Beam switching method and communication device

Abstract

The invention provides a beam switching method and a communication device, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: sending a number of a recommended beam, wherein the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of beam service duration and beam signal strength; the beam switching information is received, the beam switching information indicates switching to the target beam, the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam, and the target beam can be determined by comprehensively considering the service continuity and the signal strength of the terminal, so that the problem that the terminal frequently switches the beam between satellites due to the fact that the beam switching is realized only according to the beam signal strength is solved; the reliability of beam switching and the service stability can be improved, so that the user experience is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 202411056716.3, and the original application date is August 2, 2024. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a beam switching method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] At present, one of the development focuses in the field of communication systems is global mobile communications, and satellite communications are an important part of global mobile communications. Satellite communications have the characteristics of large coverage area and high flexibility, and can provide services for both fixed terminals and various mobile terminals.

[0004] In satellite communications, due to the high-speed movement of satellites relative to the ground, the beam signal strength will be affected to a certain extent. In order to meet the rate requirements of terminal services, the terminal switches beams between different satellites based on beam signal strength. Due to the long distance between the satellite and the ground, the beam measurement and switching takes a long time. Frequent beam switching by the terminal based only on beam signal strength will affect the continuity and stability of the terminal service and reduce user experience. How to ensure the continuity and stability of terminal services while meeting the terminal service rate requirements is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a beam switching method and a communication device, which can flexibly determine the target beam based on the terminal service, comprehensively consider the beam service time and beam signal strength, and meet the rate requirements and service continuity requirements of the terminal service, thereby improving the user experience.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, a beam switching method is provided, comprising: sending a number of a recommended beam, where the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of a beam service duration and a beam signal strength, receiving beam switching information, where the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, where the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam.

[0008] Based on the beam switching method provided in the first aspect and the second aspect below, when the terminal needs to send the number of the recommended beam to the satellite, the two dimensions of beam service duration and beam signal strength can be comprehensively considered. Under the premise of ensuring signal strength, the frequency of terminal switching between satellites can be reduced. By flexibly controlling the two indicators, the rate requirements and service continuity requirements of the terminal service can be met at the same time, thereby improving the user experience.

[0009] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0010] Accordingly, different weight values ​​can be assigned to the beam service duration and beam signal strength respectively, and by comparing the calculation results of different beams, the recommended beam that best suits the current communication needs can be selected.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam satisfies is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}. In the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0012] The above expression describes in detail a method for calculating a recommended beam. Based on the maximum value of the beam signal strength and the maximum value of the serviceable time, the signal strength and the serviceable time of each beam are normalized respectively, and a weighted value is calculated for each beam. The service rate factor a of the terminal and the service continuity factor b of the terminal are variable weights. The beam recommendation method can provide a method for flexibly determining the recommended beam through variable service rate factor and service continuity factor, based on the weight calculation of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0013] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0014] When the terminal service has higher rate requirements, the value of a is larger; when the terminal service has higher service continuity requirements, the value of b is larger. This beam recommendation method can make a comprehensive and integrated trade-off between the rate requirements and service continuity requirements of the terminal service. Based on the service rate factor and service continuity factor, the recommended beam that best suits the current terminal service is calculated to meet the specific communication needs of the terminal. Based on the current terminal service, this solution can meet the service rate requirements and service continuity requirements from the two aspects of beam signal strength and beam service time, thereby improving user experience.

[0015] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0016] Based on the ephemeris information, the terminal can obtain the relevant parameters of the satellite trajectory. Further combined with the terminal's location, the terminal can determine the beam service duration that each satellite beam can provide to the terminal. As an indicator, the beam service duration can prevent the terminal from switching to a beam with too short a beam service duration, thereby reducing the frequency of switching between different beams and ensuring the continuous operation of communication services.

[0017] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information of the terminal.

[0018] The satellite sends the beam measurement configuration according to the terminal's ephemeris capability information. After the terminal receives the beam measurement configuration sent by the satellite, it can measure the signal strength of N beams based on the beam measurement configuration. As an indicator, the beam signal strength can prevent the terminal from switching to a beam with too low beam signal strength, so as to ensure the smooth operation of terminal services with high rate requirements.

[0019] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0020] When the satellite sends beam switching information, the beam switching information includes the beam identifier of the target beam. In one scenario, beam switching may occur between different beams belonging to the same satellite.

[0021] In another scenario, beam switching may occur in different beams belonging to different satellites. This implementation provides a more flexible beam switching option for the beam switching method described in the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, further, in another possible implementation of the first aspect, the beam switching information may also include the satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0022] When the satellite sends beam switching information, the beam switching information may also include the satellite identifier of the target beam. In a possible switching scenario, beam switching occurs in different beams belonging to different satellites.

