Unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station data transmission method and unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station

Abstract

The invention provides an unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station data transmission method and an unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station, and belongs to the technical field of communication. And in a scene in which a plurality of terminals in the target area need to transmit data, according to the position of each terminal and the number of terminals in a preset range corresponding to each candidate position, determining a hovering position and an approach position of the unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station in the target area, and generating a flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on all the hovering positions and the approach positions. In the application, the hovering position and the path position in the flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle are determined according to the position of the terminal in the target area, when the unmanned aerial vehicle arrives at the hovering position, the terminal in the hovering position range completes data transmission, and when the unmanned aerial vehicle arrives at the path position, the terminal in the path position range completes data transmission. On the basis that the data transmission requirement of the terminal is met, the power consumption of the terminal and the unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station is reduced as much as possible by reducing the communication distance between the terminal and the unmanned aerial vehicle satellite base station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method for transmitting data from a UAV satellite base station and a UAV satellite base station. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a traditional cellular mobile communication system, such as Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the terminal is connected to the ground base station through a wireless interface, the ground base station is connected to the core network through optical fiber, and the core network is connected to the external network through optical fiber. Compared with the wireless interface, optical fiber transmission is more reliable and has a larger transmission capacity, so the optimization of the existing cellular mobile communication system is mainly focused on the wireless interface. However, once a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood occurs, the optical fiber interface is easily damaged. In this scenario, the drone satellite base station comes into being. The drone satellite base station establishes a connection with the satellite through the wireless interface, and the satellite establishes a connection with the core network, thereby realizing the communication service of the terminal.

[0003] For temporary communication islands caused by disasters, the drone satellite base station can provide temporary communication services. When the ground base station resumes normal communication, the drone satellite base station stops providing services. In temporary communication island scenarios, there is usually no power supply device, and the power saving requirements for the terminal are high.

[0004] In a scenario where the area of ​​a temporary communication island is large, there may be multiple terminals that need to transmit data. In this scenario, there is a lack of feasible solutions to meet the higher power saving requirements of the terminals. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a method for transmitting data by a UAV satellite base station and a UAV satellite base station, so as to solve the problem of how to meet the higher power saving requirements of the terminal in the scenario where multiple terminals need to transmit data in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for transmitting data from a UAV satellite base station, the method comprising: The UAV satellite base station determines at least one candidate location within the target area; The drone satellite base station determines, for any of the candidate locations, the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location; wherein the preset range is a range of wireless signal coverage provided by the drone satellite base station at the candidate location; and the first location where the first terminal is currently located is within the preset range corresponding to the candidate location; The UAV satellite base station determines, according to the number of the first terminals, that the candidate position is a hovering position or a path position of the UAV satellite base station; the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is longer than the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the path position; wherein, when the number of the first terminals is greater than a first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the hovering position; when the number of the first terminals is greater than a second preset number and the number of the first terminals is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the path position; The drone satellite base station generates a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and the path positions, so that when the drone satellite base station moves to the hovering position according to the flight path, the first terminal transmits data within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position, and when the drone satellite base station moves to the path position, the first terminal transmits data within a preset range corresponding to the path position.

[0007] In a possible design, before determining the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location, the method further includes: The UAV satellite base station obtains a target terminal list from a core network network element, the target terminal list including an identifier and a second location of at least one second terminal, or an identifier of the at least one second terminal; wherein the target terminal list is determined by the core network network element based on a location area where a historical service cell corresponding to the target area is located; The UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list; wherein the third terminal is a second terminal whose current position is within the target area, or the third terminal is a fourth terminal that is outside the target terminal list and whose current position is within the target area; The determining the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate position includes: Based on the third position of the third terminal, the number of the first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate position is determined.

[0008] In one possible design, the UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, including: The UAV satellite base station sends a first message to the second terminal, where the first message carries an identifier of the second terminal and the second location; The UAV satellite base station receives a first response sent by the second terminal; when the fourth position of the second terminal is consistent with the second position, the first response includes an identifier of the second terminal; when the fourth position is inconsistent with the second position, the first response includes an identifier of the second terminal and the fourth position; wherein the fourth position is a current position of the second terminal; The drone satellite base station determines the identifier of the third terminal and the third position based on the first response.

[0009] In one possible design, the UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, including: The UAV satellite base station sends a second message to the second terminal, where the second message carries an identifier of the second terminal; The UAV satellite base station receives a second response sent by the second terminal, where the second response includes an identifier and a fourth position of the second terminal; The drone satellite base station determines the identifier of the third terminal and the third position based on the second response.

[0010] In one possible design, the UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, including: The UAV satellite base station sends a third message to the target area, where the third message carries the target terminal list; The UAV satellite base station receives a third response sent by a fourth terminal, wherein the third response includes an identifier and a fifth position of the fourth terminal; wherein the fourth terminal is a terminal that is outside the target terminal list and is within the target area; The drone satellite base station determines the identifier of the third terminal and the third position according to the third response.

[0011] In one possible design, the method further includes: The drone satellite base station starts a timer for any of the second terminals; When the timer corresponding to the second terminal times out and the UAV satellite base station does not receive the first response sent by the second terminal, the UAV satellite base station deletes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal in the target terminal list.

[0012] In one possible design, the target terminal list also includes a data transmission time of the at least one second terminal; After the drone satellite base station generates a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and the path positions, the method further includes: The UAV satellite base station determines the moving direction of the UAV satellite base station along the flight path based on the flight path and the data transmission time of the at least one second terminal, so that the working time period of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is earlier than or includes the data transmission time of the third terminal within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position, and the working time period of the path position is earlier than or includes the data transmission time of the third terminal within the preset range corresponding to the path position.

[0013] In one possible design, after the UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, the method further includes: The UAV satellite base station updates the target terminal list based on the identifier of the third terminal and the third position to obtain an updated target terminal list; The UAV satellite base station sends the updated target terminal list to the core network element.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, the device comprising: The processing module is further used to determine at least one candidate location in the target area; The processing module is further used to determine, for any of the candidate locations, the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location; wherein the preset range is a range of wireless signal coverage provided by the drone satellite base station at the candidate location; and the first location where the first terminal is currently located is within the preset range corresponding to the candidate location; The processing module is further used to determine, according to the number of the first terminals, that the candidate position is a hovering position or a path position of the UAV satellite base station; the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is longer than the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the path position; wherein, when the number of the first terminals is greater than a first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the hovering position; when the number of the first terminals is greater than a second preset number and the number of the first terminals is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the path position; The processing module is also used to generate a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and the path positions, so that when the UAV satellite base station moves to the hovering position according to the flight path, the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position transmits data, and when the UAV satellite base station moves to the path position, the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the path position transmits data.

