Virtual communication array construction method in static environment and virtual communication array
By building a virtual communication array in a static environment in a maritime environment, using intelligent channel modeling technology and low-cost and high-efficiency antenna arrays, the problems of insufficient coverage, anti-interference capability and stability of maritime communication are solved, and high-performance offshore wireless communication is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510702647.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-05-28
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to meet the high-performance needs of offshore communications, especially in terms of coverage, anti-interference capability and stability.
By building a virtual communication array in a static environment, using reasonably designed low-cost, high-performance antenna arrays, and combining intelligent channel modeling technology, the stability, anti-interference capability and coverage of offshore wireless communication are improved.
It realizes high-performance coverage of offshore wireless communication, meets the communication needs of offshore operations in the 5G/6G era, reduces system construction and maintenance costs, and improves the continuity and stability of communication.
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Figure CN120223208A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of maritime communication technologies, and particularly to a method for constructing a virtual communication array and a virtual communication array in a static environment. Background Art
[0002] With the development of 5G and 6G communication technologies, maritime communication requirements are evolving towards higher data rates, lower latency, and wider coverage. 5G / 6G technologies rely on massive MIMO (Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) and ultra-massive antenna arrays to achieve stronger spatial multiplexing capabilities and higher communication gains. However, the maritime environment is complex and variable, and the channel conditions are significantly affected by factors such as sea wave fluctuations, meteorological changes, and multipath effects, making it difficult for traditional antenna deployment methods to meet the application requirements of massive MIMO at sea. Therefore, optimizing maritime wireless communication based on large-scale communication arrays has become a key research direction.
[0003] Current maritime communication mainly relies on methods such as satellite communication, shortwave radio, very high frequency (VHF) radio, and cellular networks. However, although satellite communication has a wide coverage range, it is costly and highly affected by weather, making it difficult to meet real-time and large-data transmission requirements. Shortwave and VHF radios have limited bandwidths, low data rates, and insufficient reliability in long-distance communication. Cellular networks are available in coastal waters, but the signal coverage in the open ocean is insufficient, resulting in frequent communication interruptions. In addition, although existing MIMO technologies can improve communication quality, there are problems such as high costs, complex equipment maintenance, and limited array layout in deploying large-scale MIMO systems in the maritime environment, which affect their popularization and application in the 5G / 6G era.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method for constructing a large-scale virtual communication array. By reasonably designing a low-cost and high-performance antenna array and combining intelligent channel modeling technology, the stability, anti-interference ability, and coverage of maritime wireless communication can be improved to meet the high-performance communication requirements of maritime operations in the 5G / 6G era. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, this application provides a method for constructing a virtual communication array and a virtual communication array in a static environment, aiming to improve the stability, anti-interference ability, and coverage of maritime wireless communication by reasonably designing a low-cost and high-performance antenna array and combining intelligent channel modeling technology, so as to meet the high-performance communication requirements of maritime operations in the 5G / 6G era.
[0006] Specifically, this application is implemented through the following technical solutions: The first aspect of this application provides a maritime communication method, and the method includes: Construct a virtual communication array; the virtual communication array is in a static environment, and the virtual communication array includes N antenna elements, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; Determine a receiving antenna element and a transmitting antenna element from the virtual communication array; Determine a target receiving antenna element from the receiving antenna elements and a target transmitting antenna element from the transmitting antenna elements; Among them, the positions of the target receiving antenna element and the target transmitting antenna element are fixed and unchanged, the position of the first receiving antenna element except the target receiving antenna element in the receiving antenna elements is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna element except the target transmitting antenna element in the transmitting antenna elements is movable; The target transmitting antenna element transmits a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna element at a fixed period, and generates a reference phase difference based on the phase difference of the received reference communication signal; Determine the size of the analog communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and move the first receiving antenna element and the first transmitting antenna element in the receiving antenna elements and the transmitting antenna elements based on the size of the analog communication array; the size of the analog communication array is larger than that of the virtual communication array, and the number of antenna elements required for a communication array with the same size as the analog communication array is greater than N; Transmit a test communication signal with the moved first receiving antenna element and first transmitting antenna element; Calibrate the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference, and calculate the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference.
[0007] A second aspect of the present application provides a virtual communication array, which includes a target receiving antenna element, a target transmitting antenna element, a first transmitting antenna element and a first receiving antenna element; among them, the positions of the target receiving antenna element and the target transmitting antenna element are fixed and unchanged, the position of the first receiving antenna element except the target receiving antenna element in the receiving antenna elements is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna element except the target transmitting antenna element in the transmitting antenna elements is movable; The target transmitting antenna element is used to transmit a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna element at a fixed period, and generate a reference phase difference based on the phase difference of the received reference communication signal; The first transmitting antenna element is used to determine a moving position based on the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and transmit a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna element after moving to the moving position; The first receiving antenna element is used to receive the test communication signal, calibrate the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference, and calculate the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference.
[0008] The marine communication method and virtual communication array provided by this application. In the first aspect, by setting multiple movable first transmitting antennas, the coverage range of the virtual communication array is greatly expanded. When applying the virtual communication array to different application scenarios such as the sea, it can meet the communication needs of long-distance and large-range marine targets. In traditional marine communication methods, fixed base stations or single transmitting antennas are limited by their physical locations, with limited communication ranges and difficulty in covering marine targets far from the base station. However, in this application, the movable first transmitting antennas dynamically adjust their own positions, enabling them to actively approach the communication demand area, optimize signal coverage, effectively reduce signal blind spots, and improve long-distance communication capabilities. In addition, the movable first transmitting antennas can adaptively adjust according to the target position and movement trajectory, making the signal propagation path more optimized, reducing path loss, and improving communication efficiency. Through the collaborative work of multiple movable transmitting antennas, not only can a broader sea area be covered, but also the transmission path can be switched between different antennas, further improving the continuity and stability of communication, and ensuring that marine targets are always in a stable communication connection state. At the same time, constructing a virtual communication array using a small number of antenna units can significantly reduce the system construction and maintenance costs. Traditional virtual communication arrays require a large number of antenna units and complex infrastructure, which not only increases the equipment procurement cost but also requires additional resources for deployment and management. By reasonably configuring and optimizing the layout of the movable antenna units, the number of required antenna units can be reduced while ensuring communication quality and coverage range. In the second aspect, by using a pair of fixed-position receiving and transmitting antennas, the signal correction process can be simplified, especially in a complex marine environment. Since there is only one factor of phase difference between the fixed-position receiving and transmitting antennas, that is, only phase offset exists, this phase difference is relatively stable and easy to measure and correct. On the contrary, the movable receiving and transmitting antennas are affected by an additional phase difference caused by position movement. In addition to the traditional phase offset, the dynamic phase difference caused by the change in antenna position also needs to be considered. Therefore, by using the fixed-position antennas to correct the phase difference of the movable antennas, the error caused by the change in antenna position can be effectively reduced, the phase offset caused by position changes can be eliminated, and the accuracy and synchronization of the signal at the receiving end can be ensured. Through this method, stable communication of the movable antennas in a complex marine environment can be ensured, thereby improving the reliability and signal quality of the virtual communication array. Moreover, in marine communication, due to the influence of environmental factors such as waves, wind speed, and hull movement, the dynamic changes of the movable antennas cause errors in signal delay and phase, which affect communication quality. To solve this problem, by setting a fixed-position target transmitting antenna and transmitting a reference signal at a fixed period, a stable time and phase reference can be provided for the virtual communication array.Based on the reference signal, the first receiving antenna can calibrate the time delay and phase difference of the detection signal and perform compensation, so that all detection signals can achieve time synchronization and phase alignment at the receiving end, thereby avoiding signal out-of-step or interference and improving communication quality. Description of the Drawings
[0009] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment provided by Embodiment 1 of the present application; Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a virtual communication array provided by Embodiment 2 of the present application. Detailed Embodiments
[0010] Here, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present application.
[0011] The terms used in the present application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "the", and "said" used in the present application are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0012] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in the present application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the present application, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when" or "while" or "in response to determining".
[0013] Specific embodiments are given below to introduce the technical solutions of the present application in detail.
[0014] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment provided by Embodiment 1 of the present application. Please refer to Figure 1 , the method provided in this embodiment may include: S101. Construct a virtual communication array.
[0015] Specifically, a virtual communication array is a wireless communication system composed of multiple antenna units. These antenna units consist of two parts. One part is the antenna units with fixed positions, and the other part is the antenna units with movable positions. These antenna units are used to establish a stable wireless communication network in a marine environment. The number of antenna units included in the virtual communication array is N, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.
[0016] It should be noted that when the virtual communication array is in a static environment, it means that the physical environment where the virtual communication array is located remains unchanged within a certain period of time and is not affected by external dynamic factors (such as sea waves, wind speed, ship movement, etc.). In this environment, the positions, relative spacings, and direction angles of the antenna units all remain stable and do not change significantly, ensuring that the channel characteristics are relatively constant. This static environment helps to eliminate random factors caused by external disturbances, making communication performance analysis, channel estimation, and antenna optimization design more accurate and reliable.
[0017] Furthermore, a virtual communication array is an analog large-scale antenna array that can be applied to different scenarios, such as land, air, and marine communication environments, to optimize the antenna layout, improve the signal coverage range, and enhance communication stability. This application focuses on introducing its implementation method in the marine application scenario, including how to adjust the antenna unit layout, optimize the beam direction in a dynamic ocean environment, and adjust the deployment and optimization of the marine communication array based on the simulation results of the virtual array.
[0018] It should be noted that when constructing the virtual communication array, the number of antenna units is set to N, and a relatively small N value is selected mainly considering the various difficulties faced in building a large-scale communication array in actual application scenarios (such as the sea). The particularity of the marine environment, such as waves, bad weather, and the stability of equipment, makes the construction and maintenance of a large-scale communication array extremely challenging. Too many antenna units not only require higher costs but also increase the complexity of the system and the requirements for power and hardware, and may lead to a decline in communication stability and signal quality in dynamic sea conditions. Therefore, by reasonably selecting a moderate number of antenna units, it is possible to effectively reduce the installation and maintenance difficulties, lower the overall cost of the system, improve the flexibility and scalability of the system while ensuring communication performance, so as to meet the requirements in actual marine applications.
[0019] Furthermore, the virtual communication array includes a target transmitting antenna unit at a fixed position, a target receiving antenna unit at a fixed position, a plurality of first transmitting antenna units at movable positions, and a plurality of first receiving antenna units at movable positions. The signal propagation path between the target transmitting antenna unit and the target receiving antenna unit is fixed. The target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit. After each first transmitting antenna unit adjusts its position, it sends a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna unit. The first receiving antenna uses the reference communication signal to calibrate the received test communication signal.
[0020] It should be noted that due to the vast ocean environment and the lack of fixed base stations, the transmission of communication signals is mainly affected by the spontaneous movement of the transmitting antenna. Although environmental factors (such as sea wave fluctuations, multipath effects, etc.) will cause certain fluctuations, their influence is secondary and can be compensated by signal processing means. Since the first transmitting antenna itself is movable, the change in its position directly leads to the dynamic change of the signal propagation path, resulting in non-negligible deviations in time delay, phase, and signal strength. Therefore, adjusting the position of the first transmitting antenna is not only to adapt to the changes in the external environment, but more importantly, to optimize signal coverage, reduce the errors caused by the movement of the antenna itself, and ensure the stability of the communication link. By reasonably planning the movement path, the first transmitting antenna can actively avoid signal interference areas, optimize the signal propagation angle, reduce path loss, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and reliability of the signal. In addition, when communicating with multiple targets, moving the first transmitting antenna can dynamically adjust the layout according to the changes in the target positions to adapt to different communication requirements and ensure the smoothness of the communication link and the stability of data transmission.
[0021] When specifically implemented, the construction of the virtual communication array includes: determining the structure of each antenna unit, where the antenna unit includes a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit; based on the positional relationship between the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit, arranging each pair of receiving antenna units and transmitting antenna units into a rectangular array unit; according to communication requirements and coverage, determining the arrangement mode of multiple rectangular array units to obtain a virtual communication array; using the virtual communication array for signal transmission and reception, enhancing the signal gain through an array signal processing algorithm, and implementing beamforming based on the array structure.
[0022] Specifically, according to communication requirements and environmental conditions, the specific structure of each antenna element is determined. Each antenna element includes a receiving antenna element and a transmitting antenna element. The receiving antenna element is used to receive signals, and the transmitting antenna element is used to transmit signals. According to the antenna element design and the virtual communication array layout requirements, the positional relationship between each pair of receiving and transmitting antenna elements is determined by calculating the relative distance, angle, and layout method of the antennas. Each pair of receiving and transmitting antenna elements is arranged as a rectangular array element. According to communication requirements, coverage, and array design requirements, the arrangement method of multiple rectangular array elements is determined. The arrangement method determines the overall shape and distribution of the virtual communication array, including linear arrangement, two-dimensional planar arrangement, or other arrangements that adapt to the requirements. According to the above steps, a virtual communication array containing multiple rectangular array elements is constructed, and the antenna elements in the virtual communication array are configured according to a predetermined arrangement method. Further, the constructed virtual communication array is used for signal transmission and reception operations. Through array signal processing algorithms, such as weighted summation or interference cancellation, the gain of the signal is enhanced, so that the signal obtains stronger reception quality during propagation. Based on the array structure, beamforming technology is used to adjust the transmitting and receiving directions of the antenna array, enabling it to concentrate signal energy in a specific direction, optimize the signal coverage, reduce interference, and improve the overall performance of the communication system.
