Satellite alignment method, terminal device, readable storage medium and chip

Abstract

The application provides a satellite alignment method, a terminal device, a readable storage medium and a chip, and relates to the technical field of satellite communication. The method is applied to the terminal device, and specifically comprises the following steps: determining an ephemeris prediction accuracy of ephemeris of a target satellite at a current time, the ephemeris being used to predict basic operating parameters of the target satellite, and the ephemeris prediction accuracy being used to represent an accuracy degree of the basic operating parameters predicted by the ephemeris; determining a satellite alignment angle of the terminal device, the satellite alignment angle being related to the ephemeris prediction accuracy; and controlling an antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite according to the satellite alignment angle. The technology provided in the embodiments of the application can use the corresponding satellite alignment angle to control the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite according to the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current time, so that the satellite alignment speed is relatively fast, the success rate of satellite alignment is improved, and a better user experience is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of satellite communication technology, and in particular to a satellite alignment method, terminal equipment, readable storage medium, and chip. Background Technology

[0002] When terrestrial networks are unavailable, terminal devices can connect to satellite networks for satellite communication. Before connecting to a satellite network, the terminal device needs to guide the user to adjust its orientation so that its antenna (the antenna used for satellite communication) is aligned with the target satellite, thereby enabling more efficient transmission and reception of satellite signals.

[0003] Typically, the terminal device predicts the target satellite's position based on pre-acquired ephemeris data. It then guides the user to adjust the device's attitude to align the antenna with the target satellite within a preset alignment angle. However, as the ephemeris prediction progresses, the error in the prediction increases. Therefore, to ensure a high success rate, the alignment angle set by the terminal device is usually small and fixed, such as ±15°. This makes each alignment operation more difficult for the user and results in a slower alignment speed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a satellite alignment method, terminal device, readable storage medium, and chip to solve the problem of slow satellite alignment speed in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a satellite alignment method applied to a terminal device. The method includes: determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy of a target satellite at the current moment, wherein the ephemeris is used to predict the basic operating parameters of the target satellite, and the ephemeris prediction accuracy is used to represent the accuracy of the predicted basic operating parameters; determining the alignment angle of the terminal device, which is related to the ephemeris prediction accuracy; and controlling the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite according to the alignment angle.

[0007] In this embodiment, the antenna refers to an antenna that receives and / or transmits satellite signals, and controlling the antenna to align with the target satellite means ensuring that the target satellite is within the scanning range of the antenna. For example, the ephemeris prediction accuracy can be high, medium, or low.

[0008] The satellite alignment method provided in this application can control the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite using the corresponding alignment angle based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment. This not only offers faster alignment speed but also improves the success rate of alignment, resulting in a better user experience. This satellite alignment method is applicable to various types of satellites, such as low Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites. The improvement effect of this method on the alignment process of LEO satellites is more significant compared to other types of satellites.

[0009] In some embodiments, higher ephemeris prediction accuracy corresponds to a larger star alignment angle. For example, the star alignment angle corresponding to high accuracy is greater than that corresponding to medium accuracy; the star alignment angle corresponding to medium accuracy is greater than that corresponding to low accuracy.

[0010] It's understandable that when ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, a larger alignment angle requires less user intervention, allowing users to quickly align the terminal device's antenna with the target satellite with simple adjustments. Conversely, when ephemeris prediction accuracy is low, a smaller alignment angle ensures the terminal device's antenna is aligned with the target satellite as much as possible, improving the alignment success rate. Furthermore, while a smaller alignment angle requires more user intervention, compared to some technologies where users need to perform multiple operations to align with the satellite, this method also increases the alignment speed, enabling rapid alignment with the target satellite.

[0011] In some embodiments, the ephemeris includes a valid time range, which includes a first valid time range and a second valid time range that do not overlap, and the first valid time range precedes the second valid time range. Based on this, the above-described determination of the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite includes: determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy as a first accuracy when the current time falls within the first valid time range; and determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy as a second accuracy when the current time falls within the second valid time range; wherein the first accuracy is higher than the second accuracy.

[0012] It should be noted that the prediction results of ephemeris have the characteristic of gradually diverging, and the degree of divergence increases as time goes on. Based on this feature, this application can accurately characterize the accuracy of ephemeris prediction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the star angle is also related to interference factors of the terminal device. Exemplary interference factors include at least one of the terminal device's position error, jitter, and magnetic interference.

[0014] The satellite alignment method provided in this application not only considers the impact of ephemeris prediction accuracy, but also the impact of interference factors such as terminal position error, terminal jitter and magnetic interference, which can determine a more suitable and accurate alignment angle, thereby achieving rapid alignment with the target satellite.

[0015] In some embodiments, determining the alignment angle of the terminal device includes: determining the alignment level based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy and interference factors; and determining the alignment angle based on the alignment level.

[0016] For example, based on the accuracy of ephemeris prediction, the satellite alignment level of the terminal equipment is determined to be Level 1; if the interference factors meet the first condition, the satellite alignment level is adjusted from Level 1 to Level 2; wherein, Level 1 is higher than Level 2, and the satellite alignment angle corresponding to Level 1 is greater than the satellite alignment angle corresponding to Level 2; if the interference factors meet the second condition, the satellite alignment level remains unchanged at Level 1.

[0017] For example, the first condition indicates that at least one interfering factor has an impact on the satellite alignment process, and the second condition indicates that none of the above interfering factors have an impact on the satellite alignment process, or that the impact is negligible.

[0018] The method provided in this embodiment can improve the robustness of satellite angle adjustment, reduce the calculation process of terminal equipment, and quickly determine the satellite angle, which helps to enable the antenna of the terminal equipment to be quickly aligned with the target satellite.

[0019] In some embodiments, the alignment angle is related to the antenna scanning angle, interference error angle, and ephemeris error angle of the terminal device; wherein, the antenna scanning angle is related to antenna capability, the interference error angle is related to interference factors, and the ephemeris error angle is related to ephemeris prediction accuracy. For example, antenna scanning angle = interference error angle + ephemeris error angle + alignment angle. This method can accurately calculate the alignment angle.

[0020] In some embodiments, controlling the antenna of a control terminal device to align with a target satellite according to the alignment angle includes: displaying an alignment area, the first parameter of which is related to the alignment angle; and guiding the user to align the antenna of the control terminal device with the target satellite according to the alignment area.

[0021] For example, the star-aligning region includes sectors, annular sectors, circles, polygons, and ellipses, etc., and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit its shape. It should be noted that the first parameter of the star-aligning region is the area of ​​the star-aligning region. Alternatively, the first parameter of the star-aligning region is positively correlated with the area of ​​the star-aligning region. For example, when the star-aligning region is sector-shaped, the first parameter is the sector angle; when the star-aligning region is annular sector-shaped, the first parameter is the annular sector angle; when the star-aligning region is circular, the first parameter is the diameter or radius of the circle; when the star-aligning region is polygonal, the first parameter is the side length of the polygon; when the star-aligning region is elliptical, the first parameter is the major axis or minor axis of the ellipse.

[0022] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the satellite alignment region in the terminal device's satellite alignment interface changes with the alignment angle; the larger the alignment angle, the larger the area of ​​the alignment region. It can be understood that a larger alignment region reduces the difficulty of satellite alignment operations, while a smaller alignment region helps the terminal device's antenna accurately align with the satellite. This method can improve both the alignment speed and the alignment success rate.

[0023] In other embodiments, controlling the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite based on the alignment angle includes: displaying an alignment area, wherein the first parameter used when displaying the alignment area is not related to the alignment angle (e.g., a fixed value), but the first parameter actually used when the alignment area is used to guide the user to align with the target satellite is related to the alignment angle; and guiding the user to control the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite based on the alignment area.

[0024] In this embodiment, the display area of ​​the satellite alignment region on the terminal device's satellite alignment interface is fixed and does not change with the alignment angle. However, during the control process of the terminal device, the actual area of ​​this alignment region is positively correlated with the alignment angle. This method, while maintaining a fixed display interface, can improve the alignment speed through internal control logic, resulting in a better user experience.

[0025] In some embodiments, before determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment, the method further includes: acquiring or updating the ephemeris of the target satellite when the terminal device is connected to a terrestrial network.

[0026] In some embodiments, before determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment, the method further includes: searching for positioning satellite signals in response to a first control operation; determining the current location information of the terminal device based on the positioning satellite signals; and determining the target satellite from a plurality of satellites included in the ephemeris based on the location information and the ephemeris.

[0027] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a terminal device, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method shown in the first aspect above.

[0028] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method shown in the first aspect above.

[0029] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, implements the method shown in the first aspect above.

[0030] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run by a terminal device, causes the terminal device to implement the method shown in the first aspect above.

[0031] It is understood that the beneficial effects of the second to fifth aspects mentioned above can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the present application providing an antenna scanning angle;

[0035] Figures 4-5 This is a schematic diagram of equipment control during the satellite preparation phase provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of equipment control during the satellite search phase provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of equipment control during the satellite alignment stage provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the attitude information of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of equipment control during the satellite connection phase provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite alignment method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite alignment method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 12 This application provides an embodiment of the accuracy statistics of satellite positions under different ephemeris prediction methods;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a method for determining the angle of a star provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the star-view angles corresponding to different ephemeris prediction accuracies provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the star-view angles corresponding to different ephemeris prediction accuracies provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite alignment method provided in yet another embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a method for determining the angle of a star provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 18 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the determination of star ratings provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite alignment device provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] It should be understood that in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0052] In this embodiment, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

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

[0054] Satellite communication refers to the technology of communication between radio communication stations on Earth using satellites as relay devices. These radio communication stations include wireless communication stations located on the ground and in the lower atmosphere, such as base stations. Satellite communication has advantages such as wide coverage, stable communication links, high transmission quality, high flexibility, support for multiple access communication, and immunity to natural disasters and weather conditions. It is particularly suitable for communication in areas such as oceans, deserts, grasslands, high mountains, and uninhabited areas where terrestrial communication is not covered, cannot be covered, or where terrestrial communication systems are damaged.

[0055] Based on satellite communication, operators can establish satellite networks. Satellite networks are an important supplement to terrestrial networks. Terrestrial networks include cellular networks and wireless local area networks (WLANs) (such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks). By integrating satellite and terrestrial networks, signal coverage can be improved regardless of terrain, connecting air, space, land, and sea to form an integrated ubiquitous access network, enabling on-demand access in all scenarios.

[0056] First, we will introduce the communication system that integrates satellite networks and terrestrial networks (such as cellular networks).

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided in one embodiment of this application. The communication system includes a first terminal device 100, a second terminal device 200, a satellite network 300, and a cellular network 400.

[0058] The first terminal device 100 supports satellite communication. In scenarios without a terrestrial network, it can directly connect to satellite 310 in the satellite network 300, reside on the satellite network 300, and communicate with the second terminal device 200 through the satellite network 300 and the cellular network 400. Optionally, the first terminal device 100 may also support other wireless communication functions, such as cellular communication and Wi-Fi communication.

[0059] The second terminal device 200 supports cellular communication and can communicate with the first terminal device 100 by connecting to the access network device 410 in the cellular network 400 and residing in the cellular network 400. It should be noted that the second terminal device 200 can also support satellite communication and communicate with the first terminal device 100 by residing in the satellite network 300. This embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first terminal device 100 and the second terminal device 200 can be mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, handheld computers, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), netbooks, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), augmented reality (AR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, artificial intelligence (AI) devices, wearable devices (e.g., smart bracelets), smart home devices, in-vehicle devices, and / or smart city devices, etc. This application embodiment does not impose any special limitations on the specific type of terminal device.

[0061] The satellite network 300 includes satellites 310, gateway stations 320, and satellite core network equipment 330, etc.

[0062] Satellite 310 can be of various types, and this application embodiment does not impose any limitations. For example, depending on the orbit type, satellite 310 includes low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites, or inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellites, etc., and this embodiment does not impose any specific limitations. Depending on the services provided, satellite 310 includes BeiDou satellites, Tiantong satellites, StarNet project satellites, Hongyan constellation satellites, etc.

[0063] Among them, Tiantong satellites are GEO communication satellites, providing stable voice calls, SMS, and medium-to-low speed data transmission services through fixed-point coverage at a high orbit of 36,000 kilometers. They are particularly suitable for maritime, remote areas, and disaster emergency communications. However, due to the limitations of their high orbit, the signal latency is relatively high (approximately 0.5 seconds). Beidou satellites are navigation satellites, employing a hybrid orbit architecture (including GEO, MEO, and IGSO orbits). Their core functions are precise positioning, navigation, and timing. Their short message communication mechanism allows users to send brief text messages (such as distress signals) when there is no terrestrial network, featuring low latency (milliseconds) and high reliability. The Xingwang project satellites and the Hongyan constellation satellites are LEO satellites, operating in low Earth orbit at an altitude of 500-2000 kilometers. They feature ultra-low latency (approximately 20-50 milliseconds) and high-speed broadband capabilities (hundreds of megabits to gigabits), supporting real-time video transmission, the Internet of Things, and future communications.

[0064] Gateway station 320 is a relay station connecting satellite 310 and satellite core network equipment 330. It is responsible for the distribution and collection of satellite communication service data, and also has functions such as network management and operation control. It can complete resource scheduling, system equipment management and user service management.

[0065] The satellite core network equipment 330 is mainly responsible for the connection, billing, mobility management and data distribution of satellite terminal equipment (such as the first terminal equipment 100).

[0066] Cellular network 400 includes access network equipment 410 and cellular core network equipment 420. Cellular core network equipment 420 and satellite core network equipment 330 can be collectively referred to as core network equipment. Access network equipment 410 is mainly used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control, and mobility management. Cellular core network equipment 420 includes functional units such as access and mobility management (AMF), session management (SMF), policy control (PCF), and operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM). These functional units can work independently or in combination to implement certain control functions. For example, AMF, SMF, and PCF can work together to complete access control and mobility management functions such as access authentication, security encryption, and location registration for terminal devices; session management functions such as establishing, releasing, and modifying user plane transmission paths; and functions for analyzing network slice-related data and terminal device-related data. In this embodiment, the core network equipment only needs to implement the above-mentioned network element functions. This embodiment does not restrict the specific network element deployment method in the core network equipment.

[0067] Understandable, Figure 1 The communication system shown is just an example. In some embodiments, the communication system may include more terminal devices or more base stations, etc., which is not limited here.

[0068] Based on the above communication system, the first terminal device 100 and the second terminal device 200 can communicate with each other. The communication path is: first terminal device 100—satellite 310—gateway station 320—satellite core network equipment 330—cellular core network equipment 420—access network equipment 410—second terminal device 200. See details. Figure 1Based on this communication path, the first terminal device 100 can send information to the second terminal device 200, such as call data, SMS messages (including text messages), etc. Similarly, the second terminal device 200 can also send information to the first terminal device 100 along the reverse communication path.

[0069] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in one embodiment of this application. The terminal device may include a processor 210, an external memory interface 220, an internal memory 221, a universal serial bus (USB) interface 230, a charging management module 240, a power management module 241, a battery 242, an antenna 1, an antenna 2, a mobile communication module 250, a wireless communication module 260, an audio module 270, a speaker 270A, a receiver 270B, a microphone 270C, a headphone jack 270D, a sensor module 280, buttons 290, a motor 291, an indicator 292, a camera 293, a display screen 294, and a subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 295, etc. The sensor module 280 may include a pressure sensor 280A, a gyroscope sensor 280B, a barometric pressure sensor 280C, a magnetic sensor 280D, an accelerometer sensor 280E, a distance sensor 280F, a proximity sensor 280G, a fingerprint sensor 280H, a temperature sensor 280J, a touch sensor 280K, an ambient light sensor 280L, a bone conduction sensor 280M, and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensor 280N, etc.

[0070] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of this application do not constitute a specific limitation on the terminal device. In other embodiments of this application, the terminal device 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. For example, when the terminal device is a mobile phone or a tablet computer, it may include all the components illustrated, or it may include only some of the components illustrated.

[0071] Processor 210 may include one or more processing units, such as application processor (AP), modem processor, graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), controller, memory, video codec, digital signal processor (DSP), baseband processor, and / or neural network processing unit (NPU). Different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0072] The controller can serve as the nerve center and command center of the terminal device. Based on the instruction opcode and timing signals, the controller generates operation control signals to control the fetching and execution of instructions.

[0073] The processor 210 may also include a memory for storing instructions and data. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 210 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the processor 210 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the processor 210 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can retrieve it directly from the memory. This avoids repeated accesses, reduces the waiting time of the processor 210, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0074] The external storage interface 220 can be used to connect an external storage card, such as a Micro SD card, to expand the storage capacity of the terminal device. The external storage card communicates with the processor 210 through the external storage interface 220 to perform data storage functions. For example, music, video, and other files can be saved on the external storage card.

[0075] Internal memory 221 can be used to store executable program code, including instructions. Processor 210 executes various functional applications and data processing of the terminal device by running the instructions stored in internal memory 221. Internal memory 221 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and at least one application program required for a given function (such as sound playback, image playback, etc.). The data storage area may store data created during the use of the terminal device (such as audio data, phonebook, etc.).

[0076] In addition, the internal memory 221 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, universal flash storage (UFS), etc.

[0077] USB port 230 is a USB standard compliant interface, which can be a Mini USB port, Micro USB port, USB Type-C port, etc. USB port 230 can be used to connect a charger to charge terminal devices, and can also be used for data transfer between terminal devices and peripheral devices. It can also be used to connect headphones for audio playback. This interface can also be used to connect other terminal devices, such as AR devices.

[0078] It is understood that the interface connection relationships between the modules illustrated in the embodiments of this application are merely illustrative and do not constitute a structural limitation on the terminal device. In other embodiments of this application, the terminal device may also employ different interface connection methods or combinations of multiple interface connection methods as described in the above embodiments.

[0079] The charging management module 240 receives charging input from a charger. The charger can be a wireless charger or a wired charger. In some wired charging embodiments, the charging management module 240 receives charging input from the wired charger via a USB interface 230. In some wireless charging embodiments, the charging management module 240 receives wireless charging input via the wireless charging coil of the terminal device. While charging the battery 242, the charging management module 240 can also supply power to the terminal device via the power management module 241.

[0080] The power management module 241 connects the battery 242, the charging management module 240, and the processor 210. The power management module 241 receives input from the battery 242 and / or the charging management module 240, providing power to the processor 210, internal memory 221, external memory, display 294, camera 293, and wireless communication module 260, etc. The power management module 241 can also monitor parameters such as battery capacity, battery cycle count, and battery health status (leakage current, impedance).

[0081] In some other embodiments, the power management module 241 may also be located within the processor 210. In other embodiments, the power management module 241 and the charging management module 240 may also be located in the same device.

[0082] The wireless communication function of the terminal device can be implemented through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 250, wireless communication module 260, modem processor, and baseband processor.

[0083] Antenna 1 and antenna 2 are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals. Each antenna in the terminal device 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.

[0084] The mobile communication module 250 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications including 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G on terminal devices. The mobile communication module 250 may include at least one filter, switch, power amplifier, low noise amplifier (LNA), etc. The mobile communication module 250 can receive electromagnetic waves via antenna 1, and perform filtering, amplification, and other processing on the received electromagnetic waves before transmitting them to a modem processor for demodulation. The mobile communication module 250 can also amplify the signal modulated by the modem processor and convert it into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 1.

[0085] The wireless communication module 260 can provide solutions for wireless communication applications on terminal devices, 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. The wireless communication module 260 can be one or more devices integrating at least one communication processing module. The wireless communication module 260 receives electromagnetic waves via antenna 2, performs frequency modulation and filtering of the electromagnetic wave signals, and sends the processed signal to processor 210. The wireless communication module 260 can also receive signals to be transmitted from processor 210, perform frequency modulation and amplification, and convert them into electromagnetic waves for radiation via antenna 2.

[0086] In some embodiments, antenna 1 of the terminal device is coupled to mobile communication module 250, and antenna 2 is coupled to wireless communication module 260, enabling the terminal device to communicate with networks and other devices via wireless communication technology. Wireless communication technologies may include Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time-Division Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), BT, GNSS, WLAN, NFC, FM, and / or IR technologies, etc.

[0087] GNSS can 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).

[0088] In this embodiment, the terminal device can implement the shooting function through an ISP, camera 293, video codec, GPU, display screen 294, and application processor.

[0089] The ISP is used to process the data fed back by the camera 293. In some embodiments, the ISP may be located in the camera 293.

[0090] Camera 293 is used to capture still images or videos. In some embodiments, the terminal device may include one or N cameras 293, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0091] The display screen 294 is used to display images, videos, etc. For example, the teaching videos and user action video in this embodiment of the application. The display screen 294 includes a display panel. The display panel can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a Miniled LED, a MicroLED, a Micro-OLED, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. In some embodiments, the terminal device may include one or N display screens 294, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0092] In this embodiment, the terminal device can implement audio functions through an audio module 270, a speaker 270A, a receiver 270B, a microphone 270C, a headphone jack 270D, and an application processor.

[0093] The audio module 270 is used to convert digital audio signals into analog audio signals for output, and also to convert analog audio inputs into digital audio signals. The audio module 270 can also be used for encoding and decoding audio signals. In some embodiments, the audio module 270 may be located in the processor 210, or some functional modules of the audio module 270 may be located in the processor 210.

[0094] The speaker 270A, also known as a "loudspeaker," is used to convert audio electrical signals into sound signals. Terminal devices can listen to music or hands-free calls through the speaker 270A. For example, the speaker can play the comparison analysis results provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0095] The receiver 270B, also known as the "earpiece," is used to convert audio electrical signals into sound signals. When a terminal device answers a phone call or voice message, the receiver 270B can be brought close to the user's ear to hear the voice.

[0096] Microphone 270C, also known as a "microphone" or "voice transducer," is used to convert sound signals into electrical signals. When making a phone call or sending a voice message, the user can speak by bringing their mouth close to microphone 270C, inputting the sound signal into microphone 270C. Terminal devices can be equipped with at least one microphone 270C.

[0097] The headphone jack 270D is used to connect wired headphones. The headphone jack 270D can be a USB 230 interface or a 3.5mm Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) standard interface, a CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association of the USA) standard interface.

[0098] Pressure sensor 280A is used to sense pressure signals and can convert the pressure signals into electrical signals. In some embodiments, pressure sensor 280A may be disposed on display screen 294. The terminal device may also calculate the touch position based on the detection signal of pressure sensor 280A.

[0099] The gyroscope sensor 280B can be used to determine the motion posture of the terminal device. In some embodiments, the gyroscope sensor 280B can determine the angular velocity of the terminal device about three axes (i.e., the x, y, and z axes). When the user holds the terminal device, the gyroscope sensor 280B detects the jitter of the terminal device.

[0100] The barometric pressure sensor 280C is used to measure air pressure. In some embodiments, the terminal device calculates altitude using the air pressure value measured by the barometric pressure sensor 280C to assist in positioning and navigation.

[0101] The magnetic sensor 280D includes a Hall sensor. In this embodiment, the terminal device can use the magnetic sensor 280D to detect the magnetic field strength of the environment surrounding the terminal device.

[0102] The 280E accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in various directions (typically three axes) of a terminal device. When the terminal device is stationary, it can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity. It can also be used to identify the attitude of the terminal device, and is applicable to screen orientation switching, pedometers, and other applications.

[0103] A distance sensor 280F is used to measure distance. The terminal device can measure distance via infrared or laser. In some embodiments, during a shooting scene, the terminal device can utilize the distance sensor 280F to measure distance for rapid focusing.

[0104] The proximity sensor 280G can include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) and a light detector, such as a photodiode. Terminal devices can use the proximity sensor 280G to detect when a user holds the device close to their ear during a call, automatically turning off the screen to save power. The proximity sensor 280G can also be used in holster mode and pocket mode for automatic unlocking and locking of the screen.

[0105] The ambient light sensor 280L is used to detect ambient light intensity. The terminal device can adaptively adjust the brightness of its display 294 based on the detected ambient light intensity. The ambient light sensor 280L can also be used to automatically adjust white balance when taking photos. The ambient light sensor 280L can also work with the proximity sensor 280G to detect whether the terminal device is in a pocket, preventing accidental touches.

[0106] The fingerprint sensor 280H is used to collect fingerprints. Terminal devices can use the collected fingerprint characteristics to achieve fingerprint unlocking, app access lock, fingerprint photography, fingerprint answering of calls, etc.

[0107] Temperature sensor 280J is used to detect temperature. In some embodiments, the terminal device uses the temperature detected by temperature sensor 280J to execute a temperature processing strategy.

[0108] The touch sensor 280K, also known as a "touch panel," can be located on the display screen 294. The touch sensor 280K and the display screen 294 together form a touch screen. The touch sensor 280K is used to detect touch operations applied to or near it.

[0109] The bone conduction sensor 280M can acquire vibration signals. In some embodiments, the bone conduction sensor 280M can acquire vibration signals from vibrating bone segments in the human vocal cords. The bone conduction sensor 280M can also contact the human pulse to receive blood pressure signals. In some embodiments, the bone conduction sensor 280M can also be incorporated into headphones to form bone conduction headphones.

[0110] The GNSS sensor 280N can receive radio signals from multiple navigation satellites (such as GPS satellites, BeiDou satellites, etc.) and output high-precision location information based on these signals.

[0111] Buttons 290 include a power button, volume buttons, etc. Buttons 290 can be mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons. The terminal device can receive button input and generate signal inputs related to user settings and function control of the terminal device.

[0112] Motor 291 can generate vibration alerts. Motor 291 can be used for incoming call vibration alerts or for touch vibration feedback.

[0113] Indicator 292 can be an indicator light, which can be used to indicate charging status, power changes, messages, missed calls, notifications, etc.

[0114] The SIM card interface 295 is used to connect a SIM card. The SIM card can be inserted into or removed from the SIM card interface 295 to achieve contact and separation with the terminal device. The terminal device can support one or N SIM card interfaces, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. The SIM card interface 295 can support Nano SIM cards, Micro SIM cards, and other SIM cards.

[0115] Based on the communication system and equipment structure provided in the above embodiments, when the first terminal device 100 is in an area where ground communication is not covered, cannot be covered, or the ground communication system is damaged, such as desert, grassland, high mountain, or uninhabited area, it can connect to the satellite network 300 and send information to the second terminal device 200 through the satellite network 300.

[0116] The process of the first terminal device 100 connecting to the satellite network 300 is described in detail below. Since this process does not involve the second terminal device 200, for ease of description, the first terminal device 100 will be referred to as the terminal device below.

[0117] For ease of description, the basic concepts and terms involved in the embodiments of this application will first be introduced. It should be noted that the following description is intended for explanation and illustration, and not for limitation.

[0118] (1) Ephemeris

[0119] Ephemeris is used to predict the basic operational parameters of at least one satellite within a predetermined timeframe (e.g., the next 7 days or 14 days). For example, basic operational parameters include the satellite's orbital elements, position, velocity, and perturbation correction parameters. Additionally, the ephemeris carries time parameters such as a reference time and a validity period. The reference time is the base time or starting time for the ephemeris prediction, and the validity period is the validity period of the ephemeris prediction (e.g., 7 days or 14 days).

[0120] It should be noted that the predictions from ephemeris gradually diverge; that is, the error in the ephemeris predictions increases with each subsequent reference time. Furthermore, the error in the ephemeris predictions will increase significantly after the ephemeris expires.

[0121] (2) Antenna scanning angle

[0122] Antenna scanning angle refers to the angle by which the direction of the antenna's main beam in space deviates relative to a reference direction (such as the direction of the antenna array normal). In this embodiment, positive and negative angles are used to represent the maximum angle by which the antenna's main beam deflects left or right or up or down relative to the reference direction.

[0123] For example Figure 3As shown, ±60° represents the maximum angle of left and right deflection of the main antenna beam relative to the normal direction of the antenna array. