Satellite communication device and method and electronic equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a satellite communication device and method and electronic equipment, which are used for expanding a satellite communication scene on the electronic equipment. The satellite communication device at least comprises two antennas, a switching device and a processor. The at least two antennas can improve the communication range of the electronic device for satellite communication. The processor may be configured to select a target antenna from the at least two antennas that can implement satellite communication according to a satellite position indicated in the device attitude and ephemeris information. And the switching device can be used for connecting the target antenna after the target antenna is determined, or switching to be connected with the target antenna, so that satellite communication can be guaranteed. Thus, tedious satellite finding, satellite alignment and other operations of a user can be reduced, and satellite communication in more scenes can be met by automatically switching different antennas. And moreover, the probability that the electronic equipment can successfully respond to the called party or receive the satellite short message can be improved, and the real-time performance of communication is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of terminal technology, and in particular to a satellite communication device, method, and electronic equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the development and advancement of technology, the functions of electronic devices have gradually improved and enriched. Taking mobile phones as an example, more and more mobile phones now have satellite communication service functions, which can provide users with communication guarantee in offline environments.

[0003] Satellite communication can be enabled in mobile phones by integrating a satellite antenna. However, due to the size of the phone, the communication range of the satellite antenna is limited. This means that users must manually perform operations such as searching for and aligning the satellites before using their phones for satellite communication. Furthermore, users must maintain a fixed holding position during satellite communication, making it impossible to hold the phone to their ear. Therefore, they must use a hands-free mode or headset, which is inconvenient and lacks privacy.

[0004] Therefore, how to expand the application scenarios of satellite communications on electronic devices is of great research significance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a satellite communication device, method and electronic device, which can reduce the constraints on the posture of electronic devices during satellite communication, and can also increase the probability of electronic devices being called in real time in an off-network state, expand the application scenarios of satellite communication on electronic devices, and improve communication security for users.

[0006] In the first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a satellite communication device. The device is applied to an electronic device, and the device includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a switching device, and a processor; wherein the first antenna is used for the electronic device to establish a connection with a satellite within a first communication range, and the first communication range is the relative communication range of the first antenna relative to the electronic device; the second antenna is used for the electronic device to establish a connection with a satellite within a second communication range, and the second communication range is the relative communication range of the second antenna relative to the electronic device; the processor is used to obtain the device attitude of the electronic device and the ephemeris information of the satellite; based on the device attitude and the ephemeris information, select or switch to the target antenna; the target antenna is the first antenna or the second antenna, and the actual communication range of the target antenna is determined based on the device attitude and the relative communication range, and the actual communication range points to the satellite; the switching device is used to connect to the target antenna.

[0007] In this satellite communication device, by deploying multiple antennas within an electronic device, a wider range of satellite communications coverage can be achieved. Then, based on the device's attitude and ephemeris information, different antennas can be switched for use. This reduces the user's tedious tasks such as searching for and aligning satellites. Automatically switching between different antennas allows for satellite communication in a wider range of scenarios. Furthermore, it increases the probability that the electronic device can successfully respond to calls or receive satellite short messages, improving the real-time nature of communications.

[0008] In one possible design, the device includes a first transmitting link and a first receiving link, the first transmitting link includes a first filter and a power amplifier, and the first receiving link includes a second filter and a low-noise amplifier; when the switching device is connected to the first transmitting link, it is used to transmit satellite signals through the target antenna; when the switching device is connected to the first receiving link, it is used to receive satellite signals through the target antenna.

[0009] This design, by deploying multiple antennas within an electronic device, enables multi-antenna selection for both the transmit and receive links. Optionally, the electronic device can use different antennas for transmitting and receiving satellite signals. Therefore, by automatically switching between different antennas, satellite communication can be met in a wider range of scenarios. Furthermore, it increases the probability that the electronic device can successfully respond to incoming calls or receive satellite short messages, improving the real-time nature of communications.

[0010] In one possible design, the switching device includes a first single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch; when the first SPDT switch is thrown at the first port, it is used to connect the first transmitting link; when the first SPDT switch is thrown at the second port, it is used to connect the first receiving link.

[0011] In this design, the transmission link and the receiving link can be switched through the SPDT switch, thereby achieving more accurate satellite communication.

[0012] In one possible design, the switching device includes a second SPDT switch, and when the second SPDT switch is thrown to the third port, it is used to connect the first antenna; when the second SPDT switch is thrown to the fourth port, it is used to connect the second antenna.

[0013] In this design, switching between different antennas can be achieved through another SPDT switch, thereby achieving more accurate satellite communication.

[0014] In one possible design, when the electronic device is conducting satellite communication using the first antenna, the processor is used to, before selecting a target antenna based on the device posture and the ephemeris information, also to: determine whether the detected change in the device posture of the electronic device is greater than a preset threshold.

[0015] In this design, by triggering the selection of the target antenna when the device posture changes significantly, the security of satellite communication can be improved without increasing the power consumption of electronic equipment.

[0016] In one possible design, the apparatus further includes a sensor configured to detect the device posture of the electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect the device posture of the electronic device.

[0017] In this design, the device posture of the electronic device can be detected by integrating sensors or reusing sensors of the electronic device.

[0018] In one possible design, the device also includes a third antenna; the third antenna is used for the electronic device to establish a connection with the satellite within a third communication range, and the third communication range is the relative communication range of the third antenna relative to the electronic device; the processor is also used to select the third antenna based on the device posture and the ephemeris information; the switching device is used to connect the third antenna.

[0019] In this design, this application does not limit the number of antennas deployed in the satellite communication device. For example, it can be two, three, four, etc., which can be considered based on factors such as cost and communication range of the antenna.

[0020] In one possible design, a relative communication range of the first antenna relative to the electronic device is different from a relative communication range of the second antenna relative to the electronic device.

[0021] In this design, the total communication range of electronic devices for satellite communications can be expanded by deploying antennas at different angles compared to a single antenna.

[0022] In one possible design, the device also includes a tuner; the tuner is used to adjust the electronic device from establishing a connection with the satellite within the first communication range to establishing a connection with the satellite within the fourth communication range; or, the tuner is also used to adjust the electronic device from establishing a connection with the satellite within the third communication range to establishing a connection with the satellite within the fifth communication range.

[0023] In this design, in addition to expanding the communication range by deploying multiple antennas, the communication range of satellite communications can also be expanded by adjusting the pointing direction of a single antenna or multiple antennas.

[0024] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a satellite communication method. This method can be applied to an electronic device, comprising: obtaining a device attitude of the electronic device; obtaining satellite ephemeris information; and selecting or switching to a target antenna based on the device attitude and the ephemeris information; the target antenna being a first antenna or a second antenna, and an actual communication range of the target antenna being determined based on the device attitude and a relative communication range of the target antenna relative to the electronic device, the actual communication range being directed toward the satellite.

[0025] In one possible design, the method further includes adjusting a relative communication range of the target antenna.

[0026] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device comprising a satellite communication device as shown in any one of the designs in the first aspect.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising a memory and one or more processors; wherein the memory is used to store computer program code, and the computer program code comprises computer instructions; when the computer instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device executes the method executed by the electronic device in any possible design in the second aspect above.

[0028] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, comprising modules / units for executing the method in any one of the possible designs of the second aspect. These modules / units may be implemented in hardware, or in hardware executing corresponding software implementations.

[0029] In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a communication module, a processing module, and a display module. The processing module may be configured to obtain a device attitude of the electronic device; the communication module may be configured to obtain satellite ephemeris information; the processing module may be configured to select or switch to a target antenna based on the device attitude and the ephemeris information; the target antenna may be a first antenna or a second antenna; and an actual communication range of the target antenna is determined based on the device attitude and a relative communication range of the target antenna relative to the electronic device, the actual communication range being directed toward the satellite.

[0030] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions) which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in any possible design of the second aspect above.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute a method in any one of the possible designs in the second aspect above.