[0023] For example, the service beam and the target beam belong to the same satellite and have the same beam service duration, but the target beam has a higher signal strength. If the terminal service requires a higher rate, the terminal switches to the target beam with a higher signal strength.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0025] The switching condition can ensure that the signal strength of the target beam to be switched is always higher than the signal strength of the terminal's current service beam, and there is a switching threshold limit. The above restriction can further prevent the terminal from switching to a beam with lower signal strength, ensuring the normal operation of the terminal service in terms of communication rate.

[0026] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0027] The above access conditions limit the resources of the target beam. In some scenarios, although the weighted values ​​of the signal strength and service duration of the recommended beam are large, the resources of the beam may consume a lot and cannot meet the current terminal's business. In this case, the recommended beam cannot be used as the target beam. The access conditions ensure the normal operation of the terminal business in terms of communication resources.

[0028] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0029] The terminal having ephemeris capability is equivalent to the terminal having valid ephemeris. This restriction can prevent terminals without ephemeris capability from wasting computing resources and ensure the efficient operation of the satellite communication system.

[0030] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the beam switching method further includes sending ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0031] When the terminal has ephemeris capability, it can send ephemeris capability information to the satellite. The ephemeris capability information indicates that the terminal has ephemeris capability, that is, the terminal can make beam recommendations. The ephemeris indication information effectively indicates that the terminal has ephemeris capability, which facilitates the implementation of the subsequent beam switching method, making the communication between the terminal and the satellite more convenient and improving the communication efficiency and quality.

[0032] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the beam switching method further includes receiving an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0033] After receiving the ephemeris query request, the terminal needs to send ephemeris capability information according to the ephemeris query request to indicate the ephemeris capability of the terminal, so as to facilitate the implementation of the subsequent beam switching method. Through the interaction between the ephemeris query request and the ephemeris capability information, control signaling can be used to transmit as much information as possible between the satellite and the terminal while saving storage resources.

[0034] It should be noted that the terminal can actively report the ephemeris capability information to the satellite, for example, when the terminal accesses the service satellite, or it can report the ephemeris capability information after receiving the ephemeris query request sent by the satellite, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0035] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the beam switching method further includes receiving ephemeris information from a ground network and / or a satellite.

[0036] To implement the beam switching method, the terminal can receive ephemeris information from the ground network and / or the satellite. In one possible scenario, the terminal has ground network capabilities, such as a cellular network or a WIFI network. The terminal can periodically obtain the ephemeris information of the entire constellation from the ground network (for example, by accessing a server) at a period of T1. It is worth noting that the validity period of the ephemeris information should be T1, and the ephemeris is invalid if it times out. In another possible scenario, the terminal can also receive ephemeris information from a satellite (such as a service satellite). The embodiment of the present application does not limit the source of the ephemeris information obtained by the terminal.

[0037] In a second aspect, a beam switching method is provided, including: receiving the number of a recommended beam, determining the recommended beam based on a weighted value of the beam service duration and the beam signal strength, sending beam switching information, the beam switching information indicating switching to a target beam, and the target beam being determined based on the recommended beam.

[0038] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam satisfies is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}, in the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0040] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0041] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0042] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information.

[0043] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0044] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the beam switching information further includes a satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0045] In another possible implementation of the second aspect, the target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0046] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0047] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0048] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the beam switching method further includes receiving ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0049] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the beam switching method further includes sending an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0050] In another possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the beam switching method further includes sending ephemeris information.

[0051] In addition, the technical effects of the beam switching method described in the second aspect can refer to the technical effects of the beam switching method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0052] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes: a processing module and a transceiver module; wherein the transceiver module is used to receive beam switching information, wherein the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, and the target beam is determined based on a recommended beam; the transceiver module is also used to send a number of a recommended beam, wherein the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of a beam service duration and a beam signal strength; and the processing module is used to determine the recommended beam according to the beam signal strength and the beam service duration.

[0053] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0054] In a possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam satisfies is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}, in the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0055] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0056] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0057] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information.

[0058] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0059] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the beam switching information further includes a satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0060] In another possible implementation of the third aspect, the target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0061] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0062] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0063] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the beam switching method further includes sending ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0064] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the beam switching method further includes receiving an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0065] In another possible implementation manner of the third aspect, the beam switching method further includes receiving ephemeris information from a ground network and / or a satellite.

[0066] The above-mentioned transceiver module is used to implement the transceiver function. Further, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. Among them, the sending module and the receiving module are used to implement the sending function and the receiving function of the communication device described in the fifth aspect respectively.

