Satellite communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a satellite communication method and related device. A network device divides a satellite coverage range into I first areas with equal areas, positions of all cells in each first area are sequentially adjacent, and I is a positive integer greater than 1. For any first area, the network device covers a continuous area on the ground by a first type of beam transmitted in M continuous SSB periods, time-frequency resources of a second type of beam schedulable in the continuous area increase, thereby improving scheduling flexibility of idle resources of the second type of beam, and adjusting a beam angle of the second type of beam in the continuous area to minimize the number of beams of the second type of beam covering all terminals in the area. Further, the number N of data frames is determined according to the number of beams of the second type of beam, and N≤M. It can be seen that the method reduces power consumption of the network device in transmitting the second type of beam, and meanwhile, improves utilization of time-frequency resources of transmitted data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a satellite communication method and related apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Satellite communication is a type of non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication. Compared with terrestrial network communication, satellite communication has the advantages of wide coverage, less susceptibility to natural disasters or external damage, and can be used to provide communication services to areas that cannot be covered by terrestrial networks.

[0003] Satellites, as a crucial component of satellite communications, operate in space and are powered by solar panels. This means that satellites can only utilize limited energy storage to achieve network coverage during communication. Typically, in satellite communication systems, satellites use high-gain beams to cover the ground, with one beam covering one area. A single satellite can provide thousands of beams to cover a ground area, but due to the finite nature of energy storage, a satellite cannot simultaneously activate all its beams for communication, resulting in a limited area covered at any given time. Therefore, how to enhance the coverage area of ​​satellites is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above, this application provides a satellite communication method and related apparatus to solve at least some of the aforementioned problems, and the disclosed technical solution is as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a satellite communication method applied to a network device. The network device divides the satellite coverage area into I equal-sized first regions, where the positions of all cells within each first region are sequentially adjacent, and I is a positive integer greater than 1. The network device supports transmitting first-type beams and second-type beams, with the same beamwidth for both types. The method includes: for any first region, transmitting M consecutive synchronization signal block (SSB) frames based on the first-type beams, where each of the M SSB frames corresponds to a first-type beam covering one first region, and M is a positive integer; receiving the location information of each terminal within any first region, and determining the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region based on the location information of each terminal according to a first rule, wherein the first rule includes maximizing the number of terminals covered by a single second-type beam and minimizing the number of second-type beams covering all terminals within any first region; determining the number of data frames N corresponding to any first region based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region, where N is a positive integer and N≤M; and transmitting and / or receiving N consecutive data frames based on the second-type beams. It is evident that the first type of beam transmitted by the network device in M ​​consecutive SSB cycles covers a continuous area on the ground. Within this continuous area, the time-frequency resources of the schedulable second type of beam increase, thereby improving the scheduling flexibility of the idle resources of the second type of beam. Adjusting the beam angle of the second type of beam within this continuous area minimizes the number of second type of beams covering all terminals within the area, reducing the power consumption of the network device transmitting the second type of beam, and simultaneously improving the utilization rate of time-frequency resources for data transmission.

[0006] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, determining the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first area based on a first rule, according to terminal distribution information, includes: determining the terminal distribution density based on the location information transmitted by all terminals in any first area; dividing the coverage area of ​​a single second-type beam within any first area based on the terminal distribution density and terminal location information corresponding to any first area, according to the first rule; and determining the number of coverage areas of the divided single second-type beam as the number of second-type beams. In this way, the network device determines the minimum number of second-type beams required to cover all terminals in the first area based on the location information and terminal distribution density reported by all terminals in that area, reducing the number of second-type beams transmitted, lowering the power consumption of the network device transmitting second-type beams, and simultaneously improving the utilization rate of time-frequency resources for data transmission.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, determining the number of data frames N corresponding to any first region based on the number of second type beams corresponding to any first region includes: obtaining the number of data frames corresponding to any first region based on the number of second type beams corresponding to any first region and the maximum number of beams to be allocated for each data frame.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, transmitting and / or receiving N consecutive data frames based on a second type of beam includes: adjusting the beam angle of the corresponding second type of beam according to the location of the coverage area of ​​each second type of beam within any first region; transmitting the second type of beam according to the adjusted beam angle; and transmitting and / or receiving the corresponding data frames based on the transmitted second type of beam. In this way, by adjusting the beam angle of the second type of beam, the number of terminals covered by a single second type of beam is maximized, and the number of second type of beams covering the region is minimized.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, receiving the location information of each terminal within any first area includes: receiving a preamble index sent by each terminal within any first area, and determining the location information of the corresponding terminal based on the preamble index; or, receiving a first message sent by each terminal within any first area, parsing the first message to obtain the location information of the corresponding terminal, wherein the location information is the beam angle of the first type of beam received by the terminal and / or the latitude and longitude information of the terminal. It is evident that the network device determines the location of the terminal through the preamble index sent by the terminal. This method is suitable for scenarios where the preamble index and the terminal location correspond one-to-one, and determining the terminal location through the preamble index is simple. In scenarios where the preamble index and the terminal location do not correspond one-to-one, the terminal can send its own location information to the network device, such as the beam angle and / or latitude and longitude information. The network device can accurately determine the location of the terminal through this location information, and thus accurately determine the number of the second type of beams and the beam angle of the second type of beams.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the first message is a Msg3 message. In this way, the terminal reports its own location information via Msg3, improving message utilization and further enhancing the utilization of time and frequency resources.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, before transmitting and / or receiving N consecutive data frames based on the second type of beam, the method further includes: transmitting first indication information to a terminal located in any first area, the first indication information indicating the value of N. Thus, after determining the value of N, the network device indicates the value of N to the terminal in that area, thereby enabling the terminal to know the current frame format, i.e., the number of consecutive SSB frames M and the number of consecutive data frames N, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the terminal and the network device.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, sending first indication information to a terminal located in any first area includes: sending downlink control information to the terminal located in any first area, the downlink control information including the value of N; or sending a System Information Block (SIB) to the terminal located in any first area, the SIB including the value of N. In this way, the network device can carry the value of N through the DCI, or through the SIB message, thereby improving message utilization and also improving the utilization of time and frequency resources.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the content of M SSB frames is distinct, and the first type beam corresponding to each SSB frame covers a continuous second region. All cells within the second region are sequentially adjacent, and any first region comprises M consecutive second regions. Thus, the network device sends M SSB frames with distinct content, and correspondingly, the beam angle of the first type beam corresponding to each SSB frame is different. The different first type beams transmitted over M SSB cycles can cover a continuous region.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the network device divides the satellite coverage area into I first regions, including: the network device equally divides the circular satellite coverage area into I continuous regions. This facilitates the centralized scheduling of idle time-frequency resources within a continuous region, improving the flexibility of resource scheduling.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the satellite coverage area is a circular region, wherein the network device divides the circular satellite coverage area into I consecutive regions, including: dividing the satellite coverage area into I sector regions of equal area;

[0016] Alternatively, the satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R, and a second circular region with radius r1 is divided within the first circular region, wherein the second circular region and the first circular region are concentric circles, and r1 < R1; the second circular region is divided into m regions of equal area, and the annular region between the first circular region and the second circular region is divided into n regions of equal area, m + n = I, and the area of ​​each of the I regions is made equal by adjusting the ratio of r1 to R;

[0017] Alternatively, the satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R. Within the first circular region, a third circular region with radius r2 and a fourth circular region with radius r3 are divided, wherein the third and fourth circular regions are concentric with the first circular region, and r3 < r2 < R. The annular region between the fourth and third circular regions is divided into i regions of equal area, and the annular region between the first and third circular regions is divided into j regions of equal area. The fourth circular region is one region, i + j + 1 = I. The areas of the I regions are made equal by adjusting the ratio of r2, r3, and R.

