Low-power-consumption outdoor communication system and communication method

Abstract

According to the low-power-consumption outdoor communication system and communication method provided by the invention, through the global scheduling capability of the network management platform, the problems of inaccurate switching and lack of collaboration in the existing multimode communication terminal scheme are solved. In a normal state of each intelligent terminal in the system, only the main communication module is started for public network communication, and the standby communication module is deeply dormant to reduce power consumption; and when the public network is abnormal, the network management platform accurately selects the target terminal based on the global positioning information, and awakens the standby communication module as required, thereby realizing local area network communication between the abnormal terminal and the target terminal. According to the mode of'global decision and on-demand wakeup ', the reliability and collaboration of communication in an outdoor scene are guaranteed, the overall power consumption of the terminal is greatly reduced, and the endurance demand of long-time outdoor operation is effectively met.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of outdoor communication technology, and in particular to a low-power outdoor communication system and a communication method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In emergency communication, field operation and other scenarios, reliable voice communication is a key element to ensure operation safety and improve operation efficiency. Currently, operation personnel mainly rely on intelligent terminals based on 4G / 5G public networks to carry out communication work. However, in remote areas, underground spaces, or scenarios where base stations are damaged due to natural disasters, public network coverage has blind spots, and signal quality is poor, which leads to communication interruption.

[0003] To solve this problem, existing technologies have proposed a multi-mode communication terminal solution, such as a terminal integrating 4G / 5G and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or private network modules, which can switch to other available networks when public network signals are weak. The terminal usually has multiple communication modules built-in, and through monitoring the local signal strength, when the public network signal is lower than the threshold value, the standby communication module (such as an ad hoc network module) will be automatically enabled to establish a local communication link.

[0004] However, this solution has significant limitations: first, the switching decision is completely based on the local perception of the terminal, which lacks a global perspective, and may lead to inaccurate switching or the inability to form an effective multi-terminal collaborative network; second, to maintain fast switching capability, each communication module is usually in standby listening state, resulting in high overall power consumption, which severely limits the terminal's endurance and cannot meet the needs of long-term outdoor operations. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to at least solve one of the above technical defects, in particular, the technical defects of the multi-mode communication terminal solution in the prior art, which has inaccurate switching, cannot form an effective multi-terminal collaborative network, has high power consumption, and cannot meet the needs of long-term outdoor operations.

[0006] The present application provides a low-power outdoor communication system, which comprises a network management platform and a plurality of intelligent terminals in communication connection with the network management platform, each intelligent terminal comprising a main communication module and a standby communication module.

[0007] In the normal working mode, each intelligent terminal communicates through its own main communication module, reports its positioning information and device status to the network management platform, and the standby communication module of each intelligent terminal is in a deep sleep state.

[0008] The network management platform monitors the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal. When any smart terminal is found to have an abnormal public network connection, the platform determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the last location information reported by the abnormal smart terminal, and wakes up the backup communication module of the target terminal.

[0009] When the abnormal smart terminal detects that its public network connection is abnormal, it wakes up its backup communication module so that, in the abnormal working mode, the abnormal smart terminal and the target terminal can communicate on the local area network through their respective backup communication modules.

[0010] Optionally, the process by which the network management platform monitors the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal includes:

[0011] The network management platform determines whether the heartbeat packets of each smart terminal arrive on time based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal, in order to judge the public network connection status of each smart terminal.

[0012] Optionally, the process by which the network management platform determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the location information last reported by the abnormal smart terminal includes:

[0013] The network management platform constructs a geofence on an electronic map containing all smart terminals based on the last location information reported by the abnormal smart terminals and the effective communication distance of the backup communication modules used by each smart terminal.

[0014] The network management platform obtains the job allocation information of the abnormal smart terminal at the work site, and determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the job allocation information and the smart terminals inside and outside the geofence.

[0015] Optionally, the process by which the network management platform determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the job allocation and the smart terminals inside and outside the geofence includes:

[0016] The network management platform determines, based on the job allocation, a first terminal within the geofence that belongs to the same job group as the abnormal smart terminal, and a second terminal outside the geofence that belongs to the same job group as the abnormal smart terminal, and designates the first terminal and the second terminal as target terminals for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal.

[0017] Optionally, the process by which the network management platform wakes up the backup communication module of the target terminal includes:

[0018] When the network management platform determines that the target terminal is the first terminal, it sends a forced wake-up command containing the device identifier of the abnormal smart terminal to the first terminal. The first terminal wakes up its own backup communication module according to the forced wake-up command. The first terminal is a smart terminal within the geofence that belongs to the same work group as the abnormal smart terminal. The geofence is constructed based on the last location information reported by the abnormal smart terminal and the effective communication distance of the backup communication modules used by each smart terminal.

[0019] When the network management platform determines that the target terminal is the second terminal, it sends a network anomaly status notification of the abnormal smart terminal to the second terminal, so that the operator of the second terminal can choose whether to wake up the backup communication module of the machine according to the network anomaly status notification and its own location. The second terminal is a smart terminal outside the geofence that belongs to the same work group as the abnormal smart terminal.

[0020] Optionally, the network management platform is also used for:

[0021] When the public network connection of the abnormal smart terminal is detected to be restored to normal, a communication mode switchback command is sent to the target terminal. The target terminal determines whether to switch its own communication mode back to the main communication module according to the communication mode switchback command.