[0067] Optionally, the communication device described in the third aspect may further include a storage module, which stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the communication device can execute the beam switching method described in any implementation of the first aspect.

[0068] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the third aspect can refer to the technical effects of the beam switching method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0069] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes: a processing module and a transceiver module; wherein the transceiver module is used to receive the number of a recommended beam, wherein the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of the beam service duration and the beam signal strength; the transceiver module is also used to send beam switching information, wherein the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, and the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam; and the processing module is used to determine the target beam according to the number of the recommended beam.

[0070] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0071] In a possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam satisfies is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}, in the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0072] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0073] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0074] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information.

[0075] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0076] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the beam switching information also includes a satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0077] In another possible implementation of the fourth aspect, the target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0078] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0079] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0080] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the beam switching method further includes receiving ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0081] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the beam switching method further includes sending an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0082] In another possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the beam switching method further includes sending ephemeris information.

[0083] The above-mentioned transceiver module is used to implement the transceiver function. Further, the transceiver module may include a receiving module and a sending module. Among them, the sending module and the receiving module are used to implement the sending function and the receiving function of the communication device described in the fifth aspect respectively.

[0084] Optionally, the communication device described in the fourth aspect may further include a storage module, wherein the storage module stores a program or instruction. When the processing module executes the program or instruction, the communication device can execute the beam switching method described in the second aspect.

[0085] It should be noted that the communication device described in the fourth aspect can be a satellite, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set on a satellite, or a device that includes a satellite, and this application does not limit this.

[0086] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fourth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the beam switching method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the device includes a unit or module for executing any one of the implementations in the first aspect, or includes a unit or module for executing any one of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0088] In a possible design of the fifth aspect, the communication device may be the terminal described in the first aspect, such as a mobile phone, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that may be provided in the terminal, or a device including the terminal.

[0089] It should be understood that the communication device described in the fifth aspect includes a module, unit, or means corresponding to the beam switching method described in the first aspect, and the module, unit, or means can be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units for performing the functions involved in the above-mentioned beam switching method.

[0090] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the fifth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the beam switching method described in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0091] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes: a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the device executes the beam switching method as described in any implementation of the first aspect, or executes the beam switching method as described in any implementation of the second aspect.

[0092] In a possible design of the sixth aspect, the communication device may further include a transceiver. The transceiver may be a transceiver circuit or an interface circuit. The transceiver may be used for the communication device described in the sixth aspect to communicate with other communication devices.

[0093] In the present application, the communication device described in the sixth aspect may be the terminal in the first aspect or the satellite in the second aspect, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that may be arranged in the terminal or satellite, or a device including the terminal or satellite.

[0094] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device described in the sixth aspect can refer to the technical effects of the beam switching method described in any implementation method in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes one or more terminals and one or more satellites.

[0096] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, storing a computer program or instruction, which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the beam switching method as described in any one of the implementations in the first aspect, or the beam switching method as described in any one of the implementations in the second aspect.

[0097] In the ninth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer implements the beam switching method described in any one of the implementations in the first aspect, or implements the beam switching method described in any one of the implementations in the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a terminal performing beam switching based on signal strength;

[0100] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a beam switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a process of querying the ephemeris capability of a satellite terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a process for a terminal to obtain ephemeris information provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0104] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0106] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as non-terrestrial communication systems (such as satellite communication systems), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication systems, device-to-device (D2D) communication systems, Internet of Vehicles communication systems, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication systems, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication systems, such as new radio (NR) systems, and future communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication systems.

[0107] The present application will present various aspects, embodiments or features around a system that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. In addition, combinations of these schemes may also be used.

[0108] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplarily" and "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" in the present application should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present application, "information", "signal", "message", "channel" and "signaling" may be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are consistent. "of", "corresponding, relevant" and "corresponding" may be used interchangeably. It should be noted that when the distinction between them is not emphasized, the meanings they intend to express are consistent.

[0110] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0111] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first Figure 1 The communication system shown in the example is used to describe in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0112] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a terminal and a satellite.

[0113] The satellite is located on the network side of the communication system and can be used for wireless communication, such as communication with terminals on the ground or other satellites.

[0114] The above-mentioned terminal is a terminal device that accesses the above-mentioned communication system and has a wireless transceiver function or a chip (system) or component or assembly that can be set in the terminal device. The terminal can also be called a user device, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a user agent or a user device. The terminal device in the embodiment of the present application can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with a wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal in industrial control (industrial control), a wireless terminal in self-driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical (remote medical), a wireless terminal in smart grid (smart grid), a wireless terminal in transportation safety (transportation safety), a wireless terminal in a smart city (smart city), a wireless terminal in a smart home (smart home), a vehicle-mounted terminal, an RSU with a terminal function, etc.