[0018] As can be seen, this scheme divides the entire satellite coverage area into I regions of equal size through the different regional division methods described above. The appropriate division method can be selected according to actual needs, which improves the flexibility of regional division.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, I is any one of 16, 8, and 4. Thus, the larger the value of M, the fewer the number of first regions are obtained from the entire satellite coverage area, the larger the area of ​​a single first region, the more second-type beams are corresponding to the first region, and the more time-frequency resources of data frames are available for scheduling. More idle resources can be concentrated in areas with high terminal density, thereby allowing for more flexible scheduling of time-frequency resources of data frames.

[0020] In one possible implementation of the first aspect, the M SSB frames have identical content, and the first type beam corresponding to one SSB frame covers a first region. It is evident that the content of the M SSB frames can be identical, meaning the network device repeatedly transmits M SSB frames, and correspondingly, the coverage area of ​​the first type beam corresponding to the M SSB frames is the same. In this scenario, the network device improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the beam signal while maintaining constant transmit power, which is equivalent to increasing the transmission distance of the beam signal.

[0021] Secondly, this application also provides a satellite communication method applied to a terminal. The method includes: receiving a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) frame, wherein the SSB frame is transmitted by a network device based on a first type of beam, the network device divides the satellite coverage area into I equal-area first regions, and for any first region, the network device transmits M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam, each of the M SSB frames corresponding to a first type of beam covering one first region, where M is a positive integer; transmitting the location information of the terminal to the network device; and transmitting and / or receiving data frames based on a second type of beam, wherein the data frame is one of N consecutive data frames received and / or transmitted by the network device based on the second type of beam, where N is determined by the network device according to the number of second type of beams corresponding to the first region where the terminal is located, the number of second type of beams being obtained by the network device based on the location information of each terminal in the first region where the terminal is located according to a first rule, the first rule including maximizing the number of terminals covered by a single second type of beam and minimizing the number of second type of beams covering all terminals in any first region, where N is a positive integer and N≤M.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, sending the location information of the terminal to the network device includes: sending a preamble index used by the terminal to the network device, wherein the network device determines the location of the terminal based on the preamble index; or, sending a first message to the network device, wherein the first message includes the location information of the terminal, wherein the location information is the beam angle of a first type of beam received by the terminal and / or the latitude and longitude information of the terminal.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, sending the first message to the network device includes sending a Msg3 message to the network device.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, prior to transmitting and / or receiving data frames based on the second type of beam, the method further includes: receiving first indication information transmitted by the network device, the first indication information indicating a value of N.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, receiving the first indication information sent by the network device includes: receiving downlink control information sent by the network device, the downlink control information including a value of N; or, receiving a System Information Block (SIB) sent by the network device, the SIB including a value of N.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the second aspect, receiving the synchronization signal block (SSB) frame includes: continuously receiving M repeated SSB frames, wherein the content of the M SSB frames is the same.

[0027] Thirdly, this application also provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: one or more processors, a memory, and a touch screen; the memory being used to store program code; the processor being used to run the program code, such that the electronic device implements the satellite communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or the satellite communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0028] Fourthly, this application also provides a communication device, including a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the communication device being used to perform the satellite communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or the satellite communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0029] Fifthly, this application also provides a chip system, comprising: at least one processor and an interface, the interface being configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the at least one processor; the at least one processor executing the code instructions to implement the satellite communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or the satellite communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0030] Sixthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that it stores instructions thereon, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a satellite communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or a satellite communication method as described in any of the second aspects.

[0031] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a computer program product having instructions stored thereon, which, when the computer program product is run on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the satellite communication method as described in any of the first aspects, or the satellite communication method as described in any of the second aspects. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the beam coverage of a satellite on the ground provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of SSB frames and data frames in related technologies;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the signaling flow of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SSB frame and a data frame provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another satellite communication method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the division of satellite coverage areas according to an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another satellite coverage area division provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another method of dividing satellite coverage areas according to an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in this application specification, claims, and drawings are used to distinguish different objects, not to limit a specific order.

[0045] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0046] The technical solution of this application can be applied to non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems such as satellite communication systems, high altitude platform station (HAPS) communications, air-to-ground (A2G) communications, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Examples include integrated communication and navigation (ICaN) systems and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS).

[0047] Satellite communication systems can be integrated with traditional mobile communication systems. For example, the mobile communication system can be a 4th generation (4G) communication system (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) system), a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) communication system (e.g., New Radio (NR) system), and other next-generation communication systems, such as 6th generation (6G) communication systems and other communication systems evolving after 5G. It can also be a non-3GPP communication system; this application does not limit this. The following explanation uses a 5G communication system (e.g., an NR communication system) as an example.

[0048] The communication system provided in this application may include: network equipment and terminals.

[0049] Network equipment can be network-side equipment used to provide network communication functions, or it can be network-side equipment mounted on a satellite, i.e., a satellite and base station that have all or part of the functions of a base station. The base station can refer to an evolved Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE; or a base station in a 5G network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), a broadband network gateway (BNG), an aggregation switch, or a non-3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access device, etc., but this application does not specifically limit it in this way.

[0050] Base stations can also include various forms, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, next-generation base stations (gNodeB, gNB), baseband units (BBU), transmitting and receiving points (TRP), transmitting points (TP), mobile switching centers, etc. This application does not specifically limit these.

[0051] Terminals can take various forms, such as mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, vehicle-mounted terminal devices, wireless terminals in self-driving vehicles, wireless terminals in remote medical care, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, wearable terminal devices, and so on. Terminals are sometimes also referred to as terminal equipment, user equipment (UE), access terminal equipment, vehicle-mounted terminals, industrial control terminals, UE units, UE stations, mobile stations, mobile stations, remote stations, remote terminal equipment, mobile devices, UE terminal equipment, wireless communication equipment, UE agents, or UE devices. Terminals can also be fixed terminals or mobile terminals.

[0052] In some embodiments, the communication system may also include other devices that communicate with network devices and / or terminals, which is not a limitation of this application.

[0053] To facilitate understanding, the concepts involved in this application will be explained below.

[0054] 1. Satellite communication

[0055] Satellite communication currently mainly includes two mainstream communication modes: relay mode and regeneration mode. In relay mode, the satellite is responsible for relaying uplink data from the terminal to the base station, or relaying downlink data from the base station to the terminal, and does not involve encoding or decoding operations. In regeneration mode, the satellite can assume some of the functions of a base station, such as encoding and decoding. After receiving uplink data from the terminal, the satellite can perform encoding and decoding operations. In this article, the base station and the satellite with all or part of the functions of a base station can be collectively referred to as network equipment.

[0056] 2. Beam

[0057] A beam is a communication resource. A beam can be wide, narrow, or other types. A beam can correspond to one or more antenna ports for transmitting control information, service data, reference signals, or probe signals, etc. For example, a transmit beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space after a signal is transmitted through an antenna, while a receive beam can refer to the distribution of signal strength in different directions in space of the wireless signal received from the antenna.

[0058] Network devices can interact with terminals using beamforming technology. Network devices typically form multiple downlink (DL) transmission beams. By using one or more DL transmission beams, the network device sends downlink signals to terminals within the beam's coverage area, and the terminals within that coverage area can receive the downlink signals through the beam.

[0059] 3. Synchronization signal block (SS / PBCH block, SSB), SSB opportunity, slot, half frame, SSB period

[0060] In an NR system, a Single SSB (Secondary Synchronization Signal) comprises a primary synchronous signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), used for initial cell access, time-frequency synchronization, and measurement functions. Transmitting an SSB consumes a certain number of time-domain symbols; therefore, the resources used to transmit an SSB are called a candidate SSB opportunity, or simply an SSB opportunity. Different beams can be used to transmit SSBs on different SSB opportunities, allowing multiple terminals to receive the SSB.

[0061] Network devices can periodically send SSBs, and this period can be called the SSB sending period or SSB cycle. The network device can configure the duration of the period, that is, the length of time between the start of one period and the start of the next period, and send SSBs periodically according to the configured duration, and only send SSBs within the SSB time window of the SSB cycle.

[0062] The SSB time window is the time window for sending SSBs, which is a period of time, such as a half frame. The SSB time window includes L SSB opportunities, meaning that a maximum of L SSBs can be sent in one SSB time window, where L is a positive integer.

[0063] 4. Configuration and Pre-configuration

[0064] Configuration refers to a network device sending configuration information or parameter values ​​to a terminal via messages or signaling, so that the terminal device can determine communication parameters or resources for transmission based on these values ​​or information. Pre-configuration is similar to configuration; it can be parameter information or values ​​pre-negotiated between the network and the terminal device, parameter information or values ​​specified by standard protocols for network or terminal devices, or parameter information or values ​​pre-stored in the network or terminal device. This application does not limit this. Furthermore, these values ​​and parameters can change or be updated.

[0065] In this application, "instruction" can include explicit instruction and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information for the purpose of indicating A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, explicitly indicating A, or implicitly indicating A.

[0066] It is understood that the above descriptions of satellite communication, beams, SSB, SSB opportunities, slots, SSB cycles, configurations and pre-configurations are only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute any limitation on this application.

[0067] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of a satellite communication system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the network device provides beam coverage for multiple terminals on the ground. Terminals within the beam coverage area can receive downlink signals from the network device and also send uplink signals to the network device.

[0069] When using high-frequency bands, due to severe path loss in high-frequency communication, beamforming technology is typically used to concentrate the signal in one direction for transmission, thereby compensating for the severe path loss. Figure 1 For example, network devices transmit beams in different directions, such as beam B1, beam B2, and beam B3, with each beam covering a different ground area. The area covered by each beam can include one or more cells. Figure 1 In the diagram, a hexagon represents a cell, and one hexagon represents one cell.

[0070] Satellite communication covers all areas within the lowest elevation angle range using multiple beams. For example, it is estimated that if the 3dB width of each beam is 2°, the coverage area of ​​one satellite would require approximately 1000 beams.

[0071] For example, Figure 2 This shows a schematic diagram of the projection of a satellite's beam onto the ground. (Example) Figure 2 As shown, the projection of each beam on the ground is Figure 2 The small hexagon shown has a coverage radius r of approximately 28.9 km. To cover the entire area within the satellite's lowest elevation angle range, a total of 1058 beams would be required, i.e. Figure 2 The area shown consists of all the small hexagons, with a coverage radius R of approximately 853 km.

[0072] The number of antenna arrays on a satellite is limited, therefore the number of beams that a satellite can activate simultaneously is also limited. For example, if a satellite has 20*20=400 antenna elements, and each beam requires 2*2=4 antenna elements, then the satellite can activate 100 beams simultaneously; if each beam requires 4*4=16 antenna elements, then the satellite can activate 25 beams simultaneously. In other words, a satellite cannot activate too many beams simultaneously (e.g., within the same time period).

[0073] Furthermore, taking a 10ms SSB frame as an example, a 10ms SSB frame can include a maximum of 4-8 SSB blocks (i.e., SSB opportunities). If each SSB block can simultaneously activate 16 beams to cover different cells, the entire satellite coverage area requires at least 1058 beams. Taking a 10ms SSB frame including 8 SSB blocks as an example, then a 10ms SSB frame can simultaneously activate 128 beams, and the entire satellite coverage area requires at least 8 10ms SSB frames.

[0074] In related technologies, such as Figure 3 As shown, an SSB cycle consists of a 10ms SSB frame and a 10ms Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) frame (i.e., a data frame). The SSB frame and PDSCH frame are interleaved, with the PDSCH frame immediately following the SSB frame. A 10ms SSB frame includes 4 to 8 SSB blocks, each corresponding to one SSB opportunity. Taking an example of 8 SSB opportunities within a 10ms SSB frame, the network device transmits a certain number of beams (e.g., 16) to cover cells in different directions during each SSB opportunity. Each SSB cycle can transmit 128 beams in different directions. Then, PDSCH transmission is performed on the areas covered by these 128 beams; that is, the network device transmits PDSCH frames to terminals in that area. Covering the entire satellite coverage area requires at least 8 SSB cycles, or 160ms.

[0075] To enhance network coverage within the limited SSB (Special Service Bus) opportunity, one approach is to switch from narrow-beam to wide-beam coverage. This means exploring whether network equipment supports activating a beam with a wider coverage range, for example, increasing the beam diameter from 50km to 79km, which increases the coverage area of ​​a single beam by 2.5 times. Alternatively, it could be achieved by increasing the 3dB width of the beam from less than or equal to 2° to greater than 2°.

[0076] However, a wide-coverage beam will result in a 4dB reduction in effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP). A wide beam will cause some channels to fail to meet the required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirements, which will result in the data transmitted on the channel not being decoded correctly.

[0077] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a satellite communication method that enhances satellite downlink beam coverage. Specifically, the network device divides the satellite coverage area into I equal-sized first regions, where all cells within each first region are sequentially adjacent, and I is a positive integer greater than 1. Furthermore, the network device supports transmitting a first type of beam and a second type of beam, both with the same beamwidth.

[0078] Network devices sequentially transmit Type I beams to cover a first region, then transmit data to that region, and then transmit Type I beams to cover the next first region, repeating this process until all Type I beams within the entire satellite coverage area have been transmitted. For any given first region, the network device transmits M consecutive SSB frames based on the Type I beams, with each M SSB frames corresponding to a Type I beam covering one first region. Terminals within the first region receive the SSB frames and send their location information to the network device. Based on the location information of all terminals within the first region, the network device determines the number of Type II beams covering all terminals within the first region according to a first rule, and then determines the number of data frames N corresponding to that first region, where N is a positive integer and N≤M. The network device then transmits data frames to the terminals within the first region based on the Type II beams.

[0079] As can be seen, in this method, the first type of beam transmitted by the network device in M ​​consecutive SSB cycles covers a continuous area on the ground. The time-frequency resources of the schedulable second type of beam within the continuous area increase, thereby improving the scheduling flexibility of the idle resources of the second type of beam. Adjusting the beam angle of the second type of beam within the continuous area minimizes the number of second type of beams covering all terminals in the area, reducing the power consumption of the network device transmitting the second type of beam, and at the same time, improving the utilization rate of time-frequency resources for data transmission.

[0080] Moreover, the network device sends M consecutive SSB frames before sending N data frames corresponding to the area, which shortens the time required to transmit a Type I beam covering a continuous area.

[0081] The embodiments of the satellite communication method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Please see Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a signaling flow diagram of a satellite communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, which is applied to a satellite communication system.

[0083] In this embodiment, the network device divides the entire satellite coverage area into I equal-sized first regions, where all cells within a first region are sequentially adjacent. The network device covers all cells within the first region by transmitting a first type of beam, and transmits data with all terminals within the region via a second type of beam.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0085] S101, for any first area, the network device sends M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam, and the corresponding terminal in the first area receives the SSB frames.

[0086] The purpose of network devices sending Type I beams is to ensure that each Type I region is covered fairly and without discrimination by the Type I beams within a certain time period (e.g., 160ms).

[0087] Taking a 10ms SSB frame containing 4 SSB opportunities as an example, the network device can simultaneously transmit 16 Type I beams in different directions during each SSB opportunity. These 16 Type I beams point to adjacent cells and can be called adjacent beams. Within the time of a 10ms SSB frame, the network device can transmit 64 adjacent beams, which cover a continuous area.

[0088] If a 10ms SSB frame includes 8 SSB opportunities, then a network device can transmit 128 adjacent beams in a 10ms SSB frame, and these 128 adjacent beams cover a continuous area.

[0089] In one scenario, the content of M SSB frames is different from each other. Within the time of M 10ms SSB frames, the network device can transmit 64*M adjacent beams. These 64*M adjacent beams cover a continuous area, namely a first area.

[0090] In other scenarios, the content of the M SSB frames can be identical, meaning the network device repeatedly transmits the M SSB frames. Consequently, the coverage area of ​​the Type I beams corresponding to these M SSB frames is the same. In this scenario, the network device improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the beam signal while maintaining the same transmit power, which is equivalent to increasing the transmission distance of the beam signal.

[0091] Correspondingly, the first type of beam transmitted by the network device within the M SSB frame time is also the same, that is, M SSB frames.

[0092] In some embodiments, the M value can be specified in the communication protocol standard, and both communicating parties using the communication protocol standard can obtain the M value. Alternatively, the network device can determine the M value based on historical data (e.g., the terminal distribution density in the area during a historical period) and indicate the M value to the terminal, wherein the terminal distribution density is related to the division.

[0093] S102, the terminal in the first area sends its own location information to the network device.

[0094] Upon receiving an SSB frame, each terminal within the first area performs a random access procedure. The terminal sends Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) information to the network device. This PRACH information includes the preamble index for the terminal's random access selection. The network device determines which Type I beam the terminal is located in based on the received preamble index.

[0095] In scenarios where there is a one-to-one correspondence between the preamble index and the terminal location—for example, when the beamwidth is small, or when there is a one-to-one correspondence between the preamble index and the beam, or when the terminal distribution density in the area is low—the location information of the terminal can be uniquely determined through the preamble index sent by the terminal. Furthermore, the network device can determine the location distribution and density of each terminal in the first area based on the preamble index reported by each terminal.

[0096] In another scenario, the preamble index and the terminal location are not uniquely correlated. For example, the beamwidth is large, or the preamble index and the beamwidth have a one-to-many relationship, or the terminal distribution density in the area is high. In this scenario, the network device cannot accurately locate the terminal's location by relying solely on the preamble index reported by the terminal.

[0097] In this scenario, during the initialization phase, the network device sends a location reporting instruction to the terminal, instructing the terminal to report its own location information. After receiving this location reporting instruction, the terminal sends its location information to the network device during the random access process.

[0098] In some embodiments, a terminal sends a first message to a network device. This first message includes the terminal's location information, which may include the beam angle of a first type of beam covering the terminal, and / or the terminal's latitude and longitude information. Upon receiving the first message, the network device parses it to obtain the location information of the terminal that sent it.

[0099] For example, the first message could be Msg3, in which the terminal carries its own location information in Msg3 and sends it to the network device.

[0100] Msg3 is a radio link establishment request message initiated by a terminal after receiving permission from a network device for a random access request. The terminal can use reserved bits in Msg3 to carry its location information. Alternatively, it can add information elements (IEs) to Msg3 to carry its location information. Or, it can utilize bits already present in Msg3 but not currently included in the message to carry location information.

[0101] The terminal's location information may include the beam angle (including horizontal and vertical angles) of the first type of beam received by the terminal, and / or the terminal's latitude and longitude information. The beam angle of the first type of beam can be obtained by the terminal through beam measurement. The terminal's latitude and longitude information can be obtained by the terminal through a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

[0102] For example, GNSS may include the Global Positioning System (GPS), the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), and / or satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS).

[0103] S103, the network device determines the number of second-type beams corresponding to the first area based on the location information of each terminal in the first area and the first rule.

[0104] The first rule includes the maximum number of terminals covered by a single Type II beam and the minimum number of Type II beams covering all terminals in any first region.

[0105] In this embodiment of the application, the purpose of the second type of beam coverage is to cover all terminals in the first area using the minimum number of second type of beams, thereby satisfying the data transmission between the network device and all terminals in the area.

[0106] In this embodiment, the network device can adjust the beam angle of the second type of beam based on the location information of each terminal in the received first area, thereby maximizing the number of terminals covered by a single second type of beam while minimizing the number of second type of beams required to cover all terminals in the first area. This reduces the total number of second type of beams corresponding to the first area and lowers the power consumption of the network device transmitting the second type of beam.

[0107] In some embodiments, the process of determining the number of second-type beams required to cover all terminals within the first area may include the following steps:

[0108] (1) The network device determines the terminal distribution density based on the location information of all terminals in the first area received.

[0109] In this embodiment, terminal distribution density refers to the distribution of terminals within a first area, which can typically be expressed as the number of terminals per kilometer.

[0110] The network device determines the number of terminals in each specified area within the first area based on the location information reported by all terminals within the first area.

[0111] (2) The network device divides the coverage area of ​​a single second type beam in the first area according to the terminal distribution density and the location information of each terminal in the first area based on the first rule.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first rule includes the maximum number of terminals covered by a single second type beam and the minimum number of second type beams required to cover all terminals in the first area.

[0113] Network devices can cluster terminals based on their distribution density and location information. This process can employ mature location clustering algorithms to cluster terminals within the same first area according to their location, thereby dividing the area containing terminals within a first area into multiple single-beam coverage areas.

[0114] For example, any terminal within the location range with the highest terminal distribution density can be selected as the center point. Using the radius of the coverage area of ​​a single beam (e.g., 28.9 km) as a threshold, terminals within a distance of the center point not exceeding the threshold are clustered into one class. Then, the next center point is selected to continue location clustering until all terminals within the first area have been clustered. The final number of clusters obtained is the number of second-class beams required to cover all terminals within the first area.

[0115] (3) The network device counts the number of coverage areas of all individual second-class beams to obtain the number of second-class beams.

[0116] S104, the network device determines the number N of data frames in the first region based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to the first region.

[0117] The number of Type II beams that a network device can transmit within the time corresponding to each data frame is fixed. For example, a 10ms PDSCH frame can transmit 64 Type II beams. Based on the number of Type II beams required for the first area and the number of Type II beams that can be transmitted in each data frame, the number of data frames N corresponding to the first area can be calculated. Here, N is a positive integer, and N≤M, because Type II beams can be transmitted for areas where there are no terminals.

[0118] S105, the network device transmits N consecutive data frames with the terminals in the first area based on the second type of beam.

[0119] The network device transmits data frames to the terminal based on the second type of beam in N consecutive data cycles, with one data frame transmitted per data cycle. The beam angle of the second type of beam emitted by the network device is different in different data cycles, meaning that the coverage area of ​​the second type of beam emitted in different data cycles is different on the ground.

[0120] In one exemplary embodiment, the network device adjusts the beam angle of the second type of beam according to the multiple single-beam coverage areas obtained by dividing the first region, and transmits each second type of beam according to the adjusted beam angle. The network device provides services to the terminal through the second type of beam, thereby ensuring that the terminal can perform services normally and avoiding incorrect decoding.

[0121] In some embodiments, the network device sends N consecutive data frames to the terminal based on a second type of beam, the data frames including downlink control information and / or downlink service data.

[0122] In other embodiments, the network device is based on data frames sent by a second type of beam receiving terminal, which may include uplink control information and / or uplink service data.

[0123] The network device sequentially transmits a first type of beam to cover a first area within the entire satellite coverage area, following the process described above, and then transmits data frames for that area. Specifically, the network device first transmits adjacent beams over M consecutive SSB cycles to cover a first area, and then transmits a second type of beam over N consecutive data cycles to transmit data frames.