[0023] It should be noted that after establishing the virtual communication array, the virtual communication array can be used to study the channel characteristics of ultra-large-scale arrays, including spatial, temporal, and frequency correlations. By simulating the communication process of ultra-large-scale arrays in different environments, the spatial correlation of the channel can be analyzed, and the influence of the distance and arrangement method between antenna elements on the channel characteristics can be studied. At the same time, by collecting channel state data at different time periods, the temporal correlation of the channel can be studied, revealing the stability and dynamic characteristics of the channel over time. In addition, with the help of test signals at different frequencies, the frequency correlation of the channel can be analyzed, exploring the impact of multi-band communication on the array performance. These studies help to optimize the layout, beamforming, and signal processing algorithms of ultra-large-scale arrays, improving the overall performance of the communication system.
[0024] S102. Determine the receiving and transmitting antenna elements from the virtual communication array.
[0025] Specifically, the receiving antenna unit is responsible for receiving the signals transmitted from the transmitting antenna unit. In a virtual communication array, one or more antenna units are selected as the receiving antenna unit according to the requirements of signal reception quality. Usually, the receiving antenna unit is selected at a location with an ideal communication path to obtain the best signal. If there are multiple antenna units in the virtual communication array, the receiving antenna unit can be fixed in position, or in specific cases, a movable antenna unit can be selected to adapt to different sea conditions or communication requirements. Further, the transmitting antenna unit is responsible for transmitting signals to the receiving antenna unit. In a virtual communication array, one or more antenna units can be selected as the transmitting antenna unit. When selecting the transmitting antenna unit, the factors to be considered include the transmission distance, signal strength, and anti-interference ability. The position and orientation of the transmitting antenna unit (e.g., a directional antenna or an omnidirectional antenna) can be adjusted according to the position of the communication target on the sea surface.
[0026] S103. Determine the target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units and determine the target transmitting antenna unit from the transmitting antenna units.
[0027] Specifically, the target receiving antenna unit is used to receive the reference communication signal transmitted by the target transmitting antenna unit. It should be noted that the target receiving antenna unit is a fixed-position antenna unit among the receiving antenna units, and the position of the first receiving antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna units is movable, that is, the first receiving antenna unit is any antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna units. The target transmitting antenna unit is a fixed-position antenna unit among the transmitting antenna units, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna units is movable, that is, the first transmitting antenna unit is any antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna units.
[0028] In specific implementation, determining the target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units includes: determining the hardware resource capabilities of each of the receiving antenna units, screening the first batch of receiving antenna units that meet the hardware communication requirements based on the hardware resource capabilities; screening the candidate receiving antenna units that are currently in an idle state from the first batch of receiving antenna units; and optimizing the candidate receiving antenna units based on communication efficiency, antenna position, and channel state to obtain the target receiving antenna unit.
[0029] Specifically, obtain the hardware resource capabilities of each receiving antenna unit, including relevant parameters such as its processing capacity, transmission rate, power, bandwidth, etc. Through the evaluation of the hardware resource capabilities, determine the communication loads that each receiving antenna unit can support. According to the communication requirements and hardware resource requirements, screen out the receiving antenna units whose hardware resource capabilities meet the communication requirements. According to preset conditions (such as minimum processing capacity, transmission rate requirements, etc.), select the first batch of receiving antenna units that meet the conditions from all receiving antenna units. Among the first batch of receiving antenna units that have been screened out, further check the status of each antenna unit. Screen out the receiving antenna units that are currently in an idle state and not participating in other communication tasks as candidate antenna units. Optimize the selection of candidate receiving antenna units according to factors such as communication efficiency, antenna position, channel state, etc., considering the actual performance of each candidate antenna unit, including factors such as its signal quality, receiving sensitivity, signal interference, etc. in the current network environment. Through the optimization process, finally determine one or more receiving antenna units that meet the communication requirements and have good performance as the target receiving antenna units for receiving transmission signals.
[0030] It should be noted that the process of determining the target transmitting antenna unit is similar to that of determining the target receiving antenna unit, which will not be elaborated here.
[0031] It should be noted that in maritime communication, the first transmitting antenna will generate time delay errors and phase errors during movement, mainly because the propagation path of the signal dynamically adjusts with the change of the antenna position. First, the time delay error occurs because the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves is constant. When the first transmitting antenna moves, the propagation distance of the signal will change accordingly, causing the arrival time of the signal at the receiving antenna to deviate, resulting in the inability to accurately synchronize the signals of different transmitting antennas. Second, the phase error occurs because electromagnetic waves are periodically oscillating, and the change in the propagation path will cause a phase shift of the signal, resulting in the failure of coherent superposition at the receiving end, thereby affecting the communication quality. To ensure the stability of multi-antenna cooperative transmission, it is necessary to calibrate based on the reference signal provided by the target transmitting antenna, synchronize the signal arrival time by adjusting the time delay, and compensate for the phase error to ensure that the signals are phase-aligned at the receiving antenna, thereby improving the signal quality and communication reliability.
[0032] In maritime communication, setting up a target transmitting antenna and a target receiving antenna at fixed positions can provide a stable time and phase reference for the entire virtual communication array, thereby achieving the calibration of time delay and phase. Since the positions of the target transmitting antenna and the target receiving antenna are known and fixed, the reference signal they emit will not be affected by position changes during propagation, so it can be used as a reference for calculating the time delay and phase of the first receiving antenna. For the first transmitting antenna, the detection signal it emits will cause a change in the propagation distance due to position changes, which in turn leads to time delay errors and phase errors. By comparing the arrival time and phase of the detection signal of the first transmitting antenna with the reference signal of the target transmitting antenna, the time delay deviation and phase deviation can be calculated, and calibrated through corresponding compensation mechanisms, so that all signals arrive synchronously and are phase-aligned at the receiving antenna. In this way, the virtual communication array can maintain the stability of the signal and improve the accuracy and reliability of data transmission.
[0033] S104. The target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generates a reference phase difference based on the phase difference of the received reference communication signal.
[0034] In specific implementation, set the time interval for the target transmitting antenna unit to send the reference communication signal, that is, the fixed period. The fixed period can be preset according to communication requirements, signal stability, and system capabilities. Within the set fixed period, the target transmitting antenna unit sends a predetermined reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit according to the fixed period. The reference communication signal has known characteristics, including standard signals, synchronization signals, or signals with known frequencies and phases. The target receiving antenna unit receives the reference communication signal sent by the target transmitting antenna unit, and records information such as the arrival time and phase of the signal. By comparing the actual phase of the received reference communication signal with the expected phase of the transmitted signal, the reference phase difference is calculated by comparing the phase offset between the two.
[0035] Optionally, before the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, the method further includes: the target transmitting antenna unit detects the external environment state to determine whether the external environment except the target transmitting antenna unit is static; when the external environment meets the static condition, the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the corresponding target receiving antenna unit; when the external environment does not meet the static condition, adjust the position of the target transmitting antenna unit to re-optimize the signal propagation path until the external environment meets the static condition and then send a reference communication signal to the corresponding target receiving antenna unit.
[0036] Specifically, in a maritime environment, due to factors such as waves, wind speed, and hull movement, the external environment often undergoes dynamic changes, which may cause signal propagation to be interfered with or distorted. Therefore, before sending a reference communication signal, it is an important step to detect whether the external environment is in a static state. If the external environment does not meet the static conditions, it may introduce additional interference or errors, affecting the quality of the reference communication signal and the accuracy of calibration. With this setting, the target transmitting antenna unit first ensures that the signal is transmitted when the external environment is in a static condition, avoiding unstable factors caused by dynamic changes. Only when the external environment is stable will the transmitted reference communication signal be more accurate, thus ensuring that the phase difference between the reference communication signal and the test communication signal can be accurately calculated and calibrated. If the external environment does not meet the static conditions, the virtual communication array adjusts the position of the target transmitting antenna unit and optimizes the signal propagation path until the static conditions are met before sending the signal, which can minimize the errors caused by environmental factors and improve the stability, accuracy, and reliability of the maritime communication system.
[0037] S105. Determine the size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and move the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit among the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on the size of the simulated communication array.
[0038] Specifically, the simulated communication array is a model array used to simulate and optimize the virtual communication array, and is used to test, simulate, and verify the working effects and performance of the virtual communication array. By using the simulated communication array, the performance of the virtual communication array can be effectively predicted before actual deployment, and the communication requirements and antenna configurations can be accurately adjusted to ensure that the finally deployed virtual communication array can work efficiently and stably in a complex maritime environment.
[0039] When specifically implemented, the step of determining the size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array and moving the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit among the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on the size of the simulated communication array includes: determining the communication requirements of the current communication cycle; determining the target size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements; determining the first size of the virtual communication array and calculating the size gap between the first size and the target size; and determining the movement paths of the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit according to the size gap.
[0040] Specifically, at the beginning of each communication cycle, collect the current communication requirement data, including communication range, signal quality requirements, data rate requirements, network load, etc. Through communication requirement analysis, clarify the required signal coverage range, frequency band, bandwidth, and other relevant parameters. According to the obtained communication requirements, calculate the size of the analog communication array required to meet this demand. Based on the signal coverage range and beamforming requirements, determine the target size of the analog array to ensure that all areas that need to be served can be covered and relevant communication metrics (such as signal quality, latency, interference suppression, etc.) can be met. Through the design and measurement of the actually deployed virtual communication array, determine the size of the virtual communication array (i.e., the first size) based on factors such as the actual requirements of offshore operations, equipment constraints, and available space. According to the gap between the target size of the analog communication array and the preliminary size (the first size) of the actual virtual communication array, calculate the gap between the two. According to the calculated size gap, formulate an adjustment plan to determine the paths that the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit need to move along.
[0041] The method provided in this embodiment can achieve more precise and flexible communication network optimization by dynamically adjusting the size of the analog communication array according to the requirements of the current communication cycle and based on this size adjustment, the positions of the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit. First, adjust the size of the array according to the actual communication requirements, so that the communication array always matches the requirements and there will be no over-configuration or resource waste. Second, the calculation of the size gap helps to accurately locate the positions of the antenna units that need to be adjusted, avoiding unnecessary resource consumption and improper layout. Through this optimization mechanism, the communication array can achieve dynamic adaptation in different communication cycles, maximizing signal coverage, improving communication efficiency, and the reasonable layout of the antenna units ensures signal stability and anti-interference ability.
[0042] Optionally, before moving the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit, first clarify the available movement range and boundary conditions. These boundary conditions may be determined by the size of the offshore platform, physical space constraints, regulations of the operation area, and other environmental factors (such as water depth, wind speed, and sea waves). After clarifying the boundaries, ensure that the movement of the antenna unit does not exceed the physical limits and avoid collisions with other equipment or obstacles. Further, based on the size gap and movement boundaries, select the optimal movement path of the antenna unit according to the principle of the minimum movement distance. On the premise of ensuring that the communication requirements are met, give priority to the path with the minimum movement distance. Optimize the timing of movement according to the movement plan and the required minimum movement distance. To ensure the stability of the antenna unit and avoid interference, the farthest antenna unit usually needs to move first. Since the farthest antenna occupies the outermost position in the array, once its position is adjusted, it can prevent interference between other antenna units during movement. During the actual movement process, the antenna units must be adjusted in an orderly manner according to the movement timing to ensure that the new positions do not form obstacles in the array. Especially in the array layout of multiple antenna units, avoid some antennas becoming obstacles due to improper movement order, which may hinder the normal operation of other antennas. Through reasonable timing arrangements, ensure that the relative positions between the antennas always remain appropriate, avoid mutual occlusion, and ensure good communication performance of the array.
[0043] Optionally, determining the movement paths of the first transmitting antenna and the first receiving antenna according to the size gap includes: determining the expanded area based on the size gap; determining the maximum number of movable antenna units based on the relationship between the expanded area and the area of each antenna unit; determining the real-time positions of the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit; taking the maximum number of movable antenna units as a constraint condition, taking the maximization of the signal coverage area as an objective function, and taking the real-time positions as starting points, optimizing and solving the position points of the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit in each movement cycle to form a movement trajectory; the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit move according to the movement trajectory, wherein, in each movement cycle, the minimum distance between adjacent antenna units is 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength.
[0044] Specifically, based on the gap between the current size and the target size of the virtual communication array, calculate the area that needs to be expanded, i.e., the expanded area. The expanded area is the area that the virtual communication array needs to cover and is used to determine the specific movement range of the antenna elements. According to the size of the expanded area and the occupied area of each antenna element, calculate how many antenna elements can be placed in this expanded area. This number is the maximum number of movable antenna elements, which determines the number of antenna elements that need to be moved in the array. In each communication cycle, obtain the real-time positions of all receiving antenna elements and transmitting antenna elements. According to the maximum number of movable antenna elements and the optimization objective (such as maximizing the signal coverage area), by solving the optimization problem, determine the position points of the first receiving antenna element and the first transmitting antenna element in each movement cycle. At this time, the objective function is to maximize the signal coverage area, and the optimization algorithm determines the optimal positions of each antenna element according to this objective function. According to the movement trajectory calculated by the optimization, actually execute the movement of the antenna elements. During the movement, ensure that in each movement cycle, the distance between adjacent antenna elements is at least 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength to avoid interference between adjacent antenna elements.
[0045] The method provided in this embodiment enables the virtual communication array to be effectively adjusted according to actual needs by determining the expanded area based on the size gap and calculating the number of movable antenna elements. First, by determining the relationship between the expanded area and the area of the antenna elements, it can be ensured that the adjustment of the array can maximize the signal coverage range, thereby improving communication performance, especially in the complex maritime scenarios with a wide coverage area. This method helps to avoid over-configuration or resource waste because it clarifies the number of movable antenna elements and the necessary adjustment range. Second, using the maximization of the signal coverage area as the objective function to optimize the positions of the antenna elements can not only improve the signal coverage rate but also achieve adaptive adjustment in different communication cycles to ensure that the array is always in the best working state. In addition, by ensuring that the minimum distance between adjacent antenna elements is 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength, signal interference can be effectively avoided, and the signal transmission efficiency can be optimized. This comprehensive optimization method makes the virtual communication array highly flexible and robust in complex environments, helps to improve communication stability, reduce interference, increase system efficiency and adaptability, and ultimately ensures the efficient and reliable operation of the maritime communication network.
[0046] Optionally, the first transmitting antenna unit determines its own moving path based on communication requirements; the first transmitting antenna unit moves based on the moving path, and adjusts the moving path of the first transmitting antenna based on the positions of the target transmitting antenna unit and other first transmitting antenna units during the movement; the first transmitting antenna unit detects the relative positions of surrounding antennas in real time during the movement based on a preset minimum safety distance constraint condition, and adjusts the moving trajectory when the distance from the surrounding antennas is less than the safety threshold; the first transmitting antenna unit adjusts the moving speed and direction based on a path optimization algorithm, comprehensively considering the signal coverage range, propagation loss, path loss, and the relative positions of other first transmitting antenna units.
[0047] In specific implementation, obtain the position information of the detection target, and predict the future position of the detection target in combination with its historical movement trajectory. Calculate the optimal signal coverage area according to communication requirements (such as signal coverage range, data transmission rate). Use a path planning algorithm (such as the A* algorithm, Dijkstra algorithm) to calculate the initial moving path of the first transmitting antenna unit to ensure optimal signal coverage and minimum path loss. Further, obtain the real-time position information of the target transmitting antenna unit and other first transmitting antenna units. During the movement of the first transmitting antenna unit, continuously monitor the dynamic positions of surrounding antennas to avoid path overlap or signal interference. Introduce a dynamic obstacle avoidance mechanism in path planning, so that when the first transmitting antenna unit encounters an obstacle of other antennas, it adjusts the moving direction based on the shortest path. Ensure the safety distance between different antennas by presetting a minimum safety distance threshold. During the movement of the first transmitting antenna unit, use an ultrasonic sensor, lidar, or radio ranging system to measure the distance from surrounding antennas in real time. When it is detected that the distance between the first transmitting antenna unit and the surrounding antennas is less than the safety threshold, trigger the avoidance mechanism, re-plan the moving trajectory, and adjust the moving direction of the first transmitting antenna. During the entire movement process, optimize the moving speed and direction of the first transmitting antenna by combining factors such as signal coverage range, propagation loss, and path loss. Use genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, or particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms to continuously adjust the moving path to make the first transmitting antenna in the best communication position, and continuously optimize the path through a feedback control mechanism to ensure the best signal coverage effect.
[0048] The method provided in this embodiment can effectively optimize the performance of the virtual communication array, improve the signal coverage and quality, and avoid interference and physical conflicts between antennas by reasonably determining the movement path of the first transmitting antenna unit. First, based on the position information and communication requirements of the detection target, dynamically adjusting the antenna position can ensure that the detection target is always within the best signal coverage range, avoid communication blind spots, and optimize the signal propagation path, thereby reducing losses and improving signal quality and stability. Second, in an environment where multiple antennas work together, without reasonable path planning, signal interference or even physical collisions between antennas may occur. Therefore, by real-time detecting the relative positions of surrounding antennas and adjusting the trajectory when approaching the safety threshold, interference problems can be effectively prevented while ensuring the security of the system. In addition, adopting a path optimization algorithm that comprehensively considers signal propagation loss, path loss, and antenna spacing can enhance the intelligence of path planning, enabling the antenna to dynamically adjust its speed and direction during movement to adapt to the complex marine environment and avoid communication interruptions caused by factors such as sea waves and ship vibrations. At the same time, reasonable path planning can also reduce unnecessary movement, optimize energy consumption, increase the service life of the device, enhance the stability and scalability of the entire communication system, and enable it to adapt to larger-scale multi-antenna cooperative communication requirements.
[0049] S106. Transmit a test communication signal with the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit after movement.
[0050] Specifically, the test communication signal refers to a signal used to verify, calibrate, or evaluate communication quality. In a virtual communication array, the test communication signal is used to evaluate the performance, transmission quality, channel state, or other related parameters of the virtual communication array. The relationship between the test communication signal and the reference communication signal is that the reference communication signal is usually used as a known standard signal and serves as a benchmark for channel calibration. In a virtual communication array, by transmitting the reference communication signal and measuring the changes in its received signal, information such as the characteristics, noise, and interference of the channel can be obtained. The test communication signal, on the other hand, uses the already calibrated channel for performance evaluation and verification. The reference communication signal is used to calibrate the channel and optimize communication parameters, while the test communication signal is used to detect and evaluate communication quality in the channel that has been calibrated by the reference signal.
[0051] When specifically implemented, sending the test communication signal by using the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit after movement includes: determining the corresponding relationship between a plurality of first transmitting antenna units and a plurality of first receiving antenna units based on a communication efficiency index, to obtain a plurality of corresponding transmitting and receiving groups; each transmitting and receiving group includes a first transmitting antenna unit and a first receiving antenna unit; performing communication within the transmitting and receiving group, and keeping the antenna units within the transmitting and receiving group stationary during the communication process; when the first transmitting antenna unit or the first receiving antenna unit within the transmitting and receiving group moves, re-determining the corresponding relationship based on the communication efficiency index of the antenna unit after movement, to obtain an updated transmitting and receiving group, and performing communication based on the updated transmitting and receiving group.
[0052] Specifically, according to the communication efficiency index (such as signal strength, channel state, etc.), evaluate the pairing effect between each transmitting antenna unit and receiving antenna unit. According to the evaluation result, select a plurality of transmitting antenna units and receiving antenna units to form a plurality of corresponding transmitting and receiving groups, each group including a transmitting antenna unit and a receiving antenna unit. After determining the transmitting and receiving groups, perform communication within these transmitting and receiving groups. During the communication process, each pair of transmitting and receiving antenna units remains stationary within its corresponding group. When the transmitting antenna unit or the receiving antenna unit within a certain transmitting and receiving group moves, re-evaluate the communication performance of the antenna unit based on the new communication efficiency index (such as the signal quality or channel state after movement). According to the re-evaluated communication efficiency, update the corresponding relationship to obtain a new transmitting and receiving group. Continue to perform communication according to the updated transmitting and receiving group to ensure the effective pairing of antenna units and optimize the communication efficiency.
[0053] The method provided in this embodiment optimizes the communication efficiency by dynamically adjusting the corresponding relationship between the transmitting and receiving antenna units. First, determining the corresponding relationship between a plurality of transmitting antenna units and receiving antenna units based on the communication efficiency index can ensure that the pairing of antenna units is optimal in the initial state, thereby improving the communication performance. Second, keeping the antenna units within the transmitting and receiving group stationary during the communication process helps to ensure the communication stability and avoid the signal quality degradation caused by the frequent change of the antenna position. When the antenna unit moves, re-evaluating the performance of the antenna unit based on the new communication efficiency index enables the pairing of the transmitting and receiving group to be updated in a timely manner, ensuring that the new antenna position can still maintain the best communication efficiency. This method can flexibly cope with the dynamic changes of the antenna units in the marine environment and maximize the adaptability and reliability of the communication system.
[0054] S107. Calibrate the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference, and calculate the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference.
[0055] In specific implementation, calibrating the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference includes: establishing a communication link between a target transmitting antenna unit and a target receiving antenna unit, the target transmitting antenna unit sending a reference communication signal, and the target receiving antenna unit receiving the reference communication signal; calculating the reference phase difference based on the phase information difference between the signal sent by the target transmitting antenna unit and the signal received by the target receiving antenna unit, where the reference phase difference is determined by the clock difference between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit. The transmitting antenna units share the same clock, and the receiving antenna units share the same clock. A phase difference is generated during the synchronization process between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit; establishing a communication link between a first transmitting antenna unit and a first receiving antenna unit, the first transmitting antenna unit sending a test communication signal, and the first receiving antenna unit receiving the test communication signal; calculating the test phase difference based on the phase information difference between the signal sent by the first transmitting antenna unit and the phase information of the signal received by the first receiving antenna unit. The test phase difference includes the phase difference generated during the synchronization process between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit and the phase difference generated by the position movement change of the transmitting and receiving antenna units; correcting the test phase difference based on the reference phase difference to obtain the calibrated phase difference; the calibrated phase difference is the phase difference generated by the position movement change between the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit that generates the phase difference.
[0056] Specifically, in combination with the above description, the reference phase difference includes the phase difference generated during the clock synchronization process of the transmitting antenna unit and the receiving antenna unit. Since the transmitting antenna units share the same clock and the receiving antenna units share the same clock, the reference phase difference is mainly caused by the clock difference between the transmitting end clock and the receiving end clock. This phase difference reflects the basic time synchronization error of the entire communication system and has nothing to do with the physical position change of the antenna. The test phase difference includes the phase difference generated during the clock synchronization process of the transmitting antenna unit and the receiving antenna unit (i.e., the same part as the reference phase difference) and the phase difference generated by the position movement change of the transmitting and receiving antenna units. Since the relative position of the antenna unit changes during movement, the test phase difference also includes the phase difference generated by the position movement change of the transmitting and receiving antenna units. The test phase difference is not only affected by clock synchronization but also reflects the influence of the relative movement of the antenna unit on the signal propagation path and phase. Therefore, using the reference phase difference to correct the test phase difference can remove the phase difference generated during the clock synchronization process of the antenna unit and the receiving antenna unit in the test phase difference, obtaining only the phase difference generated by the position movement change of the transmitting and receiving antenna units, and achieving accurate measurement of the relative position change of the antenna.
[0057] In specific implementation, the target transmitting antenna unit and the target receiving antenna unit establish a communication link, and data is exchanged between them through wireless signals. The target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal, and the target receiving antenna unit receives this signal. By analyzing the phase information in the signal sent by the target transmitting antenna unit and the phase information difference in the signal received by the target receiving antenna unit, the reference phase difference is obtained through subtraction calculation. Further, the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit also establish a communication link and conduct a test communication. The first transmitting antenna unit sends a test communication signal, and the first receiving antenna unit receives the signal. By analyzing the phase information in the signal sent by the first transmitting antenna unit and the phase information difference in the signal received by the first receiving antenna unit, the test phase difference is obtained through subtraction calculation. Finally, the test phase difference is corrected based on the reference phase difference. By comparing the reference phase difference and the test phase difference, the difference between the two is calculated, and the phase difference generated by environmental factors is removed during the correction process to obtain the phase difference caused only by the relative position change of the antenna units.
[0058] The method provided in this embodiment uses the reference phase difference to correct the test phase difference, which can significantly improve the accuracy and stability of signals in a maritime communication system. First, through the calculation of the reference phase difference, the influence of the clock synchronization of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna on the signal can be determined, and the interference of external environmental changes (such as seawater, weather, etc.) on the communication signal can be reduced, which provides an accurate benchmark for subsequent signal processing and optimization. Then, by comparing the test phase difference and the reference phase difference, precise adjustment can be made when the relative position between the antenna units changes, thereby eliminating the phase change caused by the antenna position difference and improving the quality of signal transmission. In this way, the calibrated phase difference can truly reflect the influence of the relative position change of the antenna units, ensuring that the antenna system can provide more stable and efficient communication performance, especially in a complex maritime environment. Through this method, the accuracy of the communication signal and the reliability of the system are guaranteed, greatly improving the practical application performance and anti-interference ability of the virtual communication array.
[0059] Optionally, after calibrating the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference and calculating the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference, the method further includes: establishing a fitting relationship model between the phase difference and the direction angle based on the calibrated phase differences at multiple different positions; determining a first change amount during the communication process during the next communication, calculating a corresponding second change amount based on the first change amount and the fitting relationship model, and adjusting the corresponding antenna transmitting unit and antenna receiving unit based on the second change amount; the first change amount and the second change amount are the phase difference or the direction angle.
[0060] Specifically, the first change amount and the second change amount are phase differences or direction angles. That is, the first change amount can be a phase difference, and the first change amount can also be a direction angle. The second change amount can be a phase difference, and the second change amount can also be a direction angle.
[0061] In specific implementation, the phase difference of the test communication signal is calibrated by referring to the phase difference to obtain the calibrated phase difference. Then, based on the calibrated phase difference data at multiple different positions (the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit at different positions), a fitting relationship model between the phase difference and the direction angle is established using a data fitting method (such as the least squares method, curve fitting, etc.). During the next communication, first, the change in the phase difference during the communication process is monitored. By comparing the current phase difference with the reference phase difference, the first change amount (the first change amount is the phase difference) is calculated. Then, using the fitting relationship model, the first change amount is substituted into the fitting relationship model to calculate the second change amount (the second change amount is the direction angle). Next, based on the calculated second change amount, the receiving directions of the corresponding antenna transmitting unit and receiving unit are adjusted.
[0062] In another possible implementation manner, during the next communication, first, the change in the phase difference during the communication process is monitored. By comparing the current direction angle with the direction angle before the change, the first change amount (the first change amount is the direction angle) is calculated. Then, using the fitting relationship model, the first change amount is substituted into the fitting relationship model to calculate the second change amount (the second change amount is the phase difference). Next, based on the calculated second change amount, the signals transmitted by the corresponding antenna transmitting unit and receiving unit are adjusted.
[0063] The method provided in this embodiment establishes a fitting relationship model between the phase difference and the direction angle and performs dynamic adjustment based on this model. First, establishing the relationship model between the phase difference and the direction angle can help accurately understand the signal propagation characteristics of the virtual communication array at different positions, so as to more accurately predict the quality and propagation situation of the communication signal. Through the combination of the calibrated phase difference and the model, the signal transmission path and array configuration can be adjusted in real time in different ocean environments, improving the stability and efficiency of communication. Second, by calculating the second change amount based on the first change amount during the communication process and making corresponding antenna adjustments, it is possible to dynamically respond to signal changes caused by factors such as weather and waves in the marine environment, thereby optimizing the working state of the antenna and ensuring communication quality. This method not only improves the adaptive ability of the communication system but also effectively reduces the need for manual operation and reduces system maintenance costs. In addition, adjusting based on real-time changes can also ensure that the system is always in the best communication state in the changing ocean environment, thus ensuring the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.
[0064] Optionally, after calculating the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference, several key issues can be further studied based on these channel characteristics. First, in terms of communication system design, an accurate channel model can be used to optimize beamforming, modulation coding schemes, and resource allocation strategies to improve the stability and adaptability of the system. Second, in terms of performance improvement, multi-antenna cooperation strategies, interference suppression techniques, and signal processing algorithms can be optimized for the spatial, temporal, and frequency correlations of the channel to improve communication quality and reliability. In addition, in emerging technologies such as infinite planning (e.g., large-scale MIMO, RIS-assisted communication, etc.), based on the channel characteristics, the changing trends of the communication environment can be better predicted, the system architecture can be optimized, and data support can be provided for the deployment of future communication networks. Finally, in terms of standardization research, accurate channel modeling can provide key information for the formulation of standards such as communication protocols, antenna design, and spectrum management, ensuring the efficiency and interoperability of the new generation of wireless communication systems.
[0065] In the method provided in this embodiment, on the one hand, by setting a plurality of movable first transmitting antennas, the coverage range of the virtual communication array is greatly expanded. When the virtual communication array is applied to different application scenarios such as at sea, it can meet the communication requirements of long-distance and large-scale maritime targets. In the traditional maritime communication method, fixed base stations or single transmitting antennas are limited by their physical positions, and the communication range is limited, making it difficult to cover maritime targets far from the base station. However, in this application, the movable first transmitting antennas dynamically adjust their own positions, enabling them to actively approach the communication demand area, optimize signal coverage, effectively reduce signal blind spots, and improve long-distance communication capabilities. In addition, the movable first transmitting antennas can be adaptively adjusted according to the target position and movement trajectory, making the signal propagation path more optimized, reducing path loss, and improving communication efficiency. Through the collaborative work of multiple movable transmitting antennas, not only can a broader sea area be covered, but also the transmission path can be switched between different antennas, further improving the continuity and stability of communication, and ensuring that maritime targets are always in a stable communication connection state. At the same time, constructing a virtual communication array using a small number of antenna units can significantly reduce the system construction and maintenance costs. Traditional virtual communication arrays require a large number of antenna units and complex infrastructure, which not only increases the cost of equipment procurement but also requires additional resources for deployment and management. By reasonably configuring the movable antenna units and optimizing their layout, the number of required antenna units can be reduced while ensuring communication quality and coverage range. On the other hand, by using a pair of receiving and transmitting antennas with fixed positions, the signal correction process can be simplified, especially in a complex environment such as at sea. Since there is only one factor of phase difference between the fixed-position receiving and transmitting antennas, that is, only phase offset, this phase difference is relatively stable and easy to measure and correct. Conversely, the movable receiving and transmitting antennas are affected by an additional phase difference caused by position movement. In addition to the traditional phase offset, the dynamic phase difference caused by the change in antenna position also needs to be considered. Therefore, by using the fixed-position antennas to correct the phase difference of the movable antennas, the error caused by the change in antenna position can be effectively reduced, the phase offset caused by position change can be eliminated, and the accuracy and synchronization of the signal at the receiving end can be ensured. Through this method, stable communication of the movable antennas in a complex marine environment can be ensured, thereby improving the reliability and signal quality of the virtual communication array. Moreover, in maritime communication, due to the influence of environmental factors such as waves, wind speed, and hull movement, the dynamic changes of the movable antennas cause errors in signal delay and phase, which will affect communication quality. To solve this problem, by setting a fixed-position target transmitting antenna and transmitting a reference signal at a fixed period, a stable time and phase reference can be provided for the virtual communication array.Based on the reference signal, the first receiving antenna can calibrate the time delay and phase difference of the detection signal and perform compensation, so that all detection signals can achieve time synchronization and phase alignment at the receiving end, thereby avoiding signal out-of-step or interference and improving communication quality. Thirdly, by setting multiple first transmitting antennas with movable positions, the flexibility, coverage range and communication quality of the virtual communication array can be significantly improved. First of all, the marine environment is complex and changeable, and the positions of communication targets (such as ships, buoys, unmanned underwater vehicles, etc.) are highly uncertain. A single fixed-position transmitting antenna is difficult to provide stable signal coverage in all cases. Multiple movable transmitting antennas can be dynamically adjusted according to the position and movement trajectory of the target to ensure that the detection signal can effectively cover the target area and improve the adaptability and stability of communication. Secondly, in the marine environment, signal propagation is affected by factors such as multipath effects, wave undulations, and obstacle blockages, which may cause signal attenuation or distortion. By reasonably adjusting the positions of the movable transmitting antennas to avoid signal fading areas and optimize the propagation path, the path loss can be effectively reduced, and the signal strength and reception quality can be improved. In addition, the cooperative work of multiple transmitting antennas can enhance the redundancy of the virtual communication array. When some transmitting antennas are interfered with or damaged, other transmitting antennas can supplement the coverage to ensure that the communication is not interrupted and improve the reliability of the virtual communication array. At the same time, by dynamically adjusting the positions of multiple transmitting antennas, advanced technologies such as beamforming can also be realized, enhancing the directivity and anti-interference ability of the signal and improving the stability of the communication link and the data transmission rate.
[0066] Corresponding to the foregoing embodiment of the method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment, the present application also provides an embodiment of a virtual communication array.
[0067] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the virtual communication array provided in the second embodiment of the present application. Please refer to Figure 2 In the virtual communication array provided in this embodiment, the virtual communication array includes a target receiving antenna unit, a target transmitting antenna unit, a first transmitting antenna unit and a first receiving antenna unit; wherein, the positions of the target receiving antenna unit and the target transmitting antenna unit are fixed and unchanged, the position of the first receiving antenna unit except the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit except the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna unit is movable; The target transmitting antenna unit is configured to send a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generate a reference phase difference based on the phase difference of the received reference communication signal; The first transmitting antenna unit is configured to determine a moving position based on the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and send a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna unit after moving to the moving position; The first receiving antenna unit is configured to receive the test communication signal, calibrate the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference, and calculate the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference.
