A method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment and a virtual communication array

Abstract

The present application provides a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment and a virtual communication array. The method provided in the present application includes: constructing a virtual communication array; determining a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit based on the virtual communication array; determining a target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna unit, and determining a target transmitting antenna unit from the transmitting antenna unit; 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 received by the reference communication signal; determining the size of a simulated communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, moving the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on the size of the simulated communication array, and sending a test communication signal based on the moved first receiving antenna unit and the 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.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of maritime communication technology, and in particular 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 demands are trending towards higher data rates, lower latency, and wider coverage. 5G / 6G technologies rely on Massive MIMO and ultra-large antenna arrays to achieve enhanced spatial multiplexing capabilities and higher communication gain. However, the maritime environment is complex and variable, with channel conditions significantly affected by factors such as wave fluctuations, weather changes, and multipath effects. This makes traditional antenna deployment methods difficult to meet the application requirements of Massive MIMO at sea. Therefore, optimizing maritime wireless communications based on large-scale communication arrays has become a key research direction.

[0003] Current maritime communications primarily rely on satellite communications, shortwave radio, very high frequency (VHF) radio, and cellular networks. However, while satellite communications offer wide coverage, they are expensive and significantly affected by weather, making them difficult to meet the demands of real-time and large data transmission. Shortwave and VHF radios have limited bandwidth, low data rates, and insufficient reliability for long-distance communications. Cellular networks are available offshore, but signal coverage in offshore areas is insufficient, leading to frequent communication interruptions. Furthermore, while existing MIMO technology can improve communication quality, deploying large-scale MIMO systems in maritime environments presents challenges such as high cost, complex equipment maintenance, and limited array placement, hindering their widespread adoption in the 5G / 6G era.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method based on constructing large-scale virtual communication arrays. By rationally designing low-cost, high-efficiency antenna arrays and combining them with intelligent channel modeling technology, the stability, anti-interference capability and coverage of maritime wireless communications 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, the present application provides a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment and a virtual communication array, which is used to improve the stability, anti-interference capability and coverage of maritime wireless communications by rationally designing a low-cost, high-efficiency antenna array and combining it with 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:

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a method for maritime communication, the method comprising:

[0008] 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;

[0009] determining a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit from a virtual communication array;

[0010] Determine a target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units, and determine a target transmitting antenna unit from the transmitting antenna units;

[0011] Among them, the positions of the target receiving antenna unit and the target transmitting antenna unit are fixed, 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;

[0012] 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 a phase difference received by the reference communication signal;

[0013] Determining a size of the simulated communication array according to 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 the virtual communication array, and the number of antenna units required for a communication array having the same size as the simulated communication array is greater than N;

[0014] Sending a test communication signal using the moved first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit;

[0015] The test communication signal phase difference is calibrated based on the reference phase difference, and the channel characteristic of the virtual communication array is calculated based on the calibrated phase difference.

[0016] A second aspect of the present application provides a virtual communication array, the virtual communication array comprising 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, the position of the first receiving antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna unit is movable;

[0017] The target transmitting antenna unit is configured to transmit a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generate a reference phase difference based on a phase difference received by the reference communication signal;

[0018] The first transmitting antenna unit is configured to determine a moving position based on the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and to send a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna unit after moving to the moving position;

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present application provides a maritime communication method and virtual communication array. First, by providing multiple movable first transmitting antennas, the virtual communication array's coverage is greatly expanded. When applied in various scenarios, such as at sea, the virtual communication array can meet the communication needs of long-distance and large-scale maritime targets. In traditional maritime communication methods, fixed base stations or single transmitting antennas are restricted by their physical location, resulting in limited communication range and difficulty covering maritime targets far from the base station. However, the present application utilizes a movable first transmitting antenna that dynamically adjusts its position, enabling it to proactively approach areas of communication demand, optimizing signal coverage and effectively reducing signal blind spots, thereby improving long-distance communication capabilities. Furthermore, the movable first transmitting antenna can adaptively adjust based on the target's location and motion trajectory, further optimizing the signal propagation path, reducing path loss, and improving communication efficiency. The coordinated operation of multiple movable transmitting antennas not only enables coverage of a wider maritime area, but also enables switching transmission paths between different antennas, further improving communication continuity and stability, ensuring a stable communication connection for maritime targets. Furthermore, constructing a virtual communication array using a small number of antenna units can significantly reduce system construction and maintenance costs. Traditional virtual communication arrays require a large number of antenna units and complex infrastructure, which not only increases equipment procurement costs but also requires additional resources for deployment and management. By rationally configuring and optimizing the layout of movable antenna units, the number of required antenna units can be reduced while ensuring communication quality and coverage. Secondly, using a fixed pair of receiving and transmitting antennas simplifies the signal calibration process, particularly in complex environments like at sea. Because the phase difference between fixed receiving and transmitting antennas is limited to a single factor—a phase offset—this phase difference is relatively stable and easy to measure and correct. In contrast, movable receiving and transmitting antennas are subject to additional phase differences due to movement. In addition to the traditional phase offset, dynamic phase differences due to antenna position changes must also be considered. Therefore, using fixed antennas to correct the phase difference of movable antennas effectively reduces errors caused by antenna position changes, eliminates phase offsets caused by positional fluctuations, and ensures signal accuracy and synchronization at the receiving end. This approach ensures stable communication for movable antennas in complex maritime environments, thereby improving the reliability and signal quality of the virtual communication array. Furthermore, in maritime communications, the dynamic changes of movable antennas due to environmental factors such as waves, wind speed, and ship motion can lead to errors in signal delay and phase, which can affect communication quality. To address this issue, a target transmitting antenna at a fixed position and transmitting a reference signal at a fixed periodicity provides a stable time and phase reference 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 compensate for it, so that all detection signals can achieve time synchronization and phase alignment at the receiving end, thereby avoiding signal desynchronization or interference and improving communication quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A flowchart of a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment provided in Example 1 of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the virtual communication array provided in Example 2 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, identical numerals in different drawings represent identical or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with this application.