[0015] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication system, comprising: a terminal and a core network, and a UAV satellite base station for executing the method in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible design of the first aspect.

[0016] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a UAV satellite base station, comprising: a memory and a processor; The memory is configured to store computer program instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions to implement the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect.

[0017] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory and at least one processor; The memory stores computer-executable instructions; The at least one processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the at least one processor performs the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect.

[0018] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer execution instructions are stored. When the computer execution instructions are executed, the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect are implemented.

[0019] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer implements the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect.

[0020] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a chip, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is used to implement the method described in the first aspect or various possible designs of the first aspect.

[0021] The present application provides a method for transmitting data by a UAV satellite base station and a UAV satellite base station. In a scenario where multiple terminals in a target area need to transmit data, the UAV satellite base station determines the hovering position and path position of the UAV satellite base station in the target area according to the position of each terminal and the number of terminals within a preset range corresponding to each candidate position, and generates a flight path of a UAV equipped with the UAV satellite base station based on all the hovering positions and path positions in the target area. In the present application, the hovering position and path position in the UAV flight path are determined according to the position of the terminal in the target area. When the UAV reaches the hovering position according to the flight path, the terminal within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position transmits data with the UAV satellite base station. When the UAV reaches the path position according to the flight path, the terminal within the preset range corresponding to the path position transmits data with the UAV satellite base station. On the basis of meeting the terminal data transmission requirements, by reducing the communication distance between the terminal and the UAV satellite base station, the power consumption of the terminal and the UAV satellite base station is reduced as much as possible, which is particularly suitable for temporary communication needs in emergency scenarios such as communication islands. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of a traditional cellular mobile communication system; Figure 2A A schematic diagram of an application scenario of a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a scenario in which two terminals and a UAV satellite base station work at two preset positions in a disaster-stricken area shown in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for transmitting data from a satellite base station of a UAV provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 A flowchart of another method for transmitting data by a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for determining an identifier and a third location of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 A flowchart of another method for determining an identifier and a third location of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 A flowchart of another method for determining an identifier and a third location of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a flight path provided in an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of the structure of a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.10A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs; the terms used in the specification of the application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application; the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions.

[0025] Reference to "embodiments" herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the phrase "embodiments" in various locations in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0026] The term "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists, A and B can exist at the same time, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0027] In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of this application or the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0028] In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" and "at least two" mean more than two (including two). Similarly, "plurality groups" and "at least two groups" mean more than two groups (including two).

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" or "connection" can refer to not only physical connection, but also electrical connection or signal connection. For example, it can be directly connected, that is, physically connected, or indirectly connected through at least one intermediate element, as long as the circuit is connected, or it can be the internal connection of two elements; signal connection can refer to signal connection through a circuit or through a media medium, such as radio waves. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0030] In order to make those skilled in the art better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that different technical features in the present application can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0031] First, the terms involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are explained.

[0032] A service cell refers to the area covered by a base station or part of a base station. A service cell focuses on providing actual wireless communication services to terminals, including voice and data transmission. Multiple service cells can cover a larger area in an adjacent and overlapping manner.

[0033] A location area, consisting of multiple service cells, is mainly used to manage the location information of users in a mobile communication network. A location area usually includes the service cells of multiple base stations. When a terminal roams in a location area, the network tracks and manages the location of the terminal through the location area. The location area focuses on the location information management of the terminal, ensuring that the network can correctly handle tasks such as location updates and call switching when the terminal moves; when the terminal moves from one location area to another, the network will record this information so that the network can correctly perform operations such as call routing and SMS delivery.

[0034] The terminal may be a wireless terminal, which may be a device that provides voice and / or other business data connectivity to users, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing equipment connected to a wireless modem. The wireless terminal may communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal may be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal, for example, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device, which exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network.

[0035] The following is an introduction to the implementation background of the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0036] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2A As shown, the drone is equipped with a portable satellite base station, which communicates with the satellite via a wireless interface, the satellite communicates with the core network via a wireless interface, and the core network communicates with the external network via optical fiber.

[0037] exist Figure 2A In the scenario shown, the drone can fly over the ground area and hover at a fixed position, and then start working by controlling a portable satellite base station carried by the drone, thereby providing wireless coverage to the ground area.

[0038] In the uplink transmission scenario, the terminal equipment located in the ground area can send uplink data to the satellite base station by sending wireless signals to the satellite base station. The satellite base station then sends the uplink data to the satellite by sending satellite signals. The satellite then transmits the uplink data to the core network by transmitting satellite signals. The core network sends the uplink data to the external network via optical fiber.

[0039] In the downlink transmission scenario, the external network sends downlink data to the core network via optical fiber. The core network transmits the downlink data to the satellite by transmitting satellite signals. The satellite then transmits satellite signals to transmit the downlink data to the satellite base station. The satellite base station then sends the downlink data to the terminal equipment in the ground area by transmitting wireless signals.

[0040] In the case of earthquakes, floods and other disasters, the affected area may be large, for example, up to 3 to 5 square kilometers. There are many terminals in the affected area, and there is usually a lack of charging devices, which places high demands on terminal power saving. Therefore, when there are multiple terminals in the affected area that need to transmit data, there is no feasible solution to meet the high power saving needs of the terminals.

[0041] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a scenario in which two terminals and a UAV satellite base station work at two preset locations in a disaster area according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2BAs shown, the diameter of the service cell corresponding to the drone satellite base station is d1, and the flight altitude of the drone is d2. When the drone satellite base station is located at the first preset position, the straight-line transmission distance between terminal A and the drone satellite base station is d2, and terminal A can establish a connection with the drone satellite base station and transmit data. Since the distance d2 between terminal A and the drone satellite base station is short, the power consumed by terminal A for transmitting a unit of data is relatively small; while the distance between terminal B and the drone satellite base station is greater than d2, although terminal B can establish a connection with the drone satellite base station and transmit data, since the distance between terminal B and the drone satellite base station is long, the power consumed by terminal B for transmitting a unit of data is relatively large. Accordingly, when the drone satellite base station is located at the second preset position, the power consumed by terminal A for transmitting a unit of data is relatively large, while the power consumed by terminal B for transmitting a unit of data is relatively small.

