data analysis to help system administrators better understand the operating status of the system, optimize system performance, and improve communication efficiency. Through these detailed data records and analyses, the reliability and stability of the entire satellite communication system have been significantly improved.
[0025] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a Thuraya satellite communication method based on an Android system, wherein the method uses the Thuraya satellite communication system based on an Android system according to the first aspect, and comprises the following steps:
[0026] Design the application APP functionality and ensure the software has satellite and cellular phone capabilities;
[0027] Adapt the application layer and framework layer, transform GSM RIL2 into satellite SAT RIL, and realize communication with satellite module;
[0028] Customize satellite functions and add satellite function interfaces in the Framework layer;
[0029] Develop driver modules to control serial port and satellite module devices, and integrate all modules to achieve complete satellite access.
[0030] Furthermore, in the method, the design of the application APP functions includes phone calls, text messages, contacts, settings, status bar positioning, navigation, data transmission and multimedia functions.
[0031] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0032] The present invention can achieve seamless integration with the cellular network. It adopts the GMR satellite protocol used by the Thuraya satellite network, which strictly follows the international standard 3GPP protocol. This design enables the present invention to be highly compatible with the cellular network. Specifically, the present invention proposes an innovative solution, that is, by integrating the APSI satellite module into the smart phone, the perfect integration of satellite communication function and cellular communication function is achieved.
[0033] The present invention is customized based on the Android 14 operating system. In this way, users can enjoy rich satellite communication functions on their smartphones, which are realized through the existing application and framework layers of the Android system. This integration not only improves the user experience, but also expands the functional range of smartphones.
[0034] In addition, the present invention also utilizes the design of a dual-SIM dual-standby mobile phone. In this design, a user can access the cellular module through GSM SIM1 and access the satellite module through GSM SIM2. In order to achieve this function, the present invention transforms GSMRIL2 into a satellite SAT RIL. In this way, the SAT RIL can communicate with the satellite module, so that the mobile phone has both cellular and satellite communication functions.
[0035] Ultimately, this innovative design makes the phone a true dual-SIM dual-channel phone, allowing users to enjoy the convenience of cellular networks and satellite communications on the same phone. This design not only improves the phone's communication capabilities, but also provides users with a more stable and reliable communication solution in various environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.
[0037] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the Thuraya satellite communication system based on the Android system of the present invention;
[0038] Figure 2 It is a principle step diagram of the Thuraya satellite communication method based on the Android system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0040] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 As shown, a Thuraya satellite communication system based on an Android system is provided, comprising:
[0041] The application program APP is provided with program segments for realizing satellite functions and cellular network functions;
[0042] The framework layer is used for data transmission, provides an interface for the application layer, forwards requests to the radio interface layer RIL, and reports responses or messages to the application layer;
[0043] The wireless interface layer RIL sets the Android GSM RIL1 interface and the SAT RIL interface, and communicates with the cellular module and the satellite module respectively;
[0044] The driver layer is used for basic control of the serial port and satellite module;
[0045] APSI satellite module for communication with the Thuraya satellite network.
[0046] In one embodiment, the application APP has multiple functional modules, aiming to provide a comprehensive mobile communication and multimedia experience. Specifically, the application APP has a built-in program segment for implementing the phone function, allowing users to make voice calls, answer calls, and view call records, etc. At the same time, it also contains a program segment for the SMS function, enabling users to send and receive text messages and manage SMS inboxes and outboxes. In addition, the application APP also provides a program segment for the contact function, through which users can add, edit and delete contact information, and conveniently manage and find contacts.
[0047] In addition to basic communication functions, the application APP also has program segments for settings and status bar functions. Users can customize various parameters of the application through the settings function, such as notification settings, privacy settings, etc., to meet personal needs. The status bar function allows users to view and manage the operating status of the phone in real time, such as battery power, network connection status, etc.