[0115] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to Figure 1 The communication between the terminal and the satellite shown in the figure can be specifically implemented by referring to the following method embodiment, which will not be described in detail here.

[0116] It should be pointed out that the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication systems, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other communication systems.

[0117] It should be understood that Figure 1 The simplified schematic diagram is only for the sake of understanding. The communication system may also include other satellites and / or other terminals. Figure 1 Not drawn in.

[0118] For ease of understanding, Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a terminal performing beam switching based on signal strength. For terminal 201, at time 1, the beam belonging to satellite 202 can provide the maximum signal strength, and terminal 201 is served by the beam belonging to satellite 202. Due to the movement of satellite 202, at time 2, the beam belonging to satellite 203 can provide the maximum signal strength, and terminal 201 switches to the beam belonging to satellite 203. At time 3, the beam belonging to satellite 204 can provide the maximum signal strength, and terminal 201 switches to the beam belonging to satellite 204. During the movement of the satellite, the beam signal strength will be affected to a certain extent. In the above scenario, terminal 201 always switches to the target beam that can provide the maximum signal strength. As time goes by, the terminal is provided with access services by beams of different satellites. In this process, terminal 201 performs beam switching between different satellites.

[0119] In the above beam switching process, the distance between the satellite and the ground is far, the signal transmission delay is large, and the beam switching takes a long time. Frequent beam switching by the terminal based only on the beam signal strength will affect the stability and continuity of the communication service and reduce the user experience.

[0120] To avoid the terminal switching beams only based on beam signal strength, and to meet the rate requirements and service continuity requirements of the terminal services at the same time. An embodiment of the present invention provides a beam switching method, that is, introducing the following beam switching mechanism: when the terminal makes a beam recommendation, it not only considers the beam signal strength, but also comprehensively considers the beam service duration, selects a suitable weighting factor according to the specific service, and determines the recommended beam based on the weighted values ​​of the above factors. The satellite determines the target beam to be switched based on the recommended beam, and sends down the beam switching information.

[0121] The following will be combined Figure 3 The beam switching method provided in the embodiment of the present application is specifically described.

[0122] For example, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a beam switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The beam switching method can be applied to Figure 1 In the communication system shown.

[0123] like Figure 3As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0124] S301, the terminal sends a number of a recommended beam, the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of the beam service duration and the beam signal strength. Correspondingly, the satellite receives the number of the recommended beam.

[0125] S302, the satellite sends beam switching information, the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam. Correspondingly, the terminal receives the beam switching information.

[0126] It can be seen from the above beam switching method that when the terminal needs to send the recommended beam number to the satellite, the terminal can comprehensively consider the two dimensions of beam service duration and beam signal strength. On the premise of ensuring signal strength, the frequency of terminal switching between satellites can be reduced to ensure the continuity and stability of the service.

[0127] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0128] Accordingly, different weight values ​​can be assigned to the beam service duration and beam signal strength respectively, and by comparing the calculation results of different beams, the recommended beam that best suits the current communication needs can be selected.

[0129] In a possible implementation, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam meets is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}. In the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0130] The above expression describes in detail a method for calculating a recommended beam. Based on the maximum value of the beam signal strength and the maximum value of the serviceable time, the signal strength and the serviceable time of each beam are normalized respectively, and a weighted value is calculated for each beam. The service rate factor a of the terminal and the service continuity factor b of the terminal are variable weights. The beam recommendation method can provide a flexible and definite method for recommending beams through the service rate factor and the service continuity factor, based on the weight calculation of the beam service time and the beam signal strength.

[0131] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0132] When the terminal service has higher rate requirements, the value of a is larger; when the terminal service has higher service continuity requirements, the value of b is larger. This beam recommendation method can comprehensively weigh the rate requirements and service continuity requirements of the terminal service, and calculate the recommended beam that best suits the current terminal service based on the beam service duration and beam signal strength to meet the specific communication needs of the terminal, thereby improving the user experience.

[0133] For example, in a communication scenario, the signal strength of the current terminal service beam A is higher than the signal strength of beam B that can be used for beam switching, and the service duration of service beam A is lower than the service duration of beam B. At this time, the normalized value of the signal strength of beam A and the normalized value of the service duration of beam A can be obtained by calculation; the normalized value of the signal strength of beam B and the normalized value of the service duration of beam B can also be obtained by calculation. If the terminal's service at this time has high requirements for service continuity and general requirements for rate, for example, the terminal service at this time is a communication service. At this time, the terminal's service rate factor a can be set to 0.1, and the terminal's service continuity factor b can be set to 0.9. This weight can indicate that the terminal service at this time prefers a beam with a longer service duration. When the weighted value of beam A is less than the weighted value of beam B through the above calculation method, the terminal will use beam B as the recommended beam and report the number of beam B to the satellite.