[0024] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" used in this 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" as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0026] Specific embodiments are given below to introduce the technical solutions of the present application in detail.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment provided by the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 The method provided in this embodiment may include:

[0028] S101. Construct a virtual communication array.

[0029] Specifically, a virtual communication array is a wireless communication system composed of multiple antenna units. These antenna units are composed of two parts: one fixed antenna unit and the other movable antenna unit. These antenna units are used to establish a stable wireless communication network in a maritime 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.

[0030] It's important to note that a virtual communication array operates in a static environment, meaning the physical environment remains constant over time and is unaffected by external dynamic factors (such as waves, wind speed, and ship motion). In this environment, the positions, relative spacing, and azimuth angles of the antenna elements remain stable and do not change significantly, ensuring relatively constant channel characteristics. This static environment helps eliminate random factors caused by external disturbances, making communication performance analysis, channel estimation, and antenna optimization design more accurate and reliable.

[0031] Furthermore, a virtual communication array is a simulated large-scale antenna array that can be applied in different scenarios, such as land, air, and maritime communication environments, to optimize antenna layout, improve signal coverage, and enhance communication stability. This application focuses on its implementation in maritime applications, including how to adjust antenna unit layout and optimize beam direction in dynamic marine environments, and adjust the deployment and optimization of maritime communication arrays based on the simulation results of the virtual array.

[0032] It should be noted that when constructing a virtual communication array, the number of antenna units is set to N. A relatively small value for N is chosen primarily to account for the various difficulties faced in building large-scale communication arrays in actual application scenarios (such as at sea). The unique characteristics of the maritime environment, such as waves, severe weather, and equipment stability, make the construction and maintenance of large-scale communication arrays extremely challenging. Excessive antenna units not only incur higher costs but also increase system complexity and power and hardware requirements. Furthermore, dynamic sea conditions may lead to a decrease in communication stability and signal quality. Therefore, by rationally selecting an appropriate number of antenna units, we can effectively reduce the difficulty of installation and maintenance while ensuring communication performance, lowering the overall system cost, and improving system flexibility and scalability to meet the needs of actual maritime applications.

[0033] 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, and 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, and each first transmitting antenna unit adjusts its position and sends a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna unit, and the first receiving antenna uses the reference communication signal to calibrate the received test communication signal.

[0034] It should be noted that due to the vastness of the ocean environment and the lack of fixed base stations, communication signal transmission is primarily affected by the spontaneous movement of the transmitting antenna. While environmental factors (such as wave motion and multipath) may cause some fluctuations, their impact is secondary and can be compensated for through signal processing. Since the first transmitting antenna is mobile, its position changes directly lead to dynamic changes in the signal propagation path, resulting in significant deviations in delay, phase, and signal strength. Therefore, adjusting the position of the first transmitting antenna not only adapts to changes in the external environment but, more importantly, optimizes signal coverage, reduces errors caused by antenna movement, and ensures communication link stability. By properly planning the movement path, the first transmitting antenna can proactively avoid areas of signal interference, optimize signal propagation angles, and reduce path loss, thereby improving signal transmission efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, when communicating with multiple targets, the mobile first transmitting antenna can dynamically adjust its layout based on changes in target positions to accommodate varying communication needs, ensuring smooth communication links and stable data transmission.

[0035] In a specific implementation, 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; determining the arrangement of multiple rectangular array units based on communication requirements and coverage range to obtain a virtual communication array; using the virtual communication array to transmit and receive signals, improving signal gain through an array signal processing algorithm, and realizing beamforming based on the array structure.

[0036] Specifically, the specific structure of each antenna unit is determined based on communication requirements and environmental conditions. Each antenna unit includes a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit. The receiving antenna unit is used to receive signals, and the transmitting antenna unit is used to transmit signals. Based on the antenna unit design and the virtual communication array layout requirements, the positional relationship between each pair of receiving and transmitting antenna units is determined by calculating the relative distance, angle, and layout of the antennas. Each pair of receiving and transmitting antenna units is arranged into a rectangular array unit. The arrangement of the multiple rectangular array units is determined based on communication requirements, coverage range, and array design requirements. The arrangement determines the overall shape and distribution of the virtual communication array and can include linear, two-dimensional, or other arrangements tailored to the needs. Following the above steps, a virtual communication array comprising multiple rectangular array units is constructed, with the antenna units within the virtual communication array configured according to the predetermined arrangement. Furthermore, the constructed virtual communication array is used to transmit and receive signals. Array signal processing algorithms, such as weighted summation or interference cancellation, are used to increase signal gain, resulting in enhanced reception quality during signal propagation. Based on the array structure, beamforming technology is used to adjust the transmission and reception directions of the antenna array, so that it can concentrate signal energy in a specific direction, optimize signal coverage, reduce interference, and improve the overall performance of the communication system.

[0037] It should be noted that after establishing a virtual communication array, it can be used to study the channel characteristics of very large-scale arrays, including spatial, temporal, and frequency correlations. By simulating the communication process of a very large-scale array in different environments, the spatial correlation of the channel can be analyzed, and the impact of the distance and arrangement between antenna elements on the channel characteristics can be studied. Simultaneously, 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. Furthermore, using test signals at different frequencies, the frequency correlation of the channel can be analyzed, exploring the impact of multi-band communication on array performance. These studies help optimize the layout, beamforming, and signal processing algorithms of very large-scale arrays, improving the overall performance of the communication system.

[0038] S102: Determine a receiving antenna unit and a transmitting antenna unit from a virtual communication array.