[0032] In an eighth aspect, the present application also provides a chip, which is used to read a computer program stored in a memory and execute any of the above aspects and their possible methods of designing electronic devices to execute.

[0033] In a ninth aspect, the present application further provides a chip system, comprising a processor for supporting a computer device in implementing any of the above aspects and possible methods for designing electronic devices for execution. In one possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory for storing programs and data necessary for the computer device. The chip system may be composed of a chip alone, or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0034] It should be noted that, for the beneficial effects of various designs of the electronic devices provided in the second to ninth aspects of the embodiments of the present application, please refer to the beneficial effects of any possible design in the first aspect, and no further details will be given here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1a A schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to satellite communications;

[0036] Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication interface;

[0037] Figure 1c Schematic diagram of another application scenario applicable to satellite communications;

[0038] Figure 1d A hardware architecture diagram of an electronic device;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a possible electronic device is shown;

[0040] Figure 3 A software system architecture block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of antenna distribution of a satellite communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] Figure 5 A hardware architecture diagram of an electronic device 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 6A schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a switching device 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of antenna selection provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 9 Another schematic diagram of antenna distribution of a satellite communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 10 Another hardware architecture diagram provided in an embodiment of the present application and applied to an electronic device 400;

[0048] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the switching device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 12 Another hardware architecture diagram provided in an embodiment of the present application and applied to an electronic device 900;

[0050] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the switching device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 14 A diagram illustrating an adjustment of the communication range of an antenna applied to an electronic device 1400 according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 15 A hardware architecture diagram of an electronic device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to the field of terminal technology, and specifically can be applied to application scenarios involving satellite communications. Although the development of terrestrial communication technology can already meet the needs of users in more communication scenarios, it is impossible to achieve comprehensive coverage of terrestrial communication networks. Therefore, in some areas where terrestrial communication networks do not exist or cannot exist, satellite communications can be implemented based on satellites or satellite networking, such as satellite calls, sending and receiving satellite short messages (or "satellite short messages"), etc. Optionally, satellite communications can be applied to scenarios without terrestrial network coverage, or to scenarios with terrestrial network coverage, and this application does not limit this. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, satellite communications based on satellites are used as an example for introduction. It should be understood that satellite communications can also be implemented based on satellite networking during specific implementation. This application will no longer repeat the introduction of satellite networking scenarios.

[0055] For example, Figure 1a This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario suitable for satellite communications. Figure 1a As can be seen from the figure, the application scenario may include but is not limited to: mobile phone A 101, satellite 102, satellite ground information processing center 103, satellite 104 and mobile phone B 105.

[0056] (1) Mobile phone A 101 can be used to initiate satellite communication and send satellite communication data to satellite 102. Optionally, mobile phone A 101 can initiate satellite calls through instant messaging applications (APPs), such as Changlian APP and Dial APP. Alternatively, mobile phone A 101 can also send satellite short messages through a messaging APP.

[0057] For example, before initiating satellite communication, mobile phone A101 needs to perform operations such as searching for satellites, locking satellites, and establishing connections with satellite 102. For example, Figure 1b This is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication interface. Figure 1b As shown in the interface 100A in FIG, the user can be guided to manually perform the star search operation through the interface to achieve the alignment of the satellite 102. As can be seen from the interface 100A, the user can be guided to turn the phone to the right through text and schematic diagrams. Figure 1b As shown in the interface 100B in FIG, the user can be prompted through the interface that the mobile phone A 101 has been aligned with the satellite 102 and is establishing a connection with the satellite 102. As can be seen from the interface 100B, during the process of establishing a connection with the satellite 102, the user needs to be prompted to maintain the current holding posture to avoid large deviations, thereby avoiding losing the satellite and causing the connection to fail. In addition, although Figure 1bNot shown in the figure, after the mobile phone A 101 successfully establishes a connection with the satellite 102, it is also necessary to maintain the current holding posture to avoid large deviations, so as to avoid losing the satellite and causing the established connection to be disconnected. For example, the communication range of the satellite antenna is ±15°, and the deviation of the mobile phone A 101 needs to be kept within ±15° of the alignment posture with the satellite. If there is a deviation exceeding ±15°, the connection with the satellite will be lost. Figure 1b As shown in 100C, when the user adopts the hand-holding posture shown in 100C to connect the electronic device with the satellite 102, the hand-holding posture needs to be maintained during the satellite communication process.

[0058] (2) Satellite 102 can receive satellite communication data, such as satellite calls or satellite short messages, sent from mobile phone A 101; and can also forward the satellite communication data to the satellite ground information processing center 103 to push the satellite communication data to the electronic device of the called party or recipient, such as mobile phone B 105.

[0059] (3) Satellite ground information processing center 103 can communicate with satellite 102 to receive and send satellite signals; and can also communicate with satellite 104 to forward satellite communication data received from satellite 102 to satellite 104. Satellite 104 is the satellite to which mobile phone B 105 establishes a connection.

[0060] (4) Satellite 104 may be configured to receive satellite communication data from satellite ground information processing center 103 and forward the satellite communication data to mobile phone B 105. For example, the satellite communication data may include an identifier of a called party or recipient, thereby enabling satellite 104 to forward the satellite communication data to mobile phone B 105.

[0061] Optionally, satellite 102 and satellite 104 may be the same satellite or different satellites, which is not limited in this application.

[0062] (5) Mobile phone B 105, which can be used to receive satellite communication data from satellite 104, such as satellite calls or satellite short messages.

[0063] It should be understood that before receiving satellite communication data, mobile phone B 105 also needs to perform satellite search, satellite lock, and connection establishment with satellite 104. Figure 1b As shown, no further details are given here. It is understood that when mobile phone B 105 has not established a connection with satellite 104, mobile phone B 105 cannot receive satellite communication data from satellite 104. This results in poor real-time satellite communication performance, which can also be understood as mobile phone B 105 being unable to receive paging or short messages from mobile phone A 101 in real time.

[0064] For example, Figure 1c This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario suitable for satellite communications. Figure 1c As can be seen from FIG, the application scenario may include but is not limited to: mobile phone C 106, satellite 107, satellite ground information processing center 108, server 109 and mobile phone D 110.

[0065] (1) Mobile phone C 106 can be used to initiate satellite communication and send satellite communication data to satellite 107. Optionally, mobile phone C 106 can initiate satellite calls through instant messaging apps, such as Changlian App, Dial App, etc. Alternatively, mobile phone C 106 can also send satellite short messages through a messaging app.

[0066] The process of mobile phone C 106 initiating satellite communication may refer to the process of mobile phone A 101 and will not be described in detail here.

[0067] (2) Satellite 107 can receive satellite communication data, such as satellite calls or satellite short messages, sent from mobile phone C 106; and can also forward the satellite communication data to the satellite ground information processing center 108 to push the satellite communication data to the electronic device of the called party or recipient, such as mobile phone D 110.

[0068] (3) Satellite ground information processing center 108, which can communicate with satellite 107 to receive and send satellite signals; and can also communicate with a ground communication network or other ground stations to forward satellite communication data received from satellite 107 to a ground communication network or other ground stations, such as server 109.

[0069] For example, the satellite ground information processing center 108 can communicate with the server 109 via a communication network to forward the satellite communication data from the satellite 107 to the server 109. It is understood that the server 109 can be a server corresponding to the called party or recipient determined by the satellite ground information processing center 108 based on the satellite communication data, for example, it can be a base station to which the serving cell of the mobile phone D 110 belongs.

[0070] (4) Server 109 may be configured to receive satellite communication data from satellite ground information processing center 108 via a communication network and forward the satellite communication data to mobile phone D 110. For example, the satellite communication data may carry an identifier of a called party or recipient, thereby enabling server 109 to forward the satellite communication data to mobile phone D 110.

[0071] The communication network between the satellite ground information processing center 108 and the server 109 can be any network that can be deployed, and any type of network that can achieve communication between the two can be applicable, such as a local area network, a wide area network, etc. The server 109 can be a single server or a server cluster.