[0134] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0135] Based on the ephemeris information, the terminal can obtain the relevant parameters of the satellite trajectory. Further combined with the terminal's location, the terminal can determine the beam service duration that each satellite beam can provide to the terminal. As an indicator, the beam service duration can prevent the terminal from switching to a beam with too short a beam service duration, thereby reducing the frequency of switching between different beams, and ensuring the continuous operation of communication services as much as possible.

[0136] For example, in one possible scenario, the terminal combines its own latitude and longitude, altitude, moving speed, satellite ephemeris information, satellite minimum access elevation angle and other information to calculate the time interval for the satellite to which the beam belongs to move from the current position to the minimum access elevation angle, and defines it as the serviceable duration of the beam.

[0137] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ephemeris information refers to orbital parameters that can predict the satellite trajectory, such as the right ascension of the orbital ascending node, the orbital inclination, the length of the major semi-axis, the perigee angle, and other parameters.

[0138] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information.

[0139] The satellite sends the beam measurement configuration according to the terminal's ephemeris capability information. After the terminal receives the beam measurement configuration sent by the satellite, it can measure the signal strength of N beams based on the beam measurement configuration. As an indicator, the beam signal strength can prevent the terminal from switching to a beam with too low beam signal strength, so as to ensure the smooth operation of terminal services with high rate requirements.

[0140] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0141] When the satellite sends beam switching information, the beam switching information includes the beam identifier of the target beam. In one scenario, beam switching may occur between different beams belonging to the same satellite.

[0142] In another scenario, beam switching may occur in different beams belonging to different satellites. This implementation can provide a more flexible beam switching option for the beam switching method of the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, further, in another possible implementation of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching information also includes the satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0143] When the satellite sends beam switching information, the beam switching information may also include the satellite identifier of the target beam. In a possible switching scenario, the beam switching occurs between different beams belonging to different satellites.

[0144] For example, the service beam and the target beam belong to the same satellite and have the same beam service duration, but the target beam has a higher signal strength. If the terminal service requires a higher rate, the terminal switches to the target beam with a higher signal strength.

[0145] In another possible implementation of an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0146] The switching condition can ensure that the signal strength of the target beam to be switched is always higher than the signal strength of the terminal's current service beam, and there is a switching threshold limit. The above restriction can further prevent the terminal from switching to a beam with lower signal strength, ensuring the normal operation of the terminal service in terms of communication rate.

[0147] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0148] The above access conditions limit the resources of the target beam. In some scenarios, although the weighted values ​​of the signal strength and service duration of the recommended beam are large, the resources of the beam may consume a lot and cannot meet the current terminal's business. In this case, the recommended beam cannot be used as the target beam. The access conditions ensure the normal operation of the terminal business in terms of communication resources.

[0149] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0150] The terminal having ephemeris capability is equivalent to the terminal having valid ephemeris. This restriction can prevent terminals without ephemeris capability from wasting computing resources and ensure the efficient operation of the satellite communication system.

[0151] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned beam switching method also includes sending ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0152] When the terminal has ephemeris capability, it can send ephemeris capability information to the satellite. The ephemeris capability information indicates that the terminal has ephemeris capability, that is, the terminal can make beam recommendations. The ephemeris indication information effectively indicates that the terminal has ephemeris capability, which facilitates the implementation of the subsequent beam switching method, making the communication between the terminal and the satellite more convenient and improving the communication efficiency and quality.

[0153] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching method further includes receiving an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0154] After receiving the ephemeris query request, the terminal needs to send ephemeris capability information according to the ephemeris query request to indicate the ephemeris capability of the terminal, so as to facilitate the implementation of the beam switching method. Through the interaction between the ephemeris query request and the ephemeris capability information, control signaling can be used to transmit as much information as possible between the satellite and the terminal while saving storage resources.

[0155] It should be noted that the terminal can actively report the ephemeris capability information to the satellite, for example, when the terminal accesses the service satellite. The ephemeris capability information can also be reported after receiving the ephemeris query request sent by the satellite, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0156] For example, after receiving the ephemeris query request sent by the satellite, the process of reporting the ephemeris capability can be done by Figure 4 express.

