Communication method, communication device, satellite, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, a communication device, a satellite, a storage medium and a computer program product. The method comprises the following steps: a first satellite determines a first frame structure based on first information, the first information representing a link state of a communication link between the first satellite and a second satellite within a set time length, and the first information being predicted based on ephemeris data of each of the first satellite and the second satellite; and one or more data frames are transmitted to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set time length.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, satellite, storage medium and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing demand for satellite communication, satellite optical communication technology has emerged. This technology directly uses laser as the transmission medium to transmit data between satellites via laser beams. However, among related technologies, inter-satellite optical communication suffers from limitations in data transmission efficiency and reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the related technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, a communication device, a satellite, a storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0004] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0005] This application provides a communication method applied to a first satellite, the method comprising:

[0006] The first frame structure is determined based on the first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0007] Within the set duration, one or more data frames are sent to the second satellite using the first frame structure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0009] In one embodiment, the set length is determined based on one or more of the following for the communication link within the set duration:

[0010] Data transmission duration;

[0011] Delay;

[0012] Bit error rate;

[0013] Channel capacity.

[0014] In one embodiment, transmitting one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set duration includes:

[0015] Within the set duration, one or more data frames and one or more gap frames are transmitted to the second satellite using the first frame structure; wherein...

[0016] The one or more gap frames are inserted into the one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0017] In one embodiment, the transmission time of the one or more gap frames covers the time of the communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0018] In one embodiment, the insertion of the one or more gap frames into the one or more data frames includes:

[0019] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0020] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0021] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0022] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set time period.

[0023] This application also provides a communication method applied to a second satellite, the method comprising:

[0024] Within a set time period, receive one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure; wherein,

[0025] The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which characterizes the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within the set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0026] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first predetermined length is determined based on one or more of the following for the communication link within the predetermined duration:

[0028] Data transmission duration;

[0029] Delay;

[0030] Bit error rate;

[0031] Channel capacity.

[0032] In one embodiment, receiving one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using a first frame structure within a set time period includes:

[0033] Within the set duration, receive one or more data frames and one or more gap frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure; wherein,

[0034] The one or more gap frames are inserted into the one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0035] In one embodiment, the transmission time of the one or more gap frames covers the time of the communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0036] In one embodiment, the insertion of the one or more gap frames into the one or more data frames includes:

[0037] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0038] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0039] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0040] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, the third information including ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set duration; when receiving one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure within the set duration, the method further includes:

[0041] Based on the second information, adjust the antenna pointing of the second satellite.

[0042] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0043] The determining unit is used to determine the structure of the first frame based on the first information, wherein the first information represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0044] The transmitting unit is configured to transmit one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set time period.

[0045] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0046] The receiving unit is configured to receive one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using a first frame structure within a set time period; wherein,

[0047] The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which characterizes the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within the set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0048] This application also provides a first satellite, including: a first processor and a first communication interface; wherein,

[0049] The first processor is configured to determine the structure of the first frame based on the first information, wherein the first information represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0050] The first communication interface is used to send one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set time period.

[0051] This application also provides a second satellite, including: a second processor and a second communication interface; wherein,

[0052] The second communication interface is used to receive one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period; wherein,

[0053] The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which characterizes the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within the set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0054] This application also provides a satellite, including: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0055] When the processor runs the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the communication methods of the first satellite or the steps of any of the communication methods of the second satellite.

[0056] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of any of the communication methods of the first satellite or the steps of any of the communication methods of the second satellite.

[0057] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of any of the communication methods of the first satellite or the steps of any of the communication methods of the second satellite.