[0072] (5) Mobile phone D 110 , which can be used to receive satellite communication data from the server 109 .

[0073] from Figure 1c As can be seen from the figure, the called party or recipient can receive satellite communication data sent by the calling party or sender via a satellite through a communication network. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, it is not limited to both communicating parties using satellite communication. For example, satellite communication and terrestrial communication can be connected through the satellite ground information processing center 108 and the server 109, thereby meeting the needs of more application scenarios.

[0074] Figure 1c In the example, mobile phone C 106 is used as the calling party or sender. It should be understood that mobile phone C 106 can also be the called party or recipient. For example, when mobile phone C 106 is the called party or recipient, before receiving satellite communication data, mobile phone C 106 also needs to perform satellite search, satellite lock, and connection establishment with satellite 107. The specific implementation process can be found in Figure 1b As shown, no further details are given here. It is understood that when mobile phone C 106 is not connected to satellite 107, mobile phone C 106 cannot receive satellite communication data from satellite 107. This results in poor real-time satellite communication performance, which can also be understood as mobile phone C 106 being unable to receive paging or short messages from mobile phone D 110 in real time.

[0075] from Figures 1a to 1c As can be seen from the introduction, integrating a satellite antenna for satellite communication into an electronic device can enable the electronic device to have satellite communication service functions. However, due to factors such as the size or cost of the electronic device, the communication range of the electronic device for satellite communication is limited. Figure 1d , is a hardware architecture diagram of an electronic device. The electronic device may include at least the following hardware structures:

[0076] Processor 230, configured to process satellite communication data;

[0077] A modem 111 is used to convert analog signals into digital signals through modulation and demodulation, thereby facilitating signal transmission.

[0078] A radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) 112 is used to implement switching between signal transmission and signal reception;

[0079] A surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter 113 is used to filter satellite signals before they are transmitted by electronic equipment, thereby suppressing interference signals and improving satellite communication quality.

[0080] A power amplifier (PA) 115 is used to amplify the satellite signal to be transmitted to ensure the output power of the satellite signal when transmitting the satellite signal;

[0081] SAW 114 is used to filter satellite signals when electronic equipment receives them, thereby suppressing interference signals and improving the quality of satellite communications;

[0082] A low noise amplifier (LNA) 116 is used to amplify the satellite signal to be received when receiving the satellite signal to ensure subsequent reception and processing of the satellite signal;

[0083] A single-pole double throw (SPDT) switch 117 is used to switch between transmitting and receiving satellite signals, thereby enabling the transmission and reception of satellite signals via the antenna 118. The SPDT switch 117 can receive control from the RFIC 112 to switch from the transmitting link to the receiving link, or vice versa, and can be controlled according to the actual transmission scenario.

[0084] Antenna 118 is used to transmit or receive satellite signals.

[0085] from Figure 1d As can be seen in the figure, when an antenna 118 for satellite communication is integrated into an electronic device, satellite signals can be transmitted or received through the antenna 118, which can also be understood as a shared antenna for transmission and reception.

[0086] However, due to the size of electronic devices, satellite link budgets, and the high uplink power and low downlink sensitivity requirements of satellite communications, the communication range of satellite antennas is limited to, for example, ±15°, ±30°, or ±45°. Consequently, since satellite antennas cannot achieve full communication range coverage, electronic devices must undergo tedious manual operations such as satellite search and satellite alignment. Furthermore, after establishing a connection with the satellite, users must maintain a constant hand-held position. Furthermore, if the device is not aligned with the satellite, real-time calls cannot be received, resulting in poor real-time communication and a poor user experience.

[0087] In light of this, embodiments of the present application provide a satellite communication device. This satellite communication device may include multiple antennas for satellite communication. Based on this, antenna selection or switching is performed based on the electronic device's posture and the satellite's position, thereby increasing the communication range of satellite communication. This also reduces the requirements for the electronic device's hand-held posture, allowing for real-time call reception in a wider range of electronic device postures. This improves the ease and real-time nature of satellite communication operations, expanding the application scenarios of satellite communication.

[0088] An embodiment of the present application also provides a satellite communication method. In this method, in a scenario where the electronic device includes one or more antennas, the angle of the antenna can be tuned according to the posture of the electronic device and the position of the satellite, thereby indirectly improving the communication range of the electronic device for satellite communication. Alternatively, in a scenario where the electronic device includes multiple antennas, the antenna can be selected or switched according to the posture of the electronic device and the position of the satellite, thereby improving the communication range of the electronic device for satellite communication. In this way, the requirements for the hand-held posture of the electronic device can be reduced, and real-time calls in the postures of more electronic devices can be met. This can improve the operational convenience and real-time performance of the electronic device for satellite communication, and expand more application scenarios of satellite communication.

[0089] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to electronic devices with satellite communication capabilities, such as mobile phones, PCs, tablet computers, wearable devices (e.g., watches, bracelets, etc.), in-vehicle devices, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) devices, laptops, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), netbooks, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart home devices (e.g., smart TVs, smart speakers, etc.). It will be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions on the specific types of electronic devices.

[0090] The electronic devices to which the embodiments of the present application can be applied include but are not limited to electronic devices equipped with Or electronic devices with other operating systems. The portable electronic device may also be other portable electronic devices, such as a laptop computer with a touch-sensitive surface (eg, a touch panel).

[0091] Figure 2 FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a possible electronic device. The electronic device 200 includes: a radio frequency (RF) circuit 210A, an RF circuit 210B, a power supply 220, a processor 230, a memory 240, an input unit 250, a display unit 260, an audio circuit 270, a communication interface 280, and a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module 290. Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 2 The hardware structure of the electronic device 200 shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 200. The electronic device 200 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, may combine two or more components, or may have different component configurations. Figure 2 The various components shown in the drawings may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[0092] The following combination Figure 2 The components of the electronic device 200 are described in detail.

[0093] The RF circuit 210A can be used for receiving and sending data during communication or calls. In particular, after receiving downlink data from the base station, the RF circuit 210A sends it to the processor 230 for processing; in addition, the uplink data to be sent is sent to the base station. Generally, the RF circuit 210A includes but is not limited to an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, etc. In addition, the RF circuit 210A can also communicate with other devices through a wireless communication network. The wireless communication can use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to the global system of mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), email, short messaging service (SMS), etc.

[0094] The RF circuit 210B can be used to receive and transmit satellite communication data during satellite communications. Specifically, after receiving downlink satellite data from a satellite, the RF circuit 210B sends it to the processor 230 for processing. Furthermore, the RF circuit 210B transmits pending uplink satellite data to the satellite. Generally, the RF circuit 210B may include, but is not limited to, at least one antenna, at least one PA, at least one SAW, at least one LNA, and at least one switching device. The at least one switching device can be used to switch between different antennas, for example, from antenna 1 to antenna 2; or it can be used to switch between different communication links, for example, from a receive link to a transmit link.

[0095] It should be noted that the RF circuit 210B and the RF circuit 210A may be different RF circuits or the same RF circuit, for example Figure 2 The RF circuit 210B shown in FIG. 2 can reuse the RF circuit 210A. In the embodiment of the present application, for the convenience of description, the RF circuit 210B and the RF circuit 210A are taken as examples to be different RF circuits.

[0096] The electronic device 200 can also realize communication services and interact with other electronic devices, so the electronic device 200 needs to have a data transmission function, that is, the electronic device 200 needs to include a communication module. Figure 2 Communication modules such as the RF circuit 210A, the RF circuit 210B, the Wi-Fi module 290, and the communication interface 280 are shown, but it can be understood that at least one of the above components or other communication modules (such as a Bluetooth module) for implementing communication exist in the electronic device 200 to perform data transmission.