[0157] The satellite first sends an ephemeris query request to query the terminal's ephemeris capability. After receiving the ephemeris query request, the terminal reads whether there is an ephemeris capability item in the ephemeris query request. If there is no ephemeris capability item, the terminal will no longer report the ephemeris capability. If there is an ephemeris capability item in the ephemeris query request, the ephemeris query request will continue to identify whether the queried terminal has valid ephemeris. If the terminal has valid ephemeris, it can be considered that the terminal has ephemeris capability. The terminal marks itself as W-ephemeris (with-ephemeris, that is, it has valid ephemeris). The terminal sends ephemeris capability information, which is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability; if the terminal does not have valid ephemeris, it can be considered that the terminal does not have ephemeris capability. The terminal marks itself as Wo-ephemeris (without-ephemeris, that is, it does not have valid ephemeris), and the terminal reports to the satellite that it does not have ephemeris capability.

[0158] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned beam switching method also includes receiving ephemeris information from a ground network and / or a satellite.

[0159] To implement the beam switching method, the terminal may receive ephemeris information from a ground network and / or a satellite. The process of receiving ephemeris information by the terminal may be as follows: Figure 5 express.

[0160] In a possible scenario, the terminal has ground network capabilities, such as cellular networks or WIFI networks. The terminal periodically obtains full-constellation ephemeris information from the ground network (for example, by accessing a server) at a period T1. It is worth noting that the validity period of the ephemeris information should be T1, and the ephemeris is invalid if it times out.

[0161] For example, at a certain moment, the terminal accesses the server through the ground network to obtain the ephemeris information of the entire constellation. When the ephemeris information is updated, the terminal fails to obtain the ephemeris information due to a fault. At this time, the terminal has not used other channels to receive the ephemeris information in time. Although the terminal has the ephemeris information of the entire constellation, the ephemeris information is still regarded as invalid due to the timeout of the ephemeris information.

[0162] In another possible scenario, the terminal does not have ground network capabilities. After the terminal accesses the satellite network, it demodulates satellite broadcast information to obtain the ephemeris information of the service satellite and adjacent satellites. Accordingly, the terminal will perform ephemeris maintenance according to timer T2, that is, with T2 as the period, it regularly demodulates satellite broadcast information to obtain the ephemeris information of the service satellite and adjacent satellites, and deletes expired ephemeris.

[0163] The above describes in detail the beam switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 and Figure 7 A communication device for executing the beam switching method provided in an embodiment of the present application is described in detail.

[0164] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a communication device, which includes a unit or module for executing a terminal function or a satellite function in the beam switching method provided in the above method embodiment.

[0165] In one possible design, the communication device may be the terminal described in the above method embodiment, such as a mobile phone, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that may be provided in the terminal, or a device or equipment including the terminal.

[0166] It should be understood that the communication device may include a module, unit, or means corresponding to the beam switching method described in the above method embodiment, and the module, unit, or means may be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units for executing the functions involved in the above beam switching method.

[0167] For example, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 .like Figure 6 As shown, the communication device 600 includes: a processing module 601 and a transceiver module 602. For ease of description, Figure 6 Only the main components of the communication device are shown.

[0168] In some embodiments, the communication device 600 may be adapted to Figure 1 In the communication system shown in , the functions of the terminal in the above-mentioned beam switching method are performed.

[0169] The transceiver module 602 is used to receive beam switching information from a satellite, wherein the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, and the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam;

[0170] The transceiver module 602 is further configured to send a number of a recommended beam, wherein the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of a beam service duration and a beam signal strength;

[0171] The processing module 601 is used to determine a recommended beam according to the beam signal strength and the beam service duration.

[0172] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0173] In a possible design of an embodiment of the present invention, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam meets is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}, in the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0174] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0175] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0176] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information.

[0177] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0178] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching information further includes a satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0179] In another possible implementation of an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0180] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0181] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0182] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned beam switching method also includes sending ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0183] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching method further includes receiving an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0184] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned beam switching method also includes receiving ephemeris information from a ground network and / or a satellite.

[0185] The above-mentioned communication device 600 can be a terminal, or a chip (system) or other parts or components that can be set in the terminal, or a device or equipment including a terminal, which is not limited in this application.

[0186] In some other embodiments, the communication device 600 may be suitable for Figure 1 In the communication system shown in , the function of the satellite in the above-mentioned beam switching method is performed.

[0187] The transceiver module 602 is used to receive the number of the recommended beam, where the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of the beam service duration and the beam signal strength;

[0188] The transceiver module 602 is further configured to send beam switching information, where the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, where the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam;

[0189] The processing module 601 is used to determine the target beam according to the serial number of the recommended beam.

[0190] Among them, the recommended beam is the beam with the largest weighted value of beam service time and beam signal strength.

