A method, apparatus, and storage medium for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication

Abstract

This application discloses a method, apparatus, and storage medium for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication, comprising: determining a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite when a communication connection is established between a main satellite and a mobile terminal within the communication coverage area; sending a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals; sending a second instruction to the first candidate satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite; sending a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction; and sending data information to the mobile terminal through the first slave satellite when the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and storage medium for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of satellite-based direct connection technology, users are paying increasing attention to it. Satellite-based direct connection technology refers to a mobile terminal directly connecting to a satellite and achieving communication through the satellite network. Satellite-based direct connection can be divided into establishing a communication connection between the mobile terminal and a high-orbit satellite, and establishing a communication connection between the mobile terminal and a low-orbit satellite. However, both methods have certain drawbacks.

[0003] For example, while high-orbit satellites have a wider coverage area, their bandwidth is lower, only guaranteeing short-term data transmission. Conversely, while low-orbit satellites have a larger bandwidth, their faster movement and smaller coverage area mean mobile terminals need to constantly switch between low-orbit satellites to ensure continuous data transmission.

[0004] However, frequent switching between low-Earth orbit satellites may lead to problems such as data packet loss and data transmission lag during the switching process.

[0005] The existing technology has problems such as data packet loss and data transmission lag during frequent switching of communication connections with low-Earth orbit satellites, which may occur during the switching process. There is currently no effective solution to these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of this disclosure provide a method, apparatus, and storage medium for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication, so as to at least solve the technical problem in the prior art that if the low-Earth orbit satellite communication connection with the mobile terminal is frequently switched, data packet loss and data transmission lag may occur during the switching process.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication is provided, comprising: determining a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite when a primary satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within its communication coverage area, wherein the primary satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the primary satellite is used to control the first slave satellite, and wherein the primary satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first candidate satellite are LEO satellites; sending a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, and causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval; sending a second instruction to the first candidate satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the primary satellite; sending a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, wherein the third instruction is used to instruct the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal; and sending data information to the mobile terminal via the first slave satellite when the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is also provided, the storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, a processor performs any of the methods described above.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication device is also provided, comprising: a first satellite determination module, configured to determine a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite when a main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within its communication coverage area, wherein the main satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the main satellite controls the first slave satellite, and wherein the main satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first candidate satellite are low-Earth orbit satellites; a first instruction sending module, configured to send a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, and cause the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval; a second instruction sending module, configured to send a second instruction to the first candidate satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite; a third instruction sending module, configured to send a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, wherein the third instruction instructs the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal; and a data information sending module, configured to send data information to the mobile terminal via the first slave satellite when the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication device is also provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory connected to the processor, configured to provide the processor with instructions for processing the following steps: when a primary satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within its communication coverage area, determining a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite, wherein the primary satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the primary satellite controls the first slave satellite, and wherein the primary satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first candidate satellite are low-Earth orbit satellites; sending a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, and causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals; when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the primary satellite, sending a second instruction to the first candidate satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal; when the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, sending a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, wherein the third instruction instructs the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal; and when the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction, sending data information to the mobile terminal via the first slave satellite.

[0011] This application provides a method for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication. First, after a primary satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within its coverage area, a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite are determined. Then, the primary satellite sends a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals. Further, if the mobile terminal moves out of the primary satellite's coverage area, the primary satellite sends a second instruction to the first candidate satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal. Then, if the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, it sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal. Finally, if the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction, the primary satellite transmits data information to the mobile terminal via the first slave satellite.

[0012] As described above, when the master satellite determines the first slave satellite, it sends a first command to the first slave satellite, causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval. Since the first slave satellite only establishes a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals, it does not consume the mobile terminal's communication resources.

[0013] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal moves out of the main satellite's communication coverage area, the main satellite sends a second instruction to the first backup satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal. And if the first backup satellite cannot establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal or the first backup satellite cannot establish a communication connection with the main satellite, the main satellite sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal. That is, in the event of a communication failure with the first backup satellite, the first main satellite does not need to switch to other backup satellites; instead, it can directly use the first slave satellite to transmit data information to the mobile terminal.