[0097] For example, when the electronic device 200 is a mobile phone, the electronic device 200 may include the RF circuit 210A, the RF circuit 210B, and may also include the Wi-Fi module 290, or may include a Bluetooth module ( Figure 2 When the electronic device 200 is a computer, the electronic device 200 may include the communication interface 280, and may also include the Wi-Fi module 290, or may include a Bluetooth module ( Figure 2 When the electronic device 200 is a tablet computer, the electronic device 200 may include the Wi-Fi module, or may include a Bluetooth module ( Figure 2 not shown).

[0098] Wi-Fi technology is a short-range wireless transmission technology. The electronic device 200 can connect to an access point (AP) via the Wi-Fi module 290 to access a data network. The Wi-Fi module 290 can be used to receive and send data during the communication process.

[0099] The electronic device 200 can be physically connected to other devices via the communication interface 280. Optionally, the communication interface 280 is connected to the communication interface of the other device via a cable to achieve data transmission between the electronic device 200 and the other device.

[0100] The memory 240 can be used to store software programs and modules. The processor 230 executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device 200 by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 240. Optionally, the memory 240 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. Among them, the program storage area can store an operating system (mainly including the corresponding software programs or modules of the kernel layer, system layer, application framework layer and application layer).

[0101] In addition, the memory 240 may include a high-speed random access memory and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0102] The input unit 250 may be configured to receive user input for editing operations on various types of data objects, such as numbers or characters, and to generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the electronic device 200. Optionally, the input unit 250 may include a touch panel 251 and other input devices 252.

[0103] The touch panel 251, also known as a touch screen, can collect user touch operations on or near it (e.g., operations performed by a user using a finger, stylus, or any other suitable object or accessory on or near the touch panel 251) and drive corresponding connection devices according to a pre-set program. In the embodiment of the present application, the touch panel 251 can collect user operations on the display panel 261, such as operations to initiate satellite communication on the interface, or operations to respond to satellite communication on the interface.

[0104] Optionally, the other input devices 252 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a physical keyboard, function keys (such as a volume control button, a switch button, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, etc.

[0105] The display unit 260 can be used to display information content input by the user or information content provided to the user, as well as various menus of the electronic device 200. The display unit 260 is the display system of the electronic device 200, which is used to present an interface and realize human-computer interaction. The display unit 260 may include a display panel 261. Optionally, the display panel 261 can be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. In the embodiment of the present application, when the electronic device 200 is the called party or recipient of satellite communication data, the display unit 260 can be used to display an interface for the user so that the user can view the received satellite communication data through the interface and also respond or reply to the satellite communication data through the interface. Alternatively, when the electronic device 200 is the caller or sender of satellite communication data, the display unit 260 can also be used to display an interface for the user so that the user can send satellite communication data through the interface, such as initiating a satellite call or sending a satellite short message. In the embodiment of the present application, the display unit 260 can also display the identification and signal strength of satellite communication to the user, so as to prompt the user that satellite communication can be performed.

[0106] The processor 230 is the control center of the electronic device 200. It connects various components using various interfaces and lines, executes or runs software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 240, and calls data stored in the memory 240 to perform various functions of the electronic device 200 and process data, thereby implementing various services based on the electronic device 200. In the embodiment of the present application, the processor 230 can be used to implement the satellite communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0107] The electronic device 200 also includes a power supply 220 (such as a battery) for powering various components. Optionally, the power supply 220 can be logically connected to the processor 230 through a power management system, thereby managing charging, discharging, and power consumption through the power management system.

[0108] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronic device 200 also includes an audio circuit 270, a microphone 271 and a speaker 272, which can provide an audio interface between the user and the electronic device 200. The audio circuit 270 can be used to convert audio data into a signal that can be recognized by the speaker 272, and transmit the signal to the speaker 272, which is converted into a sound signal for output by the speaker 272. The microphone 271 is used to collect external sound signals (such as the sound of a person speaking or other sounds, etc.), and convert the collected external sound signals into signals that can be recognized by the audio circuit 270 and send them to the audio circuit 270. The audio circuit 270 can also be used to convert the signal sent by the microphone 271 into audio data, and then output the audio data to the RF circuit 210B to be sent to, for example, another electronic device via a satellite, or output the audio data to the memory 240 for subsequent further processing.

[0109] Although not shown, the electronic device 200 may further include a camera, at least one sensor, etc., which will not be described in detail herein. The at least one sensor may include but is not limited to a pressure sensor, an air pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a distance sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a touch sensor, a temperature sensor, etc.

[0110] The operating system (OS) involved in the embodiments of the present application is the most basic system software running on the electronic device 200. The software system of the electronic device 200 can adopt a layered architecture, an event-driven architecture, a microkernel architecture, a microservice architecture, or a cloud architecture. The embodiments of the present application use an operating system with a layered architecture as an example to illustrate the software system architecture of the electronic device 200.

[0111] Figure 3 This is a software system architecture block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the software system architecture of the electronic device can be a layered architecture. For example, the software can be divided into several layers, each with a clear role and division of labor. The layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. In some embodiments, the operating system is divided into five layers: from top to bottom, the application layer, the application framework layer (framework, FWK), the runtime and system library layer, the kernel layer, and the hardware layer.

[0112] The application layer can include a series of application packages. Figure 3 As shown, the application layer may include camera, settings, skin modules, user interface (UI), third-party applications, etc. Among them, third-party applications may include wireless local area network (WLAN), music, calls, Bluetooth, video, memos, messages, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, the focus can be on instant messaging apps (such as dialing apps, Changlian apps) or messaging apps that can be provided by the application layer. Satellite communication data can be sent and received in instant messaging apps or messaging apps.

[0113] In one possible implementation, applications can be developed using Java by calling the application programming interface (API) provided by the application framework layer. Developers can use the application framework layer to interact with the underlying operating system layers (e.g., the hardware layer, kernel layer, etc.) to develop their own applications. The application framework layer primarily provides a series of services and management systems for the operating system.

[0114] The application framework layer provides application programming interfaces and programming frameworks for applications in the application layer. The application framework layer includes some predefined functions. Figure 3 As shown, the application framework layer may include an activity manager, a window manager, a content provider, a view system, a phone manager, a resource manager, a notification manager, and the like.

[0115] The activity manager is used to manage the life cycle of each application and provide common navigation back functions, providing an interactive interface for all program windows.

[0116] The window manager manages windowed applications. It can determine the display size, determine whether a status bar is present, lock the screen, and take screenshots. Content providers store and retrieve data and make it accessible to applications. This data can include video, images, audio, incoming and outgoing calls, browsing history and bookmarks, and phone books.

[0117] The view system includes visual controls, such as those for displaying text and images. The view system is used to build applications. A display interface can consist of one or more views. For example, a display interface containing a text notification icon might include a view for displaying text and a view for displaying images.

[0118] The phone manager is used to provide communication functions for electronic devices, such as call status management (including answering, hanging up, etc.).

[0119] The resource manager provides various resources for applications, such as localized strings, icons, images, layout files, video files, and so on.

[0120] The Notification Manager allows applications to display notifications in the status bar. These messages can be displayed briefly and then disappear automatically without user interaction. For example, the Notification Manager is used to notify users of completed downloads and message reminders. The Notification Manager can also display notifications in the top status bar of the system as icons or scrolling text, such as notifications from background applications, or as dialog windows on the screen. Examples include text messages in the status bar, beeps, vibrations on electronic devices, and flashing indicator lights.

[0121] The runtime includes the core library and the virtual machine. The runtime is responsible for the scheduling and management of the operating system.

[0122] The core library consists of two parts: one containing the Java language's callable functions and the other containing the operating system's core libraries. The application layer and application framework layer run in a virtual machine. The virtual machine executes the Java files in the application layer and application framework layer as binary files. The virtual machine manages object lifecycles, stack management, thread management, security and exception management, and garbage collection.

[0123] The system library can include multiple functional modules, such as a surface manager, a media framework, a 3D graphics processing library (such as OpenGL ES), and a 2D graphics engine (such as SGL).

[0124] The surface manager is used to manage the display subsystem and provide the fusion of two-dimensional and 3D layers for multiple applications.

[0125] The media framework supports playback and recording of a variety of common audio and video formats, as well as static image files. The media framework can support a variety of audio and video encoding formats, such as MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPG, PNG, etc.

[0126] The 3D graphics processing library is used to implement 3D graphics drawing, image rendering, compositing, and layer processing.

[0127] A 2D graphics engine is a drawing engine for 2D drawings.

[0128] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional graphics processing library may be used to draw a three-dimensional motion trajectory image, and a two-dimensional graphics engine may be used to draw a two-dimensional motion trajectory image.

[0129] The kernel layer is the layer between hardware and software. The kernel layer includes at least display driver, camera driver, audio driver, and sensor driver.

[0130] The hardware layer can include various sensors, such as gyroscope sensors, acceleration sensors, gravity sensors, touch sensors, etc.

[0131] Typically, the electronic device 200 can run multiple applications simultaneously. In simpler cases, one application corresponds to one process, while in more complex cases, one application corresponds to multiple processes. Each process has a process ID.

[0132] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can represent: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple. "Multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and subsequent associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0133] In addition, it should be understood that, in the description of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing the description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying order.

[0134] It should be understood that the hardware structure of the electronic device can be as follows Figure 2 As shown, the software system architecture can be Figure 3 As shown, the software programs and / or modules corresponding to the software system architecture in the electronic device can be stored in the memory 240, and the processor 230 can run the software programs and applications stored in the memory 240 to execute the process of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0135] In order to facilitate understanding of the satellite communication device and satellite communication method provided by this application, the following Figures 4 to 15 The content shown introduces the implementation process of the device and method provided by this application.

[0136] For ease of understanding, the following explains the technical terms or terminology that may be involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0137] (1) Communication range, which indicates the hardware characteristics of the antenna. For example, the first communication range of the first antenna can be ±15°, ±30°, or ±45°, and the second communication range of the second antenna can also be ±15°, ±30°, or ±45°.

[0138] (2) Relative communication range, which is used to indicate the communication range position of the antenna relative to the electronic device, determined according to the integration method of the antenna in the electronic device; wherein the integration method can be determined according to the integration position, integration angle, etc. For example, the following Figure 4 As shown, based on the different integration modes of antenna 401 and antenna 402 in electronic device 400 , the relative communication range of antenna 401 is different from the relative communication range of antenna 402 .

[0139] (3) Actual communication range, which indicates the actual communication range of the antenna in space, is not only constrained by the relative communication range, but also changes according to the changes in the device posture of the electronic device. For example, in combination with the following Figure 4 and Figure 8 ,because Figure 4 and Figure 8 The device posture is different in Figure 8 The actual communication range of the antenna 401 is Figure 4 The actual communication range of the antenna 401 varies in space.

[0140] It should be understood that the communication range, relative communication range, and actual communication range are only used to distinguish different introduction scenarios.

[0141] For example, Figure 4 Schematic diagram of antenna distribution of a satellite communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The satellite communication device can be integrated into an electronic device 400, and the satellite communication device can include an antenna 401 and an antenna 402. The communication range of antenna 401 is ±45°, and the communication range of antenna 402 is also ±45°. Figure 4 As shown, in the scenario where the communication ranges of antenna 401 and antenna 402 do not overlap, antenna 401 and antenna 402 can achieve a communication range of ±90°, which can also be understood as a communication range of a hemisphere. In this way, electronic device 400 can achieve satellite communication within a communication range of 180°. Figure 4As shown, based on the deployment of antennas 401 and 402, the communication range of antennas 401 and 402 is the upper hemisphere of the mobile phone when it is placed vertically. It can be understood that based on the communication range of antennas 401 and 402, electronic device 400 can achieve satellite communication in any position with the top area of the device higher than the bottom area, without having to adjust the precise orientation of electronic device 400. This can also be understood as eliminating the need for manual operations such as satellite search. This can reduce the complexity of satellite search for electronic device 400.

[0142] based on Figure 4 The antenna distribution introduced, Figure 5 This is a hardware architecture diagram for an electronic device 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device 400 may include a satellite communication device, which may include at least: a processor 230; a modem 111; an RFIC 112; a SAW 113; a PA 115; a SAW 114, and an LNA 116. The SAW 113 and the PA 115 are components of the satellite communication transmission link, and the SAW 114 and the LNA 116 are components of the satellite communication reception link. The functions of each hardware can be found in [1]. Figure 1d The electronic device 400 may further include: a switching device 500, an antenna 401 and an antenna 402.

[0143] Switching device 500 can be connected to PA 115, LNA 116, antenna 401, and antenna 402 to enable satellite signals on the transmit link to be transmitted via antenna 401, or to be transmitted via antenna 402, or to enable satellite signals on the receive link to be received via antenna 401, or to enable satellite signals on the receive link to be received via antenna 402. Switching device 500 can receive control from RFIC 112 to switch between the transmit link and the receive link, or between antenna 401 and antenna 402.

[0144] Optional, Figure 6 This is a hardware structure diagram of a switching device 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The switching device 500 may include a switch 500a and a switch 500b connected in series, wherein switch 500a can be connected to either the transmit link or the receive link, and switch 500b can be connected to either antenna 401 or antenna 402. For example, switches 500a and 500b may be SPDT switches, each capable of switching between two connection modes. Based on switches 500a and 500b, the switching device 500 may have four connection modes.

[0145] As shown in connection mode 601 , the switch 500 a is connected to the transmission link, and the switch 500 b is connected to the antenna 402 , so that the satellite signal can be transmitted through the antenna 402 .

[0146] As shown in connection mode 602 , the switch 500 a is connected to the transmission link, and the switch 500 b is connected to the antenna 401 , so that the satellite signal can be transmitted through the antenna 401 .

[0147] As shown in connection mode 603 , the switch 500 a is connected to the receiving link, and the switch 500 b is connected to the antenna 402 , so that the satellite signal can be received through the antenna 402 .

[0148] As shown in connection mode 604 , the switch 500 a is connected to the receiving link, and the switch 500 b is connected to the antenna 401 , so that the satellite signal can be received through the antenna 401 .

[0149] It should be noted that the specific hardware structure of the switching device 500 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 The switches 500a and 500b shown in series may also be implemented by other switch combinations, or by hardware such as chips and gates.

[0150] based on Figures 4 to 6 When the electronic device 400 includes two antennas, the processor 230 may select an antenna. In an optional embodiment, Figure 7 This is a flow chart of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to antenna selection in a scenario where an electronic device includes multiple antennas. The process may include the following steps:

[0151] Step 701: Acquire the device posture of the electronic device 400.

[0152] For example, at least one of a gyroscope sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gravity sensor, etc. can be used to determine the device posture of the electronic device 400. The device posture may include, but is not limited to: upright, sideways, and inverted.

[0153] Taking the direction from the bottom to the top of the electronic device 400 as the positive direction of the Y-axis, when the angle between the positive direction of the Y-axis of the electronic device 400 and the vertical upward direction is less than 45°, the electronic device can be considered to be in a vertically standing device posture; when the angle between the positive direction of the Y-axis of the electronic device 400 and the vertical upward direction is greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 90°, the electronic device can be considered to be in a side-lying device posture; when the angle between the positive direction of the Y-axis of the electronic device 400 and the vertical upward direction is greater than 90°, the electronic device can be considered to be in an inverted device posture.

[0154] It should be understood that the device posture of the electronic device 400 may be detected periodically, or the detection may be triggered in response to the movement of the electronic device 400. The movement of the electronic device 400 may be detected by an acceleration sensor, for example.

[0155] Step 702: Obtain ephemeris information.

[0156] For example, the ephemeris information can be obtained from navigation messages historically received by electronic device 400 from satellites. Navigation messages are broadcast by Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites and include broadcast ephemeris and forecast ephemeris. Broadcast ephemeris can be used for real-time GPS positioning calculations and contains complete orbital status information; forecast ephemeris is used to predict the position of GPS satellites over a longer period of time and contains complete orbital parameter information, allowing for a relatively accurate understanding of the GPS satellites that electronic device 400 can receive at the observed location and during the observed time period.

[0157] As another example, the ephemeris information may also be obtained by the electronic device 400 from the network.

[0158] It should be noted that the execution order of step 701 and step 702 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0159] Step 703: Select antenna 401 or antenna 402 based on the device attitude and ephemeris information.

[0160] It should be understood that the deployment mode of antenna 401 and antenna 402 is pre-acquired; it can also be understood that the communication range of antenna 401 and antenna 402 can be determined based on the deployment mode of antenna 401 and antenna 402.

[0161] For example, the actual communication range of antenna 401 can be determined based on the device posture, the deployment mode of antenna 401, and the deployment mode of antenna 402, and the actual communication range of antenna 402 can also be determined. Optionally, the actual communication range of antenna 401 can be determined by the posture offset information of electronic device 400 and the communication range of antenna 401 relative to the positive direction of the Y axis of electronic device 400. Figure 8 As shown, a schematic diagram of selecting an antenna according to an embodiment of the present application is provided. For example, the positive direction of the Y axis of the electronic device 400 is offset 45° to the right based on the vertical direction, so the actual communication range of the antenna 401 changes with the device posture of the electronic device 400, for example Figure 8 Compared to Figure 4 , the actual communication range of antenna 401 is shifted 45° to the right.

[0162] In one possible scenario, the position of a satellite to which the electronic device 400 can establish a connection is determined based on the ephemeris information. For example, the satellite to which the connection can be established is the satellite 801. Then, based on the position of the satellite 801, when it is determined that the satellite 801 falls within the actual communication range of the antenna 401, the antenna 401 is selected. Figure 8 As shown, based on determining that satellite 801 falls within the actual communication range of antenna 401, antenna 401 is selected.

[0163] Step 704: Use the selected antenna 401 or antenna 402 to perform satellite communication.

[0164] In one possible scenario, electronic device 400 may establish a connection with satellite 801 after determining antenna 401 is selected. It will be appreciated that if satellite 801 is determined to be within the actual communication range of antenna 402, antenna 402 may be switched. Alternatively, if a connectable satellite is changed to satellite 802 and satellite 802 is determined to be within the actual communication range of antenna 402, antenna 402 may be switched. The electronic device then establishes a connection with satellite 802 based on the switched antenna 402.

[0165] Optionally, during the process of the electronic device 400 making a satellite call, when it is detected that the device posture of the electronic device 400 has changed, it can be determined whether to switch the antenna according to the degree of change in the device posture. For example, when the degree of change in the device posture is small, and it is determined that the connected satellite can still fall within the communication range of the selected current antenna, the antenna switching may not be performed at this time, thereby reducing problems such as call jamming caused by antenna switching. For another example, when the degree of change in the device posture is large (for example, from the left ear to the right ear), the target antenna can be determined, and when the target antenna is different from the current antenna, it can be switched to the target antenna.

[0166] In some possible scenarios, the electronic device may further include a signal detector (e.g., a sensor). When the communication ranges of multiple antennas overlap, the electronic device determines that a satellite falls within the communication range of at least two antennas. The signal detector may then obtain the signal strength when the current antenna is selected, as well as the signal strength of the selected target antenna. For example, the signal detector may obtain the signal strength of antenna 401 and the signal strength of antenna 402. The signal strength may be obtained, for example, by, but not limited to, the following parameters: received signal strength indication (RSSI), reference signal receiving power (RSRP), reference signal receiving quality (RSRQ), discontinuous reception (DRX), etc. Based on this, the processor included in the electronic device may be configured to obtain the signal strength of the current antenna and the signal strength of the target antenna from the signal detector; and then, further configured to determine whether to switch from the current antenna to the target antenna based on the signal strength of the current antenna and the signal strength of the target antenna. When it is determined to switch to the target antenna, the antenna switching is implemented before the next satellite data frame is transmitted.

[0167] Figure 7 The process described above may be processed by the processor 230 and the RF circuit 210B included in the electronic device 400. Figure 5 As shown, the processor 230 can execute steps 701 to 703 to send the selected target antenna to the RFIC 112. The RFIC 112 can control the switching device 500 to control the switching device 500 to switch different connection modes, and realize the switching of the transmitting link and the receiving link through the switching device 500, thereby realizing the switching of the antenna 401 and the antenna 402.

[0168] pass Figures 4 to 8 As described in [1], a hardware architecture that deploys multiple antennas in an electronic device can achieve greater satellite communication coverage. Then, based on the device's attitude and ephemeris information, different antennas can be switched. This reduces the user's tedious tasks such as searching for and aligning satellites. Automatically switching between different antennas allows for satellite communication in a wider range of scenarios. Furthermore, it increases the probability that the electronic device can successfully respond to calls or receive satellite short messages, improving the real-time nature of communications.

[0169] Another exemplary example, Figure 9Another antenna distribution diagram of a satellite communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The satellite communication device can be integrated into an electronic device 900, and the satellite communication device can include antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903, and antenna 904. The communication range of antenna 901 is ±45°, the communication range of antenna 902 is also ±45°, the communication range of antenna 903 is ±45°, and the communication range of antenna 904 is also ±45°. Figure 9 As shown, in a scenario where the communication ranges of antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903, and antenna 904 do not overlap, antenna 901 and antenna 902 can achieve a communication range of ±180°, which can also be understood as a full communication range of the entire sphere. In this way, electronic device 900 can achieve satellite communication within a full communication range of 360°, which can also be understood as electronic device 900 can achieve satellite communication in any posture. The hardware structure of electronic device 900 can be referred to. Figure 5 As shown in the schematic diagram, the switching device can switch between the four antennas and between the transmission link and the reception link, so that there are eight connection modes. The specific contents are not repeated here. In addition, for the selection of antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903 and antenna 904, please refer to Figure 7 The flow chart introduced here will not be repeated here.

[0170] pass Figure 4 and Figure 9 It can be seen from the antenna distribution diagram introduced that the satellite communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application adopts a multi-antenna deployment method, which can improve the communication range of electronic devices for satellite communication. It should be understood that the communication range of electronic devices for satellite communication can be determined according to the communication range and deployment method of each of the multiple antennas. For example, the communication range of each of the multiple antennas can be at least one or a combination of angles such as ±15°, ±30° or ±45°. The present application does not limit the communication range of the antenna. The present application also does not limit the number of antennas, which can be considered based on factors such as the integration and cost of the electronic equipment. For other antenna distribution scenarios, please refer to Figures 4 to 9 The content of the introduction will not be repeated here.

[0171] based on Figures 4 to 9 The content introduced in the electronic device is based on one transmission link and one reception link. In the embodiment of the present application, the electronic device may further include multiple transmission links and / or multiple reception links.

[0172] Optional, based on Figure 4 The antenna distribution introduced, Figure 10Another hardware architecture diagram for an electronic device 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. Electronic device 400 may include a satellite communication device, which may include at least: a processor 230; a modem 111; an RFIC 112; a SAW 113; a PA 115; a SAW 1141; an LNA 1161; a SAW 1142; and an LNA 1162. SAW 113 and PA 115 are components of a satellite communication transmit link, SAW 1141 and LNA 1161 are components of a satellite communication receive link 1, and SAW 1142 and LNA 1162 are components of a satellite communication receive link 2. Figure 10 The functions of each hardware shown in Figure 1d The content introduced will not be repeated here. Figure 10 The hardware architecture shown is similar to Figure 5 The hardware architecture shown differs in that Figure 10 The hardware architecture shown may include 1 transmit chain and 2 receive chains.

[0173] The electronic device 400 may further include: a switching device 1000, an antenna 401 and an antenna 402.

[0174] Switching device 1000 can be connected to PA 115, LNA 1161, LNA 1162, antenna 401, and antenna 402 to enable satellite signals on the transmit link to be transmitted via antenna 401 or via antenna 402; to enable satellite signals on receive link 1 to be received via antenna 401 or via antenna 402; to enable satellite signals on receive link 2 to be received via antenna 401 or via antenna 402. Switching device 1000 can receive control from RFIC 112 to switch between the transmit link, receive link 1, and receive link 2, or to switch between antenna 401 and antenna 402.

[0175] Optional, Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the switching device 1000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. For example, the switching device 1000 can be implemented by a hardware structure such as a chip, a connecting device, or a combination of multiple switches. The present application does not limit the hardware structure of the switching device 1000.

[0176] For example, Figure 11As shown in 1101 in FIG, the switching device 1000 can be implemented by a chip. Exemplarily, the connection mode in the switching device 1000 can be determined according to the transmission scenario or the reception scenario, the selected reception link and the selected antenna. For example, in the transmission scenario, antenna 402 is selected to transmit the signal, and the transmission link in the switching device 1000 is connected to antenna 402. For another example, in the reception scenario, reception link 1 is used for reception, and antenna 401 is selected to receive the signal, and the reception link 1 in the switching device 1000 is connected to antenna 401. It should be understood that, as Figure 11 The switching device 1000 shown as 1101 in FIG. 1 may include six connection modes.

[0177] For example, Figure 11 As shown in 1102, the switching device 1000 can be implemented by a combination of multiple switches. Optionally, the switching device 1000 may include a switch 1001, a switch 1002 and a switch 1003. Among them, the switch 1001 can be connected to the transmitting link or the receiving link 1, the switch 1002 can be connected to the switch 1001 or the receiving link 2, and the switch 1003 can be connected to the antenna 401 or the antenna 402. Exemplarily, the connection method in the switching device 1000 can be determined according to the transmitting scenario or the receiving scenario, the selected receiving link and the selected antenna. For example, in the transmitting scenario, antenna 402 is selected to transmit the signal, then the switch 1001 in the switching device 1000 is connected to the transmitting link, the switch 1002 is connected to the switch 1001, and the switch 1003 is connected to the antenna 402. For another example, in the receiving scenario, the receiving link 2 is used for reception, and the antenna 401 is selected to receive the signal, then the switch 1002 in the switching device 1000 is connected to the receiving link 2, and the switch 1003 is connected to the antenna 401. It should be understood that, as Figure 11 The switching device 1000 shown as 1102 in FIG. 1 may also include six connection modes. For example, the switch 1001, the switch 1002, and the switch 1003 may be implemented by SPDT switches.

[0178] Another option, such as Figure 13As shown in 1303, the switching device 1200 may include a switch 1004 and a switch 1005. One end of the switch 1004 may be connected to the transmitting link or the receiving link 1, and the other end may be connected to the antenna 402 or the switch 1005, and the switch 1005 may be connected to the switch 1004 or the antenna 401. Exemplarily, the connection method in the switching device 1000 may be determined according to the transmitting scenario or the receiving scenario, the selected receiving link, and the selected antenna. For example, in the transmitting scenario, antenna 402 is selected to transmit the signal, then one end of the switch 1004 in the switching device 1000 is connected to the transmitting link, and the other end is connected to the antenna 402. For another example, in the receiving scenario, receiving link 2 is used for reception, and antenna 401 is selected to receive the signal, then the switch 1005 in the switching device 1000 is connected to the receiving link 2. It should be understood that, as Figure 11 The switching device 1000 shown as 1103 in FIG. 1 may also include six connection modes. For example, the switch 1004 may be implemented by a double-pole double-throw switch, and the switch 1005 may be implemented by an SPDT switch.

[0179] based on Figure 9 The antenna distribution introduced, Figure 12 Another hardware architecture diagram for an electronic device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The electronic device 900 may include a satellite communication device, which may include at least: a processor 230; a modem 111; an RFIC 112; a SAW 113; a PA 115; a SAW 1141; an LNA 1161; a SAW 1142; and an LNA 1162. SAW 113 and PA 115 are components of a transmit link for satellite communication, SAW 1141 and LNA 1161 are components of receive link 1 for satellite communication, and SAW 1142 and LNA 1162 are components of receive link 2 for satellite communication. Figure 12 The functions of each hardware shown in Figure 1d The content introduced will not be repeated here.

[0180] The electronic device 900 may further include: a switching device 1200 , an antenna 901 , an antenna 902 , an antenna 903 , and an antenna 904 . Figure 12 The hardware architecture shown is similar to Figure 10 The hardware architecture shown differs in that Figure 12 The hardware architecture shown includes 4 antennas.

[0181] Switching device 1200 can be connected to PA 115, LNA 1161, LNA 1162, antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903, and antenna 904 to enable satellite signals on the transmit link to be transmitted via antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903, or antenna 904, or to enable satellite signals on receive link 1 to be received via antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903, or antenna 904, or to enable satellite signals on receive link 2 to be received via antenna 901, antenna 902, antenna 903, or antenna 904.

[0182] For example, Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the switching device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. For example, the switching device 1200 can be implemented by a hardware structure such as a chip, a connecting device, or a combination of multiple switches. The present application does not limit the hardware structure of the switching device 1200.

[0183] For example, Figure 13 As shown in 1301 in FIG, the switching device 1200 can be implemented by a chip. Exemplarily, the connection mode in the switching device 1200 can be determined according to the transmission scenario or the reception scenario, the selected reception link and the selected antenna. For example, in the transmission scenario, antenna 902 is selected to transmit the signal, and the transmission link in the switching device 1200 is connected to antenna 902. For another example, in the reception scenario, reception link 1 is used for reception, and antenna 904 is selected to receive the signal, and the reception link 1 in the switching device 1200 is connected to antenna 904. It should be understood that, as Figure 13 The switching device 1200 shown as 1301 in FIG. 1 may include 12 connection modes.

[0184] For example, Figure 13As shown in 1302, switching device 1200 can be implemented by a combination of multiple switches. Optionally, switching device 1200 may include switch 1201, switch 1202, switch 1203, switch 1204, and switch 1205. Switch 1201 can connect to transmit chain or receive chain 1, switch 1202 can connect to switch 1201 or receive chain 2, switch 1203 can connect to switch 1204 or switch 1205, switch 1204 can connect to antenna 901 or antenna 902, and switch 1205 can connect to antenna 903 or antenna 904. Exemplarily, the connection method in switching device 1200 can be determined based on the transmission scenario or reception scenario, the selected receive chain, and the selected antenna. For example, in the transmission scenario, if antenna 902 is selected to transmit signals, switch 1201 in switching device 1200 connects to the transmit chain, switch 1202 connects to switch 1201, switch 1203 connects to switch 1204, and switch 1204 connects to antenna 902. For another example, in the receiving scenario, receiving link 2 is used for receiving, and antenna 904 is selected to receive the signal. Then, switch 1202 in switching device 1200 is connected to receiving link 2, switch 1203 is connected to switch 1205, and switch 1205 is connected to antenna 904. It should be understood that Figure 13 The switching device 1200 shown as 1302 in FIG. 1 may also include 12 connection modes. Among them, the switch 1201, the switch 1202, the switch 1203, the switch 1204 and the switch 1205 may be implemented by SPDT switches.

[0185] and Figure 7 The antenna selection process described above follows a similar concept. When an electronic device includes a single antenna or a small number of antennas, the antenna's direction can be adjusted to adjust its communication range. This allows the antenna's direction to be adjusted based on the device's posture and ephemeris information, eliminating the need for the user to adjust the device's posture, enabling user-unaware satellite alignment.

[0186] For example, Figure 14 This is an adjustment diagram of the communication range of the antenna applied to the electronic device 1400 provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 14 As can be seen from the left figure in FIG, the direction of the antenna 118 included in the electronic device 1400 can be directed to the left side of the Y axis; and as Figure 14 As can be seen from the left figure, the direction of the antenna 118 included in the electronic device 1400 can be adjusted to point to the right side of the Y axis. It can be understood that compared to Figure 4 The antenna 401 and the antenna 402 are shown. Figure 14 By adjusting the direction of the antenna 118, the communication range can also be achieved as the upper hemisphere when the mobile phone is placed vertically.

[0187] based on Figure 14 The antenna adjustment diagram introduced, Figure 15 Another hardware architecture diagram for an electronic device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device 1400 may include a satellite communication device, which may include at least: a processor 230; a modem 111; an RFIC 112; a SAW 113; a PA 115; a SAW 114, an LNA 116, an SPDT switch 117, and an antenna 118. Compared to Figure 1d As shown, Figure 15 Also included is a tuner 1500. It should be understood that Figure 1d The same hardware functions can be found in Figure 1d The content of the introduction will not be repeated here.

[0188] The processor 230 can be used to determine the relative position of the electronic device 1400 and the satellite based on the electronic device 1400 and the device attitude and ephemeris information; it can also be used to determine the target direction of the antenna 118 based on the relative position; and it can also be used to instruct the tuner 1500 to adjust the direction of the antenna 118.

[0189] The tuner 1500 may be configured to adjust the target direction of the antenna 118 according to instructions from the processor 230 .

[0190] In another possible scenario, taking electronic device 400 as an example, electronic device 400 includes antenna 401 and antenna 402. The communication range of antenna 401 and antenna 402 can also be adjusted through a tuner, thereby further improving the communication range of electronic device 400, for example, from the upper hemisphere when the mobile phone is placed vertically to the entire sphere.

[0191] Optionally, during the process of the electronic device 1400 making a satellite call, when it is detected that the device posture of the electronic device 1400 has changed, it can be determined whether to adjust the direction of the antenna according to the degree of change in the device posture. For example, when the degree of change in the device posture is small, and it is determined that the connected satellite can still fall within the communication range of the current direction of the selected antenna, the direction of the antenna can be adjusted, thereby reducing problems such as call jamming caused by tuning the antenna. For another example, when the degree of change in the device posture is large (for example, from the left ear to the right ear), the target direction of the antenna can be determined. When the target direction of the antenna is different from the current direction of the antenna, it can be switched to the target direction of the antenna.

[0192] In some possible scenarios, the electronic device may also include a signal detector (e.g., a sensor). When the communication ranges of multiple antenna directions overlap, the electronic device determines that a satellite falls within the communication range of at least two directions. The signal detector may then obtain the signal strength when the antenna's current direction is selected, as well as the signal strength of the selected antenna's target direction. For example, the signal detector may obtain the signal strength of antenna 118 in its current direction and the signal strength of antenna 118 in its target direction. Signal strength may be obtained, for example, using, but not limited to, the following parameters: RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, DRX, etc. Based on this, the electronic device may include a processor that may be configured to obtain the signal strength of the antenna's current direction and the signal strength of the antenna's target direction from the signal detector; and then, based on the signal strength of the antenna's current direction and the signal strength of the antenna's target direction, determine whether to switch from the antenna's current direction to the antenna's target direction. When it is determined to switch to the antenna's target direction, the antenna is switched before the next satellite data frame is transmitted.

[0193] based on Figures 14 and 15 As described above, embodiments of the present application can also utilize a tunable antenna to align the antenna with the satellite, thereby increasing the range of satellite communications for electronic devices, thereby meeting satellite communication requirements in more scenarios. Furthermore, the probability of the electronic device successfully responding to a call or receiving a satellite short message can be increased, thereby improving the real-time nature of communications.

[0194] Based on the above embodiments, the present application also provides an electronic device, which may include the satellite communication device introduced in the above embodiments.

[0195] Based on the above embodiments, the present application also provides an electronic device, which includes multiple functional modules; the multiple functional modules interact with each other to implement the functions performed by the electronic device in each method described in the embodiments of the present application. The multiple functional modules can be implemented based on software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, and the multiple functional modules can be arbitrarily combined or divided based on the specific implementation. Figure 7 Steps 701 to 704 are performed in the illustrated embodiment.

[0196] Based on the above embodiments, the present application further provides an electronic device, which includes at least one processor and at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores computer program instructions, and when the electronic device is running, the at least one processor executes the functions executed by the electronic device in each method described in the embodiments of the present application. Figure 7 Steps 701 to 704 are performed in the illustrated embodiment.

[0197] Based on the above embodiments, the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also called code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the methods described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0198] Based on the above embodiments, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer executes the methods described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0199] Based on the above embodiments, the present application further provides a chip, which is used to read a computer program stored in a memory to implement the various methods described in the embodiments of the present application.

[0200] Based on the above embodiments, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a computer device to implement the various methods described in the embodiments of the present application. In one possible design, the chip system also includes a memory, which is used to store the necessary programs and data for the computer device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0201] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the flow chart and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flow charts and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0202] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0203] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0204] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A satellite communication device, characterized in that: The device is applied to electronic equipment, and includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a switching device, and a processor; wherein, The first antenna is used for the electronic device to establish a connection with a satellite within a first communication range, where the first communication range is a relative communication range of the first antenna relative to the electronic device; the second antenna being used for the electronic device to establish a connection with a satellite within a second communication range, where the second communication range is a relative communication range of the second antenna relative to the electronic device; The processor is configured to obtain a device posture of the electronic device and ephemeris information of the satellite; and based on the device posture and the ephemeris information, select or switch to a target antenna; the target antenna is the first antenna or the second antenna, and an actual communication range of the target antenna is determined based on the device posture and the relative communication range, and the actual communication range points to the satellite; The switching device is used to connect to the target antenna.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus includes a first transmitting chain and a first receiving chain, wherein the first transmitting chain includes a first filter and a power amplifier and the first receiving chain includes a second filter and a low noise amplifier; When the switching device is connected to the first transmission link, it is used to transmit the satellite signal through the target antenna; When the switching device is connected to the first receiving link, it is used to receive satellite signals through the target antenna.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The switching device includes a first single-pole double-throw SPDT switch; When the first SPDT switch is turned to the first port, it is used to connect the first transmission link; When the first SPDT switch is turned to the second port, it is used to connect the first receiving link.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The switching device includes a second SPDT switch, When the second SPDT switch is turned to the third port, it is used to connect to the first antenna; When the second SPDT switch is turned to the fourth port, it is used to connect the second antenna.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that When the electronic device is performing satellite communication using the first antenna, the processor is configured to, before selecting a target antenna based on the device attitude and the ephemeris information, further: It is determined that a change in the device posture of the electronic device is detected to be greater than a preset threshold.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The device also includes a sensor; The sensor is used to detect the device posture of the electronic device.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The apparatus further includes a third antenna; The third antenna is used for the electronic device to establish a connection with the satellite within a third communication range, where the third communication range is a relative communication range of the third antenna relative to the electronic device; The processor is further configured to select the third antenna based on the device attitude and the ephemeris information; The switching device is used to connect to the third antenna.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that A relative communication range of the first antenna with respect to the electronic device is different from a relative communication range of the second antenna with respect to the electronic device.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The apparatus further comprises a tuner; The tuner is configured to adjust the electronic device from establishing a connection with a satellite within the first communication range to establishing a connection with a satellite within a fourth communication range; or The tuner is further configured to adjust the electronic device from establishing a connection with the satellite within the third communication range to establishing a connection with the satellite within the fifth communication range.

10. A satellite communication method, characterized in that: Used in electronic equipment, including: Acquire a device posture of the electronic device; Get satellite ephemeris information; Based on the device posture and the ephemeris information, select or switch to a target antenna; the target antenna is the first antenna or the second antenna, and the actual communication range of the target antenna is determined based on the device posture and the relative communication range of the target antenna compared to the electronic device, and the actual communication range points to the satellite.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The relative communication range of the target antenna is adjusted.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that: The method comprises the satellite communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. An electronic device, characterized in that: The system comprises at least one processor coupled to at least one memory, and configured to read a computer program stored in the at least one memory to execute the method according to claim 10 or 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the method according to claim 10 or 11.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to claim 10 or 11.

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