[0039] Specifically, the receiving antenna unit is responsible for receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna unit. In the virtual communication array, one or more antenna units are selected as receiving antenna units based on the signal reception quality requirements. Generally, the receiving antenna unit is selected to be located at a more ideal position along the 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 certain circumstances, a movable antenna unit can be selected to adapt to different sea conditions or communication requirements. Furthermore, the transmitting antenna unit is responsible for transmitting the signal to the receiving antenna unit. In the virtual communication array, one or more antenna units can be selected as transmitting antenna units. When selecting a transmitting antenna unit, factors to be considered include transmission distance, signal strength, and anti-interference capability. The position and orientation of the transmitting antenna unit (for example, a directional antenna or an omnidirectional antenna) can be adjusted according to the location of the communication target on the sea surface.

[0040] S103: Determine a target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units, and determine a target transmitting antenna unit from the transmitting antenna units.

[0041] Specifically, the target receiving antenna unit is used to receive the reference communication signal sent by the target transmitting antenna unit. It should be noted that the target receiving antenna unit is an antenna unit whose position is fixed in the receiving antenna unit, and the position of the first receiving antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit is movable, that is, the first receiving antenna unit is any antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit. The target transmitting antenna unit is an antenna unit whose position is fixed in the transmitting antenna unit, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna unit is movable, that is, the first transmitting antenna unit is any antenna unit in the transmitting antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit.

[0042] In a 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, and screening a first batch of receiving antenna units that meet hardware communication requirements based on the hardware resource capabilities; screening candidate receiving antenna units that are currently idle from the first batch of receiving antenna units; and optimizing the candidate receiving antenna units based on communication efficiency, antenna position, and channel status to obtain the target receiving antenna unit.

[0043] Specifically, the hardware resource capabilities of each receiving antenna unit are obtained, including parameters such as processing power, transmission rate, power, and bandwidth. The hardware resource capability assessment determines the communication load that each receiving antenna unit can support. Based on communication requirements and hardware resource requirements, receiving antenna units with hardware resource capabilities that meet the communication requirements are screened. Based on preset conditions (such as minimum processing power and transmission rate requirements), a first batch of receiving antenna units that meet the requirements are selected from all receiving antenna units. The status of each antenna unit in the first batch of selected receiving antenna units is further checked. Receiving antenna units that are currently idle and not participating in other communication tasks are selected as candidate antenna units. The selection of candidate receiving antenna units is optimized based on factors such as communication efficiency, antenna location, and channel conditions, taking into account the actual performance of each candidate antenna unit, including its signal quality, reception sensitivity, and signal interference in the current network environment. Through this optimization process, one or more receiving antenna units that meet the communication requirements and exhibit good performance are ultimately selected as target receiving antenna units for receiving transmitted signals.

[0044] 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, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] It should be noted that in maritime communications, the movement of the first transmitting antenna will generate delay and phase errors, primarily due to the dynamic adjustment of the signal propagation path as the antenna position changes. First, delay error occurs because the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves is constant. When the first transmitting antenna moves, the signal propagation distance changes accordingly, causing the time it takes for the signal to arrive at the receiving antenna to deviate, resulting in inaccurate synchronization of signals from different transmitting antennas. Second, phase error occurs because electromagnetic waves oscillate periodically. Changes in the propagation path can cause signal phase shifts, resulting in failure of coherent superposition at the receiving end, and thus affecting communication quality. To ensure the stability of multi-antenna cooperative transmission, calibration is required based on the reference signal provided by the target transmitting antenna. By adjusting the delay to synchronize the signal arrival time and compensating for the phase error, the signals are phase-aligned at the receiving antenna, thereby improving signal quality and communication reliability.

[0046] In maritime communications, setting up fixed target transmitting and receiving antennas provides a stable time and phase reference for the entire virtual communication array, enabling delay and phase calibration. Because the positions of the target transmitting and receiving antennas are known and fixed, the reference signals they emit are unaffected by positional fluctuations during propagation. Therefore, they serve as a reference for delay and phase calculations at the first receiving antenna. For the first transmitting antenna, the detection signal it emits varies in propagation distance due to positional fluctuations, leading to delay and phase errors. By comparing the arrival time and phase of the detection signal from the first transmitting antenna with the reference signal from the target transmitting antenna, the delay and phase deviations can be calculated. These deviations are then calibrated using appropriate compensation mechanisms, ensuring that all signals arrive synchronously and phase-aligned at the receiving antenna. This ensures that the virtual communication array maintains signal stability, improving the accuracy and reliability of data transmission.

[0047] 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 a phase difference of the reference communication signal received.

[0048] During specific implementation, the time interval for the target transmitting antenna unit to send the reference communication signal, i.e., the fixed period, is set. 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 a standard signal, a synchronization signal, or a signal of known frequency and phase. The target receiving antenna unit receives the reference communication signal sent from 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, and by comparing the phase offset between the two, the reference phase difference is calculated.

[0049] Optionally, before the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, the method also includes: the target transmitting antenna unit detects the external environment state to determine whether the external environment except the target transmitting antenna unit is in a static state; 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, the position of the target transmitting antenna unit is adjusted, and the signal propagation path is re-optimized until the external environment meets the static condition and then the reference communication signal is sent to the corresponding target receiving antenna unit.

[0050] Specifically, in maritime environments, the external environment often experiences dynamic changes due to factors such as waves, wind speed, and ship motion, potentially causing interference or distortion in signal propagation. Therefore, before transmitting a reference communication signal, it is crucial to check whether the external environment is in a static state. If the external environment does not meet static conditions, additional interference or errors may be introduced, affecting the quality of the reference communication signal and the accuracy of calibration. This setup ensures that the target transmitting antenna unit first transmits signals under static conditions, avoiding instability caused by dynamic changes. Only when the external environment is stable can the transmitted reference communication signal achieve higher accuracy, 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 static conditions, the virtual communication array adjusts the position of the target transmitting antenna unit and optimizes the signal propagation path until static conditions are met before transmitting the signal. This minimizes errors caused by environmental factors and improves the stability, accuracy, and reliability of the maritime communication system.