[0042] Therefore, in Figure 2B In the scenario shown, in order to meet the power saving needs of terminal A and terminal B, terminal A transmits data as much as possible when the drone satellite base station reaches the first preset position, at which time terminal A consumes the least power; terminal B transmits data as much as possible when the drone satellite base station reaches the second preset position, at which time terminal B consumes the least power.

[0043] Based on this, the present application provides a method for transmitting data by a UAV satellite base station and a UAV satellite base station. In a scenario where multiple terminals in a target area need to transmit data, the UAV satellite base station determines the hovering position and path position of the UAV satellite base station in the target area according to the position of each terminal and the number of terminals within a preset range corresponding to each candidate position, and generates a flight path of a UAV equipped with the UAV satellite base station based on all the hovering positions and path positions in the target area. In the present application, the hovering position and path position in the UAV flight path are determined according to the position of the terminal in the target area. When the UAV reaches the hovering position according to the flight path, the terminal within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position transmits data with the UAV satellite base station. When the UAV reaches the path position according to the flight path, the terminal within the preset range corresponding to the path position transmits data with the UAV satellite base station. On the basis of meeting the terminal data transmission requirements, by reducing the communication distance between the terminal and the UAV satellite base station, the power consumption of the terminal and the UAV satellite base station is reduced as much as possible, which is particularly suitable for temporary communication needs in emergency scenarios such as communication islands.

[0044] Next, some specific embodiments and drawings are used to describe in detail how the present application solves the problem of how to meet the higher power saving requirements of the terminals in the scenario where multiple terminals need to transmit data.

[0045] Figure 3A flowchart of a method for transmitting data from a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the method for transmitting data from a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application specifically includes S301 to S304, and S301 to S304 are described in detail below.

[0046] It should be noted that the executor of the method for transmitting data by a drone satellite base station provided in the embodiment of the present application may be a drone satellite base station.

[0047] S301. The UAV satellite base station determines at least one candidate location in the target area.

[0048] The candidate location refers to the preset location that the UAV satellite base station may move to in the target area for providing communication services. The candidate location is a specific coordinate point in the target area and can be expressed in longitude and latitude.

[0049] It should be noted that the target area refers to the geographical area where the drone satellite base station needs to provide communication coverage and services in the current mission.

[0050] The target area can be an area set by the user before deploying the drone satellite base station, or it can be an area determined by the drone satellite base station dynamically identifying the range of a temporary communication island by receiving signals from a ground terminal. This embodiment does not make any specific limitations.

[0051] The target area can be represented by geographic coordinates. Specifically, a triangular target area can be described by the longitude and latitude of three corner points, a rectangular target area can be described by the longitude and latitude of four corner points, and a circular target area can be described by the center and radius. In addition, a polygonal target area can be described by the longitude and latitude of five corner points, six corner points, or multiple corner points.

[0052] For example, the target area is a circular area with a center of (30.1234°N, 120.5678°E) and a radius of 5000 meters.

[0053] It should be noted that the candidate locations are pre-set by the user during the mission planning phase of the UAV satellite base station based on the scope of the target area and the communication coverage requirements.

[0054] For example, within the target area, the target area is divided into a number of equally divided sub-areas, and the center point of each sub-area is set as a candidate position.

[0055] S302. The UAV satellite base station determines, for any candidate location, the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location.

[0056] Among them, for any candidate location, the preset range corresponding to the candidate location refers to the range in which the drone satellite base station can provide wireless signal coverage at the candidate location.

[0057] It should be noted that the size of the preset range can be set by the user according to the range of the service cell of the drone satellite base station, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. The preset range corresponding to the candidate position is less than or equal to the range of the service cell of the drone satellite base station.

[0058] The first terminal refers to a terminal located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate position.

[0059] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station can determine the first terminal located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position according to the preset range corresponding to the candidate position, and count the number of first terminals and the first positions of all first terminals, filter out the first terminal located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position, and regard the first terminal within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position as the second terminal.

[0060] S303: The UAV satellite base station determines, based on the number of the first terminals, that the candidate location is a hovering location or a passing location of the UAV satellite base station.

[0061] Wherein, when the number of first terminals is greater than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be a hovering position; when the number of first terminals is greater than the second preset number and the number of first terminals is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be a passing position. The working time of the drone satellite base station at the hovering position is greater than the working time of the drone satellite base station at the passing position.

[0062] It should be noted that the first preset number is greater than the second preset number. The first preset number and the second preset number can be set by the user, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0063] For example, the first preset number is 5, and the second preset number is 1.

[0064] It should be noted that since the number of first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position is large, in order to ensure that the first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position can complete data transmission, the drone satellite base station works for a longer time at the hovering position; while the number of first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the passage position is small, and the drone satellite base station works for a shorter time at the passage position.

[0065] The working time of the drone satellite base station at the hovering position and the working time of the path position can be set by the user, or by the drone satellite base station according to the number of first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position and the path position. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0066] For example, the working time of the drone satellite base station in the hovering position is 3 minutes, and the working time of the drone satellite base station in the passing position is 1 minute.

[0067] For another example, when there are 23 first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position and 5 first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the passing position, the drone satellite base station sets its working time at the hovering position to 4 minutes and its working time at the passing position to 1 minute.

[0068] In addition, it should be noted that when the number of first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is discarded. At this time, the candidate position is not used as the hovering position / passage position.

[0069] S304. The UAV satellite base station generates a flight path based on all determined hovering positions and path positions, so that when the UAV satellite base station moves to the hovering position according to the flight path, it transmits data to the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position, and when the UAV satellite base station moves to the path position, it transmits data to the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the path position.

[0070] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station is mounted on the drone, the drone's flight path covers all hovering positions and path positions in the target area, and the drone's flight path is generated using the shortest path planning algorithm.

[0071] For example, there are five candidate locations in a disaster area, namely, candidate location A, candidate location B, candidate location C, candidate location D, and candidate location E. Candidate location A and candidate location C are hovering locations, candidate location B and candidate location E are en-route locations, and there is no first terminal within the preset range corresponding to candidate location D, so candidate location D is abandoned. In this disaster area, the flight path of the drone can be candidate location A→candidate location C→candidate location B→candidate location D. When the drone flies according to this flight path, the drone satellite base station first reaches the hovering location and works at each hovering location for the working time corresponding to the hovering location, and then reaches the en-route location and works at each en-route location for the working time corresponding to the en-route location.