[0191] In a possible design of an embodiment of the present invention, the mathematical expression that the recommended beam meets is: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n}, in the above formula, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , where p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

[0192] The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

[0193] The above beam service duration is determined based on the satellite trajectory and the position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on the ephemeris information.

[0194] The signal strengths of the above-mentioned N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on the beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on the ephemeris capability information.

[0195] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching information includes a beam identifier of the target beam.

[0196] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching information further includes a satellite identifier of the target beam.

[0197] In another possible implementation of an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

[0198] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the target beam is a beam in the recommended beam that meets the access condition, and the access condition includes: the idle resources of the target beam can meet the services of the terminal.

[0199] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine a recommended beam.

[0200] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching method further includes receiving ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has ephemeris capability.

[0201] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching method further includes sending an ephemeris query request, where the ephemeris query request is used to query ephemeris capability information.

[0202] In another possible implementation manner of the embodiment of the present invention, the beam switching method further includes sending ephemeris information.

[0203] The communication device 600 may be a satellite, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be set on a satellite, or a device or equipment including a satellite, which is not limited in the present application.

[0204] It should be noted that the transceiver module 602 is used to implement the transceiver function. Further, the transceiver module 602 may include a receiving module and a sending module. The sending module and the receiving module are used to implement the sending function and the receiving function of the communication device 600, respectively.

[0205] Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage module, which stores a program or instruction. When the processing module 601 executes the program or instruction, the communication device 600 may execute the beam switching method provided by the above method embodiment.

[0206] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 600 can refer to the technical effects of the beam switching method provided in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0207] For example, Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 The communication device may be a terminal or a satellite, or a chip (system) or other component or assembly that can be arranged in the terminal or the satellite. Figure 7 As shown, the communication device 700 may include a processor 701. Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a memory 702 and / or a transceiver 703. The processor 701 is coupled with the memory 702 and the transceiver 703, such as being connected via a communication bus.

[0208] Combine the following Figure 7 The components of the communication device 700 are described in detail:

[0209] The processor 701 is the control center of the communication device 700, and may be a processor or a general term for multiple processing elements. For example, the processor 701 is one or more central processing units (CPUs), or may be application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or may be configured to implement one or more integrated circuits of the embodiments of the present application, such as one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors, DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0210] Optionally, the processor 701 may perform various functions of the communication device 700 by running or executing a software program stored in the memory 702 , and calling data stored in the memory 702 .

[0211] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 7 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in FIG.

[0212] In a specific implementation, as an embodiment, the communication device 700 may also include multiple processors, such as Figure 7 1 and 10. Each of these processors may be a single-core processor (single-CPU) or a multi-core processor (multi-CPU). A processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0213] Among them, the memory 702 is used to store the software program for executing the solution of the present application, and the execution is controlled by the processor 701. The specific implementation method can refer to the above method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0214] Optionally, the memory 702 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 702 may be integrated with the processor 701, or may exist independently and be communicated to the processor 701 through the interface circuit ( Figure 7 (not shown) is coupled to the processor 701, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0215] The transceiver 703 is used for communication with other communication devices. For example, the communication device 700 may be a terminal, and the transceiver 703 may be used for communication with a satellite, or with another terminal. For another example, the communication device 700 may be a satellite, and the transceiver 703 may be used for communication with a terminal, or with another satellite.

[0216] Optionally, the transceiver 703 may include a receiver and a transmitter ( Figure 7 The receiver is used to implement a receiving function, and the transmitter is used to implement a sending function.

[0217] Optionally, the transceiver 703 may be integrated with the processor 701, or may exist independently and communicate with the processor 701 through the interface circuit ( Figure 7 (not shown) is coupled to the processor 701, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0218] It should be noted that Figure 7 The structure of the communication device 700 shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, and the actual communication device may include more or less components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0219] In addition, the technical effects of the communication device 700 can refer to the technical effects of the communication method described in the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0220] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a terminal and a satellite.

[0221] Optionally, the communication system may further include: core network equipment.

[0222] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0223] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0224] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware (such as circuits), firmware or any other combination. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website site, computer, server or data center to another website site, computer, server or data center by wired or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that contains one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium. The semiconductor medium can be a solid-state hard disk.

[0225] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship, but it may also indicate an "and / or" relationship. Please refer to the context for specific understanding.

[0226] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can be represented by: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0227] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0228] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0229] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0230] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0231] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0232] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0233] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application can be essentially or partly embodied in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage media include: various media that can store program codes, such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROM), random access memories (RAM), magnetic disks or optical disks.

[0234] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art who is familiar with the present technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, which should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A beam switching method, characterized in that: include: Sending a number of a recommended beam, where the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of a beam service duration and a beam signal strength; A beam switching information is received, wherein the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, wherein the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam.

