Method and system for covering and scheduling traditional broadcast service supported by low earth orbit satellite network

Abstract

The invention relates to a wireless communication network technology, and discloses a covering and scheduling method and system for a low earth orbit satellite network to support a traditional broadcast service, and the method comprises the steps: forming a list containing all broadcast users with resource demands, grouping the users, and outputting a cell range with broadcast service demands; calculating to obtain a target throughput rate demand of each cell and a total target throughput rate demand of all broadcast demand cells under the coverage of a single satellite, wherein the satellite is based on signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting bidirectional interaction in a target service cell and the target throughput rate demand of the cell; broadcast service beam resources needing to be distributed are obtained, beam hopping and beam staring processing is carried out, and the requirements of coverage and service continuity are met at the same time when broadcast users are served. According to the application, efficient, flexible and accurate broadcast resource scheduling and management can be realized, and continuous and seamless broadcast service experience is provided in a wide geographical range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to wireless communication network technology, and in particular to resource allocation, beam coverage and satellite switching technology of low-orbit satellite networks. Background Art

[0002] Traditional satellite broadcasting services mainly rely on high-orbit satellite constellations. In recent years, low-orbit satellite Internet systems, consisting of large-scale low-orbit satellites, have gradually emerged. Compared with traditional high-orbit satellite communication / broadcasting systems, this system has shown obvious advantages, such as low latency, global coverage and high bandwidth. However, low-orbit satellite systems are also accompanied by some technical challenges, especially the small coverage of a single beam, fast beam movement speed and frequent satellite switching.

[0003] In order to overcome these problems and ensure efficient coverage and performance of low-orbit constellations, beam-hopping coverage mode, adaptive modulation and coding technology, and seamless satellite switching technology are considered key technologies. However, there is currently a lack of examples of integrating these technologies with existing technical solutions in the field of digital broadcasting.

[0004] The current low-orbit satellite network technology is mainly designed for two-way interactive Internet applications. This network can achieve dynamic resource scheduling for all users in the network through interaction with users. However, when faced with one-way and non-interactive traditional broadcast applications, due to the lack of interactivity between the network and users, the resource allocation, beam coverage and satellite switching technology of the low-orbit satellite network are difficult to support such broadcast applications well.

[0005] In order to solve this problem, it is necessary to adapt and optimize technologies such as resource allocation and coding methods. In this way, it is not only possible to support traditional broadcast services, but also to ensure that the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the low-orbit constellation network is optimized. Summary of the invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a coverage and scheduling method and system for a low-orbit satellite network to support traditional broadcast services, so as to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.

[0007] The present application discloses a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services, including:

[0008] Step A: storing part of the account opening information of the broadcast users in the ground network control unit, forming a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements, grouping the users according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and outputting the cell range with broadcast service requirements;

[0009] Step B: According to the range of cells with broadcast service needs, the target throughput requirements of each cell and the total target throughput requirements of all broadcast demand cells within the coverage range of a single satellite are calculated. Based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput requirements, the satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing to meet the coverage and service continuity requirements while serving broadcast users.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, step A further comprises the following sub-steps:

[0011] Part of the account opening information of the broadcast users is stored in the ground network control unit to form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements;

[0012] Users are grouped based on user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network. The coverage range of each cell is obtained through the ground pre-planned cell information, and users falling into the same cell are grouped together, and finally the cell range with broadcast service needs is output.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, step B further comprises the following sub-steps:

[0014] According to the output cell range and based on the service demand range of users in each cell, the target throughput demand of each cell and the total target throughput demand of all broadcast demand cells within the coverage range of a single satellite are calculated;

[0015] The satellite selects a coding method based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell, thereby determining the service capability of a single beam, and calculates the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated based on the total target throughput requirement of the cell;

[0016] Beam hopping and staring beam processing are performed for the allocated broadcast service beams so that they can take into account the needs of wide coverage and service continuity when serving broadcast users. Beam hopping can only be performed when the throughput capacity of a single beam exceeds the throughput requirement of a single cell.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in the step of calculating the target throughput requirement of each cell and the total target throughput requirement of all broadcast demand cells under the coverage of a single satellite, the throughput requirement of a single program broadcast by a user in the target cell is assumed to be T item , remove duplicates from all programs subscribed by users in the cell and sum up their throughput requirements to obtain the target throughput requirement T for the cell. cell, and sum the throughput requirements of all broadcast service demand cells within the coverage of a single satellite to obtain the total broadcast service throughput requirement of the satellite ∑T cell .

[0018] In a preferred example, in the step of calculating the broadcast service beam resources to be allocated, assuming that the number of coded blocks transmitted per second corresponding to the coding method defined by the protocol selected based on the quality feedback of ordinary user signals is C, and the number of bits contained in each coded block is n, then the throughput capacity of each beam is T beam = C × n, further calculation to obtain the required number of broadcast beams N beam =∑T cell / T beam .

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0020] Step C: The ground network control unit estimates the time when the user switches based on the user location information and ephemeris information, controls the satellite to be switched in advance to allocate broadcast beam resources and cover the user's cell at the specified time, and notifies the user to switch to the designated connecting satellite and beam resources at that time, thereby completing seamless switching of the service.