[0051] S105 . Determine a size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and move a first receiving antenna unit and a first transmitting antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on the size of the simulated communication array.

[0052] Specifically, the simulated communication array is a model array used to simulate and optimize the virtual communication array, and is used to test, emulate, and verify the operation 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 communication requirements and antenna configuration can be precisely adjusted to ensure that the final deployed virtual communication array can operate efficiently and stably in complex maritime environments.

[0053] In a specific implementation, the size of the simulated communication array is determined according to the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and the first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit are moved based on the size of the simulated communication array, including: 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 difference between the first size and the target size; and determining the moving paths of the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit according to the size difference.

[0054] Specifically, at the beginning of each communication cycle, current communication requirement data is collected, including communication range, signal quality requirements, data rate requirements, network load, and so on. Through communication requirement analysis, the required signal coverage range, frequency band, bandwidth, and other relevant parameters are determined. Based on the acquired communication requirements, the simulated communication array dimensions required to meet these requirements are calculated. Based on signal coverage and beamforming requirements, the target dimensions of the simulated array are determined to ensure coverage of all required service areas and meet relevant communication metrics (such as signal quality, latency, and interference suppression). By designing and measuring an actual deployed virtual communication array, the virtual communication array dimensions (i.e., first dimensions) are determined based on factors such as actual offshore operational requirements, equipment constraints, and available space. The gap between the target dimensions of the simulated communication array and the preliminary dimensions (first dimensions) of the actual virtual communication array is calculated. Based on the calculated dimension gap, an adjustment plan is developed to determine the required movement paths for the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit.

[0055] The method provided in this embodiment can achieve more accurate and flexible communication network optimization by dynamically adjusting the size of the simulated communication array according to the needs of the current communication cycle, and adjusting the positions of the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit based on this size. First, the size of the array is adjusted according to the actual communication needs, so that the communication array always matches the needs, and there will be no over-configuration or waste of resources. Secondly, the calculation of the size difference helps to accurately locate the position of the antenna unit that needs 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, so that signal coverage can be maximized, communication efficiency is improved, and the reasonable layout of the antenna units ensures signal stability and anti-interference ability.

[0056] Optionally, before moving the receiving and transmitting antenna units, first determine the available movement range and boundary conditions. These boundary conditions may be determined by the size of the offshore platform, physical space constraints, operating area regulations, and other environmental factors (such as water depth, wind speed, and waves). After defining the boundaries, ensure that the antenna unit movement does not exceed physical limitations and avoids conflicts with other equipment or obstacles. Furthermore, based on the size difference and movement boundaries, the optimal movement path for the antenna unit is selected according to the principle of minimum movement distance. While ensuring that communication requirements are met, the path with the shortest movement distance is prioritized. The movement sequence is optimized based on the movement plan and the required minimum movement distance. To ensure antenna unit stability and avoid interference, the farthest antenna unit is typically moved first. Since the farthest antenna occupies the outermost position of the array, adjusting its position can prevent interference with other antenna units during movement. During actual movement, the antenna units must be adjusted in an orderly manner according to the movement sequence to ensure that the new positions do not become obstructions in the array. In particular, in arrays with multiple antenna units, it is important to avoid some antennas becoming obstacles due to improper movement order, hindering the normal operation of other antennas. Through reasonable timing arrangement, the relative positions between antennas are always kept appropriate to avoid mutual obstruction and ensure good communication performance of the array.

[0057] Optionally, determining the moving paths of the first transmitting antenna and the first receiving antenna based on the size difference includes: determining an outward expansion area based on the size difference; determining the maximum number of movable antenna units based on the relationship between the outward expansion 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; using the number of the maximum movable antenna units as a constraint, maximizing the signal coverage area as an objective function, and the real-time position as a starting point, optimizing and solving 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, wherein, in each moving cycle, the minimum spacing between adjacent antenna units is 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength.

[0058] Specifically, based on the difference between the current size of the virtual communication array and the target size, the area that needs to be expanded, known as the expansion area, is calculated. This expansion area represents the area that the virtual communication array needs to cover and is used to determine the specific movement range of the antenna units. Based on the size of the expansion area and the footprint of each antenna unit, the number of antenna units that can be placed within this expansion area is calculated. This number represents the maximum number of movable antenna units and determines the number of antenna units that need to be moved in the array. During each communication cycle, the real-time positions of all receiving and transmitting antenna units are acquired. Based on the maximum number of movable antenna units and the optimization objective (e.g., maximizing signal coverage area), the optimization problem is solved to determine the positions of the first receiving and transmitting antenna units within each movement cycle. In this case, the objective function is to maximize signal coverage area, and the optimization algorithm determines the optimal positions for each antenna unit based on this objective function. The antenna units are then moved according to the calculated movement trajectory. During each movement cycle, the spacing between adjacent antenna units is ensured to be at least 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength to prevent interference between adjacent antenna units.

[0059] The method provided in this embodiment determines the external expansion area based on the size difference and calculates the number of movable antenna units, enabling the virtual communication array to be effectively adjusted according to actual needs. First, by determining the relationship between the external expansion area and the antenna unit area, it can ensure that the array adjustment maximizes the signal coverage range, thereby improving communication performance, especially in maritime scenarios with wide coverage areas and complex environments. This method helps avoid over-configuration or resource waste because it clarifies the number of movable antenna units and the necessary adjustment range. Second, optimizing the position of antenna units using signal coverage area maximization as the objective function not only improves signal coverage but also enables adaptive adjustment during different communication cycles, ensuring that the array is always in optimal working condition. In addition, by ensuring that the minimum spacing between adjacent antenna units is 1 / 2 of the communication wavelength, interference between signals can be effectively avoided and signal transmission efficiency can be optimized. This comprehensive optimization approach makes the virtual communication array highly flexible and robust in complex environments, helping to improve communication stability, reduce interference, and enhance system efficiency and adaptability, ultimately ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of the maritime communication network.

[0060] 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, and adjusts the moving trajectory when the distance to the surrounding antennas is less than a safety threshold; the first transmitting antenna unit adjusts the moving speed and direction based on a path optimization algorithm, taking into account signal coverage, propagation loss, path loss, and relative position with other first transmitting antenna units.

[0061] In specific implementations, the location information of the detected target is obtained and its future location is predicted based on its historical movement trajectory. The optimal signal coverage area is calculated based on communication requirements (such as signal coverage range and data transmission rate). A path planning algorithm (such as the A* algorithm or the Dijkstra algorithm) is used to calculate the initial movement path of the first transmitting antenna unit to ensure optimal signal coverage and minimize path loss. Furthermore, the real-time location information of the target transmitting antenna unit and other first transmitting antenna units is obtained. During the movement of the first transmitting antenna unit, the dynamic positions of surrounding antennas are continuously monitored to avoid path overlap or signal interference. A dynamic obstacle avoidance mechanism is introduced into the path planning process, allowing the first transmitting antenna unit to adjust its movement direction based on the shortest path when encountering obstructions from other antennas. A preset minimum safety distance threshold is used to ensure a safe distance between different antennas. During the movement of the first transmitting antenna unit, the distance to surrounding antennas is measured in real time using ultrasonic sensors, lidar, or radio ranging systems. When the distance between the first transmitting antenna unit and surrounding antennas is detected to be less than the safety threshold, an avoidance mechanism is triggered, replanning the movement trajectory and adjusting the movement direction of the first transmitting antenna. Throughout the movement process, the speed and direction of the first transmitting antenna are optimized based on factors such as signal coverage, propagation loss, and path loss. Using genetic algorithms, ant colony algorithms, or particle swarm optimization (PSO), the movement path is continuously adjusted to ensure the first transmitting antenna is in the optimal communication position. Feedback control mechanisms are used to continuously optimize the path to ensure optimal signal coverage.

[0062] The method provided in this embodiment effectively optimizes the performance of the virtual communication array by rationally determining the movement path of the first transmitting antenna unit, improving signal coverage and quality while avoiding interference and physical conflicts between antennas. First, dynamically adjusting the antenna position based on the target's location information and communication requirements ensures that the target is always within optimal signal coverage, avoiding communication blind spots and optimizing the signal propagation path, thereby reducing losses and improving signal quality and stability. Second, in an environment where multiple antennas operate collaboratively, the lack of proper path planning can lead to signal interference between antennas and even physical collisions. Therefore, by real-time monitoring of the relative positions of surrounding antennas and adjusting the trajectory when approaching a safety threshold, interference issues can be effectively prevented while ensuring system security. Furthermore, the use of a path optimization algorithm that comprehensively considers signal propagation loss, path loss, and antenna spacing can enhance the intelligence of path planning, allowing the antenna to dynamically adjust its speed and direction during movement to adapt to complex marine environments and avoid communication interruptions caused by factors such as waves and ship movement. Furthermore, proper path planning can reduce unnecessary movement, optimize energy consumption, increase equipment life, and enhance the stability and scalability of the entire communication system, enabling it to adapt to the needs of larger-scale multi-antenna collaborative communication.

[0063] S106: Send a test communication signal using the moved first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit.

[0064] Specifically, a 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 status, 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 as a benchmark for channel calibration. In a virtual communication array, by sending a reference communication signal and measuring the changes in its received signal, information such as channel characteristics, noise, interference, etc. can be obtained. The test communication signal, on the other hand, uses a calibrated channel to perform 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 a channel that has been calibrated with the reference signal.

[0065] In a specific implementation, the test communication signal is sent by the moved first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit, including: based on a communication efficiency index, determining the correspondence 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; communicating 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, redetermining the correspondence based on the communication efficiency index of the moved antenna unit to obtain an updated transmitting and receiving group, and communicating based on the updated transmitting and receiving group.

[0066] Specifically, the pairing effect between each transmitting antenna unit and receiving antenna unit is evaluated based on communication efficiency metrics (such as signal strength and channel status). Based on the evaluation results, multiple transmitting antenna units and receiving antenna units are selected to form multiple one-to-one transmitting and receiving groups, each group consisting of one transmitting antenna unit and one receiving antenna unit. After the transmitting and receiving groups are determined, communication is carried out within these transmitting and receiving groups. During communication, each pair of transmitting and receiving antenna units remains stationary within its corresponding group. If a transmitting antenna unit or receiving antenna unit within a transmitting and receiving group moves, the communication performance of that antenna unit is re-evaluated based on the new communication efficiency metric (such as the signal quality or channel status after the move). Based on the re-evaluated communication efficiency, the corresponding relationship is updated to obtain a new transmitting and receiving group. Communication continues based on the updated transmitting and receiving group to ensure effective pairing of the antenna units and optimize communication efficiency.

[0067] The method provided in this embodiment optimizes communication efficiency by dynamically adjusting the correspondence between the transmitting and receiving antenna units. First, the correspondence between multiple transmitting antenna units and receiving antenna units is determined based on the communication efficiency index, which can ensure that the pairing of the antenna units is optimal in the initial state, thereby improving communication performance. Secondly, during the communication process, the antenna units in the transmitting and receiving group remain stationary, which helps to ensure communication stability and avoid signal quality degradation due to frequent changes in antenna position. When the antenna unit moves, the performance of the antenna unit is re-evaluated based on the new communication efficiency index, so that the pairing of the transmitting and receiving group can be updated in time to ensure that the new antenna position can still maintain the best communication efficiency. This method can flexibly respond to the dynamic changes of antenna units in the marine environment and maximize the adaptability and reliability of the communication system.