[0014] This application reduces the number of satellite switching operations, avoiding data packet loss and data transmission lag during the switching process. It thus solves the technical problem in existing technologies where frequent switching of low-Earth orbit satellites for communication with mobile terminals can lead to data packet loss and data transmission lag during the switching process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are used to explain this disclosure, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication system according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0017] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the hardware architecture of the master satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first alternative satellite according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0018] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the hardware architecture of the mobile terminal according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication according to Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication device according to Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication device according to Embodiment 3 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] According to this embodiment, a method embodiment for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Also, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication system according to an embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a master satellite 10. The master satellite 10 determines a first candidate satellite 201 based on the ephemeris information of each low-Earth orbit satellite. And when the master satellite 10 determines the first candidate satellite 201, it determines a first slave satellite 301 based on its own ephemeris information and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite 201.

[0027] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 40 is located within the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite 10, thus enabling the main satellite 10 to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. The mobile terminal 40 is also located within the communication coverage area of ​​the first alternative satellite 201, and provided that neither the first alternative satellite 201 nor the mobile terminal 40 is faulty, the first alternative satellite 201 can establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40.

[0028] Furthermore, if there is a communication failure between the first alternative satellite 201 and the main satellite 10, or a communication failure between the first alternative satellite 201 and the mobile terminal 40, the main satellite 10 sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite 301, so that the first slave satellite 301 establishes a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal 40.

[0029] Figure 2A Further shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hardware architecture of the primary satellite 10, the first slave satellite 301, and the first alternative satellite 201. (Reference) Figure 2A As shown, the primary satellite 10, the first slave satellite 301, and the first alternative satellite 201 include an integrated electronic system. This integrated electronic system includes a processor, a memory, a bus management module, and a communication interface. The memory is connected to the processor, allowing the processor to access the memory, read program instructions stored in the memory, read data from the memory, or write data to the memory. The bus management module is connected to the processor and also to a bus such as a CAN bus. Thus, the processor can communicate with onboard peripherals connected to the bus through the bus managed by the bus management module. Furthermore, the processor also communicates with devices such as cameras, star sensors, telemetry and command transponders, and data transmission equipment via the communication interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that… Figure 2A The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the aforementioned electronic device. For example, a satellite system may also include... Figure 2A The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 2A The different configurations shown.

[0030] Figure 2B Further shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the hardware architecture of the China Mobile terminal 40. (Reference) Figure 2B As shown, the mobile terminal 40 may include one or more processors (the processor may include, but is not limited to, a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA, etc.), a memory for storing data, a transmission device for communication functions, and an input / output interface. The memory, transmission device, and input / output interface are connected to the processor via a bus. In addition, it may also include a display, a keyboard, and a cursor control device connected to the input / output interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 2B The structure shown is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the structure of the aforementioned electronic device. For example, the ground system may also include... Figure 2B The more or fewer components shown, or having the same Figure 2B The different configurations shown.

[0031] It should be noted that, Figure 2A and Figure 2BOne or more processors and / or other data processing circuits shown herein may generally be referred to as "data processing circuitry". This data processing circuitry may be embodied, in whole or in part, in software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. Furthermore, the data processing circuitry may be a single, independent processing module, or may be integrated, in whole or in part, into any other element in a computing device. As involved in embodiments of this disclosure, the data processing circuitry serves as processor control (e.g., selection of a variable resistor termination path connected to an interface).

[0032] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The memory shown can be used to store software programs and modules of application software, such as the program instruction / data storage device corresponding to the stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication method in this embodiment of the present disclosure. The processor executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory, thereby realizing the stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication method of the above-mentioned application. The memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory.

[0033] It should be noted here that, in some optional embodiments, the above... Figure 2A and Figure 2B The device shown may include hardware elements (including circuitry), software elements (including computer code stored on a computer-readable medium), or a combination of both hardware and software elements. It should be noted that... Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is only one instance of a specific particular instance, and is intended to illustrate the types of components that may exist in the aforementioned devices.

[0034] Under the aforementioned operating environment, according to the first aspect of this embodiment, a method for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication is provided, the method comprising: Figure 2A The main satellite 10 shown is implemented. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the method is shown below. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0035] S302: When a communication connection is established between the main satellite and a mobile terminal within the communication coverage area, a first alternative satellite and a first slave satellite are determined, wherein the main satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the main satellite is used to control the first slave satellite, wherein the main satellite, the first slave satellite and the first alternative satellite are low-Earth orbit satellites.

[0036] S304: Send a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, and cause the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval;

[0037] S306: When the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage of the main satellite, send a second instruction to the first alternative satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal;

[0038] S308: If the first alternative satellite fails to respond to the second command, a third command is sent to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, wherein the third command instructs the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal; and

[0039] S310: In the event that the first satellite responds to the third command, data information is sent to the mobile terminal via the first satellite.

[0040] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 As shown, firstly, the mobile terminal 40 sends a request to the main satellite 10 to establish a communication connection. The main satellite 10 responds to the request and establishes a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. Thus, with the main satellite 10 establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40 within its communication coverage area, a first candidate satellite 201 and a first slave satellite 301 are determined (S302). The main satellite 10 can, for example, determine the real-time position information of each low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite based on its ephemeris information. Furthermore, after determining the real-time position information of each LEO satellite, the main satellite 10 further identifies multiple LEO satellites that are furthest from the main satellite 10 and capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. Then, the main satellite 10 selects the LEO satellite with the largest communication coverage area from among the identified LEO satellites and designates this LEO satellite as the first candidate satellite 201.

[0041] For example, the main satellite 10 is based on various low-Earth orbit satellites I1 to I2. n Based on the ephemeris information, determine the I1~I1 satellites in low Earth orbit. n Real-time location information P1~P n Furthermore, the main satellite 10, based on its own position information P x and various low-Earth orbit satellites I1 to I n Real-time location information P1~P n Determine the relationship between the main satellite 10 and each low-orbit satellite I1~I n The distance between them. The specific calculation formula is as follows:

[0042] P i,x =P i -P x

[0043] Among them, P i,x P represents the distance between the primary satellite 10 and the i-th low-orbit satellite. i Let P represent the real-time position of the i-th low-Earth orbit satellite, where i = 1 to n.x This indicates the real-time position of the main satellite 10.

[0044] Afterwards, the distance between the primary satellite 10 and the distance P was determined. i,x Greater than the preset second threshold P e Multiple low-orbit satellites I j Furthermore, the main satellite 10 ensures the operation of multiple low-Earth orbit satellites. j All of them are able to establish communication connections with mobile terminals.

[0045] Furthermore, the main satellite 10 is based on multiple low-orbit satellites I j The corresponding ephemeris information identifies multiple low-Earth orbit satellites I j China's largest low-Earth orbit satellite in terms of communication coverage I u and will low-orbit satellite I u Satellite 201 was selected as the first candidate.

[0046] Subsequently, after the primary satellite 10 determines the first candidate satellite 201, the primary satellite 10, based on its own ephemeris information and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite 201, determines a plurality of second slave satellites located between the primary satellite 10 and the first candidate satellite 201. Further, the primary satellite 10 designates the second slave satellite among the plurality of second slave satellites capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal as the first slave satellite 301. The above will be described in detail later, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0047] Furthermore, it is worth noting that the master satellite 10 and the first slave satellite 301 jointly serve the mobile terminal 40, and the master satellite 10 is able to control the first slave satellite 301 and the first alternative satellite 201.

[0048] Then, the master satellite 10 sends a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40, and causes the first slave satellite 301 to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval (S304). The first slave satellite 301 receives and responds to the first instruction, and establishes a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40 at, for example, time intervals of 1 second. It is worth noting that the purpose of establishing this communication connection is not to transmit data information to the mobile terminal 40, but to jointly serve the mobile terminal 40. Furthermore, since the communication connection established between the first slave satellite 301 and the mobile terminal 40 does not transmit data information and only establishes a heartbeat connection, it does not occupy the communication resources of the mobile terminal 40.

[0049] Subsequently, when the mobile terminal 40 moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite 10, the main satellite 10 sends a second instruction (S306) to the first backup satellite 201 to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. Specifically, as the mobile terminal 40 moves, when it moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite 10, the main satellite 10 sends a second instruction to the first backup satellite 201 to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. The first backup satellite 201 then responds to this instruction and sends a communication connection request to the mobile terminal 40. Further, the mobile terminal 40 sends a signal to the first backup satellite 201 responding to the communication connection request, and the first backup satellite 201 forwards this signal to the main satellite 10. The main satellite 10 responds to this signal and uses the first backup satellite 201 to send data information to the mobile terminal 40. The above process represents the scenario where the first backup satellite 201 can normally establish a communication connection with the main satellite 10 and the mobile terminal 40.