2. The beam switching method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recommended beam is a beam having the largest weighted value of the beam service time and the beam signal strength.

3. The beam switching method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The recommended beam meets: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n }, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , Among them, p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

4. The beam switching method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

5. The beam switching method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The beam service duration is determined based on a satellite trajectory and a position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on ephemeris information.

6. The beam switching method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The signal strengths of the N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on a beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on ephemeris capability information.

7. The beam switching method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The beam switching information includes a beam identifier of a target beam.

8. The beam switching method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The beam switching information also includes the satellite identifier of the target beam.

9. The beam switching method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets a switching condition, and the switching condition includes: a signal strength of the target beam is greater than a signal strength of a service beam of the terminal, and a difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than a switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on a satellite.

10. The beam switching method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The target beam also satisfies a beam access condition, and the beam access condition includes: idle resources of the target beam can meet the service of the terminal.

11. The beam switching method according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that: The terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine the recommended beam.

12. The beam switching method according to claim 11, characterized in that: Also includes: Sending ephemeris capability information, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ephemeris capability.

13. The beam switching method according to claim 12, characterized in that: Also includes: An ephemeris query request is received, where the ephemeris query request is used to query the ephemeris capability information.

14. The beam switching method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: Receive ephemeris information from terrestrial networks and / or satellites.

15. A beam switching method, characterized in that: include: receiving a number of a recommended beam, where the recommended beam is determined based on a weighted value of a beam service duration and a beam signal strength; Transmitting beam switching information, wherein the beam switching information indicates switching to a target beam, wherein the target beam is determined based on the recommended beam.

16. The beam switching method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The recommended beam is a beam having the largest weighted value of the beam service time and the beam signal strength.

17. The beam switching method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The recommended beam meets: max{a*p norm,n +b*t norm,n }, p norm,n =p n / p max , t norm,n =t n / t max , Among them, p norm,n is the normalized value of the signal strength of the nth beam, t norm,n is the normalized value of the beam service duration of the nth beam, p n is the signal strength of the nth beam, t n is the beam service duration of the nth beam, p max is the maximum value of the signal strength of N beams, t max It is the maximum value of the beam service duration of N beams, 1≤n≤N, N is a positive integer, N>1, a is the service rate factor of the terminal, b is the service continuity factor of the terminal, 0≤a≤1, 0≤b≤1, a+b=1.

18. The beam switching method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The service rate factor of the terminal and the service continuity factor of the terminal depend on the service type of the terminal.

19. The beam switching method according to claim 18, characterized in that: The beam service duration is determined based on a satellite trajectory and a position of the terminal, and the satellite trajectory is determined based on ephemeris information.

20. The beam switching method according to claim 18, characterized in that: The signal strengths of the N beams are measured and determined by the terminal based on a beam measurement configuration, and the beam measurement configuration is determined based on ephemeris capability information.

21. The beam switching method according to claim 20, characterized in that: The beam switching information includes a beam identifier of a target beam.

22. The beam switching method according to claim 21, characterized in that: The beam switching information also includes the satellite identifier of the target beam.

23. The beam switching method according to claim 22, characterized in that: The target beam is a beam among the recommended beams that meets the switching conditions, and the switching conditions include: the signal strength of the target beam is greater than the signal strength of the service beam of the terminal, and the difference between the signal strength of the target beam and the signal strength of the service beam is higher than the switching threshold value, and the switching threshold value is determined based on the satellite.

24. The beam switching method according to claim 23, characterized in that: The target beam also satisfies a beam access condition, and the beam access condition includes: idle resources of the target beam can meet the service of the terminal.

25. The beam switching method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that: The terminal has an ephemeris capability, and the ephemeris capability is used to determine the recommended beam.

26. The beam switching method according to claim 25, characterized in that: Also includes: Ephemeris capability information is received, where the ephemeris capability information is used to indicate that the terminal has the ephemeris capability.

27. The beam switching method according to claim 26, characterized in that: Also includes: An ephemeris query request is sent, where the ephemeris query request is used to query the ephemeris capability information.

28. The beam switching method according to claim 27, characterized in that: Also includes: Send ephemeris information.

29. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, wherein the memory is used to store programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device executes the beam switching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, or executes the beam switching method as described in any one of claims 15 to 28.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A computer program or instruction is stored, and when the computer program or instruction is executed, the computer executes the beam switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or the beam switching method according to any one of claims 15 to 28.

31. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product includes computer program code, and when the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer implements the beam switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, or implements the beam switching method according to any one of claims 15 to 28.

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