[0022] Optionally, the process by which the target terminal determines whether to switch its communication mode back to the main communication module according to the communication mode switchback instruction includes:

[0023] The target terminal determines whether its backup communication module has been woken up according to the communication mode switchback command. If so, it switches its communication mode back to the main communication module and controls its backup communication module to re-enter deep sleep state. Otherwise, it does not need to switch its communication mode back to the main communication module.

[0024] Optionally, the network management platform is a cloud platform or a designated smart terminal.

[0025] Optionally, the backup communication module is a wireless communication module using any local area network technology.

[0026] This application also provides a low-power outdoor communication method, which is applied to the network management platform of the low-power outdoor communication system described in any of the above embodiments, and the method includes:

[0027] The system acquires location information and device status reported by each smart terminal. Each smart terminal includes a main communication module and a backup communication module. In normal working mode, each smart terminal communicates with each other through its own main communication module via the public network, and the backup communication module of each smart terminal is in a deep sleep state.

[0028] Monitor the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal;

[0029] When an abnormal public network connection of any smart terminal is detected, the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal is determined based on the location information last reported by the abnormal smart terminal.

[0030] The backup communication module of the target terminal is activated so that, in abnormal working mode, after the abnormal smart terminal activates its own backup communication module, it can communicate with the target terminal through their respective backup communication modules on the local area network.

[0031] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, the embodiments of this application have the following advantages:

[0032] This application provides a low-power outdoor communication system and method that solves the problems of inaccurate switching and lack of coordination in existing multi-mode communication terminal solutions by leveraging the global scheduling capabilities of a network management platform. Under normal circumstances, each smart terminal in the system only uses its primary communication module for public network communication, while the backup communication module remains in deep sleep to reduce power consumption. When the public network fails, the network management platform accurately selects the target terminal based on global positioning information and wakes up its backup communication module as needed, enabling local area network communication between the failed terminal and the target terminal. This "global decision-making + on-demand wake-up" mode ensures both the reliability and coordination of communication in outdoor scenarios while significantly reducing the overall power consumption of the terminals, effectively meeting the battery life requirements for long-term outdoor operations. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 A system architecture diagram of a low-power outdoor communication system provided in this application embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 Flowchart of a low-power autonomous switching network method based on the convergence of TurMass and public network provided in this application embodiment;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a low-power outdoor communication method provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This application provides a system architecture diagram of a low-power outdoor communication system. The system may include a network management platform and multiple smart terminals that are communicatively connected to the network management platform. Each smart terminal includes a main communication module and a backup communication module.

[0039] In normal operating mode, each smart terminal communicates with the other through its main communication module on the public network and reports its location information and device status to the network management platform. The backup communication module of each smart terminal is in a deep sleep state.

[0040] The network management platform monitors the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal. When any smart terminal is found to have an abnormal public network connection, the platform determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the last location information reported by the abnormal smart terminal, and wakes up the backup communication module of the target terminal.

[0041] When the abnormal smart terminal detects that its public network connection is abnormal, it wakes up its backup communication module so that, in the abnormal working mode, the abnormal smart terminal and the target terminal can communicate on the local area network through their respective backup communication modules.

[0042] In this embodiment, the low-power outdoor communication system includes a network management platform and multiple smart terminals connected to the network management platform. Each smart terminal includes a main communication module and a backup communication module. The main communication module of each smart terminal can be a module supporting 4G / 5G public network communication, such as the Qualcomm MDM9x50 series, which has stable wide-area communication capabilities and can meet the needs of long-distance public network data interaction between smart terminals under normal conditions. The backup communication module can use TurMass, LoRa, or ZigBee local area network modules. TurMass modules have high receiving sensitivity, long-distance transmission, and low power consumption, making them suitable for IoT and self-organizing network communication scenarios. LoRa modules have an effective communication distance of 3-5 kilometers, suitable for short-distance collaborative communication in open outdoor scenarios. ZigBee modules have even lower power consumption when multiple terminals are networked, and the choice can be flexible based on the actual environment of the work site.

[0043] Specifically, in the normal working mode, the main communication module of the smart terminal of this application remains active and periodically sends a heartbeat packet to the network management platform containing latitude and longitude positioning information (obtained by the terminal's built-in GPS / BeiDou dual-mode positioning module, with positioning accuracy within 10 meters) and status parameters such as device power and temperature. The length of the period can be set according to the actual situation and is not limited here. The backup communication module can cut off unnecessary power supply through hardware sleep circuit, retaining only a microampere-level wake-up trigger pin to minimize power consumption and significantly extend the terminal's battery life.

[0044] The network management platform can monitor the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal. When the network management platform fails to receive heartbeat packets from a certain smart terminal multiple times consecutively, it determines that the terminal's public network connection is abnormal. At this time, the platform will retrieve the last reported location information of the abnormal terminal (e.g., 30°25′12″N, 114°36′48″E), and after identifying the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal terminal, it will wake up the backup communication module of the target terminal. During this process, the platform can determine at least one smart terminal closest to the abnormal terminal based on the last reported location information, or determine a smart terminal belonging to the same work group as the abnormal terminal as the target terminal.