[0050] If the first alternative satellite 201 fails to establish a normal communication connection with the main satellite 10, and / or if the first alternative satellite 201 fails to establish a normal communication connection with the mobile terminal 40 (i.e., if the first alternative satellite 201 fails to respond to the second instruction), a third instruction to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40 is sent to the first slave satellite 301 (S308). The third instruction is used to instruct the first slave satellite 301 to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal 40.

[0051] That is, when the mobile terminal 40 is within the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite 10, the first slave satellite 301 establishes a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40 at a preset time interval. When the mobile terminal 40 moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite 10 and the first alternative satellite 201 cannot establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40, the heartbeat connection (i.e., the communication connection established at a preset time interval) between the first slave satellite 301 and the mobile terminal 40 is converted into a long-term connection, thereby making necessary preparations for sending data information to the mobile terminal 40.

[0052] Finally, upon receiving and responding to the third command from the first slave satellite 301, a long-term communication connection is established with the mobile terminal 40, and a signal indicating the establishment of the long-term communication connection is sent to the master satellite 10. After receiving this signal, the master satellite 10 transmits data information to the first slave satellite 301 via the inter-satellite link. Furthermore, upon receiving the data information, the first slave satellite 301 transmits any remaining data information to the mobile terminal 40 (S310).

[0053] As described in the background section, while high-orbit satellites offer a wider coverage area, their bandwidth is lower, only guaranteeing short-term data transmission. Conversely, while low-orbit satellites offer greater bandwidth, their faster movement and smaller coverage area necessitate frequent switching between low-orbit satellites by mobile terminals to ensure continuous data transmission. However, frequent switching can lead to issues such as data packet loss and data transmission lag during the switching process.

[0054] In view of this, this application provides a method for maintaining stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication. Furthermore, when the master satellite determines the first slave satellite, a first command is sent to the first slave satellite, causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals. Since the first slave satellite only establishes a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals, it does not occupy the mobile terminal's communication resources.

[0055] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal moves out of the main satellite's communication coverage area, the main satellite sends a second instruction to the first backup satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal. And if the first backup satellite cannot establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal or the first backup satellite cannot establish a communication connection with the main satellite, the main satellite sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal. That is, in the event of a communication failure with the first backup satellite, the first main satellite does not need to switch to other backup satellites; instead, it can directly use the first slave satellite to transmit data information to the mobile terminal.

[0056] This application reduces the number of satellite switching operations, avoiding data packet loss and data transmission lag during the switching process. It thus solves the technical problem in existing technologies where frequent switching of low-Earth orbit satellites for communication with mobile terminals can lead to data packet loss and data transmission lag during the switching process.

[0057] Optionally, the method further includes: simultaneously sending a third command from the master satellite to the first slave satellite, determining a second alternative satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal; and, if the second alternative satellite is able to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, returning a corresponding response command to the master satellite. Further optionally, the operation of determining the second alternative satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal simultaneously sending the third command from the master satellite includes: based on the ephemeris information of each of the first low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, determining a second LEO satellite whose distance from the master satellite is greater than a preset first threshold and which is capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal, wherein the first LEO satellites are capable of establishing a communication connection with the master satellite; and selecting, among multiple second LEO satellites, a third LEO satellite with the largest communication coverage area, and determining the third LEO satellite as the second alternative satellite.

[0058] Specifically, if the first alternative satellite 201 cannot establish a communication connection with the main satellite 10, the main satellite 10 sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite 301 to establish a long-term communication connection between the first slave satellite 301 and the mobile terminal 40. Simultaneously with sending the third instruction, the main satellite 10 further determines a second alternative satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. That is, although the main satellite 10 uses the first slave satellite 301 to transmit data to the mobile terminal 40, the first slave satellite 301 is only a transitional satellite, and the main satellite 10 needs to re-determine a second alternative satellite for transmitting data to the mobile terminal 40.