[0021] In a preferred example, the user's partial account opening information includes one of the following or any combination thereof: user location information, applied broadcast service scope, wherein:

[0022] The scope of the broadcasting services applied for includes one of the following or any combination thereof: subscription channels, picture clarity selection, audio quality, multi-language selection, and preference for specific content.

[0023] The present application also discloses a coverage and dispatching system for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services, including:

[0024] The user information processing and grouping module is used to store part of the account opening information of the broadcast users in the ground network control unit, form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements, and group the users according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and output the cell range with broadcast service requirements;

[0025] The resource management and allocation module is used to calculate the target throughput requirement of each cell and the total target throughput requirement of all cells with broadcast service requirements under the coverage of a single satellite according to the cell range with broadcast service requirements. The satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput requirement, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing to meet the coverage and service continuity requirements when serving broadcast users.

[0026] The present application also discloses a coverage and dispatching system for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services, including:

[0027] a memory for storing computer executable instructions; and,

[0028] A processor is used to implement the steps in the method described above when executing the computer executable instructions.

[0029] The present application also discloses a computer-readable storage medium in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the steps in the method described above are implemented.

[0030] In the implementation mode of the present application, part of the account opening information of the broadcast user is stored in the ground network control unit to form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements, and the users are grouped according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and the cell range with broadcast service requirements is output; and according to the cell range with broadcast service requirements, the target throughput requirement of each cell and the total target throughput requirement of all broadcast demand cells under the coverage of a single satellite are calculated, and the satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated based on the signal quality information fed back by the Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput requirement, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing, so that it can meet the coverage and service continuity requirements when serving broadcast users. Therefore, the present application can realize efficient, flexible and accurate broadcast resource scheduling and management, and provide a continuous and seamless broadcast service experience in a wide geographical range.

[0031] A large number of technical features are recorded in the specification of this application, which are distributed in various technical solutions. If all possible combinations of technical features of this application (i.e., technical solutions) are to be listed, the specification will be too long. In order to avoid this problem, the various technical features disclosed in the above-mentioned invention content of this application, the various technical features disclosed in the various embodiments and examples below, and the various technical features disclosed in the accompanying drawings can be freely combined with each other to form various new technical solutions (these technical solutions are all deemed to have been recorded in this specification), unless the combination of such technical features is technically infeasible. For example, in one example, feature A+B+C is disclosed, and in another example, feature A+B+D+E is disclosed, and features C and D are equivalent technical means that play the same role. Technically, only one can be used, and it is impossible to use them at the same time. Feature E can be combined with feature C technically. Then, the solution of A+B+C+D should not be deemed to have been recorded because it is technically infeasible, and the solution of A+B+C+E should be deemed to have been recorded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the system architecture of a low-orbit satellite network supporting coverage and scheduling of traditional broadcast services according to the first implementation mode of the present application;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a beam allocation scheme in a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services according to the first implementation mode of the present application;

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a beam hopping scheme in a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting a traditional broadcast service according to the first implementation mode of the present application;

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a staring beam solution in a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services according to the first implementation mode of the present application;

[0036] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a seamless handover solution between satellites in a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services according to the first implementation mode of the present application;

[0037] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services according to the first implementation mode of the present application;

[0038] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of a coverage and scheduling system for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services according to the first embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following description, many technical details are provided to help readers better understand the present application. However, those skilled in the art can understand that the technical solution claimed in the present application can be implemented even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0040] Description of some concepts:

[0041] Low Earth Orbit Satellite Network: A communications network consisting of a series of satellites in low orbit. These satellites orbit at much lower altitudes than geosynchronous orbit satellites, thus providing lower communication latency and higher signal strength.

[0042] Beam: refers to the radio frequency signal transmitted from a satellite to a specific area on the ground. It describes the spatial distribution of radio frequency energy emitted from the satellite antenna.

[0043] Space segment: refers to all satellites in the low-orbit satellite network that together ensure global coverage.

[0044] Ground segment: It consists of a gateway, core network and broadcast service platform. It is responsible for interacting with satellites in the space segment and handling communications with end users.

[0045] User segment: refers to the equipment used by end users, including satellite broadcast receiving terminals and application terminals.

[0046] Staring beam: As the satellite moves, the beam always points to a fixed area on the ground, ensuring continuous and stable signal coverage.

[0047] Beam hopping technology: allows a single beam to provide services to multiple ground areas at different time periods, which improves the efficiency of beam resource utilization.

[0048] Seamless switching: When the service range of one satellite is about to end, another satellite immediately starts providing services, ensuring that the user experience is not interrupted.

[0049] Cells reserved for broadcast services: refers to those terrestrial areas or cells that are identified as requiring broadcast services during a specific period of time.

[0050] Phased Array Antenna: An antenna array consisting of multiple independent antenna elements that can electronically change the direction of their beam.

[0051] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the implementation methods of the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0052] The first embodiment of the present application relates to a coverage and scheduling method for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services. Figure 1 shows the system architecture, Figure 6 The flow of the method is shown.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the system architecture of the low-orbit satellite broadcasting service can be divided into three main parts: space segment, ground segment and user segment. The details are as follows:

[0054] Space segment: This segment is a huge network consisting of hundreds to thousands of low-orbit satellites, ensuring real-time, continuous and seamless coverage of all parts of the world. These satellites fly in low-orbit Earth orbits, providing high-quality broadcast services to users everywhere, ensuring that users can enjoy stable signals at any time and any place.

[0055] Ground segment: The ground segment is a complex of multiple devices and systems, including gateways, core networks, and service platforms designed specifically for broadcasting. The gateways are responsible for communicating with satellites in the sky, the core network ensures the stability and efficiency of data flow, and the broadcasting service platform converts traditional broadcast content into data formats suitable for satellite transmission.

[0056] User segment: The user segment mainly refers to the equipment used by end users on the ground. This includes specially designed satellite broadcast receiving terminals that can receive and decode satellite signals from the air, as well as user application terminals, such as home broadcast receiving devices, to ensure that users can conveniently listen to or watch broadcast content.

[0057] In summary, these three parts together constitute a complete and efficient low-orbit satellite broadcasting service system that can meet the diverse needs of modern broadcasting services.

[0058] The process of the low-orbit satellite network supporting the coverage and scheduling method of traditional broadcast services in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0059] Step 100-Step 200: Store part of the account opening information of the broadcast user in the ground network control unit to form a list of all broadcast users with resource needs, and group the users according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and output the cell range with broadcast service needs.

[0060] The details are as follows:

[0061] Step 100: Collecting user demand data

[0062] Part of the account opening information of broadcast users is stored in the ground network control unit to form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements.

[0063] Specifically, in the ground network control unit, key account opening information of broadcast users, such as user location, expected service type, and subscribed channels, is first collected and stored. This information is integrated to form a comprehensive broadcast user list. This list not only includes the user's basic information, but also clarifies the specific resource requirements of each user, such as the type and frequency of programs they want to receive. Through such integration, an accurate and targeted user demand database can be established, providing a key data foundation for subsequent service allocation and resource scheduling.

[0064] Step 200: Cell grouping based on user location

[0065] The users are grouped based on the user location information in the broadcast user list in step 100 and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network. The method is: the coverage range of each cell is obtained through the ground pre-planned cell information, and users falling into the same cell are grouped into the same group, and finally the cell range with broadcast service needs is output.

[0066] Specifically, based on the broadcast user list established in step 100, this step focuses on the user's geographic location information. Using the ground pre-planned cell data of the low-orbit satellite network, the exact coverage of each cell is clear. This information allows the system to identify and classify which users are located in the same coverage cell.

[0067] More specifically, the system first scans the location information of each user and then matches it with the coverage data of the pre-planned cells on the ground. When it is identified that some users are located in the same pre-planned cell, these users are classified into the same group. This classification method ensures that users in the same geographical area can share the same satellite resources, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.

[0068] After completing this classification, the system further generates a clear report that lists the broadcast user needs of each cell and its internal cells, ensuring that the specific broadcast needs of each cell can be met in subsequent resource allocation and satellite scheduling. This step provides detailed and specific data support for subsequent resource optimization and service adjustments.

[0069] Step 300-Step 500: According to the cell range with broadcast service demand, the target throughput demand of each cell and the total target throughput demand of all broadcast demand cells under the coverage of a single satellite are calculated. Based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput demand, the satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources to be allocated, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing, so that it can meet the coverage and service continuity requirements when serving broadcast users. The details are as follows:

[0070] Step 300, throughput requirement calculation

[0071] According to the cell range obtained in step 200, combined with the service demand range of users in each cell, the target throughput demand of each cell and the total target throughput demand of all broadcast demand cells under the coverage of a single satellite are calculated. The method is as follows: Assume that the throughput demand of a single program broadcast by a user in the target cell is T item , remove the duplicate programs subscribed by all users in the cell and sum up their throughput requirements to get the target throughput requirement T of the cell. cell , further sum up the throughput requirements of all broadcast service demand cells within the coverage of a single satellite to obtain the total broadcast service throughput requirement ∑T of the satellite cell .

[0072] Specifically, after obtaining the coverage of each cell and its user requirements in step 200, the main purpose of this step is to accurately calculate the target throughput requirement of the broadcast service in each cell and the entire satellite coverage area.

[0073] First, to clarify the calculation method, assume that the throughput demand of a broadcast user in a cell for a single program is defined as T_item. Considering that users may have overlapping subscription demands for multiple programs, to avoid repeated calculations, the system will first deduplicate the programs subscribed by all users in the cell. This means that even if multiple users subscribe to the same program, the throughput of the program will only be counted once.

[0074] Next, the system accumulates the throughput requirements of all deduplicated programs to obtain the overall target throughput requirement of the cell, denoted as T cell This value represents the data transmission rate that the cell broadcast service must achieve to meet the needs of all users.

[0075] In order to optimize resource allocation globally, it is necessary not only to consider the needs of a single cell, but also to summarize the broadcast needs of all cells within the overall coverage of a single satellite. Therefore, the system further accumulates the T cell , calculate the total broadcast service throughput requirement that a single satellite needs to meet, expressed as ∑T cell .

[0076] This comprehensive calculation process ensures that satellite resources can be optimally allocated according to the actual needs of each cell, which not only meets the user experience but also improves system efficiency.