[0072] The present application provides a method for transmitting data by a UAV satellite base station and a UAV satellite base station. In a scenario where multiple terminals in a target area need to transmit data, the UAV satellite base station determines the hovering position and path position of the UAV satellite base station in the target area according to the position of each terminal and the number of terminals within a preset range corresponding to each candidate position, and generates a flight path of a UAV equipped with the UAV satellite base station based on all the hovering positions and path positions in the target area. In the present application, the hovering position and path position in the UAV flight path are determined according to the position of the terminal in the target area. When the UAV reaches the hovering position according to the flight path, the terminal within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position transmits data with the UAV satellite base station. When the UAV reaches the path position according to the flight path, the terminal within the preset range corresponding to the path position transmits data with the UAV satellite base station. On the basis of meeting the terminal data transmission requirements, by reducing the communication distance between the terminal and the UAV satellite base station, the power consumption of the terminal and the UAV satellite base station is reduced as much as possible, which is particularly suitable for temporary communication needs in emergency scenarios such as communication islands.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the drone satellite base station needs to determine the number of first terminals located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position. Next, the specific process of the drone satellite base station determining the number of first terminals located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position is described in detail.

[0074] Figure 4 A flowchart of another method for transmitting data from a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, in a possible embodiment, before S302, the method for transmitting data by the UAV satellite base station also includes Sa1 and Sa2, and Sa1 and Sa2 are described in detail below.

[0075] Sa1. The UAV satellite base station obtains the target terminal list from the core network element.

[0076] The core network element may be a mobility management entity (MME) of a long term evolution (LTE) communication system, or an access and mobility management function (AMF) of a fifth generation mobile communication (5G) system. This embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0077] The target terminal list is determined by the core network element based on the location area where the historical service cell corresponding to the target area is located.

[0078] It should be noted that the UAV can obtain a list of terminals in the target area, that is, a target terminal list, from the core network element by reporting the target area to the core network element.

[0079] Specifically, the drone satellite base station establishes communication with the core network element through the S1 interface, and sends a message to the core network element to request a target terminal list corresponding to the target area. It is understandable that the drone satellite base station can also update the message through the S1 interface later.

[0080] After the core network element receives the target area information sent by the drone satellite base station, it first maps the target area to the list of ground service cells that covered the target area before the disaster occurred; secondly, it determines the location area to which all service cells in the service cell list belong, and filters out all terminals (second terminals) registered in the location area from the location area database to form a candidate terminal list; finally, it processes the candidate terminal list to obtain the target terminal list, and returns the target terminal list to the drone satellite base station.

[0081] For example, the historical serving cells corresponding to the target area are Cell1 and Cell2, both of which belong to Tracking Area1, and the core network element selects all terminals registered in the Tracking Area from the location area database to form a candidate terminal list.

[0082] The target terminal list includes the identifier and the second position of at least one second terminal, or the identifier of at least one second terminal.

[0083] It should be noted that the second terminal is a terminal historically registered in the location area corresponding to the target area, and the second location of the second terminal is the location of the serving cell where the second terminal last registered.

[0084] The candidate terminal list only includes the identifiers of all second terminals. After acquiring the candidate terminal list, the core network element sends the candidate terminal list to the positioning node and requests the positioning node for specific location information (second location) of each second terminal in the candidate terminal list.

[0085] For any second terminal in the candidate terminal list, if the positioning node is able to obtain the second position of the second terminal, the positioning node returns the second position of the second terminal to the core network network element; if the positioning node cannot obtain the second position of the second terminal, the positioning node returns failure information to the core network network element.

[0086] The core network element generates a target terminal list based on the candidate terminal list and feedback information from the positioning node. For a second terminal whose second position can be acquired by the positioning node, the target terminal list includes the identifier of the second terminal and the second position; for a second terminal whose second position cannot be acquired by the positioning node, the target terminal list only includes the identifier of the second terminal.

[0087] Among them, the identifier of the second terminal in the target terminal list can be the serving temporary mobile subscriber identity (Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity, S-TMSI) of the second terminal, or it can be the international mobile subscriber identity (International Mobile Subscriber Identity, IMSI) of the second terminal. This embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0088] It should be noted that S-TMSI is a temporary identifier used in LTE and 5G mobile communication systems. The S-TMSI of the terminal is allocated to the UE by the core network element, and different S-TMSIs are used to identify different UEs.

[0089] IMSI is a number that uniquely identifies a mobile network terminal worldwide. IMSI is usually stored in the terminal's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card.

[0090] Sa2. The UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list.

[0091] The third terminal is a second terminal whose current location is within the target area, or the third terminal is a fourth terminal that is outside the target terminal list and whose current location is within the target area.

[0092] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station can notify the second terminal in the target terminal list by sending a paging message to the second terminal in the target terminal list, and determine the identifier and third position of the third terminal based on the response message sent by the second terminal.

[0093] For any second terminal in the target terminal list, if the target terminal list includes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal, the drone satellite base station can embed the second position of the second terminal into the paging message.

[0094] If the paging message cannot carry the identifier and the second location of the second terminal, the drone satellite base station can add a radio resource control (RRC) message in addition to the paging message, and include the second location of the second terminal in the RRC message. The paging message and the additional RRC message can be transmitted in the same transmission block.

[0095] In addition, the drone satellite base station can also notify all terminals in the target area of ​​the target terminal list through broadcast messages, so as to obtain the current location of the second terminal and at the same time find a fourth terminal that is outside the target terminal list and whose current location is within the target area, and determine the identity and third location of the third terminal based on the response message sent by the second terminal and / or the third terminal.

[0096] Specifically, the UAV satellite base station can use the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) to broadcast the target terminal list as multicast information to all terminals in the target area, or use the Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) to quickly broadcast the target terminal list to all terminals in the target area. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0097] Furthermore, in the method steps shown in S302, when the drone satellite base station determines the number of first terminals located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position, the drone satellite base station determines the number of first terminals located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position based on the third position of the third terminal.

[0098] Among them, the third terminal is the second terminal or the fourth terminal whose current location is within the target area and which establishes an RRC connection with the drone satellite base station.

[0099] When the drone satellite base station knows the identification and the third position of the third terminal in the target area, the drone satellite base station screens the third position of the third terminal in the target area according to the preset range corresponding to the candidate position, and can determine the number of first terminals within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position.

[0100] It should be noted that, for the preset range corresponding to any candidate position, a third terminal whose third position is located within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position is a first terminal within the preset range corresponding to the candidate position.

[0101] In an embodiment of the present application, the UAV satellite base station uses the historical service data of the core network to quickly obtain a list of target terminals. At the same time, the third terminal currently existing in the target area is determined through the target terminal list. The third terminal can be the second terminal in the target terminal list, or it can be a fourth terminal outside the target terminal list and currently located in the target area. This realizes real-time update of the second position of the second terminal in the target terminal list, which is convenient for ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of terminal management. In addition, an unknown fourth terminal can also be discovered, which enhances the service capability and adaptability of the UAV satellite base station, and effectively improves the accuracy of subsequently determined hovering positions and path positions.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the drone satellite base station needs to determine the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list. Next, a method for the drone satellite base station to determine the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list is described in detail.

[0103] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method for determining an identifier and a third location of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, in a possible embodiment, the method steps shown in Sa2 can be implemented by Sa21 to Sa23, and Sa21 to Sa23 are described in detail below.

[0104] Sa21. The drone satellite base station sends a first message to the second terminal.

[0105] The first message carries the identifier and the second location of the second terminal.

[0106] It should be noted that after the drone satellite base station obtains the target terminal list from the core network network element, the drone satellite base station sends a first message to any second terminal in the target terminal list based on the target terminal list, if the target terminal list includes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal, so that the second terminal that receives the first message sends the current location of the second terminal to the drone satellite base station, so that the drone satellite base station can update the second position of the second terminal recorded in the target terminal list.

[0107] Sa22. The drone satellite base station receives the first response sent by the second terminal.

[0108] In which, when the fourth position of the second terminal is consistent with the second position, the first response includes the identifier of the second terminal.

[0109] In the case that the fourth position is inconsistent with the second position, the first response includes the identifier of the second terminal and the fourth position.

[0110] It should be noted that the fourth position is the current position of the second terminal.

[0111] After the second terminal receives the first message sent by the drone satellite base station, the second terminal obtains its current position (fourth position) and determines whether the second position in the first message is consistent with the fourth position. When the second position is consistent with the fourth position, the first response sent by the second terminal to the drone satellite base station only includes the identifier of the second terminal to save communication resources; when the second position is inconsistent with the fourth position, the first response sent by the second terminal to the drone satellite base station includes the identifier and the fourth position of the second terminal, so that the drone satellite base station can subsequently update the target terminal list based on the fourth position of the second terminal.

[0112] Sa23, the drone satellite base station determines the identification and third position of the third terminal based on the first response.

[0113] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station can obtain the identifier of the second terminal, or the identifier of the second terminal and the fourth position by parsing the first response.

[0114] When the drone satellite base station obtains the identifier of the second terminal, the drone satellite base station uses the identifier of the second terminal as the identifier of the third terminal, and uses the second position of the second terminal in the target terminal list as the third position of the third terminal.

[0115] When the drone satellite base station obtains the identification and fourth position of the second terminal, the drone satellite base station uses the identification of the second terminal as the identification of the third terminal, and uses the fourth position of the second terminal as the third position of the third terminal to obtain the identification and third position of the third terminal.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the drone satellite base station needs to determine the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list. Next, another method for the drone satellite base station to determine the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list is described in detail.

[0117] Figure 6 A flowchart of another method for determining an identifier and a third location of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 As shown, in a possible embodiment, the method steps shown in Sa2 can be implemented by Sa24 to Sa26, and Sa24 to Sa26 are described in detail below.

[0118] Sa24. The drone satellite base station sends a second message to the second terminal.

[0119] The second message carries the identifier of the second terminal.

[0120] It should be noted that after the drone satellite base station obtains the target terminal list from the core network element, the drone satellite base station sends a second message to any second terminal in the target terminal list based on the target terminal list, when the target terminal list only includes the identifier of the second terminal, so that the second terminal that receives the second message sends the current location of the second terminal to the drone satellite base station, so that the drone satellite base station can record the current location of the second terminal in the target terminal list.

[0121] Sa25. The drone satellite base station receives the second response sent by the second terminal.

[0122] The second response includes the identifier of the second terminal and the fourth position.

[0123] It should be noted that the fourth position is the current position of the second terminal.

[0124] After the second terminal receives the second message sent by the drone satellite base station, the second terminal obtains its current location (fourth location), and sends the second terminal identifier and the fourth location of the second terminal to the drone satellite base station as the content of the second response.

[0125] Sa26. The drone satellite base station determines the identification and third position of the third terminal based on the second response.

[0126] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station can obtain the identification and fourth position of the second terminal by parsing the second response.

[0127] When the drone satellite base station obtains the identification and fourth position of the second terminal, the drone satellite base station uses the identification of the second terminal as the identification of the third terminal, and uses the fourth position of the second terminal as the third position of the third terminal to obtain the identification and third position of the third terminal.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the drone satellite base station needs to determine the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list. Next, another method for the drone satellite base station to determine the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list is described in detail.

[0129] Figure 7 A flowchart of another method for determining the identity and third location of a third terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, in a possible embodiment, the method steps shown in Sa2 can be implemented by Sa27 to Sa29, and Sa27 to Sa29 are described in detail below.

[0130] Sa27, the UAV satellite base station sends a third message to the target area.

[0131] The third message carries a target terminal list.

[0132] It should be noted that the third message may be the broadcast message mentioned in the above embodiment, so that the UAV satellite base station can find the fourth terminal which is outside the target terminal list and is currently located within the target area.

[0133] Sa28. The drone satellite base station receives the third response sent by the fourth terminal, and the third response includes the identifier and the fifth position of the fourth terminal.

[0134] The fourth terminal is a terminal that is outside the target terminal list and is within the target area.

[0135] After the fourth terminal receives the third message broadcast by the drone satellite base station, the fourth terminal determines that the identification and position of the fourth terminal do not exist in the target terminal list carried by the third message, the fourth terminal obtains its current position (fifth position), and sends the identification of the fourth terminal and the fifth position of the fourth terminal as the content of the third response to the drone satellite base station.

[0136] Sa29. The drone satellite base station determines the identification and third position of the third terminal based on the third response.

[0137] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station can obtain the identification and fifth position of the fourth terminal by parsing the third response.

[0138] When the drone satellite base station obtains the identification and fifth position of the fourth terminal, the drone satellite base station uses the identification of the fourth terminal as the identification of the third terminal, and uses the fifth position of the fourth terminal as the third position of the third terminal to obtain the identification and third position of the third terminal.

[0139] In the above embodiment, after the drone satellite base station sends the first message to the second terminal, it needs to receive the first response sent by the second terminal. Next, the specific process of the drone satellite base station receiving the first response sent by the second terminal is described in detail.

[0140] In a possible embodiment, after the method step shown in Sa21, the method for transmitting data by the UAV satellite base station further includes Sc1 and Sc2. Next, Sc1 and Sc2 are described in detail.

[0141] Sc1. The drone satellite base station starts a timer for any second terminal.

[0142] It should be noted that after the drone satellite base station sends the first message to the second terminal, the drone satellite base station starts a timer for the second terminal that has sent the first message, waiting for the second terminal to send a first response to the drone satellite base station.

[0143] The timing durations of different timers may be the same, or may be set to different timing durations according to the capabilities of different second terminals, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0144] For example, the timing duration of all timers is 10 seconds.

[0145] For another example, the timing duration of the timer corresponding to the second terminal with fast processing capability is 5 seconds, and the timing duration of the timer corresponding to the second terminal with slow processing capability or poor network performance is 15 seconds.

[0146] Sc2. When the timer corresponding to the second terminal times out and the drone satellite base station does not receive the first response sent by the second terminal, it deletes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal in the target terminal list.

[0147] It should be noted that when the timer corresponding to the second terminal times out, the UAV satellite base station checks whether it has received the first response sent by the second terminal. If the UAV satellite base station receives the first response sent by the second terminal, the method steps shown in the above Sa23 are executed; if the UAV satellite base station does not receive the first response sent by the second terminal, the timeout processing is triggered.

[0148] The specific content of the timeout processing is: for any second terminal that triggers the timeout processing, when the target terminal list only includes the identifier of the second terminal that triggers the timeout processing, the drone satellite base station deletes the identifier of the second terminal that triggers the timeout processing from the target terminal list; when the target terminal list includes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal that triggers the timeout processing, the drone satellite base station deletes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal that triggers the timeout processing from the target terminal list.

[0149] In the embodiment of the present application, a timer is set for each second terminal in the target terminal list through the drone satellite base station, and the response time of the second terminal corresponding to the timer is optimized by adjusting the timing duration of the timer, thereby effectively reducing the waste of system resources. When the timer times out and the second terminal corresponding to the timer does not send a first response to the drone satellite base station, the information of the second terminal that did not send a first response in the target terminal list is deleted, so as to provide more accurate data support for the generation of subsequent flight paths.

[0150] In addition, it should be noted that after the UAV satellite base station sends the second message to the second terminal, the method steps shown in Sc1 and Sc2 above can also be executed, which will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the target terminal list includes the identifier and the second position of at least one second terminal. Next, other contents of the second terminal included in the target terminal list are described in detail.

[0152] In a possible embodiment, in the method steps shown in Sa1, the target terminal list sent by the core network element to the UAV satellite base station also includes the data transmission time of at least one second terminal.

[0153] It should be noted that the data transmission time of the second terminal may be an absolute time, that is, the time starting at 0:0:0:0 on January 1, 1980.

[0154] After the method step shown in S304, the method for transmitting data from the UAV satellite base station further includes S305. Next, S305 is described in detail.

[0155] S305. The UAV satellite base station determines the moving direction of the UAV satellite base station along the flight path based on the flight path and the data transmission time of at least one second terminal, so that the working time period of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is earlier than or includes the data transmission time of the second terminal within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position, and the working time period at the path position is earlier than or includes the data transmission time of the second terminal within the preset range corresponding to the path position.

[0156] It should be noted that each hovering position and path position is associated with at least one first terminal. When the first terminal is the second terminal in the target terminal list, the drone satellite base station determines the moving direction of the drone satellite base station along the flight path based on the data transmission time of the second terminal associated with the hovering position and the path position, and then adjusts the working time period of the drone satellite base station at the hovering position and the path position to ensure that the drone satellite base station arrives at the hovering position or path position with urgent time first.

[0157] Specifically, the working time period of the drone satellite base station at the hovering position covers the data transmission moments of all second terminals within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position.

[0158] The working time period of the UAV satellite base station at the route location covers the data transmission time of all second terminals within the preset range corresponding to the route location.

[0159] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a flight path provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8As shown, in the target area 801, a first candidate position 802, a second candidate position 803, a third candidate position 804 and a fourth candidate position 805 are preset in the target area 801; the preset range corresponding to the first candidate position 802 is the first preset range 8021, the preset range corresponding to the second candidate position 803 is the second preset range 8031, the preset range corresponding to the third candidate position 804 is the third preset range 8041, and the preset range corresponding to the fourth candidate position 805 is the fourth preset range 8051.

[0160] The number of first terminals in the first preset range 8021 is 3, the number of first terminals in the second preset range 8031 ​​is 2, and the number of first terminals in the third preset range 8041 and the fourth preset range 8051 are both 1; when the preset number is 1, the first candidate position 802 and the second candidate position 803 are determined as hovering positions, and the third candidate position 804 and the fourth candidate position 805 are determined as passing positions. At this time, the flight path 806 of the UAV is the first candidate position 802→the second candidate position 803→the third candidate position 804→the fourth candidate position 805.

[0161] When the data transmission time of a first terminal within the first preset range 8021 corresponding to the first candidate position 802 is 14:34:23 on December 3, 2024, and the data transmission time of a first terminal within the second preset range 8031 ​​corresponding to the second candidate position 803 is 14:35:50 on December 3, since the data transmission time of the first terminal within the second preset range 8031 ​​is earlier than the data transmission time of the first terminal within the first preset range 8021, the movement direction of the UAV when moving along the flight path 806 is clockwise.

[0162] In an embodiment of the present application, by combining the data transmission time of the second terminal in the target terminal list, the moving direction of the UAV satellite base station along the flight path is optimized to ensure that the working time period of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position and the path position can cover the data transmission time of the relevant terminals, effectively reducing communication delays, improving the timeliness of terminal data transmission, and optimizing the flight efficiency and resource utilization of the UAV.

[0163] In a possible embodiment, after the method steps shown in Sa2 above, the method for transmitting data by the UAV satellite base station further includes Sa3 and Sa4. Next, Sa3 and Sa4 are described in detail.

[0164] Sa3. The UAV satellite base station updates the target terminal list based on the identifier and the third position of the third terminal to obtain an updated target terminal list.

[0165] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station compares the identifier of the third terminal with the identifier of the second terminal in the target terminal list.

[0166] If there is no second terminal with the same identifier as the third terminal in the target terminal list, that is, the third terminal is outside the target terminal list, the identifier of the third terminal and the third position of the third terminal are added to the target terminal list.

[0167] If there is a second terminal with the same identifier as the third terminal in the target terminal list, that is, the third terminal is in the target terminal list, then the third position of the third terminal is further compared to see whether it is consistent with the second position.

[0168] When the third position of the third terminal is consistent with the second position, the second position of the third terminal in the target terminal list is not updated.