[0059] For example, the main satellite 10 is based on each of the first low-Earth orbit satellites I1 to I2. n Based on the ephemeris information, determine the individual first low-Earth orbit satellites I1 to I2. n Real-time location information Q1~Q n Furthermore, the main satellite 10, based on its own position information Q... x And each of the first low-Earth orbit satellites I1 to I n Real-time location information Q1~Q n The main satellite 10 and each of the first low-orbit satellites I1 to I2 were determined. n The distance between them. The specific calculation formula is as follows:

[0060] Q i,x =Q i -Q x

[0061] Among them, Q i,x Q represents the distance between the primary satellite 10 and the i-th first low-Earth orbit satellite. i Let Q represent the real-time position of the i-th first low-Earth orbit satellite, where i = 1 to n. x This indicates the real-time position of the main satellite 10.

[0062] Then the main satellite 10 was determined to be at distance Q. i,x Greater than a pre-set first threshold Q e Multiple second low-Earth orbit satellites I r Furthermore, the primary satellite 10 ensures the operation of multiple secondary low-Earth orbit satellites I. r All of them are able to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40.

[0063] Furthermore, the main satellite 10 is based on multiple second low-Earth orbit satellites I r The corresponding ephemeris information identifies multiple second low-Earth orbit satellites I. r China's third low-Earth orbit satellite with the largest communication coverage area v And will the third low-orbit satellite I vIt has been selected as the second alternative satellite.

[0064] Furthermore, if the primary satellite 10 determines a second alternative satellite, it sends a command to the second alternative satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. The second alternative satellite then receives and responds to this command, establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. Once the second alternative satellite has established a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40, it returns a response signal to the primary satellite 10.

[0065] Therefore, if the first alternative satellite 201 fails to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40, a second alternative satellite can be selected, and data information can be sent to the mobile terminal 40 through the second alternative satellite. This achieves the technical effect of ensuring that the mobile terminal 40 can receive all the data information.

[0066] Optionally, when the main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within the communication coverage area, the operation of determining the first slave satellite includes: determining a plurality of second slave satellites located between the main satellite and the first candidate satellite based on the ephemeris information of the main satellite and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite; and determining the second slave satellite among the plurality of second slave satellites that can establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal as the first slave satellite.

[0067] Specifically, after the primary satellite 10 determines the first candidate satellite 201, it further determines its own ephemeris information and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite 201. Then, based on its own ephemeris information and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite 201, the primary satellite 10 determines the distance between the two. The specific calculation formula is as follows:

[0068] P u,x =P u -P x

[0069] Among them, P u,x P represents the distance between primary satellite 10 and first alternative satellite 201. u P represents the real-time position of the first candidate satellite 201. x This indicates the real-time position of the main satellite 10.

[0070] Afterwards, the main satellite 10 was determined to be located at a distance of P. u,x Multiple low-orbit satellites within the range, and these multiple low-orbit satellites are identified as multiple secondary satellites.

[0071] Furthermore, the master satellite 10 identifies several third slave satellites among the multiple second slave satellites that are capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal 40. Finally, the master satellite 10 selects the third slave satellite with the lowest communication load from among the multiple third slave satellites and designates this third slave satellite as the first slave satellite.

[0072] In addition, refer to Figure 1 As shown, according to a second aspect of this embodiment, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium includes a stored program, wherein, when the program is executed, a processor performs any of the methods described above.

[0073] Thus, according to this embodiment, the technical effect of avoiding data packet loss and data transmission lag during the handover process is achieved.

[0074] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the present invention, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are preferred embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to the present invention.

[0075] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] Example 2

[0077] Figure 4 A stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication device 400 according to this embodiment is shown, which corresponds to the method described according to Embodiment 1. (Reference) Figure 4As shown, the device 400 includes: a first satellite determination module 410, used to determine a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite when a communication connection is established between a main satellite and a mobile terminal within the communication coverage area, wherein the main satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the main satellite is used to control the first slave satellite, and wherein the main satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first candidate satellite are low-Earth orbit satellites; a first command sending module 420, used to send a first command to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, and cause the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval; a second command sending module 430, used to send a second command to the first candidate satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the main satellite; a third command sending module 440, used to send a third command to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the first candidate satellite cannot respond to the second command, wherein the third command is used to instruct the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal; and a data information sending module 450, used to send data information to the mobile terminal through the first slave satellite when the first slave satellite responds to the third command.