[0058] In the communication method, communication device, satellite, storage medium, and computer program product provided in this application, the first satellite and the second satellite, acting as communicating parties, predict the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period based on the ephemeris data of the first satellite and the second satellite, respectively. Based on this link status, a first frame structure is determined. Then, within the set time period, the first satellite sends one or more data frames to the second satellite using the determined first frame structure. The second satellite also receives these one or more data frames based on the first frame structure, thereby completing the data transmission from the first satellite to the second satellite. This scheme uses ephemeris data as the basis for determining the frame structure, ensuring that the frame structure used for data transmission between satellites matches the link status of the communication link between satellites. This avoids data transmission anomalies and data retransmissions caused by poor link status, effectively improving data transmission efficiency and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another communication method implementation process according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of a data frame structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 4 This is an example diagram of a gap frame structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a communication device structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0064] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0065] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first satellite structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second satellite structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Satellite communication, as a crucial component of network communication, boasts advantages such as wide coverage, long transmission distance, and independence from geographical limitations, playing an irreplaceable role in civilian and scientific research fields. With the increasing demand for satellite communication, satellite optical communication technology has emerged. This technology directly utilizes lasers as the transmission medium, transmitting data between satellites or between a satellite and a ground station via laser beams. It offers significant advantages such as high transmission rates, strong anti-interference capabilities, and excellent security.

[0068] Efficiency and reliability are two major challenges facing satellite optical communication technology. On the one hand, due to the relative motion between satellites, beam alignment and tracking are difficult, easily leading to communication interruptions. On the other hand, bandwidth resources for inter-satellite communication are precious; how to achieve efficient data transmission with limited resources is an urgent problem to be solved. Furthermore, ephemeris data can be used to predict the relative positions and motion states between satellites, providing possibilities for optimizing communication paths and improving communication efficiency. Therefore, the use of ephemeris data is gradually gaining importance in inter-satellite communication.

[0069] However, in related technologies, the use of ephemeris data is mostly limited to the path planning and link establishment stages, and its effect on improving data transmission efficiency and reliability during the communication process is limited.

[0070] Based on this, in various embodiments of this application, the first satellite and the second satellite, acting as communicating parties, predict the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period based on the ephemeris data of the first satellite and the second satellite, respectively. Based on this link status, a first frame structure is determined. Then, within the set time period, the first satellite sends one or more data frames to the second satellite using the determined first frame structure. The second satellite also receives these one or more data frames based on the first frame structure, thereby completing the data transmission from the first satellite to the second satellite. The above scheme uses ephemeris data as the basis for determining the frame structure, ensuring that the frame structure used for data transmission between satellites matches the link status of the communication link between satellites. This avoids data transmission anomalies and data retransmissions caused by poor link status, effectively improving data transmission efficiency and reliability.

[0071] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0072] This application provides a communication method applied to a first satellite, where the first satellite acts as a data sender in inter-satellite communication, and can also be described as a transmitting satellite. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The communication method includes:

[0073] Step 101: Determine the structure of the first frame based on the first information.

[0074] The first information represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0075] Step 102: Send one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the above-mentioned set time period.

[0076] The first information includes the ephemeris data of the first satellite and the ephemeris data of the second satellite, and the second information represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the first satellite sends data to the second satellite, which acts as the data receiver for inter-satellite communication and can also be described as a receiving satellite.

[0078] Ephemeris data, also known as ephemeris tables, can be understood as a table of celestial orbital parameters. Ephemeris data uses a list format to illustrate the predetermined positions of celestial bodies at regular intervals. Therefore, based on ephemeris data, it is possible to accurately calculate, predict, depict, and track the position, velocity, and other orbital states of celestial bodies at a given time. Each satellite possesses corresponding ephemeris data, which contains its precise orbital parameters. Combined with sophisticated orbital dynamics models, such as the Keplerian orbital model and / or improved models that consider the effects of incident perturbations, the satellite's coordinates, azimuth, velocity, and other parameters at a given time can be determined. This allows for the prediction of the satellite's trajectory and its precise position at that specific moment.

[0079] In practical applications, the real-time position and velocity of the first and second satellites can be obtained through the satellite navigation systems corresponding to the first and second satellites, such as the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) corresponding to the BeiDou satellites. Then, by combining the ephemeris data of each satellite and based on the motion trajectory and precise position of the first and second satellites within a set time period in the future, the relative position and relative velocity of the first and second satellites can be predicted to obtain prediction information. This prediction information can reflect the dynamic changes in the relative position and relative velocity between the first and second satellites.

[0080] As mentioned earlier, satellite optical communication technology uses laser beams to transmit data between satellites. Therefore, when the relative positions of two satellites change, the laser beam emitted by the transmitting antenna of the first satellite may not be received by the receiving antenna of the second satellite. Alternatively, when a solar interference phenomenon occurs—that is, the sun, the transmitting satellite, and the receiving satellite happen to be in a straight line, causing strong electromagnetic radiation from the sun to strongly interfere with the satellite signal—the laser beam may temporarily be unable to conduct effectively between the two satellites, resulting in an interruption of the communication link or affecting the communication quality. Based on this, by predicting the relative positions and relative velocities of the first and second satellites within a set time period in the future, it is possible to predict the link status of the communication link between the first and second satellites within that set time period, including the connectivity and communication quality, thus providing a basis for setting the frame structure between the first and second satellites.

[0081] In practical applications, since ephemeris data describes the precise orbital parameters of the corresponding satellite at a reference time, the time parameters need to be accurately corrected during the prediction process. This involves converting the reference time into the real-time time of the communication link between the first and second satellites. Furthermore, the predicted satellite position coordinates can be transformed to a suitable coordinate system, such as the Earth-Centered, Earth-Fixed (ECEF) coordinate system, to accurately determine the satellite's three-dimensional coordinates in space, clarify the relative positional relationship between the two satellites, and provide a basis for antenna pointing adjustments.

[0082] Furthermore, since ephemeris data is updated—for example, the update time for low-Earth orbit satellites varies from several hours to a day—the predicted information also has a certain validity period. For instance, it can only predict the link status of the communication link between the first and second satellites within a predetermined future timeframe, and this predetermined future timeframe falls within the validity period of the current ephemeris data. Therefore, it is understandable that in this embodiment, it is necessary to periodically and continuously predict the link status of the communication link between the first and second satellites to continuously update the frame structure used by the two satellites within each predetermined future timeframe.

[0083] The structure of the first frame will be explained in detail below.

[0084] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0085] Here, a fixed frame length design is used in the first frame structure, which avoids the overhead of indicating frame length in the frame header and / or tail, and also avoids the overhead of indicating the start position of the frame in the frame header and / or tail. Furthermore, the saved overhead can be used to carry service data, thereby maximizing the data transmission efficiency between the first and second satellites when the link state between the two satellites is stable, thus improving the data transmission efficiency of inter-satellite communication. Moreover, the fixed frame length design eliminates the need for the first and second satellites to carry information indicating frame length in the frame, thereby simplifying the communication protocol and reducing the complexity of the communication system.

[0086] The frame length is determined based on one or more of the following factors within the specified duration of the communication link:

[0087] Data transmission duration;

[0088] Delay;

[0089] Bit error rate;

[0090] Channel capacity.

[0091] Specifically, based on the first information obtained from the prediction, the total duration T of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite, from establishment to the estimated end, is determined within a predetermined period in the future. total Subtract the communication link establishment time T. setup Demolition time T teardown And the duration T of interruption caused by external environmental factors (such as solar interference). break-off To obtain the actual usable duration T for data transmission. transmit =T total -T setup -T teardown -T break-off .

[0092] Next, based on Shannon's theorem C = Blog2(1 + S / N), the channel capacity C of the communication link between the first and second satellites is calculated, where B is the bandwidth of the communication link between the first and second satellites, and S / N is the signal-to-noise ratio of the communication link between the first and second satellites. Then, combining the time delay D and the bit error rate (BER) of the communication link between the first and second satellites, the capacity C is calculated using formula L. optimal = (C×T) transmit ) / ((1+BER)×(1+D / T transmit The optimal frame length, i.e., the set length L, is initially estimated. optimal .

[0093] The above estimation process for the set length comprehensively considers the transmission capacity, transmission duration, bit error rate, and latency of the communication link between the first and second satellites. Before the actual activation of the communication link, simulation data and testing tools can be used to send data frames of different lengths under approximate link conditions. The transmission success rate, average transmission time, and other indicators of the communication link can be recorded. By comparing the transmission efficiency under different frame lengths, the initially estimated set length can be fine-tuned to find the actual frame length with the highest transmission efficiency, which will be used as the fixed frame length of the first frame structure for the communication link between the first and second satellites.