[0068] The device of this embodiment can be used to execute Figure 1 the steps of the method embodiment shown. The specific implementation principle and process are similar and will not be elaborated here.
[0069] For the implementation process of the functions and roles of each unit in the above device, please refer to the implementation process of the corresponding steps in the above method for details and will not be elaborated here.
[0070] For the device embodiment, since it basically corresponds to the method embodiment, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiment. The device embodiment described above is only illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without creative efforts.
[0071] The above are only the preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this application shall be included in the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment, characterized in that The method includes: Constructing a virtual communication array; the virtual communication array is in a static environment, and the virtual communication array includes N antenna units, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; Determining a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit from the virtual communication array; Determining a target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units and a target transmitting antenna unit from the transmitting antenna units; Among them, the positions of the target receiving antenna unit and the target transmitting antenna unit are fixed and unchanged, the positions of the first receiving antenna units other than the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna units are movable, and the positions of the first transmitting antenna units other than the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna units are movable; The target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generates a reference phase difference based on the phase difference of the received reference communication signal; Determining the size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and moving the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on the size of the simulated communication array; the size of the simulated communication array is larger than that of the virtual communication array, and the number of antenna units required for a communication array with the same size as the simulated communication array is greater than N; Sending a test communication signal with the moved first receiving antenna unit and first transmitting antenna unit; Calibrating the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference, and calculating the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Calibrating the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference includes: Establishing a communication link between the target transmitting antenna unit and the target receiving antenna unit, the target transmitting antenna unit sending a reference communication signal, and the target receiving antenna unit receiving the reference communication signal; Calculating a reference phase difference based on the phase information difference between the signal sent by the target transmitting antenna unit and the signal received by the target receiving antenna unit. The reference phase difference is determined by the clock difference between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit. The transmitting antenna units share the same clock, the receiving antenna units share the same clock, and a phase difference is generated during the synchronization process between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit; Establishing a communication link between the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit, the first transmitting antenna unit sending a test communication signal, and the first receiving antenna unit receiving the test communication signal; Calculating a test phase difference based on the phase information difference between the signal sent by the first transmitting antenna unit and the signal received by the first receiving antenna unit. The test phase difference includes the phase difference generated during the synchronization process between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit and the phase difference generated by the position movement change of the transmitting and receiving antenna units; Correcting the test phase difference based on the reference phase difference to obtain the calibrated phase difference; the calibrated phase difference is the phase difference generated by the position movement change between the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit that generates the phase difference.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein After calibrating the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference and calculating the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference, the method further includes: Based on the calibrated phase differences at multiple different positions, establish a fitting relationship model between the phase difference and the direction angle; When determining the first change amount during the communication process in the next communication, calculate the corresponding second change amount based on the first change amount and the fitting relationship model, and adjust the corresponding antenna transmitting unit and antenna receiving unit based on the second change amount; the first change amount and the second change amount are the phase difference or the direction angle.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, the method further includes: The target transmitting antenna unit detects the external environment state and determines whether the external environment except the target transmitting antenna unit is static; When the external environment meets the static condition, the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the corresponding target receiving antenna unit; When the external environment does not meet the static condition, adjust the position of the target transmitting antenna unit, re-optimize the signal propagation path, and send a reference communication signal to the corresponding target receiving antenna unit until the external environment meets the static condition.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The step of sending the test communication signal by using the moved first receiving antenna unit and first transmitting antenna unit includes: Based on the communication efficiency index, determine the corresponding relationship between multiple first transmitting antenna units and multiple first receiving antenna units to obtain multiple one-to-one corresponding transmitting and receiving groups; each transmitting and receiving group includes a first transmitting antenna unit and a first receiving antenna unit; Conduct communication within the transmitting and receiving group, and keep the antenna units within the transmitting and receiving group stationary during the communication process; When the first transmitting antenna unit or the first receiving antenna unit within the transmitting and receiving group moves, re-determine the corresponding relationship based on the communication efficiency index of the moved antenna unit to obtain an updated transmitting and receiving group, and conduct communication based on the updated transmitting and receiving group.
6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array and moving the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit among the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on the size of the simulated communication array includes: Determine the communication requirements of the current communication cycle; Determine the target size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements; Determine the first size of the virtual communication array, and calculate the size gap between the first size and the target size; Determine the moving paths of the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit according to the size gap.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The step of determining the moving paths of the first transmitting antenna and the first receiving antenna according to the size gap includes: Determine the expanded area based on the size gap; Based on the relationship between the expanded area and the area of each antenna unit, determine the maximum number of movable antenna units; Determine the real-time positions of the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit; With the number of the maximum movable antenna units as a constraint condition, with the maximization of the signal coverage area as the objective function, starting from the real-time position, optimize and solve the position points of the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit in each moving cycle to form a moving trajectory. The first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit move according to the moving trajectory. Among them, in each moving cycle, the minimum distance between adjacent antenna units is 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein The constructing of the virtual communication array includes: Determine the structure of each antenna unit, and the antenna unit includes a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit. Based on the position relationship between the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit, arrange each pair of receiving antenna units and transmitting antenna units into a rectangular array unit. According to the communication requirements and the coverage range, determine the arrangement mode of multiple rectangular array units to obtain a virtual communication array. Use the virtual communication array for signal transceiver, improve the signal gain through the array signal processing algorithm, and realize beamforming based on the array structure.
9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determining of the target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units includes: Determine the hardware resource capabilities of each of the receiving antenna units, and screen the first batch of receiving antenna units that meet the hardware communication requirements based on the hardware resource capabilities. From the first batch of receiving antenna units, screen the candidate receiving antenna units that are currently in an idle state. Optimize the candidate receiving antenna units based on communication efficiency, antenna position, and channel state to obtain the target receiving antenna unit.
10. A virtual communication array, characterized in that, The virtual communication array includes a target receiving antenna unit, a target transmitting antenna unit, a first transmitting antenna unit, and a first receiving antenna unit. Among them, the positions of the target receiving antenna unit and the target transmitting antenna unit are fixed and unchanged. The position of the first receiving antenna unit except the target receiving antenna unit among the receiving antenna units is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit except the target transmitting antenna unit among the transmitting antenna units is movable. The target transmitting antenna unit is used to send a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed cycle, and generate a reference phase difference based on the phase difference of the received reference communication signal. The first transmitting antenna unit is used to determine the moving position based on the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and send a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna unit after moving to the moving position. The first receiving antenna unit is used to receive the test communication signal, calibrate the phase difference of the test communication signal based on the reference phase difference, and calculate the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference.
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