[0068] 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.

[0069] In a specific implementation, the phase difference of the test communication signal is calibrated based on the reference phase difference, including: establishing a communication link between the target transmitting antenna unit and the target receiving antenna unit, the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal, and the target receiving antenna unit receives the reference communication signal; calculating the reference phase difference based on 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 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 unit shares the same clock, the receiving antenna unit shares the same clock, and the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit generate a phase difference during the synchronization process; the A transmitting antenna unit establishes a communication link with a first receiving antenna unit, the first transmitting antenna unit sends a test communication signal, and the first receiving antenna unit receives the test communication signal; a test phase difference is calculated based on 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 including the phase difference generated by the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit during the synchronization process and the phase difference generated by the position movement change of the transmitting and receiving antenna units; the test phase difference is corrected based on the reference phase difference to obtain a calibrated phase difference; the calibrated phase difference is the phase difference generated by the position movement change between the first transmitting antenna unit that generates the phase difference and the first receiving antenna unit.

[0070] Specifically, in conjunction with the above description, the reference phase difference includes the phase difference generated during clock synchronization between the transmitting and receiving antenna units. Since both the transmitting and receiving antenna units share the same clock, the reference phase difference is primarily caused by the clock difference between the transmitting and receiving clocks. This phase difference reflects the fundamental time synchronization error of the entire communication system and is unrelated to changes in the physical position of the antennas. The test phase difference includes the phase difference generated during clock synchronization between the transmitting and receiving antenna units (i.e., the portion identical to the reference phase difference) and the phase difference caused by positional changes between the transmitting and receiving antenna units. Since the relative positions of the antenna units change during movement, the test phase difference also includes the phase difference caused by positional changes between the transmitting and receiving antenna units. The test phase difference is not only affected by clock synchronization but also reflects the impact of the relative motion of the antenna units on the signal propagation path and phase. Therefore, using the reference phase difference to correct the test phase difference removes the phase difference generated during clock synchronization between the transmitting and receiving antenna units from the test phase difference, resulting in a phase difference that only includes the phase difference caused by positional changes between the transmitting and receiving antenna units, enabling accurate measurement of changes in the relative position of the antennas.

[0071] In a specific implementation, a target transmitting antenna unit establishes a communication link with a target receiving antenna unit, exchanging data via wireless signals. The target transmitting antenna unit transmits a reference communication signal, which the target receiving antenna unit receives. By analyzing the difference between the phase information in the signal transmitted by the target transmitting antenna unit and the phase information in the signal received by the target receiving antenna unit, a reference phase difference is calculated by difference calculation. Furthermore, a first transmitting antenna unit and a first receiving antenna unit also establish a communication link and perform test communication. The first transmitting antenna unit transmits a test communication signal, which the first receiving antenna unit receives. By analyzing the difference between the phase information in the signal transmitted by the first transmitting antenna unit and the phase information in the signal received by the first receiving antenna unit, a test phase difference is calculated by difference calculation. Finally, the test phase difference is corrected based on the reference phase difference. By comparing the reference phase difference with the test phase difference, the difference between the two is calculated. This correction process removes the phase difference caused by environmental factors, resulting in a phase difference solely caused by changes in the relative positions of the antenna units.

[0072] The method provided in this embodiment uses a reference phase difference to correct the test phase difference, significantly improving signal accuracy and stability in maritime communication systems. First, by calculating the reference phase difference, the impact of clock synchronization between the transmitting and receiving antennas on the signal can be determined, reducing interference from external environmental changes (such as seawater and weather) on the communication signal. This provides an accurate benchmark for subsequent signal processing and optimization. Then, by comparing the test phase difference with the reference phase difference, precise adjustments can be made when the relative positions of the antenna units change, eliminating phase variations caused by antenna position differences and improving signal transmission quality. In this way, the calibrated phase difference truly reflects the impact of changes in the relative positions of the antenna units, ensuring that the antenna system provides more stable and efficient communication performance, especially in complex maritime environments. This method ensures communication signal accuracy and system reliability, significantly improving the practical application performance and anti-interference capabilities of the virtual communication array.

[0073] 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 azimuth angle based on the calibrated phase difference at multiple different positions; determining a first change in the communication process during the next communication, calculating a corresponding second change based on the first change and the fitting relationship model, and adjusting the corresponding antenna transmitting unit and antenna receiving unit based on the second change; the first change and the second change are phase differences or azimuth angles.

[0074] Specifically, the first variation and the second variation are phase difference or direction angle, that is, the first variation can be a phase difference or a direction angle, and the second variation can be a phase difference or a direction angle.

[0075] In specific implementations, the phase difference of the test communication signal is calibrated using a reference phase difference to obtain a calibrated phase difference. Then, based on the calibrated phase difference data from multiple different locations (the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit at different locations), a data fitting method (such as least squares or curve fitting) is used to establish a fitting relationship model between the phase difference and the azimuth angle. During the next communication, the phase difference change during the communication process is first monitored. By comparing the current phase difference with the reference phase difference, a first change (the first change is the phase difference) is calculated. Then, using the fitting relationship model, the first change is substituted into the fitting relationship model to calculate a second change (the second change is the azimuth angle). Next, based on the calculated second change, the receiving directions of the corresponding transmitting and receiving antenna units are adjusted.