[0045] For example, when the abnormal terminal is A, the platform queries the work group database and finds that terminals B and C belong to the same "mountainous geological exploration team" as A. The last location of terminal B is 1.2 kilometers away from A (less than the 3-kilometer effective communication distance of the backup communication module), and the distance of terminal C is 4.5 kilometers away (greater than the effective communication distance). The platform then identifies B as the target terminal and sends a forced wake-up command containing the identifier of device A to terminal B. After receiving the command, the main communication module of terminal B triggers the wake-up circuit of the backup communication module through the GPIO pin, switching it from deep sleep to working state. For terminal C, the platform may not send any command, but only send an abnormal status notification. The operator of C can then manually choose whether to wake up the backup communication module based on their own location (e.g., only 2 kilometers away from the area where A is located, but in reality, the location may be deviated due to terrain obstruction).

[0046] Meanwhile, the malfunctioning terminal A can use its built-in signal strength monitoring circuit (e.g., using an ADI AD8362 logarithmic detector to monitor the RSSI value of the main communication module in real time) to automatically trigger the local wake-up mechanism of the backup communication module when the RSSI value remains below -105dBm for 10 consecutive seconds. This establishes a local area network link between the backup communication module and the backup communication module of the target terminal B. At this time, A and B can transmit operational data through the backup communication module, such as the geological sample temperature data (25.3℃) collected by A and the equipment operating status (85% battery level) recorded by B. B can still forward A's abnormal data to the network management platform through the main communication module, ensuring the continuity of global communication.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the global scheduling capabilities of the network management platform solve the problems of inaccurate switching and lack of coordination in existing multi-mode communication terminal solutions. Under normal circumstances, each smart terminal in the system only uses its primary communication module for public network communication, while the backup communication module remains in deep sleep to reduce power consumption. When the public network fails, the network management platform accurately selects the target terminal based on global positioning information and wakes up its backup communication module as needed, enabling local area network communication between the failed terminal and the target terminal. This "global decision-making + on-demand wake-up" model ensures both the reliability and coordination of communication in outdoor scenarios while significantly reducing the overall power consumption of the terminal, effectively meeting the battery life requirements for long-term outdoor operations.

[0048] In one embodiment, the process by which the network management platform monitors the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal may include:

[0049] The network management platform determines whether the heartbeat packets of each smart terminal arrive on time based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal, in order to judge the public network connection status of each smart terminal.

[0050] In this embodiment, the network management platform pre-sets a heartbeat packet reporting cycle threshold for each smart terminal, for example, setting it to report a heartbeat packet once every 2 minutes, with a maximum allowed delay of 30 seconds. When a smart terminal's heartbeat packet does not reach the platform within the cycle threshold plus the delay, the platform can send multiple probe commands at preset intervals to the terminal's main communication module. If no response is received, the terminal is marked as having an "abnormal public network connection" state, and the abnormal information (including terminal ID, last reporting time, and last location coordinates) is stored in the abnormal terminal database.

[0051] For example, terminal D reports its heartbeat every 2 minutes. After receiving its last heartbeat at 14:00, the platform still hasn't received the next report by 14:02:30. It then sends three probe commands, but still receives no response at 14:03:00. At this point, the platform determines that terminal D's public network connection is abnormal and records its last location as "103°45′22″E, 36°18′55″N". Simultaneously, the platform synchronizes the abnormal terminal status to the monitoring interface in real time, highlighting it in red on the electronic map for easy monitoring by maintenance personnel.

[0052] In one embodiment, the process by which the network management platform determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the location information last reported by the abnormal smart terminal includes:

[0053] The network management platform constructs a geofence on an electronic map containing all smart terminals based on the last location information reported by the abnormal smart terminals and the effective communication distance of the backup communication modules used by each smart terminal.

[0054] The network management platform obtains the job allocation information of the abnormal smart terminal at the work site, and determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the job allocation information and the smart terminals inside and outside the geofence.

[0055] In this embodiment, when determining the target terminal for local area network communication with an abnormal smart terminal, the network management platform pre-enters the effective communication distance of each smart terminal's backup communication module into the system database. For example, the effective communication distance of the TurMass module is set to 5 kilometers, the LoRa module to 3 kilometers, and the ZigBee module to 1 kilometer. The effective communication distance of different backup communication modules can be dynamically adjusted according to their technical characteristics and the actual obstruction conditions of the outdoor environment. For example, in mountainous areas with abundant vegetation, the effective communication distance of the LoRa module will be reduced from 3 kilometers in open areas to 1.5 kilometers. The platform can combine terrain data of the operating area (such as altitude, vegetation coverage, building density, etc.) to correct the effective communication distance, ensuring the accuracy of the geofencing.

[0056] Furthermore, when an abnormal public network connection of the smart terminal E is detected, the platform can retrieve the location information last reported by E (such as 120°15′30″E, 30°20′40″N), and automatically draw a geofence on a high-precision electronic map (containing geographical information such as terrain and vegetation cover, with a map accuracy of 1:2000) with this coordinate as the center and the effective communication distance of the backup communication module used by E (assuming it is a LoRa module) of 3 kilometers as the radius. Subsequently, the platform can query the job allocation system to obtain the job task list of the "Coastal Wind Power Inspection Team" to which E belongs. It finds that the team currently has 5 smart terminals (E, F, G, H, and I). The last location coordinates of terminal F are 120°17′15″E, 30°21′25″N. The calculated straight-line distance from E is 2.8 kilometers, which is within the geofence. The location of terminal G is 120°19′05″E, 30°22′10″N. It is 4.2 kilometers away from E and is outside the geofence. Terminals H and I entered low-power standby mode due to insufficient power and did not report the latest location.

[0057] At this point, the platform can prioritize identifying terminal F, which is within the geofence and belongs to the same inspection team, as the target terminal. If there are no terminals in the same group within the geofence, the platform can expand the screening scope to intelligent terminals in adjacent work groups. For example, terminal J of the "Coastal Transmission Line Maintenance Team" is located 2.5 kilometers away from E and is within the fence, so it can also be identified as the target terminal, ensuring that abnormal terminals can quickly establish local area network communication links.

[0058] This target terminal determination mechanism, based on a dual screening of job allocation and geofencing, avoids the waste of power caused by blindly waking up all terminal backup modules, and ensures that abnormal terminals can establish a local area network connection with the nearest and most collaborative terminal, further improving the system's communication reliability and power consumption control accuracy.

[0059] In one embodiment, the process by which the network management platform determines the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal based on the job allocation and the smart terminals inside and outside the geofence may include:

[0060] The network management platform determines, based on the job allocation, a first terminal within the geofence that belongs to the same job group as the abnormal smart terminal, and a second terminal outside the geofence that belongs to the same job group as the abnormal smart terminal, and designates the first terminal and the second terminal as target terminals for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal.

[0061] In this embodiment, when determining the target terminal, the network management platform can first filter out all smart terminals belonging to the same work group as the abnormal terminal based on the group association relationship in the job allocation system, and then further divide the area by combining the geofence range. For example, when the abnormal terminal is K (belonging to the "Forest Fire Monitoring Team"), the platform retrieves the terminal list of the group and finds a total of five devices: K, L, M, N, and O. Subsequently, the platform draws a geofence with the last reported location of K (118°12′30″E, 24°56′15″N) as the center and the corrected value of K's backup communication module (LoRa module, effective communication distance of 3 kilometers) (corrected to 2 kilometers due to forest vegetation obstruction) as the radius. Calculations show that terminal L is located at 118°13′45″E, 24°55′30″N, with a straight-line distance of 1.8 kilometers from K, and is within the geofence, thus being classified as the first terminal. Terminal M is located at 118°15′20″E, 24°57′10″N, with a distance of 3.2 kilometers from K, and is outside the geofence, thus being classified as the second terminal. Terminals N and O are not included in this screening because they are in a suspended state and have not reported their latest locations.

[0062] Next, the platform can execute wake-up strategies for the first terminal L and the second terminal M respectively: For the first terminal L, the platform directly sends a wake-up command to its main communication module via the public network, triggering L's backup communication module to switch from deep sleep to working state. At the same time, it pushes the device ID and abnormal status information of K to L so that L can actively scan for K's backup communication signal. For the second terminal M, the platform can first send an abnormal notification to it, informing it that "Terminal K's public network connection is abnormal, and the current distance to K is 3.2 kilometers, exceeding the 2-kilometer effective communication range of the LoRa module," and ask whether to manually turn on the backup communication module. If the operator of M confirms that it is turned on through the terminal interface, the platform will then send a wake-up command to M; if M does not respond within 5 minutes, the platform will not actively wake it up to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

[0063] Furthermore, if multiple primary terminals exist within the geofence (e.g., two terminals, L and P, are simultaneously within the geofence), the platform can further prioritize these terminals based on their remaining battery power and signal stability, waking up the terminal with a battery level ≥60% and whose most recent status report shows a good signal (e.g., if L's battery is 75% and P's is 40%, then L will be woken up first). If the operator of the secondary terminal M reports that the actual distance to K is only 1.9 kilometers (due to positioning deviation caused by terrain undulations), the platform can also readjust the geofence radius (e.g., adjust it to 2.5 kilometers) and reclassify M as a primary terminal, triggering the wake-up operation promptly. This flexible screening and wake-up mechanism ensures the accuracy of the target terminals and effectively controls the overall system power consumption through a tiered wake-up strategy, ensuring that abnormal terminals can restore communication in the shortest possible time.

[0064] In one embodiment, the process by which the network management platform wakes up the backup communication module of the target terminal may include:

[0065] When the network management platform determines that the target terminal is the first terminal, it sends a forced wake-up command containing the device identifier of the abnormal smart terminal to the first terminal. The first terminal wakes up its own backup communication module according to the forced wake-up command. The first terminal is a smart terminal within the geofence that belongs to the same work group as the abnormal smart terminal. The geofence is constructed based on the last location information reported by the abnormal smart terminal and the effective communication distance of the backup communication modules used by each smart terminal.

[0066] When the network management platform determines that the target terminal is the second terminal, it sends a network anomaly status notification of the abnormal smart terminal to the second terminal, so that the operator of the second terminal can choose whether to wake up the backup communication module of the machine according to the network anomaly status notification and its own location. The second terminal is a smart terminal outside the geofence that belongs to the same work group as the abnormal smart terminal.

[0067] In this embodiment, when the network management platform sends a forced wake-up command to the first terminal, it can embed the device identifier, last location coordinates, and operating frequency band information of the backup communication module into the command. For example, when the first terminal is L (belonging to the same forest fire monitoring team), the forced wake-up command sent by the platform can include key parameters such as "Abnormal terminal ID: K-20230512, Location: 118°12′30″E, 24°56′15″N, Backup communication frequency band: 433MHz". After receiving the command, L's main communication module parses the command content through its internal MCU (microcontroller unit), and then outputs a high-level signal through the GPIO pin to trigger the power management chip of the backup communication module, switching it from deep sleep mode (power consumption ≤5μA) to working mode (receiver mode power consumption ≤30mA). At this time, L's backup communication module will automatically scan the frequency band specified in the instruction to search for the backup communication signal of the abnormal terminal K. If K's signal is detected within 30 seconds, a local area network link will be established immediately and feedback will be sent to the platform. If no signal is detected, the scan will be repeated every 10 seconds. If there is still no response after 3 minutes, it will automatically return to the sleep state.

[0068] For the second terminal, the platform's abnormal status notification will be displayed as a pop-up on the terminal's touchscreen. The notification will include: "Abnormal Terminal: K, Public Network Connection Status: Disconnected, Current Distance: 3.2 km, Effective Communication Range: 2 km (Forest Environment Correction Value), Manually Wake Up the Backup Communication Module?", and will provide "Confirm Wake Up" and "Cancel" options. If the operator clicks "Confirm Wake Up," the terminal will send a confirmation command to the platform via the main communication module. The platform will then send a wake-up command containing the K device identifier, following the same process as for the first terminal. If the operator selects "Cancel" or does not perform any operation within 5 minutes, the terminal will automatically close the pop-up and report a "Not Wake Up" status to the platform. The platform will then remove the terminal from the target terminal list. Furthermore, the platform will log all wake-up operations, including wake-up time, target terminal ID, wake-up method (forced / manual), and link establishment result, to facilitate subsequent system operation analysis by maintenance personnel.

[0069] In a specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 Flowchart of a low-power autonomous switching network method based on the convergence of TurMass and public network provided in this application embodiment; Figure 2The intelligent terminal in the system is a 4G / 5G audio and video communication device, which uses a TurMass wireless communication module as its backup communication module. When operators wear the 4G / 5G audio and video communication device to work in emergency repair scenarios, the device can report its status (such as battery level, signal strength, and video recording status) and location information to the network management platform in real time. When the device enters a public network signal dead zone (such as underground utility tunnels or mountain valleys), the signal strength of the main communication module (4G / 5G module) drops below -110dBm. At this time, the device automatically triggers the wake-up mechanism of the backup communication module (TurMass module). After the TurMass module switches from deep sleep mode to receiving mode, it can actively scan for TurMass signals from surrounding devices in the same group. If it detects a TurMass signal (signal strength ≥ -90dBm) from device B in the same group, it automatically establishes a TurMass local area network link and feeds back the link establishment result to the network management platform. After the link is established, device A can send audio and video data to device B via the TurMass module. Device B then forwards the data to the platform via its own public network communication module, achieving data relay transmission. When device A leaves the public network dead zone and the signal strength of the main communication module recovers to above -90dBm, the device will automatically shut down the TurMass module, switch back to public network communication mode, and report the mode switch status to the platform, ensuring seamless communication link continuity. This autonomous switching mechanism based on signal strength thresholds not only ensures the continuity of data transmission in public network dead zones but also reduces system power consumption through automatic sleep backup modules, effectively meeting the endurance requirements of outdoor emergency repair scenarios.

[0070] In one embodiment, the network management platform is further configured to:

[0071] When the public network connection of the abnormal smart terminal is detected to be restored to normal, a communication mode switchback command is sent to the target terminal. The target terminal determines whether to switch its own communication mode back to the main communication module according to the communication mode switchback command.

[0072] In this embodiment, the network management platform monitors the public network connection status of abnormal smart terminals in real time, for example, by periodically receiving parameters such as the main communication module signal strength and network registration status reported by the terminals. For example, when the public network signal strength of an abnormal terminal (such as terminal K) rises to above -90dBm and remains stable for 30 seconds, the platform determines that its public network connection has returned to normal and then generates a communication mode reversal command. This command includes the abnormal terminal ID, the current timestamp, and the reversal confirmation requirement. For example, the command content is: "Public network connection of terminal K has been restored, signal strength -85dBm, current time 2024-05-20 14:30:00, please have target terminal L immediately perform the communication mode reversal operation and report the status after the reversal."

[0073] The platform sends a switchback command to the awakened target terminal (e.g., the first terminal L). Upon receiving the command, L's main communication module first parses the abnormal terminal status information in the command to confirm that K's public network connection has indeed been restored. Subsequently, L automatically shuts down the backup communication module (e.g., the LoRa module), switching it from working state to deep sleep mode, and simultaneously switches its own communication mode completely back to the main communication module (e.g., the 4G / 5G module). After the switchback is complete, L sends a switchback confirmation message to the platform through the main communication module, including the message: "Target terminal L has switched back to main communication mode, backup communication module is in sleep mode, current main communication signal strength -80dBm".

[0074] If the target terminal is a second terminal (such as terminal M) and the backup communication module has been manually activated, the platform will add an additional prompt, "Please confirm whether to close the backup communication module," when sending the switchback command. A confirmation window will pop up on M's touchscreen, displaying "The public network for the abnormal terminal K has been restored. Do you want to close the backup communication module?". After the operator clicks "Confirm Close," M will perform the switchback operation and report the status. If the operator does not operate in time, M will automatically close the backup communication module and switch back after 10 minutes, simultaneously reporting "Automatic switchback complete" to the platform.

[0075] Furthermore, the platform can monitor the entire switchback process. If the target terminal L does not respond within 5 minutes of receiving the switchback command, the platform will resend the command. If no response is received three times consecutively, the platform will mark L as "switchback abnormal" and send an alarm message to the operations and maintenance personnel. Simultaneously, the platform will store all logs of the switchback operation (including the switchback command sending time, target terminal switchback status, backup module shutdown time, etc.) in the database as a basis for subsequent system optimization. This switchback mechanism ensures that after the abnormal terminal's public network is restored, the target terminal can promptly shut down the backup module, avoiding power waste caused by prolonged operation and further improving the system's low-power characteristics.

[0076] In one embodiment, the process by which the target terminal determines whether to switch its communication mode back to the main communication module according to the communication mode switchback instruction may include:

[0077] The target terminal determines whether its backup communication module has been woken up according to the communication mode switchback command. If so, it switches its communication mode back to the main communication module and controls its backup communication module to re-enter deep sleep state. Otherwise, it does not need to switch its communication mode back to the main communication module.

[0078] In this embodiment, after receiving the communication mode switchback command sent by the network management platform, the target terminal first triggers an internal status detection process. This process can be executed by the terminal's MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The MCU can call the status register interface of the backup communication module to read the module's current working status flag. If the flag is "0x01", it indicates that the backup communication module is in a wake-up state (receive or transmit state); if the flag is "0x00", it indicates that the module is in a deep sleep state. For example, when the target terminal is terminal L of the forest monitoring team, its MCU reads the status register of the backup LoRa module and finds that the flag is "0x01" (previously forcibly woken up due to the public network disconnection of the abnormal terminal K), and then determines that a switchback operation needs to be performed.

[0079] After confirming the need for a switchback, the target terminal first sends a "link disconnection warning" to the abnormal terminal via the backup communication module, informing it that the backup communication link is about to be shut down to prevent data loss due to sudden disconnection. Subsequently, the MCU sends a sleep command to the backup communication module, controlling the module's power management chip to cut off the operating voltage (from 3.3V to below 0.5V), switching the module from active state to deep sleep state. At this time, the LoRa module's power consumption drops from 30mA in receive mode to below 5μA. Simultaneously, the MCU can prioritize the main communication module to the highest level, restoring its data transmission dominance, for example, switching the 4G module from "background listening" mode to "foreground transmission" mode, re-establishing a stable connection with the public network.

[0080] If the status flag of the backup communication module of the target terminal is "0x00" (e.g., terminal N was not woken up due to task pause), the MCU determines that no switchback is needed, directly reports the status information "backup module not woken up, no switchback required" to the platform, and skips subsequent operations. Furthermore, the target terminal can also locally log the entire judgment and switchback process, including command reception time, backup module status, switchback execution duration, and signal strength after the main communication module recovers. These logs will be automatically synchronized to the network management platform after the main communication link is restored, ensuring the traceability of system status.

[0081] For example, when terminal A (equipped with a TurMass backup module) receives a switchback command in an emergency repair scenario, its MCU reads the status register of the TurMass module and finds that the flag bit is "0x01" (it was automatically woken up after entering an underground utility tunnel). Terminal A then sends a "link about to be disconnected" signal to terminal B in the same group through the TurMass module. After receiving "acknowledgment of receipt" feedback from B, it controls the TurMass module to enter sleep mode and switches the 4G main module to foreground mode. At this time, the main communication signal strength of terminal A is -85dBm, which meets the requirements for public network transmission, and the MCU then reports the status "switchback complete, backup module is in sleep mode" to the platform. Terminal C (which has not been woken up by the backup module), after receiving the switchback command, finds that the flag bit is "0x00" through status detection and directly reports "no switchback required", avoiding unnecessary consumption of system resources.

[0082] In one embodiment, the network management platform is a cloud platform or a designated smart terminal.

[0083] In this embodiment, the network management platform can flexibly choose between cloud deployment or local terminal deployment based on the needs of the actual application scenario. When deployed on a cloud platform, the platform relies on cloud computing resources to achieve centralized management and data processing of a large number of terminals. For example, through the server cluster of a cloud service provider, it can store and analyze the status information, location data, and communication logs of massive smart terminals in real time. This deployment method is suitable for cross-regional, multi-scenario outdoor operation management, such as nationwide power line inspection and forest fire monitoring. It can support the concurrent access of tens of thousands of terminals and has elastic expansion capabilities, dynamically adjusting computing resources according to the scale of the operation.

[0084] For example, in cross-provincial highway emergency repair scenarios, the cloud platform can simultaneously receive status reports from hundreds of smart terminals in different provinces, and when a public network signal blind spot occurs in a certain area, it can quickly calculate the geofence range and trigger the wake-up operation of the target terminal to ensure the communication continuity of repair personnel.

[0085] When the network management platform is a designated smart terminal, a professional terminal device with strong computing and storage capabilities can be selected as the local management node. This could be a portable outdoor command terminal equipped with a high-performance processor and large-capacity storage (such as a terminal on a field command vehicle or a handheld terminal for commanders). This deployment method is suitable for small-scale, localized operational scenarios, such as emergency repairs of underground utility tunnels in cities or community epidemic prevention inspections. It does not rely on public cloud services and can complete terminal management, command issuance, and data storage within a local area network.