[0077] Step 400: Broadcast beam resource allocation

[0078] The satellite selects a suitable coding method based on the signal quality information fed back by the Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell, thereby determining the service capacity of a single beam, and calculates the broadcast service beam resources to be allocated in combination with the cell target throughput requirement calculated in step 300, the method is as follows: Assuming that the number of coded blocks transmitted per second corresponding to the coding method defined by the protocol selected based on the signal quality feedback of ordinary users is C, and the number of bits contained in each coded block is n, then the throughput capacity of each beam is T beam =C×n, further calculation can get the required number of broadcast beams N beam =∑T cell / T beam .

[0079] Specifically, in this step, the satellite will adopt the signal quality feedback provided by the Internet users interacting bidirectionally in the target service cell, select the best coding strategy to ensure a high-quality transmission experience, and then determine the maximum transmission capacity of each beam.

[0080] Next, the importance of signal quality feedback is explained: Internet users who support two-way interaction continuously provide real-time feedback on signal quality during use. This feedback information provides a dynamic evaluation method for satellites to adjust their encoding methods according to the current transmission environment and conditions. For example, if a user reports signal attenuation in a specific area, the satellite can choose a more robust encoding strategy to improve data reliability.

[0081] Next, we explain the selection of coding methods: Based on the signal quality feedback from the user, the satellite may choose among different coding strategies, which may be pre-defined in the communication protocol. To quantify this process, let C be the number of coding blocks transmitted per second and n be the number of bits contained in each coding block.

[0082] The following example illustrates how to adjust the encoding method according to the current transmission environment and conditions:

[0083] For example, in a high signal-to-noise ratio environment, assuming that the satellite detects that the signal between the ground communication equipment is very strong and there is less interference at a certain moment, which means that the current signal-to-noise ratio is high. In this case, the satellite can choose a higher modulation method, such as 64-QAM or 256-QAM, which can transmit more data but is also more susceptible to interference.

[0084] For example, in a low signal-to-noise ratio environment, on the contrary, if the satellite detects that the signal strength is weakened or encounters severe electromagnetic interference, the signal-to-noise ratio is reduced. In order to ensure the correct transmission of data, the satellite may choose a more robust but lower data rate modulation and coding method, such as BPSK or QPSK. These modulation methods are relatively less susceptible to interference, but the amount of information transmitted per symbol is less.

[0085] Another example is in dynamic regions, say an area sometimes experiences severe weather conditions, such as storms, which can interfere with satellite signals. When the satellite detects this, it may automatically switch to a more robust coding strategy, ensuring that communications can be maintained even in less-than-ideal conditions.

[0086] Next, we will explain how to determine the beam service capacity: With the above information, we can calculate the maximum throughput capacity of a single beam. Specifically, the beam throughput T beam It can be obtained by formula T beam =C×n, where the number of coded blocks transmitted per second is C, and the number of bits contained in each coded block is n. This represents the maximum amount of data that a beam can theoretically transmit under the selected coding method.

[0087] Next, the calculation of broadcast beam resource requirements is described: After the throughput capacity of each beam is determined, the next step is to determine the required number of broadcast beam resources in combination with the total target throughput requirement obtained in step 300. beam =∑T cell / T beam , we can estimate how many beam resources the system needs at least to meet the broadcasting needs of all users.

[0088] In summary, step 400 not only provides a structured calculation method for satellite resource allocation, but also ensures the rational use of resources, meets the broadcasting service needs of users, and improves signal reliability and transmission efficiency.

[0089] Figure 2 A detailed illustration of the beam allocation strategy of the present invention is shown.

[0090] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, when performing the task of broadcast beam allocation, the low-orbit satellite network will first refer to the account opening information of the broadcast user. By analyzing this data, the system can effectively group users and further identify specific cells with broadcast service needs within the coverage area of ​​the satellite. In this diagram, two such cells are identified, namely cell 1 and cell 2.

[0091] When it comes to the allocation of broadcast beam resources, the system will specifically schedule and cover these two cells, which means that Cell 1 and Cell 2 will become the main coverage targets of the beam, while cells within the other coverage areas of the satellite will not receive corresponding broadcast beam coverage or resource scheduling.

[0092] We call Cell 1 and Cell 2 "cells reserved for broadcast services". They are so named because they are selected in advance based on actual user needs and distribution. All beam control and resource scheduling activities are performed by the ground network control unit.

[0093] By adopting this reservation-based service mode, the low-orbit satellite network can pre-plan and allocate resources more intelligently. This not only reduces unnecessary beam coverage, thereby reducing energy consumption, but also ensures higher resource utilization efficiency and network capacity. This method provides a strong guarantee for the stability and efficiency of broadcast services.

[0094] Step 500: Beam Processing and Coverage Optimization

[0095] The broadcast service beam allocated in step 400 is processed by beam hopping and staring beam, so that it can take into account the requirements of wide coverage and service continuity when serving broadcast users. Beam hopping can only be performed when the throughput capacity of a single beam exceeds the throughput requirement of a single cell.

[0096] Specifically, this step focuses on optimizing beam hopping and staring beams after considering the broadcast service beams allocated in step 400. The goal is to ensure that in providing services to broadcast users, the beam adjustment can meet the needs of wide geographical coverage while maintaining service continuity and stability.

[0097] Gaze Beam Processing:

[0098] This processing strategy is mainly used to ensure that a specific geographic area receives continuous and stable service. By "staring" or "fixing" the beam on a specific area, users in this area can be guaranteed to receive continuous signal, especially in high-demand situations.

[0099] Beam Hopping Processing:

[0100] Beam hopping technology allows beams to be quickly switched between different geographical areas, thus allocating satellite resources more flexibly. This strategy is particularly suitable for areas where demand fluctuates greatly. However, there is a key prerequisite for beam hopping: the throughput capacity of a single beam must exceed the throughput demand of the target cell. In this way, when demand in a certain area suddenly increases, the beam can be quickly adjusted to ensure service quality.

[0101] By comprehensively applying the staring beam and beam hopping strategies, not only can the wide coverage requirements of broadcast users be met, but also high-quality and continuous services can be provided to users in different geographical areas and at different time periods. The application of this strategy enables satellite communication systems to respond to business needs in different scenarios more efficiently and flexibly.

[0102] Figure 3 The beam hopping strategy of the present invention is disclosed in detail, such as Figure 3 It is clearly shown that the beam coverage area of ​​low-orbit satellites is relatively limited. If a single fixed beam only serves a single ground cell, the number of satellites required to be deployed to meet the needs of global broadcasting will be astronomical, resulting in huge project costs. Therefore, beam hopping technology has become an attractive solution, which allows a single beam to serve multiple ground cells in a time-divided manner. This technology significantly improves the service efficiency and coverage of each satellite and its beam, thereby effectively reducing the size of the entire satellite constellation.

[0103] Specifically, beam hopping technology, with the help of phased array antenna technology, can achieve precise spot beam coverage and quickly switch beam directions when needed. This operation, combined with the time division multiplexing technology within the system, enables the satellite to quickly switch beams at different time periods to point to different ground cells, thereby providing services.

[0104] Taking the figure as an example, assume that we have a beam for broadcast services, whose transmission capacity can just meet the broadcast service needs of cells 1 and 2 at the same time. In this scenario, the ground network control unit will guide this beam to ensure that it can cover cells 1 and 2 respectively in different time scheduling windows, so that the beam resources are shared between the two cells. This strategy not only ensures that the broadcast service needs of each cell are met, but also maximizes the use of resources, significantly reducing the overall operating costs.

[0105] Figure 4 The gaze beam strategy of the present invention is disclosed, such as Figure 4 As shown, the continuous rotation of the earth and the orbital motion of the satellite form a complex relative motion pattern, which makes the low-orbit satellite continuously move rapidly relative to the ground target area. In order to ensure that the target area is continuously and stably covered by satellite signals, a large-scale constellation consisting of hundreds to thousands of satellites needs to be deployed. These satellites rely on inter-satellite communication to ensure that at any given moment, at least one satellite is covering and serving the designated target area.

[0106] However, in addition to the overall design of the constellation, each satellite needs to be carefully controlled. Considering that each satellite is also moving at high speed relative to the target area, in order to ensure that it can continuously and stably "stare" and serve the target area, it is necessary to adjust the direction of its antenna beam in real time. This beam adjustment strategy requires the low-orbit satellite to calculate the required beam direction based on its own real-time position, speed and the coordinates of the target area.

[0107] The core benefit of adopting the staring beam strategy is that it significantly reduces the frequent beam switching caused by satellite movement, thereby providing broadcast users with a stable and continuous service experience. This continuous and seamless broadcast service can greatly improve user satisfaction while also ensuring the integrity and quality of the broadcast content.

[0108] Step 600: Seamlessly switch resource configuration

[0109] The ground network control unit estimates the time when the user switches based on the user's location information and ephemeris information, controls the satellite to be switched in advance to allocate broadcast beam resources and cover the user's cell at the specified time, and notifies the user to switch to the designated connecting satellite and beam resources at that time, thereby completing seamless switching of the service.

[0110] Specifically, this step emphasizes the function of the ground network control unit, which uses user location information and ephemeris data to ensure seamless satellite service transition. The specific process is as follows:

[0111] Collect user location and ephemeris information:

[0112] The ground network control unit first collects the user's real-time location information and combines it with the satellite's ephemeris information. Ephemeris information is the satellite's predicted orbit data, which helps the control unit understand the satellite's precise location and expected trajectory.

[0113] Predict user switching time:

[0114] Using this data, the ground network control unit can predict the precise moment when a user might need to switch to another satellite, for example, when the user moves to a new geographic area or when the serving satellite is about to move out of range.

[0115] Pre-allocate beam resources:

[0116] To ensure seamless switching, the control unit instructs the incoming satellite to pre-allocate the necessary broadcast beam resources. In this way, when users arrive at the new service area, they can access it immediately without waiting for resource reallocation.

[0117] User notification and switching:

[0118] The control unit then notifies the user of the upcoming switching time, target satellite, and beam resource, ensuring that the user equipment switches to the designated satellite and beam resource at the right time.

[0119] Complete seamless switching:

[0120] After the above steps, users will experience a smooth and imperceptible service switch without having to worry about service interruptions caused by changes in satellite or geographic location.

[0121] Through this precise prediction and timely resource allocation strategy, satellite communication systems are able to provide continuous, stable and high-quality services, even when users move or satellite positions change.

[0122] Figure 5 The present invention demonstrates the inter-satellite seamless switching solution for low-orbit satellite networks. Given the high-speed movement of low-orbit satellites in orbit, ground users can often only get satellite services within a limited time window. In order to achieve continuous live broadcast or data transmission and avoid service interruptions caused by satellite switching, this solution provides an efficient solution to ensure that users get a continuous and seamless service experience.

[0123] exist Figure 5 In the example above, we can clearly see such a scenario: in order to ensure continuous service for ground users, the network needs to predict and control the user's switch from the current serving satellite to the next serving satellite in advance. This prediction and control mechanism is based on the following core technologies:

[0124] 1. Integration of user location and beam coverage information: The system comprehensively considers the user’s geographical location and the satellite’s beam coverage pattern to make an accurate estimate of the upcoming handover.

[0125] 2. Time division multiplexing strategy: Utilize the time division multiplexing characteristics of the system to fully schedule satellite resources so that at the predicted switching time, the new satellite can allocate beam resources in time and accurately point to the user's location.

[0126] 3. Real-time user notification: To ensure seamless switching, the system will also notify users of the new satellite and its beam information before the predicted switching time, ensuring that the user device can respond quickly and complete the switching operation.

[0127] In summary, this solution provides users with an efficient, stable and seamless switching experience through advanced prediction technology and real-time resource scheduling, fully demonstrating the superiority of low-orbit satellite networks in continuous service and efficient use of resources.

[0128] Further explanation:

[0129] In the above embodiment, more specifically, the partial account opening information of the user involved in step 100 mainly includes the following key contents:

[0130] User location information: This is the basis for providing communication services. By accurately understanding the user's geographic location, the system can ensure that the best satellite resources are directed to specific users, thereby providing the best service experience. This not only involves the current geographic coordinates, but may also include the user's movement trends or predicted future locations.

[0131] Scope of the broadcasting service applied for: This part of the information involves the user's specific needs for satellite broadcasting services. For example:

[0132] Subscription channels: Users may subscribe to specific channels or programs. This means that they have a special interest in certain content, and the system needs to ensure that this content can be accurately and stably transmitted to the corresponding users.

[0133] Picture definition selection: Some users may be satisfied with standard definition images, while others may prefer HD or UHD content. Based on the user's choice, the system can allocate corresponding bandwidth and resources to meet different picture definition requirements.

[0134] Other possible preferences: In addition to the above information, users may have other specific needs related to the service, such as audio quality, multi-language selection, or preferences for specific content. Understanding this information can help the system provide users with more personalized services.

[0135] By carefully describing and analyzing the user account opening information in step 100, it is possible to ensure that the system is more accurate and efficient in providing services to users, which can not only improve user satisfaction, but also effectively save system resources and make resource allocation more reasonable and economical.

[0136] Optionally, the “ground pre-planned cell” described in step 200 may be understood as the following specific contents:

[0137] Division of ground units: The earth's surface is finely divided into many uniformly sized areas. These areas are like small squares or circular areas, tightly spliced ​​together to ensure that every inch of the earth is continuously covered. This division method is similar to dividing a huge map into many regular small grids.

[0138] Determination of the latitude and longitude of the center point: Each pre-planned cell has a center point, the location of which is obtained through precise mathematical calculations and geographic information system (GIS) technology. It represents the geometric center of the cell and provides a clear target for the aiming of the satellite beam.

[0139] Cell radius information: In addition to the center point location, each cell also has a clear radius information, which represents the distance from the center point to the cell edge. This information is the key to determining the beam coverage range, ensuring that each beam can accurately cover its designated ground cell and avoid overlapping or missing coverage.

[0140] The basic unit of beam coverage: These pre-planned cells actually provide a benchmark for the satellite system to know where and how to allocate resources. Each cell is the basic unit that a beam can cover, which ensures that the satellite's resources are used most reasonably while meeting the needs of ground users.

[0141] Flexibility and adaptability: Although these cells are pre-planned, they provide great flexibility for the entire satellite communication system. Based on the actual needs of users, changes in terrain and topography, or other factors, the system can quickly and efficiently switch between these pre-set cells to provide the best service.

[0142] In summary, ground pre-planned cells are not only the foundation of satellite communication systems, but also the key to their efficient and stable operation.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the “beam hopping” described in step 500 has the following detailed characteristics:

[0144] First, the phased array antenna of the low-orbit satellite is its core component, which allows the direction of electromagnetic wave emission to be controlled without physically moving the antenna itself. This design greatly increases the flexibility and response speed of the antenna.

[0145] Furthermore, spot beam coverage is a more precise and focused coverage method compared to traditional broad coverage, which means that the satellite can provide dedicated services to a specific geographic area, thus ensuring that the area receives high-quality signals.

[0146] Furthermore, thanks to the design of the phased array antenna, the satellite is able to change the direction of the beam in a very short time. This fast switching capability ensures that the satellite can respond instantly to the communication needs of the ground, no matter how these needs change.

[0147] Furthermore, time division multiplexing is a communication technology that allows a communication channel to serve multiple users at different time intervals. Combined with beam hopping technology, the satellite can switch its service to different pre-planned cells on the ground at different time periods, greatly improving the utilization and efficiency of its services.

[0148] Furthermore, beam hopping technology means that a beam no longer serves only one fixed area. By switching its direction at different time periods, a single beam can cover multiple different pre-planned ground cells, thereby expanding its coverage while ensuring that each area receives high-quality service.

[0149] In summary, beam-hopping technology utilizes the high flexibility of phased array antennas and the efficiency of time-division multiplexing to provide low-orbit satellite communication systems with high adaptability and coverage capabilities, ensuring that the system can provide stable, high-quality services regardless of how the needs of ground users change.

[0150] In the above embodiment, more specifically, the "stare beam" described in step 500 has the following detailed characteristics:

[0151] First, the staring beam is a continuous and stable beam strategy. When the ground pre-planned cell is within the service range of the low-orbit satellite, it ensures that the cell is always served by the same beam. This strategy not only ensures the stability of the signal, but also greatly reduces the risk of service interruption.

[0152] Further, the benefit of avoiding frequent handoffs: Frequent switching between beams may lead to communication interruptions and data loss. By using staring beams, users can be ensured to receive continuous service and avoid any inconvenience caused by handoffs.

[0153] Furthermore, the staring beam strategy also helps simplify the satellite's frequency management. Since cells do not need to switch between multiple beams, the satellite can allocate its frequency resources more efficiently, ensuring that each frequency is optimally utilized.

[0154] Furthermore, for users in the same area, they can expect a stable, high-quality signal without having to worry about any problems caused by beam switching. This provides users with a smoother and more seamless communication experience.

[0155] Furthermore, the staring beam strategy simplifies the operational process for both ground and satellite operators. Frequent planning and execution of beam switching is no longer necessary, thus reducing the possibility of errors.

[0156] In summary, staring beam is a satellite communication strategy designed to provide continuous and stable services, and is particularly suitable for applications that require stable signals and continuous communications, such as broadcasting, real-time monitoring, etc.

[0157] Technical effects:

[0158] Efficient broadcast resource management: Maintenance and scheduling of broadcast resources are carried out through user account opening information in the ground network control unit, which can ensure efficient allocation and utilization of broadcast resources.

[0159] Accurate user grouping and resource scheduling: Based on user location and pre-planned cell information, the system can accurately group users to ensure that each cell obtains appropriate broadcast resources.

[0160] Dynamic throughput adjustment: Based on the cell's broadcast requirements and satellite coverage, the system can dynamically calculate and meet each cell's target throughput requirements.

[0161] Adaptive beam resource allocation: The system can select the appropriate coding method based on the signal quality information in the target service cell, and dynamically determine and allocate broadcast beam resources.

[0162] Wide coverage and service continuity: Through the processing of beam hopping and staring beams, the system can not only achieve wide geographical coverage, but also ensure the continuity of broadcast services and reduce service interruptions caused by beam switching.

[0163] Seamless switching experience: When users need to switch services, the ground network control unit can predict and notify users to ensure a seamless and smooth switching experience.

[0164] Flexible terrestrial cell planning: By dividing the earth into contiguous cells of equal size, the system can flexibly adjust and plan the coverage of broadcasting.

[0165] In general, this application can achieve efficient, flexible and accurate broadcast resource scheduling and management, and provide a continuous and seamless broadcast service experience over a wide geographical range.

[0166] The second embodiment of the present application relates to a coverage and scheduling system for a low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services, and its structure is as follows: Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the low-orbit satellite network supports the coverage and dispatching system of traditional broadcast services, including:

[0167] The user information processing and grouping module is used to store part of the account opening information of the broadcast users in the ground network control unit, form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements, and group the users according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and output the cell range with broadcast service requirements;

[0168] The resource management and allocation module is used to calculate the target throughput requirement of each cell and the total target throughput requirement of all cells with broadcast service requirements under the coverage of a single satellite according to the cell range with broadcast service requirements. The satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput requirement, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing to meet the coverage and service continuity requirements when serving broadcast users.

[0169] The first implementation manner is a method implementation manner corresponding to the present implementation manner. The technical details in the first implementation manner can be applied to the present implementation manner, and the technical details in the present implementation manner can also be applied to the first implementation manner.

[0170] It should be noted that those skilled in the art should understand that the implementation functions of each module shown in the implementation method of the above-mentioned low-orbit satellite network supporting the coverage and scheduling system of traditional broadcasting services can be understood by referring to the relevant description of the coverage and scheduling method of the above-mentioned low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcasting services. The functions of each module shown in the implementation method of the above-mentioned low-orbit satellite network supporting the coverage and scheduling system of traditional broadcasting services can be implemented by a program (executable instruction) running on a processor, or by a specific logic circuit. In the embodiment of the present application, if the coverage and scheduling system of the above-mentioned low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcasting services is implemented in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application can be essentially or partly reflected in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read Only Memory), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes. Thus, embodiments of the present application are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0171] Accordingly, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer storage medium, in which computer executable instructions are stored. When the computer executable instructions are executed by a processor, the various method embodiments of the present application are implemented.

[0172] In addition, the embodiments of the present application also provide a coverage and scheduling system for a low-orbit satellite network to support traditional broadcast services, which includes a memory for storing computer executable instructions, and a processor; the processor is used to implement the steps in the above-mentioned method implementations when executing the computer executable instructions in the memory. Among them, the processor can be a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, referred to as "CPU"), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (Digital Signal Processor, referred to as "DSP"), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit, referred to as "ASIC"), etc. The aforementioned memory can be a read-only memory (read-only memory, referred to as "ROM"), a random access memory (random access memory, referred to as "RAM"), a flash memory (Flash), a hard disk or a solid-state hard disk, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0173] It should be noted that in the application documents of this patent, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "including one" do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements. In the application documents of this patent, if it is mentioned that an action is performed according to an element, it means that the action is performed at least according to the element, which includes two situations: performing the action only according to the element, and performing the action according to the element and other elements. Expressions such as multiple, multiple, and multiple include 2, 2 times, 2 kinds, and more than 2, more than 2 times, and more than 2 kinds.

[0174] All documents mentioned in this application are considered to be included in the disclosure of this application as a whole, so that they can be used as the basis for modification when necessary. In addition, it should be understood that after reading the above disclosure of this application, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to this application, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A coverage and scheduling method for low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcast services, characterized in that: include: Step A: storing part of the account opening information of the broadcast users in the ground network control unit, forming a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements, grouping the users according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and outputting the cell range with broadcast service requirements; Step B: According to the range of cells with broadcast service needs, the target throughput requirements of each cell and the total target throughput requirements of all broadcast demand cells within the coverage range of a single satellite are calculated. Based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput requirements, the satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing to meet the coverage and service continuity requirements while serving broadcast users.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Step A further comprises the following sub-steps: Part of the account opening information of the broadcast users is stored in the ground network control unit to form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements; Users are grouped based on user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network. The coverage range of each cell is obtained through the ground pre-planned cell information, and users falling into the same cell are grouped together, and finally the cell range with broadcast service needs is output.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Step B further comprises the following sub-steps: According to the output cell range and based on the service demand range of users in each cell, the target throughput demand of each cell and the total target throughput demand of all broadcast demand cells within the coverage range of a single satellite are calculated; The satellite selects a coding method based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell, thereby determining the service capability of a single beam, and calculates the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated based on the total target throughput requirement of the cell; Beam hopping and staring beam processing are performed for the allocated broadcast service beams so that they can take into account the needs of wide coverage and service continuity when serving broadcast users. Beam hopping can only be performed when the throughput capacity of a single beam exceeds the throughput requirement of a single cell.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that In the step of calculating the target throughput requirement of each cell and the total target throughput requirement of all broadcast demand cells under the coverage of a single satellite, the throughput requirement of a single program broadcast by a user in the target cell is assumed to be T item , remove duplicates from all programs subscribed by users in the cell and sum up their throughput requirements to obtain the target throughput requirement T for the cell. cell , and sum the throughput requirements of all broadcast service demand cells within the coverage of a single satellite to obtain the total broadcast service throughput requirement of the satellite ∑T cell .

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that In the step of calculating the broadcast service beam resources to be allocated, assuming that the number of coded blocks transmitted per second corresponding to the coding method defined by the protocol selected according to the quality feedback of the ordinary user signal is C, and the number of bits contained in each coded block is n, then the throughput capacity of each beam is T beam = C × n, further calculation to obtain the required number of broadcast beams N beam =∑T cell / T beam .

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises the following steps: Step C: The ground network control unit estimates the time when the user switches based on the user location information and ephemeris information, controls the satellite to be switched in advance to allocate broadcast beam resources and cover the user's cell at the specified time, and notifies the user to switch to the designated connecting satellite and beam resources at that time, thereby completing seamless switching of the service.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The user's partial account opening information includes one of the following or any combination thereof: user location information, the scope of the applied broadcast service, among which: The scope of the broadcasting services applied for includes one of the following or any combination thereof: subscription channels, picture clarity selection, audio quality, multi-language selection, and preference for specific content.

8. A coverage and dispatching system for low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcasting services, characterized in that: include: The user information processing and grouping module is used to store part of the account opening information of the broadcast users in the ground network control unit, form a list of all broadcast users with resource requirements, and group the users according to the user location information in the broadcast user list and the ground pre-planned cell information of the low-orbit satellite network, and output the cell range with broadcast service requirements; The resource management and allocation module is used to calculate the target throughput requirement of each cell and the total target throughput requirement of all cells with broadcast service requirements under the coverage of a single satellite according to the cell range with broadcast service requirements. The satellite obtains the broadcast service beam resources that need to be allocated based on the signal quality information fed back by Internet users supporting two-way interaction in the target service cell and the cell target throughput requirement, and performs beam hopping and staring beam processing to meet the coverage and service continuity requirements when serving broadcast users.

9. A coverage and dispatching system for low-orbit satellite network supporting traditional broadcasting services, characterized in that: include: A memory for storing computer executable instructions; as well as, A processor, configured to implement the steps in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executing the computer executable instructions.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the steps in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

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