[0076] In another possible implementation, during the next communication, the phase difference change during the communication process is first monitored. By comparing the current azimuth angle with the azimuth angle before the change, a first change is calculated (the first change is the azimuth angle). Then, using a fitted relationship model, the first change is substituted into the fitted relationship model to calculate a second change (the second change is the phase difference). Next, based on the calculated second change, the signals transmitted by the corresponding antenna transmitting and receiving units are adjusted.

[0077] The method provided in this embodiment establishes a fitting relationship model between phase difference and azimuth, and performs dynamic adjustments based on this model. First, establishing a relationship model between phase difference and azimuth can help accurately understand the signal propagation characteristics of the virtual communication array at different locations, thereby more accurately predicting the quality and propagation of the communication signal. By combining the calibrated phase difference and the model, the signal transmission path and array configuration can be adjusted in real time in different marine environments, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of communication. Secondly, by calculating the second change amount based on the first change amount during the communication process and performing 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 adaptability of the communication system, but also effectively reduces the need for manual operation and reduces system maintenance costs. In addition, adjustments based on real-time changes can also ensure that the system is always in the best communication state in the ever-changing marine environment, thereby ensuring the safety and efficiency of marine operations.

[0078] Optionally, after calculating the channel characteristics of the virtual communication array based on the calibrated phase difference, these channel characteristics can be used to further investigate several key issues. First, in communication system design, accurate channel models can be used to optimize beamforming, modulation and coding schemes, and resource allocation strategies to enhance system stability and adaptability. Second, in terms of performance improvement, multi-antenna collaboration strategies, interference suppression techniques, and signal processing algorithms can be optimized to address the spatial, temporal, and frequency correlations of the channel, improving communication quality and reliability. Furthermore, in unbounded planning (e.g., emerging technologies such as massive MIMO and RIS-assisted communications), channel characteristics can be used to better predict evolving communication environment trends, optimize system architecture, and provide data support for future communication network deployment. Finally, in standardization research, accurate channel modeling can provide critical information for the development of standards for communication protocols, antenna design, and spectrum management, ensuring the efficiency and interoperability of next-generation wireless communication systems.

[0079] In the first aspect, the method provided by this embodiment significantly expands the coverage of the virtual communication array by providing multiple movable first transmitting antennas. When applied in various scenarios, such as at sea, the virtual communication array can meet the communication needs of long-distance and large-scale maritime targets. In traditional maritime communication methods, fixed base stations or single transmitting antennas are restricted by their physical location, resulting in limited communication range and difficulty in covering maritime targets far from the base station. However, the present invention utilizes a movable first transmitting antenna that dynamically adjusts its position, allowing it to proactively approach areas of communication demand, optimizing signal coverage and effectively reducing signal blind spots, thereby improving long-distance communication capabilities. Furthermore, the movable first transmitting antenna can adaptively adjust based on the target's location and motion trajectory, further optimizing the signal propagation path, reducing path loss, and improving communication efficiency. The coordinated operation of multiple movable transmitting antennas not only enables coverage of a wider maritime area, but also enables switching of transmission paths between different antennas, further improving communication continuity and stability, ensuring a stable communication connection to maritime targets. Furthermore, constructing a virtual communication array using a small number of antenna units can significantly reduce system construction and maintenance costs. Traditional virtual communication arrays require a large number of antenna units and complex infrastructure, which not only increases equipment procurement costs but also requires additional resources for deployment and management. By rationally configuring and optimizing the layout of movable antenna units, the number of required antenna units can be reduced while ensuring communication quality and coverage. Secondly, using a fixed pair of receiving and transmitting antennas simplifies the signal calibration process, particularly in complex environments like at sea. Because the phase difference between fixed receiving and transmitting antennas is limited to a single factor—a phase offset—this phase difference is relatively stable and easy to measure and correct. In contrast, movable receiving and transmitting antennas are subject to additional phase differences due to movement. In addition to the traditional phase offset, dynamic phase differences due to antenna position changes must also be considered. Therefore, using fixed antennas to correct the phase difference of movable antennas effectively reduces errors caused by antenna position changes, eliminates phase offsets caused by positional fluctuations, and ensures signal accuracy and synchronization at the receiving end. This approach ensures stable communication for movable antennas in complex maritime environments, thereby improving the reliability and signal quality of the virtual communication array. Furthermore, in maritime communications, the dynamic changes of movable antennas due to environmental factors such as waves, wind speed, and ship motion can lead to errors in signal delay and phase, which can affect communication quality. To address this issue, a target transmitting antenna at a fixed position and transmitting a reference signal at a fixed periodicity provides a stable time and phase reference for the virtual communication array.Based on this reference signal, the first receiving antenna can calibrate and compensate for the time delay and phase difference of the detection signals, ensuring that all detection signals are time synchronized and phase aligned at the receiving end. This prevents signal desynchronization or interference and improves communication quality. Thirdly, by providing multiple, movable first transmitting antennas, the flexibility, coverage, and communication quality of the virtual communication array can be significantly enhanced. First, the maritime environment is complex and ever-changing, and the positions of communication targets (such as ships, buoys, and unmanned underwater vehicles) are highly uncertain. A single, fixed transmitting antenna cannot provide stable signal coverage in all situations. Multiple movable transmitting antennas can dynamically adjust based on the target's location and trajectory, ensuring that the detection signal effectively covers the target area, improving the adaptability and stability of communication. Second, in the maritime environment, signal propagation is affected by factors such as multipath, wave motion, and obstruction, which can cause signal attenuation or distortion. By rationally adjusting the position of the movable transmitting antenna to avoid signal fading areas and optimizing the propagation path, path loss can be effectively reduced, improving signal strength and reception quality. Furthermore, the coordinated operation of multiple transmit antennas enhances the redundancy of the virtual communication array. If some transmit antennas are interfered with or damaged, other transmit antennas can provide additional coverage, ensuring uninterrupted communication and improving the reliability of the virtual communication array. Furthermore, by dynamically adjusting the positions of multiple transmit antennas, advanced technologies such as beamforming can be implemented, enhancing signal directionality and anti-interference capabilities, and improving the stability of the communication link and data transmission rate.

[0080] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiment of a method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment, the present application also provides an embodiment of a virtual communication array.

[0081] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual communication array provided in Example 2 of this application. Figure 2 The virtual communication array provided in this embodiment 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, the position of the first receiving antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit among the receiving antenna units is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit among the transmitting antenna units is movable;

[0082] The target transmitting antenna unit is configured to transmit a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generate a reference phase difference based on a phase difference received by the reference communication signal;

[0083] The first transmitting antenna unit is configured to determine a moving position based on the communication requirements of the virtual communication array, and to send a test communication signal to the corresponding first receiving antenna unit after moving to the moving position;

[0084] 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.

[0085] The device of this embodiment can be used to perform Figure 1 The steps, specific implementation principles and implementation processes of the method embodiment shown are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0086] The implementation process of the functions and effects of each unit in the above-mentioned device is specifically described in the implementation process of the corresponding steps in the above-mentioned method, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely schematic, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present application scheme. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without paying any creative work.

[0088] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a virtual communication array in a static environment, characterized in that: The method comprises: 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 a virtual communication array; Determine a target receiving antenna unit from the receiving antenna units, and determine 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, 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 sends a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generates a reference phase difference based on a phase difference received by the reference communication signal; Determining a size of the simulated communication array according to 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 the virtual communication array, and the number of antenna units required for a communication array having the same size as the simulated communication array is greater than N; Sending a test communication signal using the moved first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit; The test communication signal phase difference is calibrated based on the reference phase difference, and the channel characteristic of the virtual communication array is calculated based on the calibrated phase difference.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Calibrating the test communication signal phase difference based on the reference phase difference includes: The target transmitting antenna unit establishes a communication link with the target receiving antenna unit, the target transmitting antenna unit sends a reference communication signal, and the target receiving antenna unit receives the reference communication signal; A reference phase difference is calculated based on 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 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 unit and the receiving antenna unit share the same clock, and a phase difference is generated between the clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and the clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit during the synchronization process. The first transmitting antenna unit establishes a communication link with the first receiving antenna unit, the first transmitting antenna unit sends a test communication signal, and the first receiving antenna unit receives the test communication signal; Calculating a test phase difference based on 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, where the test phase difference includes a phase difference generated during synchronization between a clock corresponding to the transmitting antenna unit and a clock corresponding to the receiving antenna unit and a phase difference generated by position changes of the transmitting and receiving antenna units; The test phase difference is corrected based on the reference phase difference to obtain a calibrated phase difference; the calibrated phase difference is the phase difference caused by the position movement change between the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit that generate the phase difference.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After calibrating the test communication signal phase difference 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, a fitting relationship model between phase difference and direction angle is established; During the next communication, a first change in the communication process is determined, a corresponding second change is calculated based on the first change and the fitting relationship model, and the corresponding antenna transmitting unit and antenna receiving unit are adjusted based on the second change; the first change and the second change are phase differences or direction angles.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before the target transmitting antenna unit sends the 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 in a static state; 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, the position of the target transmitting antenna unit is adjusted and the signal propagation path is re-optimized until the external environment meets the static condition and then the reference communication signal is sent to the corresponding target receiving antenna unit.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending of the test communication signal by the moved first receiving antenna unit and the first transmitting antenna unit includes: Based on the communication efficiency index, determining a correspondence between the plurality of first transmitting antenna units and the plurality of first receiving antenna units to obtain a plurality of 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; Communicating 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 in the transmitting and receiving group moves, the corresponding relationship is re-determined based on the communication efficiency index of the moved antenna unit to obtain an updated transmitting and receiving group, and communication is performed based on the updated transmitting and receiving group.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining of the simulated communication array size according to the communication demand 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 simulated communication array size, comprises: Determine the communication needs of the current communication cycle; determining a target size of the simulated communication array according to the communication requirements; determining a first size of the virtual communication array, and calculating a size difference between the first size and the target size; The moving paths of the first transmitting antenna unit and the first receiving antenna unit are determined according to the size difference.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The determining, according to the size difference, a moving path of the first transmitting antenna and the first receiving antenna, includes: determining an outward expansion area based on the size difference; Determining the maximum number of movable antenna units based on a relationship between the outward expansion 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, maximizing the signal coverage area as an objective function, and the real-time position as a starting point, 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 moving trajectory, wherein 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, characterized in that The constructing of the virtual communication array includes: Determining a structure of each antenna unit, wherein 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, each pair of the receiving antenna unit and the transmitting antenna unit is arranged into a rectangular array unit; According to the communication requirements and coverage range, the arrangement of multiple rectangular array units is determined to obtain a virtual communication array; The virtual communication array is used to transmit and receive signals, the signal gain is improved through an array signal processing algorithm, and beamforming is achieved 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: Determining the hardware resource capability of each of the receiving antenna units, and screening a first batch of receiving antenna units that meet hardware communication requirements based on the hardware resource capability; Selecting candidate receiving antenna units that are currently in an idle state from the first batch of receiving antenna units; Based on communication efficiency, antenna position, and channel status, the candidate receiving antenna units are optimized to obtain a 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; wherein the positions of the target receiving antenna unit and the target transmitting antenna unit are fixed, the position of the first receiving antenna unit other than the target receiving antenna unit in the receiving antenna unit is movable, and the position of the first transmitting antenna unit other than the target transmitting antenna unit in the transmitting antenna unit is movable; The target transmitting antenna unit is configured to transmit a reference communication signal to the target receiving antenna unit at a fixed period, and generate a reference phase difference based on a phase difference received by the 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 to 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.

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