[0086] For example, during routine maintenance of an underground utility tunnel in a city, a portable terminal carried by the command personnel serves as a local management platform. It receives real-time status information from five smart terminals within the tunnel. When a terminal enters a public network blind spot, the portable terminal can complete geofencing calculations and target terminal selection within 10 seconds, directly sending wake-up commands to other terminals in the same group without cloud relay, significantly reducing command transmission latency. Furthermore, the local management terminal can store operational data locally and synchronize it to the cloud server upon returning to a public network coverage area, ensuring data security and integrity.

[0087] Both the cloud platform and designated smart terminals share a unified command protocol and status interaction interface, ensuring system functionality consistency across different deployment modes. For example, both the cloud platform and local smart terminals use the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol for terminal status reporting and command issuance, and the command format remains consistent, including fields such as terminal ID, operation type, and parameter information, avoiding compatibility issues caused by different deployment modes. Furthermore, both deployment modes support log recording and operational analysis functions. The cloud platform stores logs through a cloud database, while local smart terminals store logs via SD cards or internal storage. Operations personnel can query system operation data under different deployment modes through a unified management interface, providing a basis for system optimization.

[0088] In one embodiment, the backup communication module is a wireless communication module using any local area network technology.

[0089] In this embodiment, the selection of the backup communication module can be flexibly adapted according to the transmission distance, data bandwidth, and anti-interference requirements of the outdoor operation scenario, covering wireless communication modules using various local area network technologies such as TurMass, LoRa, ZigBee, and Mesh. For example, in mountainous forest fire prevention scenarios, due to the complex terrain and severe obstruction in the work area, a TurMass module can be selected, which has ultra-long-distance transmission characteristics (transmission distance of over 5 kilometers in open environments) and strong resistance to multipath fading, effectively penetrating tree obstruction to achieve stable communication; in the maintenance work of urban underground utility tunnels, where the space is enclosed and the metal structure easily shields signals, a LoRa module can be selected, which uses spread spectrum modulation technology, has excellent signal penetration capabilities, and can achieve a transmission distance of over 300 meters within the utility tunnel, meeting the requirements for short-distance, low-speed equipment status and positioning data transmission; In community epidemic prevention and control inspection scenarios, where the work area is relatively small and terminals are densely distributed, ZigBee modules can be selected. They support multi-node self-organizing networks, and a single network can accommodate 254 terminals, making them suitable for collaborative communication among multiple devices in a small area. They also have extremely low power consumption, which can extend the terminal's battery life. In equipment inspection scenarios in large industrial parks, where real-time transmission of audio and video data is required, Mesh modules can be selected. They have high bandwidth characteristics (single link bandwidth can reach more than 10Mbps), support multi-hop relay, and can build a stable local area network in complex factory environments, ensuring smooth transmission of audio and video data from inspection personnel.

[0090] All backup communication modules employ deep sleep mechanisms for power consumption control. For example, the TurMass module can reduce power consumption to below 3μA during deep sleep, the LoRa module's sleep power consumption is as low as 2μA, and the ZigBee module's sleep power consumption is approximately 1μA, all effectively reducing the overall power consumption of the terminal. Simultaneously, all backup communication modules support seamless switching interfaces with the primary communication module. When the primary communication module experiences a signal abnormality, a wake-up signal for the backup module can be triggered via the terminal MCU's GPIO pin, with a wake-up response time controlled within 1 second, ensuring rapid switching of the communication link. Furthermore, the communication protocols of the backup communication modules all support command interaction with the network management platform. For instance, the TurMass module uses a custom TurMass protocol, the LoRa module supports the LoRaWAN protocol, and the ZigBee module uses the ZigBee PRO protocol. These protocols can be adapted and converted to the platform's MQTT protocol, ensuring consistency between command issuance and status reporting. Regardless of the LAN technology used, the module can be integrated into the overall architecture of a low-power outdoor communication system, meeting the communication needs of different outdoor scenarios.

[0091] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3This application provides a flowchart illustrating a low-power outdoor communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The application also provides a low-power outdoor communication method applied to a network management platform within the low-power outdoor communication system described in any of the above embodiments. The method may include:

[0092] S110: Obtain the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal. Each smart terminal includes a main communication module and a backup communication module. In normal working mode, each smart terminal communicates with each other through its own main communication module on the public network, and the backup communication module of each smart terminal is in a deep sleep state.

[0093] S120: Monitors the public network connection status of each smart terminal based on the location information and device status reported by each smart terminal.

[0094] S130: When an abnormal public network connection of any smart terminal is detected, the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal is determined based on the location information last reported by the abnormal smart terminal.

[0095] S140: Wake up the backup communication module of the target terminal so that, in abnormal working mode, the abnormal smart terminal wakes up its own backup communication module and then communicates with the target terminal through their respective backup communication modules on the local area network.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the global scheduling capabilities of the network management platform solve the problems of inaccurate switching and lack of coordination in existing multi-mode communication terminal solutions. Under normal circumstances, each smart terminal in the system only uses its primary communication module for public network communication, while the backup communication module remains in deep sleep to reduce power consumption. When the public network fails, the network management platform accurately selects the target terminal based on global positioning information and wakes up its backup communication module as needed, enabling local area network communication between the failed terminal and the target terminal. This "global decision-making + on-demand wake-up" model ensures both the reliability and coordination of communication in outdoor scenarios while significantly reducing the overall power consumption of the terminal, effectively meeting the battery life requirements for long-term outdoor operations.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0098] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined as needed, and the same or similar parts can be referred to each other.

[0099] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A low power outdoor communication system, characterized by, The system comprises a network management platform and a plurality of intelligent terminals connected in communication with the network management platform, each of the intelligent terminals comprising a main communication module and a backup communication module; In a normal working mode, each of the intelligent terminals communicates through the main communication module and reports its positioning information and device status to the network management platform, and the backup communication module of each of the intelligent terminals is in a deep sleep state; The network management platform monitors the public network connection state of each of the intelligent terminals according to the positioning information and device status reported by each of the intelligent terminals, and when detecting that the public network connection of any of the intelligent terminals is abnormal, determines a target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal intelligent terminal according to the last reported positioning information of the abnormal intelligent terminal, and wakes up the backup communication module of the target terminal; When the abnormal intelligent terminal detects that its public network connection is abnormal, it wakes up its backup communication module, so that in an abnormal working mode, the abnormal intelligent terminal and the target terminal communicate through the backup communication modules.

2. The low power outdoor communication system of claim 1, wherein, The process of monitoring the public network connection state of each of the intelligent terminals by the network management platform according to the positioning information and device status reported by each of the intelligent terminals comprises: The network management platform determines whether the heartbeat packet of each of the intelligent terminals arrives on time according to the positioning information and device status reported by each of the intelligent terminals, to judge the public network connection state of each of the intelligent terminals.

3. The low power consumption outdoor work communication system according to claim 1, characterized by, The process of determining a target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal intelligent terminal by the network management platform according to the last reported positioning information of the abnormal intelligent terminal comprises: The network management platform constructs a geofence on an electronic map containing all the intelligent terminals according to the last reported positioning information of the abnormal intelligent terminal and the effective communication distance of the backup communication module used by each of the intelligent terminals. The network management platform obtains the work allocation of the abnormal intelligent terminal in a work site, and determines a target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal intelligent terminal according to the work allocation and the intelligent terminals inside and outside the geofence.

4. The low power outdoor communication system of claim 3, wherein, The process of determining a target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal intelligent terminal by the network management platform according to the work allocation and the intelligent terminals inside and outside the geofence comprises: The network management platform determines a first terminal inside the geofence and a second terminal outside the geofence which belong to the same work group as the abnormal intelligent terminal according to the work allocation, and takes the first terminal and the second terminal as the target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal intelligent terminal.

5. The low power consumption outdoor communication system according to claim 1 or 4, characterized by, The process of waking up the backup communication module of the target terminal by the network management platform comprises: The network management platform determines the target terminal as the first terminal, and sends a forced wake-up instruction containing a device identifier of the abnormal smart terminal to the first terminal, and the first terminal wakes up a standby communication module of the first terminal according to the forced wake-up instruction, wherein the first terminal is a smart terminal in a same work group as the abnormal smart terminal in a geofence, and the geofence is constructed according to last reported positioning information of the abnormal smart terminal and an effective communication distance of the standby communication module used by each smart terminal. The network management platform determines the target terminal as the second terminal, and sends a network abnormal state notification of the abnormal smart terminal to the second terminal, so that a work personnel of the second terminal selects whether to wake up a local standby communication module according to the network abnormal state notification and a position of the second terminal, wherein the second terminal is a smart terminal outside the geofence and in the same work group as the abnormal smart terminal.

6. The low power outdoor communication system of claim 1, wherein, The network management platform is further configured to: When it is monitored that the public network connection of the abnormal smart terminal is restored, the network management platform sends a communication mode switching back instruction to the target terminal, and the target terminal judges whether to switch back the communication mode to the main communication module according to the communication mode switching back instruction.

7. The low power consumption outdoor communication system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process that the target terminal judges whether to switch back the communication mode to the main communication module according to the communication mode switching back instruction includes: The target terminal judges whether the standby communication module of the target terminal is woken up according to the communication mode switching back instruction, if yes, the target terminal switches back the communication mode to the main communication module, and controls the standby communication module of the target terminal to re-enter a deep sleep state, otherwise, the target terminal does not need to switch back the communication mode to the main communication module.

8. The low power consumption outdoor communication system of claim 1, wherein, The network management platform is a cloud platform or a designated smart terminal.

9. The low power consumption outdoor communication system of claim 1, wherein, The standby communication module is a wireless communication module using any local area network technology.

10. A low power consumption outdoor communication method, characterized by, The method is applied to a network management platform in a low-power outdoor communication system, and the method includes: Obtaining positioning information and device states reported by each smart terminal, wherein each smart terminal includes a main communication module and a standby communication module, in a normal working mode, each smart terminal communicates through the main communication module, and the standby communication module of each smart terminal is in a deep sleep state; Monitoring a public network connection state of each smart terminal according to the positioning information and the device states reported by each smart terminal; When it is monitored that the public network connection of any smart terminal is abnormal, determining a target terminal for local area network communication with the abnormal smart terminal according to last reported positioning information of the abnormal smart terminal; Waking up the standby communication module of the target terminal, so that the abnormal smart terminal and the target terminal communicate through the standby communication modules in an abnormal working mode.

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