[0169] When the third position of the third terminal is inconsistent with the second position, the second position of the third terminal in the target terminal list is updated to the third position of the third terminal.

[0170] If there are redundant second terminals in the target terminal list, when the target terminal list includes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal, delete the identifier and the second position of the second terminal in the target terminal list; when the target terminal list only includes the identifier of the second terminal, delete the identifier of the second terminal in the target terminal list.

[0171] In the case where the second terminal in the target terminal list corresponds to the third terminal one-to-one and the position of the second terminal in the target terminal list is consistent with the third position, an updated target terminal list is obtained.

[0172] Sa4. The UAV satellite base station sends the updated target terminal list to the core network element.

[0173] It should be noted that the UAV satellite base station can send the updated target terminal list to the core network element through the S1 interface or other interfaces. After receiving the updated target terminal list, the core network element stores the updated target terminal list as important reference data for subsequent tasks.

[0174] In an embodiment of the present application, the target terminal list is updated based on the identification and third position of the third terminal to obtain an updated target terminal list, and the updated target terminal list is sent to the core network network element, which not only ensures the real-time and accuracy of the terminal identification and location information in the current mission, but also provides a high-precision target terminal list for the next mission of the drone satellite base station in the target area, thereby improving the efficiency and continuity of communication services, and is particularly suitable for dynamic scenarios such as disaster communications.

[0175] In the embodiment shown in Sa1 above, the drone satellite base station needs to obtain the target terminal list from the core network element. Next, the specific process of the drone satellite base station obtaining the target terminal list from the core network element is described in detail.

[0176] like Figure 4 As shown, in a possible embodiment, the method steps shown in Sa1 can be implemented by Sd1 and Sd2. Next, Sd1 and Sd2 are described in detail.

[0177] Sd1. The UAV satellite base station sends a fourth message to the core network element. Correspondingly, the core network element receives the fourth message.

[0178] The fourth message carries the target area.

[0179] It should be noted that the information format of the target area carried by the UAV satellite base station in the fourth message depends on the representation method of the target area.

[0180] When the target area is a circular area and is represented by a center point and a radius, the information format of the target area carried in the fourth message may be the geographic coordinates of the center of the target area and the radius length of the target area.

[0181] When the target area is a polygonal area and is represented by multiple corner points of the polygonal area, the information format of the target area carried in the fourth message may be the geographic coordinates of the multiple corner points of the polygonal area.

[0182] In addition, the fourth message also carries the identifier of the drone satellite base station, so that the core network element can clearly identify the source of the fourth message, thereby correctly processing the fourth message and returning the target terminal list to the drone satellite base station.

[0183] Sd2. The UAV satellite base station receives the fourth response sent by the core network element, and the fourth response carries a target terminal list.

[0184] It should be noted that after the core network element receives the fourth message sent by the drone satellite base station, it determines the target terminal list according to the target area carried in the fourth message, and sends a fourth response to the drone satellite base station based on the target terminal list. Correspondingly, the drone satellite base station receives the fourth response sent by the core network element.

[0185] The specific process of the core network element determining the target terminal list according to the target area has been described in detail in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0186] In an embodiment of the present application, the UAV satellite base station sends a fourth message carrying the target area to the core network network element to request the core network network element to send a list of target terminals corresponding to the target area to the UAV satellite base station, thereby achieving preliminary acquisition of terminal data in the target area and effectively improving the efficiency of task execution of the UAV satellite base station.

[0187] In the above embodiment, the target terminal list includes at least one second terminal. Next, the sorting method of at least one second terminal in the target terminal list is described in detail.

[0188] In a possible embodiment, at least one second terminal in the target terminal list is arranged according to the probability that the second terminal is located in the target area.

[0189] It should be noted that the core network network element can calculate the probability that the second terminal is located in the target area based on the historical location data, activity trajectory and relevant information of the target area of ​​each second terminal, and arrange all second terminals in the target terminal list from high to low according to the probability of each second terminal being located in the target area.

[0190] In an embodiment of the present application, the second terminal in the target terminal list is sorted by the core network network element, which provides an accurate and efficient basis for the subsequent first terminal identification, first position determination, flight path optimization and resource allocation of the drone satellite base station, thereby improving the service efficiency and adaptability of the drone satellite base station in dynamic scenarios, and is particularly suitable for emergency communication scenarios that require rapid response, such as disaster relief and communication islands.

[0191] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UAV satellite base station provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the UAV satellite base station 900 provided in this embodiment can exist independently and be used to implement the operations corresponding to the UAV satellite base station in the above method embodiment.

[0192] The drone satellite base station 900 may include: a transceiver module 901 and a processing module 902. The processing module 902 is used for data processing, and the transceiver module 901 may implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver module 901 may also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0193] Optionally, the drone satellite base station 900 may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 902 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the drone satellite base station 900 implements the steps implemented by the drone satellite base station in the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0194] The transceiver module 901 is used to perform reception-related operations of the UAV satellite base station in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 902 is used to perform processing-related operations of the UAV satellite base station in the above method embodiment.

[0195] Optionally, the transceiver module 901 may include a sending module and a receiving module. The sending module is used to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0196] It should be noted that the drone satellite base station 900 may include a sending module but not a receiving module. Alternatively, the drone satellite base station 900 may include a receiving module but not a sending module. Specifically, it may depend on whether the above solution executed by the drone satellite base station 900 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0197] As an example, the drone satellite base station 900 is used to perform the above Figure 3 Actions performed by the drone satellite base station in the embodiment shown.

[0198] The drone satellite base station 900 may include: a processing module 902 .

[0199] The processing module 902 is used to determine at least one candidate position in the target area.

[0200] The processing module 902 is also used to determine, for any candidate location, the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location; wherein the preset range is the range of wireless signal coverage provided by the drone satellite base station at the candidate location; the first location where the first terminal is currently located is within the preset range corresponding to the candidate location.

[0201] The processing module 902 is also used to determine, based on the number of first terminals, that the candidate position is a hovering position or a path position of the UAV satellite base station; the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is greater than the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the path position; wherein, when the number of first terminals is greater than a first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be a hovering position; when the number of first terminals is greater than a second preset number and the number of first terminals is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be a path position.

[0202] The processing module 902 is also used to generate a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and path positions, so that when the drone satellite base station moves to the hovering position according to the flight path, the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position transmits data, and when the drone satellite base station moves to the path position, the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the path position transmits data.