[0124] like Figure 5 As shown, the network device first sends M consecutive SSB frames, that is, it transmits first-type beams in different directions during M consecutive SSB cycles, and the areas covered by these first-type beams form a continuous area, meaning that the cells covered by these first-type beams are sequentially adjacent. Then, the network device transmits second-type beams during N consecutive data cycles, and transmits data frames with the terminal based on these second-type beams, where N ≤ M. Next, the network device transmits first-type beams to cover another first-type area during M consecutive SSB cycles, and then transmits second-type beams for that area during N consecutive data cycles, transmitting data frames through the second-type beams. This continues until the entire satellite coverage area is covered by beams and the corresponding data transmission is completed.

[0125] The satellite communication method provided in this embodiment first transmits a first type of beam to cover a first area, then transmits data to that area, and then transmits another first type of beam to cover the next first area, repeating this process until all first type of beams within the entire satellite coverage area have been transmitted. For any first area, the network device sends M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam, with each M SSB frames corresponding to a first type of beam covering one first area. Terminals within the first area receive the SSB frames and send their location information to the network device. The network device, based on the location information of each terminal within the first area and according to a first rule, determines the number of second type of beams covering all terminals within the first area, and then determines the number of data frames N corresponding to that first area, where N is a positive integer and N≤M. The network device then transmits data frames to the terminals within the first area based on the second type of beam. In this method, the network device continuously transmits a first type of beam to cover a continuous area on the ground for M consecutive SSB cycles. In this way, the network device covers a continuous area with the first type of beam, and the time-frequency resources of the schedulable second type of beam within the continuous area increase, thereby improving the scheduling flexibility of the idle resources of the second type of beam. Adjusting the beam angle of the second type of beam within the continuous area minimizes the number of second type of beams covering all terminals in the area, reducing the power consumption of the network device in transmitting the second type of beam, and at the same time, improving the utilization rate of time-frequency resources for data transmission.

[0126] Please see Figure 6The diagram illustrates a flowchart of another satellite communication method according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, after determining the number N of data frames, the network device indicates the value of N to the terminal. Figure 6 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0127] S201, for any first area, the network device sends M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam, and the corresponding terminal in the first area receives the SSB frames.

[0128] S202, the terminal in the first area sends its own location information to the network device.

[0129] S203, the network device determines the number of second-type beams corresponding to the first area based on the location information of each terminal in the first area and the first rule.

[0130] S204, the network device determines the number N of data frames in the first region based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to the first region.

[0131] The implementation process of S201 to S204 is as follows: Figure 4 The processes for S101 to S104 are the same, and will not be repeated here.

[0132] S205, the network device sends a first instruction message to the terminal in the first area.

[0133] When communication occurs between a network device and a terminal, the terminal needs to know the frame format sent by the network device. In this embodiment, the frame format includes the number of consecutive SSB frames (M) and the number of consecutive data frames (N). The value of M can be defined in the 3GPP communication standard, meaning the terminal can automatically obtain the value of M. After determining the value of N, the network device can indicate the value of N to the terminal through first indication information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be downlink control information (DCI) carried on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). For example, the first indication information may be DCI1_0, which is mainly responsible for scheduling the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) during terminal access, such as the scheduling of system information blocks (SIBs) (e.g., SIB1 to SIBn), Msg2, Msg4, and other messages.

[0135] For example, the value of N can be carried using reserved bits in DCI1_0. Alternatively, a new information element for carrying the value of N can be added to DCI1_0. Alternatively, the value of N can be carried using bits in DCI1_0 that already contain information but are not currently included in DCI1_0.

[0136] In other embodiments, the first indication information may be an SIB message carried on the PDSCH channel, such as SIB19.

[0137] For example, the value of N can be carried using reserved bits in SIB19. Alternatively, a new information element for carrying the value of N can be added to SIB19. Or, the value of N can be carried using bits in SIB19 that already contain information but are not currently included in SIB19.

[0138] S206, the network device transmits N consecutive data frames with the terminals in the first area based on the second type of beam.

[0139] The implementation process of S206 and Figure 4 The implementation process of S105 is the same, so it will not be repeated here.

[0140] The satellite communication method provided in this embodiment first transmits a first type of beam to cover a first area, then transmits data to that area, and then transmits another first type of beam to cover the next first area, repeating this process until all first type of beams within the entire satellite coverage area have been transmitted. For any first area, the network device transmits M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam, with each M SSB frames corresponding to a first type of beam covering one first area. Terminals within the first area receive the SSB frames and send their location information to the network device. The network device, based on the location information of each terminal within the first area and according to a first rule, determines the number of second type of beams covering all terminals within the first area, and then determines the number of data frames N corresponding to that first area, where N is a positive integer and N≤M. The network device indicates the value of N to the terminal through first indication information so that the terminal knows the frame format of the current frame. Finally, the network device transmits data frames to the terminals within the first area based on the second type of beam. In this method, the network device continuously transmits a first type of beam to cover a continuous area on the ground for M consecutive SSB cycles. In this way, the network device covers a continuous area with the first type of beam, and the time-frequency resources of the schedulable second type of beam within the continuous area increase, thereby improving the scheduling flexibility of the idle resources of the second type of beam. Adjusting the beam angle of the second type of beam within the continuous area minimizes the number of second type of beams covering all terminals in the area, reducing the power consumption of the network device in transmitting the second type of beam, and at the same time, improving the utilization rate of time-frequency resources for data transmission.

[0141] The following will combine Figures 7-9 This section describes the implementation process of dividing the entire satellite coverage area into I continuous regions.

[0142] Please see Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a method for dividing satellite coverage areas according to an embodiment of this application. This embodiment divides the entire satellite coverage area into 16 consecutive regions.

[0143] Taking a 10ms SSB cycle comprising four SSB opportunities as an example, the network device can simultaneously transmit 16 Type I beams in different directions during each SSB opportunity. These 16 Type I beams, each pointing towards a geographically adjacent cell, form a small, continuous area covered by these 16 Type I beams. These 16 Type I beams can be referred to as adjacent beams.

[0144] In this embodiment, M is set to 1, meaning that the first type of beams transmitted by the network device in one SSB cycle covers a continuous area. The network device transmits a total of 64 first type beams within one 10ms SSB cycle. These 64 first type beams are respectively pointed to adjacent cells, that is, these 64 first type beams cover a continuous area, which can be called the first area.

[0145] The entire satellite coverage area is a circular region with a radius of R1, which can be called the first circular region. If the first region were a square, although the second type of beam scheduling would be the most flexible, there would be some wasted coverage area at the tangent of the square at the arc of the first circular region. Therefore, a sector-shaped region is chosen for the first region.

[0146] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown in (1), another circular region is divided within the first circular region, which can be called the second circular region. The second circular region and the first circular region are concentric circles, and the radius of the second circular region is r1.

[0147] Furthermore, the second circular region is divided into eight regions of equal area, and the annular region between the first and second circular regions is also divided into eight regions of equal area. The ratio of r1 to R1 is adjusted so that the 16 regions have equal areas.

[0148] In another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown in (2), a third circular region and a fourth circular region with radii of r2 and r3 are respectively divided within the first circular region, where r3 < r2 < R1. Moreover, the third circular region and the fourth circular region are concentric circles with the first circular region.

[0149] A fourth circular region with radius r3 is taken as a first region. The annulus between the fourth and third circular regions is divided into six regions of equal area at 60° intervals. Simultaneously, the annulus between the third and first circular regions is divided into nine regions of equal area at 40° intervals. By adjusting the ratios of r2, r3, and R1, 16 regions of equal area are made possible.

[0150] In yet another exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown in (3), a fifth circular region and a sixth circular region with radii of r4 and r5 are respectively divided within the first circular region, where r5 < r4 < R1. Moreover, the sixth circular region and the fifth circular region are concentric circles with the first circular region.

[0151] Take the sixth circular region with radius r5 as a first region, and divide the annulus between the fifth and sixth circular regions into n regions of equal area. Simultaneously, divide the annulus between the fifth and first circular regions into 16-n-1 regions of equal area. By adjusting the ratio of r5:r4:R1, the 16 regions are made to have equal areas.

[0152] For example, when n=3, the annulus between the fifth and sixth circular regions is divided into three regions of equal area, and the annulus between the fifth and first circular regions is divided into twelve regions of equal area. In this case, r5:r4:R1 = 1:2:4.

[0153] Of course, the entire satellite coverage area can also be divided into 16 equal areas according to other methods. For example, the entire satellite coverage area can be directly divided into 16 sector areas, each with an angle of approximately 22.5°.

[0154] Please see Figure 8 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of another satellite coverage area division provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0155] Taking the simultaneous transmission of 64 Type I beams within a 10ms SSB cycle as an example, in this embodiment, 128 Type I beams within every 2 SSB cycles cover one Type I region, and the entire satellite coverage area includes 8 Type I regions.

[0156] like Figure 8 As shown, the satellite coverage area with radius R1 is divided into 8 equal-sized sector regions, each with an angle of 45°.

[0157] Of course, in other embodiments, it can also be done according to Figure 7 The method of division divides the entire satellite coverage area into 8 regions of equal size.

[0158] For example, the entire satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R1. Within the first circular region, a second circular region with radius r2 is divided, and this second circular region is concentric with the first circular region. The second circular region is further divided into four equal-area areas. Simultaneously, the annular region between the second and first circular regions is also divided into four equal-area areas. The ratio of r2 to R1 is adjusted so that all eight areas are of equal area.

[0159] For example, within a first circular region of radius R1, a third circular region of radius r3 and a fourth circular region of radius r4 are defined, with the third and fourth circular regions concentric with the first circular region. The fourth circular region is considered as a first region. The annular region between the third and fourth circular regions is divided into n regions of equal area. Simultaneously, the annular region between the third and first circular regions is divided into 8-n-1 regions of equal area. For instance, if n=3, the annular region between the third and fourth circular regions is divided into 3 regions of equal area, and the annular region between the third and first circular regions is divided into 4 regions of equal area.

[0160] This embodiment does not limit the specific way of dividing the entire satellite coverage area into 8 first regions.

[0161] Please see Figure 9 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of another satellite coverage area division provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0162] Taking the example of 64 Type I beams being transmitted in one 10ms SSB cycle, in this embodiment, the 256 Type I beams transmitted every 4 SSB cycles cover one Type I region, and the entire satellite coverage area includes 4 consecutive regions.

[0163] like Figure 9 As shown, the first circular region with radius R1 is divided into four equal-area sector regions, each with an angle of 90°.

[0164] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, the following methods may also be used: Figure 7 The satellite coverage area is divided into four regions as shown, which will not be described in detail here.

[0165] As can be seen from the above, the larger the M value, the larger the area of ​​the first region, and the more second-type beams corresponding to the first region. This means that there are more second-type beams available for data frame scheduling, allowing more idle resources to be concentrated in areas with high terminal density, thus enabling more flexible scheduling of time and frequency resources for data frames.

[0166] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device may be a network device, such as a satellite.

[0167] Figure 10 A simplified schematic diagram of a network device is shown, such as Figure 10 As shown, the network device includes: at least one processor 110, at least one memory 120, at least one transceiver 130, at least one network interface 140, and one or more antennas 150.

[0168] The processor 110, memory 120, transceiver 130, and network interface 140 are connected, for example, via a bus. In this embodiment, the connection may include various interfaces, transmission lines, or buses, etc., and this embodiment is not limited in this respect. The antenna 150 is connected to the transceiver 130. The network interface 140 is used to enable the network element to connect to other communication devices through a communication link. For example, the network interface 140 may include a network interface between the network element and network elements in the core network, such as the S1 interface. The network interface may also include a network interface between the network element and other network elements, such as the X2 or Xn interface.

[0169] Figure 10 The processor 110 shown can specifically perform the network device processing actions in the above-mentioned satellite communication method, the memory 120 can perform the storage actions in the above-mentioned satellite communication method, the transceiver 130 and the antenna 150 can perform the transmission and reception actions in the above-mentioned satellite communication method, and the network interface 140 can perform the interaction actions between the network device and the terminal in the above-mentioned method.

[0170] The processor 110 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or an artificial intelligence processor, etc., which are various computing devices that run software. Each computing device may include one or more cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing. The processor may be a standalone semiconductor chip or integrated with other circuits into a single semiconductor chip. For example, it may form a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with other circuits (such as encoding / decoding circuits, hardware acceleration circuits, or various bus and interface circuits), or it may be integrated as a built-in processor within an ASIC. The ASIC with the integrated processor may be packaged separately or together with other circuits. In addition to the cores for executing software instructions to perform calculations or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0171] The memory 120 may include at least one of the following types, but is not limited to: read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable-only memory (EEPROM).

[0172] Transceiver 130 can be used to support the reception or transmission of radio frequency signals between network elements and other devices. Transceiver 130 can be connected to antenna 150. Transceiver 130 includes a transmitter Tx and a receiver Rx. Specifically, one or more antennas 150 can receive radio frequency signals. The receiver Rx of transceiver 130 is used to receive radio frequency signals from the antennas, convert the radio frequency signals into digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, and provide the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals to processor 110 so that processor 110 can perform further processing on the digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency signals, such as demodulation processing and decoding processing.

[0173] Furthermore, the transmitter Tx in transceiver 130 is also used to receive modulated digital baseband signals or digital intermediate frequency (IF) signals from processor 110, convert the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals into radio frequency (RF) signals, and transmit the RF signals through one or more antennas 150. Specifically, the receiver Rx can selectively perform one or more stages of downmixing and analog-to-digital conversion on the RF signals to obtain digital baseband signals or IF signals, and the order of the downmixing and IF conversion is adjustable. The transmitter Tx can selectively perform one or more stages of upmixing and digital-to-analog conversion on the modulated digital baseband signals or IF signals to obtain RF signals, and the order of the upmixing and IF conversion is adjustable. Digital baseband signals and digital IF signals can be collectively referred to as digital signals.

[0174] The transceiver 130 may also be referred to as an input / output interface or a communication interface, etc. In some embodiments, when the above-mentioned communication device is a chip configured in a satellite, the transceiver 130 may be an input / output interface.

[0175] It should be understood that Figure 10 This is for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation. The network devices mentioned above, including processors, memory, and transceivers, may be independent of... Figure 10 The structure shown.

[0176] Figure 11 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device can be a terminal. Terminals include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, smart wearable devices (such as smartwatches), and other electronic devices.

[0177] Let's take a mobile phone as an example for explanation. Figure 11 As shown, the terminal may include a processor, an external memory interface, internal memory, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a charging management module, a power management module, a battery, a first antenna, a second antenna, a mobile communication module, a wireless communication module, an audio module, a speaker, a receiver, a microphone, a headphone jack, a sensor module, buttons, a motor, an indicator, a camera, a display screen, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface, etc. The sensor module may include pressure sensors, gyroscope sensors, barometric pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, accelerometers, proximity sensors, proximity sensors, fingerprint sensors, temperature sensors, touch sensors, ambient light sensors, bone conduction sensors, etc.

[0178] It is understood that the structure illustrated in this embodiment does not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal. In other embodiments, the terminal may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0179] A processor may include one or more processing units, such as an application processor (AP), a modem processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a controller, a video codec, a digital signal processor (DSP), a baseband processor, and / or a neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0180] The terminal's wireless communication function can be implemented through a first antenna, a second antenna, a mobile communication module, a wireless communication module, a modem processor, and a baseband processor.

[0181] The first and second antennas are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the terminal can be used to cover one or more communication frequency bands. Different antennas can also be reused to improve antenna utilization. For example, antenna 1 can be reused as a diversity antenna for a wireless local area network. In some other embodiments, the antennas can be used in conjunction with a tuning switch.

[0182] Mobile communication modules can provide solutions for wireless communication applications, including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G / 6G, on terminals.

[0183] A modem processor may include a modulator and a demodulator. The modulator modulates a low-frequency baseband signal to be transmitted into a mid-to-high frequency signal. The demodulator demodulates a received electromagnetic wave signal into a low-frequency baseband signal. The demodulator then transmits the demodulated low-frequency baseband signal to a baseband processor for processing. After processing by the baseband processor, the low-frequency baseband signal is transmitted to an application processor. The application processor outputs sound signals through an audio device (not limited to a speaker, receiver, etc.) or displays images or videos on a display screen. In some embodiments, the modem processor may be a separate device. In other embodiments, the modem processor may be independent of the processor and housed within the same device as a mobile communication module or other functional modules.

[0184] In this embodiment of the application, the baseband processor can execute the process steps executed on the terminal side in the above-described satellite communication method embodiment.

[0185] Wireless communication modules can provide solutions for wireless communication applications on terminals, including wireless local area networks (WLANs) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks), Bluetooth (BT), global navigation satellite system (GNSS), frequency modulation (FM), near field communication (NFC), and infrared (IR) technologies.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terminal's first antenna is coupled to the mobile communication module, and the second antenna is coupled to the wireless communication module, enabling the terminal to communicate with networks and other devices via wireless communication technology.

[0187] This application also provides another embodiment of a communication device.

[0188] like Figure 12 As shown, this communication device can correspondingly implement the functions or steps implemented by the network device in the various method embodiments described above. The communication device includes a processing module 201 and a transceiver module 202. In some embodiments, the communication device may further include a storage module 203, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module 201 and the transceiver module 202 can be coupled to the storage module 203. For example, the processing module 201 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage module to implement the corresponding method. The various modules described above can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0189] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 202 is configured to transmit M consecutive synchronization signal block (SSB) frames based on a first type of beam for any first region, wherein each of the M SSB frames corresponds to a first type of beam covering one of the first regions, and M is a positive integer.

[0190] The processing module 201 is configured to determine the number of second-type beams corresponding to the first region based on the location information of each terminal within the first region and a first rule, and to determine the number of data frames N corresponding to any first region based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region, where N is a positive integer and N≤M. The first rule includes maximizing the number of terminals covered by a single second-type beam and minimizing the number of second-type beams covering all terminals within any first region.

[0191] The transceiver module 202 is also used to receive the location information of each terminal in the first area.

[0192] The specific implementation process of the processing module 201 and the transceiver module 202 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The details of the satellite communication method embodiment shown are not repeated here.

[0193] In other embodiments, when processing module 201 determines the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region based on the terminal distribution information and a first rule, it specifically performs the following steps: determining the terminal distribution density based on the location information transmitted by all terminals within any first region; dividing the coverage area of ​​a single second-type beam within any first region based on the terminal distribution density and terminal location information corresponding to any first region and the first rule; and determining the number of coverage areas of the divided single second-type beam as the number of second-type beams. The specific implementation process of this processing module 201 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0194] In other embodiments, when the processing module 201 determines the number of data frames N corresponding to any first region based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region, it specifically performs the following: Based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region and the maximum number of beams required to be allocated for each data frame, it obtains the number of data frames corresponding to any first region. The specific implementation process of this processing module 201 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0195] In other embodiments, when the transceiver module 202 transmits and / or receives N consecutive data frames based on the second type of beam, it is specifically used to: adjust the beam angle of the corresponding second type of beam according to the position of the coverage area of ​​each second type of beam in any first region; transmit the second type of beam according to the adjusted beam angle; and transmit and / or receive the corresponding data frames based on the transmitted second type of beam. The specific implementation process of this transceiver module 202 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0196] In other embodiments, when the transceiver module 202 receives the location information of each terminal within any first area, it is specifically used to: receive the preamble index sent by each terminal within any first area, and determine the location information of the corresponding terminal based on the preamble index; or, receive the first message sent by each terminal within any first area, parse the first message to obtain the location information of the corresponding terminal, wherein the location information is the beam angle of the first type of beam received by the terminal and / or the latitude and longitude information of the terminal. For a detailed implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0197] In other embodiments, the transceiver module 202 is further configured to send first indication information to a terminal located in any of the first areas, the first indication information indicating the value of N. For a detailed implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to... Figure 6 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0198] In other embodiments, the transceiver module 202 is used to send first indication information to a terminal located in any of the first areas. The first indication information indicates a value of N. Specifically, it is used to: send downlink control information to a terminal located in any of the first areas, the downlink control information including the value of N; or send a System Information Block (SIB) to a terminal located in any of the first areas, the SIB including the value of N. The specific implementation process of this transceiver module 202 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 6 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0199] In other embodiments, the transceiver module 202 transmits M consecutive SSB frames with different contents. Each SSB frame corresponds to a first type beam covering a continuous second region, where the positions of all cells within the second region are sequentially adjacent. Each first region includes M consecutive second regions. For a detailed implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0200] In other embodiments, the processing module 201 is further configured to divide the satellite coverage area into I first regions. For details on the implementation of this processing module 201, please refer to... Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0201] In other embodiments, the processing module 201 is used to divide the satellite coverage area into I first regions, specifically: dividing the satellite coverage area into I equal-area fan-shaped regions; or, the satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R, and a second circular region with radius r1 is divided within the first circular region, wherein the second circular region and the first circular region are concentric circles, and r1 < R1; dividing the second circular region into m equal-area regions, and dividing the annular region between the first circular region and the second circular region into n equal-area regions, m + n = I, and adjusting the ratio of r1 to R to make the area of ​​the I regions equal to the area of ​​the fan-shaped regions. The areas are equal; or, the satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R, and within the first circular region, a third circular region with radius r2 and a fourth circular region with radius r3 are divided, wherein the third and fourth circular regions are concentric with the first circular region, and r3 < r2 < R; the annular region between the fourth and third circular regions is divided into i regions of equal area, and the annular region between the first and third circular regions is divided into j regions of equal area, with the fourth circular region being one region, i + j + 1 = I, and the areas of the I regions are made equal by adjusting the ratio of r2, r3, and R. The specific implementation process of this processing module 201 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0202] In other embodiments, I is any one of 16, 8, and 4.

[0203] In other embodiments, the transceiver module 202 transmits M consecutive SSB frames with identical content, and the first type beam corresponding to one SSB frame covers a first region. For a detailed implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0204] Figure 12 The demonstrated communication device can also implement the functions or steps implemented by the network device in the above-described method embodiments. The communication device includes a processing module 201 and a transceiver module 202. In some embodiments, the communication device may not include the processing module 201. In some embodiments, the communication device may also include a storage module 203, which can be used to store instructions (code or program) and / or data. The processing module 201 and the transceiver module 202 can be coupled to the storage module 203. For example, the processing module 201 can read instructions (code or program) and / or data from the storage module to implement the corresponding method. The above modules can be set independently, or partially or completely integrated.

[0205] In some embodiments, the transceiver module 202 is configured to receive synchronization signal block (SSB) frames and send the location information of the terminal to the network device. Furthermore, the transceiver module 202 is also configured to transmit and / or receive data frames based on a second type of beam.

[0206] For details on the implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0207] The SSB frame is sent by the network device based on the first type of beam. The network device divides the satellite coverage area into I equal first regions. For any first region, the network device sends M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam. Each of the M SSB frames corresponds to a first region covered by the first type of beam, where M is a positive integer.

[0208] The data frame is one of N consecutive data frames received and / or transmitted by the network device based on the second type beam. N is determined by the network device according to the number of second type beams corresponding to the first area where the terminal is located. The number of second type beams is obtained by the network device based on the location information of each terminal in the first area where the terminal is located, according to the first rule. The first rule includes that the number of terminals covered by a single second type beam is the maximum and the number of second type beams covering all terminals in any first area is the minimum. N is a positive integer and N≤M.

[0209] In other embodiments, when the transceiver module 202 sends the location information of the terminal to the network device, it is specifically used to: send the preamble index used by the terminal to the network device, and the network device determines the location of the terminal based on the preamble index; or, send a first message to the network device, the first message including the location information of the terminal, the location information being the beam angle of the first type of beam received by the terminal and / or the latitude and longitude information of the terminal. For a detailed implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0210] In other embodiments, when the transceiver module 202 sends the first message to the network device, it is specifically used to send a Msg3 message to the network device. The specific implementation process of this transceiver module 202 can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0211] In other embodiments, before transmitting and / or receiving data frames based on the second type of beam, the transceiver module 202 is further configured to receive first indication information sent by the network device, the first indication information indicating the value of N. For a detailed implementation of this transceiver module 202, please refer to... Figure 6 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0212] In other embodiments, when the transceiver module 202 receives the first indication information sent by the network device, it is specifically used to: receive downlink control information sent by the network device, the downlink control information including a value of N; or, receive a System Information Block (SIB) sent by the network device, the SIB including a value of N. For a detailed implementation of the transceiver module 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0213] In other embodiments, when the transceiver module 202 receives a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) frame, it is specifically used to: continuously receive M repeated SSB frames, the content of which is identical. For a detailed implementation of this transceiver module 202, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details of the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0214] 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 this embodiment, 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.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as flash memory, portable hard disk, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0215] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to network devices that divide satellite coverage into I equal-sized first regions, where all cells within each first region are sequentially adjacent, and I is a positive integer greater than 1. The network devices support transmitting a first type of beam and a second type of beam, where the beamwidths of the first type of beam and the second type of beam are the same. For any first region, M consecutive synchronization signal block (SSB) frames are transmitted based on the first type of beam, and each of the M SSB frames corresponds to a first type of beam covering one first region, where M is a positive integer; Receive the location information of each terminal in any first area, and determine the number of second type beams corresponding to any first area based on the location information of each terminal and a first rule. The first rule includes the maximum number of terminals covered by a single second type beam and the minimum number of second type beams covering all terminals in any first area. The number of data frames N corresponding to any first region is determined based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region, where N is a positive integer and N≤M; Based on the second type of beam, N consecutive data frames are transmitted and / or received.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region based on the terminal distribution information and a first rule includes: The terminal distribution density is determined based on the location information sent by all terminals within any of the first areas. Based on the terminal distribution density and terminal location information corresponding to any first region, the coverage area of ​​a single second type beam is divided in any first region according to the first rule; The number of coverage areas of a single Class II beam is determined as the number of Class II beams.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the number of data frames N corresponding to any first region based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region includes: The number of data frames corresponding to any first region is obtained based on the number of second-type beams corresponding to any first region and the maximum number of beams required to be allocated for each data frame.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transmission and / or reception of N consecutive data frames based on the second type of beam includes: Adjust the beam angle of the corresponding second type beam according to the position of the coverage area of ​​each second type beam in any first region; Transmit a second type of beam according to the adjusted beam angle, and send and / or receive corresponding data frames based on the transmitted second type of beam.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Receiving the location information of each terminal within any of the first areas includes: Receive the preamble index sent by each terminal in any of the first areas, and determine the location information of the corresponding terminal based on the preamble index; or, The system receives first messages sent by each terminal within any first area, parses the first messages to obtain the location information of the corresponding terminal, and the location information is the beam angle of the first type of beam received by the terminal and / or the latitude and longitude information of the terminal.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first message is the Msg3 message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Prior to transmitting and / or receiving N consecutive data frames based on the second type of beam, the method further includes: Send a first indication message to a terminal located in any of the first areas, the first indication message indicating the value of N.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Sending the first indication information to the terminal located in any of the first areas includes: Send downlink control information to terminals located in any of the first regions, wherein the downlink control information includes the value of N; or, A system information block (SIB) is sent to a terminal located in any of the first regions, the SIB including the value of N.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The contents of the M SSB frames are all different. The first type beam corresponding to each SSB frame covers a continuous second region. The positions of all cells in the second region are sequentially adjacent. Any first region includes M continuous second regions.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The network device divides the satellite coverage area into I first regions, including: The network device divides the circular satellite coverage area into I consecutive regions.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The satellite coverage area is a circular region, wherein the network device divides the circular satellite coverage area into I consecutive regions, including: The satellite coverage area is divided into I equal-sized sector regions; or, The satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R, and a second circular region with radius r1 is divided within the first circular region. The second circular region and the first circular region are concentric circles, and r1 < R1. The second circular region is divided into m regions of equal area, and the annular region between the first circular region and the second circular region is divided into n regions of equal area, m+n=I. The area of ​​each of the I regions is made equal by adjusting the ratio of r1 to R. or, The satellite coverage area is a first circular region with radius R. Within the first circular region, a third circular region with radius r2 and a fourth circular region with radius r3 are divided. The third and fourth circular regions are concentric with the first circular region, and r3 < r2 < R. The annular region between the fourth circular region and the third circular region is divided into i regions of equal area, and the annular region between the first circular region and the third circular region is divided into j regions of equal area. The fourth circular region is one region, i+j+1=I. The area of ​​the I regions is made equal by adjusting the ratio of r2, r3 and R.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, I can be any one of 16, 8, and 4.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The M SSB frames have the same content, and the first type beam corresponding to one SSB frame covers a first region.

14. A satellite communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal, the method includes: The network device receives a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) frame, which is transmitted by the network device based on a first type of beam. The network device divides the satellite coverage area into I equal first regions. For any first region, the network device transmits M consecutive SSB frames based on the first type of beam. Each of the M SSB frames corresponds to a first type of beam covering one first region, where M is a positive integer. Send the terminal's location information to the network device; Data frames are transmitted and / or received based on the second type of beam. The data frame is one of N consecutive data frames received and / or transmitted by the network device based on the second type of beam. N is determined by the network device according to the number of second type beams corresponding to the first area where the terminal is located. The number of second type beams is obtained by the network device based on the location information of each terminal in the first area where the terminal is located, according to a first rule. The first rule includes maximizing the number of terminals covered by a single second type beam and minimizing the number of second type beams covering all terminals in any first area. N is a positive integer and N≤M.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Sending the terminal's location information to the network device includes: The network device sends the preamble index used by the terminal to the network device, and the network device determines the location of the terminal based on the preamble index. or, Send a first message to the network device. The first message includes the location information of the terminal, which is the beam angle of the first type of beam received by the terminal and / or the latitude and longitude information of the terminal.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, Sending the first message to the network device includes sending a Msg3 message to the network device.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, characterized in that, Prior to transmitting and / or receiving data frames based on the second type of beam, the method further includes: The network device receives a first indication message, which indicates the value of N.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The receipt of the first indication information sent by the network device includes: Receive downlink control information sent by the network device, wherein the downlink control information includes a value of N; or, Receive the System Information Block (SIB) sent by the network device, wherein the SIB includes the value of N.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, characterized in that, The received synchronization signal block (SSB) frame includes: M consecutively received SSB frames, all of which contain the same content.

20. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: one or more processors, a memory, and a touch screen; the memory is used to store program code; the processor is used to run the program code, causing the electronic device to implement the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, and is used to execute the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19.

22. A chip system, characterized in that, include: At least one processor and an interface, the interface being used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the at least one processor; The at least one processor executes the code instructions to implement the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the satellite communication method according to any one of claims 14 to 19.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, It stores instructions that, when the computer program product is run on the electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or the satellite communication method as described in any one of claims 14 to 19.

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