[0094] In one embodiment, transmitting one or more data frames to a second satellite using a first frame structure within a set duration includes:

[0095] Within a set time period, one or more data frames and one or more gap frames are transmitted to the second satellite using the first frame structure, wherein the one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames.

[0096] In this embodiment, based on a fixed frame length, one or more gap frames are inserted into the first frame structure as needed, according to the predicted link status between the first and second satellites. The use of gap frames in the first frame structure is intended to accommodate temporary changes in the link status.

[0097] In one embodiment, gap frames are not used for data transmission; therefore, gap frames can also be described as blank frames. For gap frames, the action of sending a frame occurs during actual data transmission, but no data is actually transmitted. This approach is designed to address interruptions or anomalies in communication links between satellites. When a communication link is interrupted or malfunctions, sending gap frames ensures that even if a frame is lost, the actual data to be transmitted will not be lost. Furthermore, once the communication link is restored, there is no need to retransmit the lost data, thus maintaining the continuity of the communication link and avoiding frequent start-ups and stoppages of the transmission process.

[0098] In another embodiment, the gap frame is used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0099] This mechanism employs a gap frame reuse mechanism. For example, when the communication link is not interrupted, but the transmission speed is reduced, low-priority data and / or auxiliary data, such as link status statistics and device health monitoring information, can be transmitted through gap frames to improve the bandwidth utilization of the communication link. Furthermore, since gap frames transmit low-priority data and / or auxiliary data at this time, even if frame loss occurs, there is no need to retransmit this data. Only new link status statistics or device health monitoring information needs to be transmitted, eliminating the need for data retransmission due to the loss of important data.

[0100] In one embodiment, the transmission time of one or more gap frames covers the time of communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0101] For example, based on the initial information of the prediction, it is determined that the communication link between satellites will be interrupted for 30 seconds at a certain moment. At this time, according to the channel transmission rate, the minimum number of frames required to fill the gap in this 30-second time can be calculated. These gap frames can then be inserted at the corresponding time to adjust the data transmission speed, keep the receiving buffer at a reasonable level, avoid the receiving satellite being forced to drop packets due to the receiving buffer overflowing, and also prevent the receiving buffer from being too empty, which would prolong the transmission gap period, thereby ensuring that the receiving satellite receives data smoothly.

[0102] In practical applications, the inserted gap frame needs to be able to cover the 30-second communication link interruption duration. That is, the data capacity that the gap frame can carry needs to be greater than or equal to the amount of data that would have been transmitted during the 30-second communication link interruption duration, so as to ensure that the data that would have been transmitted would not be sent when the communication link is interrupted or abnormal.

[0103] In another embodiment, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, including:

[0104] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0105] Here, during the stable phase of the communication link, gap frames can be inserted into the transmitted data frames at fixed intervals, for example, one gap frame can be inserted every N data frames transmitted. This method of inserting gap frames is simple and easy to implement, and can cope with predictable fluctuations in the link status, thus dispersing the impact of communication link interruptions or anomalies.

[0106] Furthermore, in practical applications, when a communication link is predicted to be interrupted or malfunctioning based on ephemeris data, a sufficient number of gap frames can be inserted close to the moment of interruption or malfunction. Compared to timed insertion, this is more targeted and can efficiently cope with sudden and prolonged communication link interruptions or malfunctions. Moreover, the existence of gap frames can flexibly adapt to changes in the bandwidth of the communication link. When bandwidth is sufficient, data frames and gap frames are transmitted together without affecting overall efficiency. When bandwidth is narrowed, the number of data frames sent is reduced, and gap frames are used to fill the gaps, avoiding congestion and packet loss caused by forcibly sending too many data frames, thus maintaining the traffic of the communication link in a relatively stable state.

[0107] Furthermore, during data transmission, the link status of the communication link can be continuously monitored and compared with the predicted initial information. If the predicted interruption or abnormal time of the communication link in the initial information is found to be inconsistent with the actual link status, the length and insertion frequency of the gap frames can be adjusted in real time. For example, if the actual interruption time of the communication link is shorter than the predicted time, the number of gap frames inserted can be reduced to free up bandwidth for more data transmission. If the actual interruption time of the communication link is longer than the predicted time, the number of gap frames inserted can be increased to avoid congestion and packet loss caused by forcibly sending too many data frames.

[0108] Furthermore, if a data frame is being transmitted when the communication link is interrupted or an anomaly occurs, the data frame can be retransmitted after one or more gap frames transmitted after the communication link is interrupted or an anomaly occurs, in order to avoid the loss of the data frame and the failure of valid data to be successfully transmitted to the receiving satellite.

[0109] In practical applications, a gap frame management mechanism can be established to track the usage and remaining number of gap frames during data transmission, ensuring that there are available resources to insert gap frames when it is necessary to avoid communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0110] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0111] Here, by carrying information such as synchronization markers and timestamps in the gap frames, the receiving satellite can use these gap frames to more accurately recalibrate the clock and restore synchronization after receiving them, ensuring accurate decoding of subsequent data frames. Especially in the complex situation of frequent interruptions and reconnections of communication links, the synchronization markers and / or timestamps carried in the gap frames can help to quickly rebuild communication order.

[0112] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0113] In practical applications, because satellites are constantly in motion, the laser beam used for data transmission between the first and second satellites is also constantly changing and adjusting. Therefore, it is necessary to dynamically track the communication link between the first and second satellites in real time. Here, the receiving satellite can use ephemeris data to predict the position of the transmitting satellite at the next moment, and fine-tune the antenna pointing in advance to compensate for the angular deviation caused by satellite movement, maintaining the laser beam stably focused on the receiving satellite, thereby reducing communication link loss.

[0114] Based on this, in one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within a set time period.

[0115] Here, the predictability of satellite positions is fully utilized. Third information is embedded in the header of each transmitted frame, enabling the receiving satellite to determine the predicted position and / or velocity of the first satellite within a set time period. Based on the relative positions of the two satellites, the appropriate attitude angles for the antenna—namely, azimuth and elevation—are calculated, ensuring the laser beam is precisely aligned with the transmitting satellite. This calculation, based on ephemeris data, can be planned in advance. With the coordination of the satellite attitude control system, the antenna pointing can be pre-adjusted to achieve laser beam alignment and tracking, reducing the possibility of communication link interruptions.

[0116] Furthermore, based on the ephemeris data carried in the frame, the following technical effects can also be achieved:

[0117] 1. Rapid positioning: Allows the receiving satellite to quickly determine the location of the transmitting satellite, thereby accelerating the positioning process, which is crucial for quickly establishing communication in areas without network coverage or in emergency situations.

[0118] 2. Reduced search time: The receiving satellite can use ephemeris data to predict the position of the transmitting satellite, thereby reducing the time spent searching for satellite signals. This improves the start-up time and efficiency of the receiving satellite.

[0119] 3. Improve signal acquisition rate: By knowing the approximate location of the transmitting satellite, the receiving satellite can acquire the satellite signal more effectively, thereby improving the reliability of communication.

[0120] 4. Supports dynamic environments: In satellite communication, the position of satellites changes over time. Ephemeris data can help receiving devices adapt to this dynamic environment and maintain stable connections between satellites.

[0121] 5. Optimize network performance: Ephemeris data can be used to optimize the performance of satellite networks, for example, by adjusting the direction of the beams to adapt to the movement of the satellites, thereby providing better service.

[0122] 6. Support for inter-satellite links: Ephemeris data can also support the establishment and maintenance of inter-satellite communication links, which is crucial for building a global satellite network and improving network redundancy.

[0123] 7. Improve positioning accuracy: Ephemeris data can be used to improve positioning accuracy, especially in areas where ground base stations cannot cover, which is very important for applications that require precise positioning.

[0124] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the data frame structure containing ephemeris information, referencing... Figure 3 The fixed-length data frame includes the following fields in sequence:

[0125] 1. Frame Header: Contains information such as frame synchronization sequence, frame length, and frame type.

[0126] 2. Control Info: This may include frame control bits, sequence numbers, error control codes, etc. Based on the control information, the first and second satellites can manage and / or recover the transmitted data during data transmission.

[0127] 3. Ephemeris Information.

[0128] 4. User Data: This includes the actual transmitted payload data, i.e., the service data.

[0129] 5. Frame Trailer: Contains information such as frame check sequence and frame end marker.

[0130] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gap frame structure loaded with ephemeris information, referencing... Figure 4 The fixed-length gap frame includes the following fields in sequence:

[0131] 1. Frame Header: Contains information such as frame synchronization sequence, frame length, and frame type.

[0132] 2. Control Info: May contain frame control bits, sequence number, error control code, etc.

[0133] 3. Ephemeris Information.

[0134] 4. Padding: Contains the actual transmitted payload data.

[0135] 5. Frame Trailer: Contains information such as frame check sequence and frame end marker.

[0136] In this example, when the network connection is interrupted, the untransmitted data in a data frame is stored in a gap frame. Once the connection is restored, this data can continue to be transmitted. This design allows for the maintenance of data continuity and integrity in unstable network environments.

[0137] Corresponding to the communication method of the first satellite in the above embodiments, this application also provides a communication method applied to a second satellite. Here, the second satellite acts as a data receiver for inter-satellite communication and can also be described as a receiving satellite. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The method includes:

[0138] Step 201: Receive one or more data frames sent by the first satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period.

[0139] The first frame structure is determined based on the first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0140] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first predetermined length is determined based on one or more of the following: within a predetermined duration of the communication link:

[0142] Data transmission duration;

[0143] Delay;

[0144] Bit error rate;

[0145] Channel capacity.

[0146] In one embodiment, receiving one or more data frames transmitted by a first satellite using a first frame structure within a set duration includes:

[0147] Within a set time period, receive one or more data frames and one or more gap frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure.

[0148] In this configuration, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0149] In one embodiment, the transmission time of one or more gap frames covers the time of communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0150] In one embodiment, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, including:

[0151] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0152] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0153] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0154] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set duration; when receiving one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure within the set duration, the communication method further includes:

[0155] Based on the second information, adjust the antenna pointing of the second satellite.

[0156] The communication method of the second satellite in the above embodiment can be understood in the same way as the explanation of the communication method of the first satellite in the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0157] To implement the communication method of the first satellite in this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device, which is installed on the first satellite, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the device includes:

[0158] The determining unit 501 is used to determine the first frame structure based on the first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0159] The transmitting unit 502 is used to transmit one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period.

[0160] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0161] In one embodiment, the set length is determined based on one or more of the following for the communication link within a set duration:

[0162] Data transmission duration;

[0163] Delay;

[0164] Bit error rate;

[0165] Channel capacity.

[0166] In one embodiment, the sending unit 502 is configured to:

[0167] Within a set time period, one or more data frames and one or more gap frames are sent to the second satellite using the first frame structure.

[0168] In this configuration, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0169] In one embodiment, the transmission time of one or more gap frames covers the time of communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0170] In one embodiment, the sending unit 502 is configured to:

[0171] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0172] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0173] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0174] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set time period.

[0175] In practical applications, the determining unit 501 can be implemented by the processor in the communication device, and the sending unit 502 can be implemented by the communication interface in the communication device.

[0176] To implement the communication method of the second satellite in this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device, which is installed on the second satellite, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the device includes:

[0177] The receiving unit 601 is used to receive one or more data frames sent by the first satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period.

[0178] The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0179] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first predetermined length is determined based on one or more of the following: within a predetermined duration of the communication link:

[0181] Data transmission duration;

[0182] Delay;

[0183] Bit error rate;

[0184] Channel capacity.

[0185] In one embodiment, the receiving unit 601 is configured to:

[0186] Within a set time period, receive one or more data frames and one or more gap frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure.

[0187] In this configuration, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0188] In one embodiment, the transmission time of one or more gap frames covers the time of the communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0189] In one embodiment, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, including:

[0190] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0191] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0192] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0193] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set duration; the communication device further includes:

[0194] The adjustment unit is used to adjust the antenna pointing of the second satellite based on the second information.

[0195] In practical applications, the receiving unit 601 can be implemented by the communication interface in the communication device, and the adjustment unit can be implemented by the processor in the communication device in combination with the communication interface.

[0196] It should be noted that the communication device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the communication device and communication method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0197] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the first satellite side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a first satellite, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first satellite 700 includes:

[0198] The first communication interface 701 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0199] The first processor 702 is connected to the first communication interface 701 to enable information interaction with other network nodes. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the first satellite side. The computer program is stored in the first memory 703.

[0200] Specifically, the first processor 702 is used for:

[0201] The first frame structure is determined based on the first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0202] The first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0203] Within a set time period, one or more data frames are sent to the second satellite using the first frame structure.

[0204] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0205] In one embodiment, the set length is determined based on one or more of the following for the communication link within a set duration:

[0206] Data transmission duration;

[0207] Delay;

[0208] Bit error rate;

[0209] Channel capacity.

[0210] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0211] Within a set time period, one or more data frames and one or more gap frames are sent to the second satellite using the first frame structure.

[0212] In this configuration, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0213] In one embodiment, the transmission time of one or more gap frames covers the time of communication link interruption or abnormality.

[0214] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0215] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0216] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0217] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0218] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set time period.

[0219] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first processor 702 and the first communication interface 701 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0220] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the first satellite 700 are coupled together via a bus system 704. It can be understood that the bus system 704 is used to achieve communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 704 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 7 The general designated all buses as Bus System 704.

[0221] The first memory 703 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the first satellite 700. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the first satellite 700.

[0222] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the first processor 702, or implemented by the first processor 702. The first processor 702 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the first processor 702. The first processor 702 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 702 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 703. The first processor 702 reads the information in the first memory 703 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0223] In an exemplary embodiment, the first satellite 700 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0224] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the second satellite side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a second satellite, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the second satellite 800 includes:

[0225] The second communication interface 801 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0226] The second processor 802 is connected to the second communication interface 801 to enable information interaction with other network nodes. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the second satellite side. The computer program is stored in the second memory 803.

[0227] Specifically, the second communication interface 801 is used for:

[0228] Receive one or more data frames sent by the first satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period.

[0229] The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

[0230] In one embodiment, the frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

[0231] In one embodiment, the first predetermined length is determined based on one or more of the following: within a predetermined duration of the communication link:

[0232] Data transmission duration;

[0233] Delay;

[0234] Bit error rate;

[0235] Channel capacity.

[0236] In one embodiment, the second communication interface 801 is used for:

[0237] Within a set time period, receive one or more data frames and one or more gap frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure.

[0238] In this configuration, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

[0239] In one embodiment, the transmission time of one or more gap frames covers the time of interruption or abnormality of the communication link.

[0240] In one embodiment, one or more gap frames are inserted into one or more data frames, including:

[0241] Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

[0242] In one embodiment, the gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

[0243] In one embodiment, the frame header of each frame in the first frame structure carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

[0244] In one embodiment, each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set duration; the second processor 802, in conjunction with the second communication interface 801, is used for:

[0245] Based on the second information, adjust the antenna pointing of the second satellite.

[0246] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the second processor 802 and the second communication interface 801 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0247] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the second satellite 800 are coupled together through a bus system 804. It can be understood that the bus system 804 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 804 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, in... Figure 8 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 804.

[0248] The second memory 803 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the second satellite 800. Examples of such data include any computer program used for operation on the second satellite 800.