[0048] To further enhance the user experience, the APP also has a program segment for implementing the positioning function. Users can obtain current location information through GPS or other positioning technologies, and perform operations such as map navigation or location sharing. The program segment for the navigation function provides detailed route planning and real-time navigation guidance to help users reach their destination efficiently. The program segment for the data transmission function supports the rapid transmission of files, pictures and other data, making it convenient for users to share information between devices. Finally, the program segment for the multimedia function covers a variety of multimedia experiences such as music playback, video playback, and photo browsing, allowing users to create and edit while enjoying entertainment content.
[0049] In one embodiment, the framework layer plays a vital role. It includes a core component, the middleware module. The main responsibility of the middleware module is to handle the data interaction between the application layer and the wireless interface layer. In order to ensure the security of data transmission, the middleware module is also equipped with data encryption and decryption functions. Through these measures, it can effectively ensure the security and integrity of data during transmission and prevent data from being intercepted or tampered by unauthorized third parties.
[0050] In addition, the middleware module also optimizes the efficiency of data transmission and ensures smooth communication between the application layer and the wireless interface layer. Overall, the middleware module plays the role of a bridge and a security barrier in the framework layer, ensuring the stable operation of the entire system and the secure transmission of data.
[0051] In one embodiment, the status monitoring module plays a vital role in the implementation of the functions of the radio interface layer (RIL). The main task of this module is to monitor the connection status between the cellular module and the satellite module in real time and accurately. Through continuous monitoring, the status monitoring module can ensure the stability and reliability of the connection status, thereby ensuring smooth communication.
[0052] Specifically, the status monitoring module continuously checks the connection status to identify any problems that may affect the quality of communication. For example, it detects signal interruptions, connection delays, or decreased connection quality. Once these abnormal conditions are detected, the status monitoring module immediately takes appropriate measures. The most critical part of this is sending alarm information to the application layer. The purpose of this measure is to quickly notify the application layer of the current connection problem so that the application layer can respond quickly and take appropriate recovery or response measures.
[0053] In this way, the status monitoring module can minimize the impact of abnormal connections on user experience or business operations. Whether it is a communication interruption encountered by users when using applications, or a delay in the data transmission process of the business system, the status monitoring module can promptly detect and notify the relevant layers to ensure the stable operation of the entire system. This real-time monitoring and rapid response mechanism enables the wireless interface layer to play a vital role in ensuring communication quality.
[0054] In one embodiment, a specially designed power management module is also embedded in the above-mentioned driver layer. The main task of this power management module is to control and manage the power supply of the satellite module and the cellular module. Specifically, the power management module will reasonably allocate and adjust power resources according to the actual needs of the system to ensure that the satellite module and the cellular module can operate in the best state. In addition, the power management module also has multiple functions such as overload protection, voltage regulation and power monitoring to ensure the stability and safety of the entire system. Through this sophisticated power management, the service life of the equipment can be effectively extended and the overall performance of the system can be improved.
[0055] The APSI satellite module of this embodiment has the ability to automatically search and lock the Thuraya satellite network, which means that it can autonomously find and connect to the Thuraya satellite network in the vast sky, ensuring that users can smoothly access the satellite communication system at any location. In addition, the module also supports more than 2 data transmission protocols and provides a variety of data transmission methods to meet the needs of different users and application scenarios.
[0056] Regardless of the protocol, users can enjoy stable and reliable satellite communication services to ensure efficient and secure data transmission. This flexibility and diversity enables APSI satellite modules to provide reliable communication support in a variety of complex and changing environments, meeting users' communication needs in emergency situations, while also providing more choices and convenience for commercial applications.
[0057] In one embodiment, a special log recording module is also included in the satellite communication system. The main function of this module is to record and save the usage of the equipment and various log information during the communication process in detail. Through these records, technicians can conduct detailed investigation and analysis when the system fails, so as to quickly locate the problem and take corresponding solutions. In addition, these log data can also be used for later data analysis to help system administrators better understand the operating status of the system, optimize system performance, and improve communication efficiency. Through these detailed data records and analyses, the reliability and stability of the entire satellite communication system are significantly improved.
[0058] In this embodiment, the relationship between the application APP and the framework layer Framework is as follows:
[0059] The application APP interacts with satellite functions and cellular network functions by calling the interface provided by the framework layer.
[0060] When an application needs to perform an operation related to the satellite or cellular network, it sends a request to the framework layer.
[0061] The framework layer is responsible for receiving and processing these requests, and then forwarding them to lower-level modules (such as the radio interface layer RIL or the driver layer).
[0062] In this embodiment, the relationship between the framework layer Framework and the radio interface layer RIL is as follows:
[0063] The framework layer acts as a transit station for data transmission, forwarding requests from the application APP to the radio interface layer RIL.
[0064] The radio interface layer RIL is responsible for handling specific operations related to wireless communication technologies (such as cellular networks), such as sending data, receiving data, establishing connections, etc.
[0065] After the processing is completed, the radio interface layer RIL returns the result or response to the framework layer Framework, which then reports it to the application APP.
[0066] In this embodiment, the relationship between the framework layer and the driver layer is as follows:
[0067] When the serial port or satellite module needs to be controlled, the framework layer will send control instructions to the driver layer.
[0068] The driver layer is responsible for receiving these instructions and directly performing basic control operations on the serial port or satellite module (such as initialization, configuration parameters, sending data, etc.).
[0069] The result or status information of the control operation is fed back to the framework layer by the driver layer, and then reported to the application APP or for subsequent processing as needed by the framework layer.
[0070] In this embodiment, the relationship between the driver layer and the APSI satellite module is:
[0071] The driver layer is the bridge connecting the APSI satellite module and the upper-layer software (such as the framework layer).
[0072] It is responsible for converting the instructions from the upper-layer software into a format that the APSI satellite module can understand, and sending it to the APSI satellite module through the serial port or other communication interface.
[0073] At the same time, the driver layer is also responsible for receiving data or status information sent by the APSI satellite module, converting it into a format that can be processed by the upper-layer software and then reporting it.
[0074] In general, the logical relationship between the modules of the system of the present invention is: the application APP interacts with the wireless interface layer RIL and the driver layer through the framework layer Framework; the framework layer Framework, as the core of data transmission and request forwarding, distributes the request to the wireless interface layer RIL or the driver layer for processing; the driver layer directly controls the serial port and APSI satellite module to achieve communication with the Thuraya satellite network. This hierarchical structure enables the various parts of the system to work together to complete complex communication tasks.
[0075] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 2 As shown, a Thuraya satellite communication method based on an Android system is provided, comprising the following steps:
[0076] Design the application APP functionality and ensure the software has satellite and cellular phone capabilities;
[0077] Adapt the application layer and framework layer, transform GSM RIL2 into satellite SAT RIL, and realize communication with satellite module;
[0078] Customize satellite functions and add satellite function interfaces in the Framework layer;
[0079] Develop driver modules to control serial port and satellite module devices, and integrate all modules to achieve complete satellite access.
[0080] In this embodiment, the designed application APP has a series of rich functions, aiming to provide users with a comprehensive mobile experience. Specifically, these functions include the telephone function, which allows users to make voice calls and supports common telephone functions such as caller ID, call forwarding, and call waiting. The SMS function allows users to send and receive text messages, supporting group messaging, multimedia messaging, and the sending and receiving of attachments. The contact function provides a convenient address book, and users can easily manage contact information, including adding, editing, deleting contacts, and group management.
[0081] In addition, the settings function allows users to adjust various parameters of the application according to their personal preferences and needs, such as sound, display, notification, etc. The status bar positioning function provides real-time location information to help users understand the current status and location of the device. The navigation function integrates map and navigation services, supporting real-time route planning, traffic condition query, and navigation for multiple modes of travel such as walking and driving.
[0082] The data transmission function allows users to transfer files and data between devices, and supports multiple transmission methods such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi direct connection. The multimedia function covers a variety of entertainment functions such as music playback, video playback, and picture browsing, and users can enjoy multimedia content anytime and anywhere. In short, the application APP of this embodiment provides users with a comprehensive mobile solution through these functions.
[0083] In summary, the present invention can achieve seamless integration with the cellular network, and adopts the GMR satellite protocol used by the Thuraya satellite network, which strictly follows the international standard 3GPP protocol. This design enables the present invention to be highly compatible with the cellular network. Specifically, the present invention proposes an innovative solution, that is, by integrating the APSI satellite module into the smart phone, the perfect integration of satellite communication function and cellular communication function is achieved.
[0084] The present invention is customized based on the Android 14 operating system. In this way, users can enjoy rich satellite communication functions on their smartphones, which are realized through the existing application and framework layers of the Android system. This integration not only improves the user experience, but also expands the functional range of smartphones.
[0085] In addition, the present invention also utilizes the design of a dual-SIM dual-standby mobile phone. In this design, a user can access the cellular module through GSM SIM1 and access the satellite module through GSM SIM2. In order to achieve this function, the present invention transforms GSMRIL2 into a satellite SAT RIL. In this way, the SAT RIL can communicate with the satellite module, so that the mobile phone has both cellular and satellite communication functions.
[0086] Ultimately, this innovative design makes the phone a true dual-SIM dual-channel phone, allowing users to enjoy the convenience of cellular networks and satellite communications on the same phone. This design not only improves the phone's communication capabilities, but also provides users with a more stable and reliable communication solution in various environments.
[0087] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features may be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.
Claims
1. A Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system, characterized in that: include: The application program APP is provided with program segments for realizing satellite functions and cellular network functions; The framework layer is used for data transmission, provides an interface for the application layer, forwards requests to the radio interface layer RIL, and reports responses or messages to the application layer; The wireless interface layer RIL sets the Android GSM RIL1 interface and the SAT RIL interface, and communicates with the cellular module and the satellite module respectively; The driver layer is used for basic control of the serial port and satellite module; APSI satellite module for communication with the Thuraya satellite network.
2. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The application APP is provided with program segments for realizing phone, text message, contact, setting and status bar functions, and the application APP is also provided with program segments for realizing positioning, navigation, data transmission and multimedia functions.
3. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The application APP also includes a user interface for providing an intuitive operation interface and real-time status display.
4. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The framework layer Framework includes a middleware module for processing data interaction between the application layer and the wireless interface layer and providing data encryption and decryption functions.
5. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The radio interface layer RIL also includes a status monitoring module, which is used to monitor the connection status of the cellular module and the satellite module in real time, and send alarm information to the application layer when the connection is abnormal.
6. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving layer also includes a power management module for controlling the power supply of the satellite module and the cellular module.
7. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The APSI satellite module has the ability to automatically search and lock onto the Thuraya satellite network and supports more than two data transmission protocols.
8. The Thuraya satellite communication system based on Android system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The satellite communication system also includes a log recording module for recording the usage of the equipment and communication logs for subsequent troubleshooting and data analysis.
9. A Thuraya satellite communication method based on an Android system, the method using the Thuraya satellite communication system based on an Android system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Design the application APP functionality and ensure the software has satellite and cellular phone capabilities; Adapt the application layer and framework layer, transform GSM RIL2 into satellite SAT RIL, and realize communication with satellite module; Customize satellite functions and add satellite function interfaces in the Framework layer; Develop driver modules to control serial port and satellite module devices, and integrate all modules to achieve complete satellite access.
10. The Thuraya satellite communication method based on Android system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the method, the designed application APP functions include phone calls, text messages, contacts, settings, status bar positioning, navigation, data transmission and multimedia functions.