[0078] Optionally, the device 400 further includes: a second satellite determination module, configured to determine a second alternative satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal while the main satellite sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite; and a response instruction return module, configured to return a corresponding response instruction to the main satellite if the second alternative satellite is able to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal.

[0079] Optionally, the second satellite determination module includes: a third satellite determination module, used to determine, based on the ephemeris information of each of the first low-orbit satellites, the second low-orbit satellite that is farthest from the main satellite and capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal, wherein the first low-orbit satellites are capable of establishing a communication connection with the main satellite; and a fourth satellite determination module, used to select, among the multiple second low-orbit satellites, the third low-orbit satellite with the largest communication coverage, and determine the third low-orbit satellite as the second candidate satellite.

[0080] Optionally, the first satellite determination module 410 includes: a first slave satellite determination module, used to determine a plurality of second slave satellites located between the main satellite and the first candidate satellite based on the ephemeris information of the main satellite and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite; and a second slave satellite determination module, used to determine the second slave satellite among the plurality of second slave satellites that can establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal as the first slave satellite.

[0081] Thus, according to this embodiment, the technical effect of avoiding data packet loss and data transmission lag during the handover process is achieved.

[0082] Example 3

[0083] Figure 5 A stable low-Earth orbit satellite communication device 500 according to this embodiment is shown, which corresponds to the method described according to Embodiment 1. (Reference) Figure 5 As shown, the device 500 includes: when a primary satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within its communication coverage area, determining a first alternative satellite and a first slave satellite, wherein the primary satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the primary satellite is used to control the first slave satellite, and wherein the primary satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first alternative satellite are low-Earth orbit satellites; sending a first instruction to the slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at preset time intervals; when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage area of ​​the primary satellite, sending a second instruction to the first alternative satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal; when the first alternative satellite cannot respond to the second instruction, sending a third instruction to the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal, wherein the third instruction is used to instruct the first slave satellite to establish a long-term communication connection with the mobile terminal; and when the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction, sending data information to the mobile terminal via the first slave satellite.

[0084] Optionally, the device 500 further includes: determining a second alternative satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal while the main satellite sends a third instruction to the first slave satellite; and returning a corresponding response instruction to the main satellite if the second alternative satellite is able to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal.

[0085] Optionally, while the master satellite sends a third command to the first slave satellite, the operation of determining a second candidate satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal includes: determining a second low-orbit satellite based on the ephemeris information of each of the first low-orbit satellites, wherein the distance between the first low-orbit satellite and the master satellite is greater than a preset first threshold and the first low-orbit satellite is capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal; and selecting a third low-orbit satellite with the largest communication coverage among the multiple second low-orbit satellites and determining the third low-orbit satellite as the second candidate satellite.

[0086] Optionally, when the main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within the communication coverage area, the operation of determining the first slave satellite includes: determining a plurality of second slave satellites located between the main satellite and the first candidate satellite based on the ephemeris information of the main satellite and the ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite; and determining the second slave satellite among the plurality of second slave satellites that can establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal as the first slave satellite.

[0087] Thus, according to this embodiment, the technical effect of avoiding data packet loss and data transmission lag during the handover process is achieved.

[0088] The sequence numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0089] In the above embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0090] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between units or modules may be electrical or other forms.