[0249] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the second processor 802, or implemented by the second processor 802. The second processor 802 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the second processor 802. The second processor 802 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 802 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 803. The second processor 802 reads the information in the second memory 803 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0250] In an exemplary embodiment, the second satellite 800 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0251] It is understood that the memories (first memory 703, second memory 803, and third memory 1403) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memories or non-volatile memories, or both. Non-volatile memories can be read-only memories (ROM), programmable read-only memories (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROM), magnetic random access memories (FRAM), flash memories, magnetic surface memories, optical discs, or compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memories can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memories can be random access memories (RAM), which are used as external caches. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0252] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a first memory 703 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a first processor 702 of a first satellite 700 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned first satellite-side method. Another example is a second memory 803 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a second processor 802 of a second satellite 800 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned second satellite-side method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0253] For example, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that can be executed by a first processor 702 of a first satellite 700 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned first satellite-side method. Alternatively, the computer program can be executed by a second processor 802 of a second satellite 800 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned second satellite-side method.

[0254] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0255] In this document, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Furthermore, the term "one or more" in this document refers to any combination of at least two of any one or more elements. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can represent including any one or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0256] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0257] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a first satellite, the method includes: The first frame structure is determined based on the first information, which represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites. Within the set duration, one or more data frames are sent to the second satellite using the first frame structure.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The set length is determined based on one or more of the following factors of the communication link within the set duration: Data transmission duration; Delay; Bit error rate; Channel capacity.

4. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The step of sending one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set time period includes: Within the set duration, one or more data frames and one or more gap frames are transmitted to the second satellite using the first frame structure; wherein... The one or more gap frames are inserted into the one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

5. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission time of the one or more gap frames covers the time of the communication link interruption or abnormality.

6. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The insertion of one or more gap frames into one or more data frames includes: Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

7. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

8. The communication method according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the first frame structure, the frame header of each frame carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

9. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes the ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set time period.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second satellite, the method includes: Within a set time period, receive one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure; wherein, The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which characterizes the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within the set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The frame length of each frame in the first frame structure is a set length.

12. The communication method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first set length is determined based on one or more of the following for the communication link within the set duration: Data transmission duration; Delay; Bit error rate; Channel capacity.

13. The communication method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, Receiving one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period includes: Within the set duration, receive one or more data frames and one or more gap frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure; wherein, The one or more gap frames are inserted into the one or more data frames, and the gap frames are not used to transmit data, or the gap frames are used to transmit first data, which represents low-priority data and / or auxiliary data.

14. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The transmission time of the one or more gap frames covers the time of the communication link interruption or abnormality.

15. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The insertion of one or more gap frames into one or more data frames includes: Insert one or more gap frames at a set interval of a specified number of data frames.

16. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The gap frame carries a synchronization marker and / or a timestamp.

17. The communication method according to claim 13, characterized in that, In the first frame structure, the frame header of each frame carries second information, which is used to indicate whether the corresponding frame is a data frame or a gap frame.

18. The communication method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each frame in the first frame structure carries third information, which includes the ephemeris data of the first satellite within the set time period; When receiving one or more data frames transmitted by a first satellite using a first frame structure within a set time period, the method further includes: Based on the second information, adjust the antenna pointing of the second satellite.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The determining unit is used to determine the structure of the first frame based on the first information, wherein the first information represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first satellite and the second satellite. The transmitting unit is configured to transmit one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set time period.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The receiving unit is configured to receive one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using a first frame structure within a set time period; wherein, The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which characterizes the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within the set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

21. A first satellite, characterized in that, include: A first processor and a first communication interface; wherein... The first processor is configured to determine the structure of the first frame based on the first information, wherein the first information represents the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within a set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first satellite and the second satellite. The first communication interface is used to send one or more data frames to the second satellite using the first frame structure within the set time period.

22. A second satellite, characterized in that, include: A second processor and a second communication interface; wherein... The second communication interface is used to receive one or more data frames transmitted by the first satellite using the first frame structure within a set time period; wherein, The first frame structure is determined based on first information, which characterizes the link status of the communication link between the first satellite and the second satellite within the set time period, and the first information is predicted based on the ephemeris data of each of the first and second satellites.

23. A satellite, characterized in that, include: The processor and the memory used to store computer programs that can run on the processor. When the processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

24. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

25. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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