[0203] It should be understood that the execution of the above corresponding processes by each module has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0204] The processing module 902 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuit. The transceiver module 901 can be implemented by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit. The transceiver module 901 can also be called a communication unit or a communication interface. The storage unit can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0205] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 As shown, the electronic device 1000 provided in this embodiment includes: a memory 1001 and a processor 1002 .

[0206] The memory 1001 may be an independent physical unit, and may be connected to the processor 1002 via a bus 1003. The memory 1001 and the processor 1002 may also be integrated together and implemented by hardware. The memory 1001 is used to store program instructions, and the processor 1002 calls the program instructions to execute the operations performed by the drone satellite base station in any of the above method embodiments.

[0207] Optionally, when part or all of the methods of the above embodiments are implemented by software, the electronic device 1000 may also include only a processor 1002. The memory 1001 for storing programs is located outside the electronic device 1000, and the processor 1002 is connected to the memory through circuits / wires to read and execute the programs stored in the memory. The processor 1002 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and a NP. The processor 1002 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0208] The memory 1001 may include a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also include a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD); the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0209] Exemplarily, the present application provides a chip, comprising: an interface circuit and a logic circuit, wherein the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other chips outside the chip and transmit them to the logic circuit, or to send signals from the logic circuit to other chips outside the chip, and the logic circuit is used to execute the operations performed by the drone satellite base station in the above method embodiment.

[0210] Exemplarily, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, and the computer program instructions are executed by a processor of an electronic device so that the electronic device executes the operations performed by the drone satellite base station in the above method embodiment.

[0211] Exemplarily, the present application provides a computer program product, which, when executed on an electronic device, enables the electronic device to execute the operations performed by the drone satellite base station in the above method embodiment.

[0212] The above description is only a specific implementation of the present application, so that those skilled in the art can understand or implement the present application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application will not be limited to the embodiments described herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting data by a UAV satellite base station, characterized in that: The method comprises: The UAV satellite base station determines at least one candidate location within the target area; The drone satellite base station determines, for any of the candidate locations, the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location; wherein the preset range is a range of wireless signal coverage provided by the drone satellite base station at the candidate location; and the first location where the first terminal is currently located is within the preset range corresponding to the candidate location; The UAV satellite base station determines, according to the number of the first terminals, that the candidate position is a hovering position or a path position of the UAV satellite base station; the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is longer than the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the path position; wherein, when the number of the first terminals is greater than a first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the hovering position; when the number of the first terminals is greater than a second preset number and the number of the first terminals is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the path position; The drone satellite base station generates a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and the path positions, so that when the drone satellite base station moves to the hovering position according to the flight path, the first terminal transmits data within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position, and when the drone satellite base station moves to the path position, the first terminal transmits data within a preset range corresponding to the path position.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before determining the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location, the method further includes: The UAV satellite base station obtains a target terminal list from a core network network element, the target terminal list including an identifier and a second location of at least one second terminal, or an identifier of the at least one second terminal; wherein the target terminal list is determined by the core network network element based on a location area where a historical service cell corresponding to the target area is located; The UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list; wherein the third terminal is a second terminal whose current position is within the target area, or the third terminal is a fourth terminal that is outside the target terminal list and whose current position is within the target area; The determining the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate position includes: Based on the third position of the third terminal, the number of the first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate position is determined.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, including: The UAV satellite base station sends a first message to the second terminal, where the first message carries an identifier of the second terminal and the second location; The UAV satellite base station receives a first response sent by the second terminal; when the fourth position of the second terminal is consistent with the second position, the first response includes an identifier of the second terminal; when the fourth position is inconsistent with the second position, the first response includes an identifier of the second terminal and the fourth position; wherein the fourth position is a current position of the second terminal; The drone satellite base station determines the identifier of the third terminal and the third position based on the first response.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, including: The UAV satellite base station sends a second message to the second terminal, where the second message carries an identifier of the second terminal; The UAV satellite base station receives a second response sent by the second terminal, where the second response includes an identifier and a fourth position of the second terminal; The drone satellite base station determines the identifier of the third terminal and the third position based on the second response.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The UAV satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, including: The UAV satellite base station sends a third message to the target area, where the third message carries the target terminal list; The UAV satellite base station receives a third response sent by a fourth terminal, wherein the third response includes an identifier and a fifth position of the fourth terminal; wherein the fourth terminal is a terminal that is outside the target terminal list and is within the target area; The drone satellite base station determines the identifier of the third terminal and the third position according to the third response.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: The UAV satellite base station starts a timer for any of the second terminals; When the timer corresponding to the second terminal times out and the UAV satellite base station does not receive the first response sent by the second terminal, the UAV satellite base station deletes the identifier and the second position of the second terminal in the target terminal list.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The target terminal list also includes the data transmission time of the at least one second terminal; After the drone satellite base station generates a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and the path positions, the method further includes: The UAV satellite base station determines the moving direction of the UAV satellite base station along the flight path based on the flight path and the data transmission time of the at least one second terminal, so that the working time period of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is earlier than or includes the data transmission time of the third terminal within the preset range corresponding to the hovering position, and the working time period of the path position is earlier than or includes the data transmission time of the third terminal within the preset range corresponding to the path position.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: After the drone satellite base station determines the identifier and the third position of the third terminal according to the target terminal list, the method further includes: The UAV satellite base station updates the target terminal list based on the identifier of the third terminal and the third position to obtain an updated target terminal list; The UAV satellite base station sends the updated target terminal list to the core network element.

9. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: The processing module is further used to determine at least one candidate location in the target area; The processing module is further used to determine, for any of the candidate locations, the number of first terminals located within a preset range corresponding to the candidate location; wherein the preset range is a range of wireless signal coverage provided by the drone satellite base station at the candidate location; and the first location where the first terminal is currently located is within the preset range corresponding to the candidate location; The processing module is further used to determine, according to the number of the first terminals, that the candidate position is a hovering position or a path position of the UAV satellite base station; the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the hovering position is longer than the working time of the UAV satellite base station at the path position; wherein, when the number of the first terminals is greater than a first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the hovering position; when the number of the first terminals is greater than a second preset number and the number of the first terminals is less than the first preset number, the candidate position is determined to be the path position; The processing module is also used to generate a flight path based on all the determined hovering positions and the path positions, so that when the UAV satellite base station moves to the hovering position according to the flight path, the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the hovering position transmits data, and when the UAV satellite base station moves to the path position, the first terminal within a preset range corresponding to the path position transmits data.

10. A UAV satellite base station, characterized in that: include: Memory and processor; The memory is configured to store computer program instructions; The processor is configured to execute the computer program instructions to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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