[0091] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0092] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0093] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0094] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of maintaining a stable low earth orbit satellite communication, characterized by, Comprising: In a case where a main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within a communication coverage range, determining a first alternative satellite and a first slave satellite, wherein the main satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the main satellite is used to control the first slave satellite, and wherein the main satellite, the first slave satellite and the first alternative satellite are low-orbit satellites; sending a first instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal to the slave satellite, and causing the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval; in a case where the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage range of the main satellite, sending a second instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal to the first alternative satellite; in a case where the first alternative satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, sending a third instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal to the first slave satellite, wherein the third instruction is used to instruct the first slave satellite to establish a long-time communication connection with the mobile terminal; and in a case where the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction, sending data information to the mobile terminal through the first slave satellite, wherein in a case where a main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal within a communication coverage range, the operation of determining a first slave satellite comprises: based on ephemeris information of the main satellite and ephemeris information of the first alternative satellite, determining a plurality of second slave satellites located between the main satellite and the first alternative satellite; and determining a second slave satellite capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal from the plurality of second slave satellites as the first slave satellite.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: determining a second alternative satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal at the same time as the main satellite sends the third instruction to the first slave satellite; and in a case where the second alternative satellite is capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal, returning a corresponding response signal to the main satellite.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The operation of determining a second alternative satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal at the same time as the main satellite sends the third instruction to the first slave satellite comprises: based on ephemeris information of each first low-orbit satellite, determining a second low-orbit satellite capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal and having a distance greater than a first preset threshold from the main satellite, wherein the first low-orbit satellite is capable of establishing a communication connection with the main satellite; and selecting a third low-orbit satellite having a largest communication coverage range from the plurality of second low-orbit satellites, and determining the third low-orbit satellite as the second alternative satellite.

4. A storage medium, characterized by The storage medium comprises a stored program, wherein the program is executed by a processor when the program is run to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A low earth orbit satellite communication apparatus that maintains stability, characterized by, Comprising: The first satellite determining module is configured to determine a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite when a master satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal in a communication coverage range, wherein the master satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, the master satellite is configured to control the first slave satellite, and the master satellite, the first slave satellite, and the first candidate satellite are low-orbit satellites. The first instruction sending module is configured to send a first instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal to the slave satellite, and to cause the first slave satellite to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval. The second instruction sending module is configured to send a second instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal to the first candidate satellite when the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage range of the master satellite. The third instruction sending module is configured to send a third instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal to the first slave satellite when the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, wherein the third instruction is configured to instruct the first slave satellite to establish a long-time communication connection with the mobile terminal. The data information sending module is configured to send data information to the mobile terminal through the first slave satellite when the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction. The first slave satellite determining module is configured to determine a plurality of second slave satellites between the master satellite and the first candidate satellite based on ephemeris information of the master satellite and ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite. The second slave satellite determining module is configured to determine a second slave satellite capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal from the plurality of second slave satellites as the first slave satellite. The device further includes a second satellite determining module configured to determine a second candidate satellite for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal when the master satellite sends the third instruction to the first slave satellite. The response instruction returning module is configured to return a corresponding response instruction to the master satellite when the second candidate satellite is capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The second satellite determining module includes: The third satellite determining module is configured to determine a second low-orbit satellite farthest from the master satellite and capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal based on ephemeris information of each first low-orbit satellite, wherein the first low-orbit satellite is capable of establishing a communication connection with the master satellite.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The fourth satellite determining module is configured to select a third low-orbit satellite with the largest communication coverage range from the plurality of second low-orbit satellites, and to determine the third low-orbit satellite as the second candidate satellite. The device includes: a processor; and 8. A low earth orbit satellite communication apparatus that maintains stability, characterized by, a memory connected to the processor, configured to provide the processor with instructions for processing the following processing steps: ​ ​ ​ In a case that a main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal in a communication coverage, a first candidate satellite and a first slave satellite are determined, wherein the main satellite and the first slave satellite jointly serve the mobile terminal, and the main satellite is used to control the first slave satellite, and wherein the main satellite, the first slave satellite and the first candidate satellite are low-orbit satellites; a first instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal is sent to the slave satellite, and the first slave satellite is caused to establish a communication connection with the mobile terminal at a preset time interval; in a case that the mobile terminal moves out of the communication coverage of the main satellite, a second instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal is sent to the first candidate satellite; in a case that the first candidate satellite fails to respond to the second instruction, a third instruction for establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal is sent to the first slave satellite, wherein the third instruction is used to instruct the first slave satellite to establish a long-time communication connection with the mobile terminal; and in a case that the first slave satellite responds to the third instruction, data information is sent to the mobile terminal through the first slave satellite, wherein in a case that a main satellite establishes a communication connection with a mobile terminal in a communication coverage, the operation of the first slave satellite comprises: based on ephemeris information of the main satellite and ephemeris information of the first candidate satellite, a plurality of second slave satellites located between the main satellite and the first candidate satellite are determined; and a second slave satellite capable of establishing a communication connection with the mobile terminal from the plurality of second slave satellites is determined as the first slave satellite.

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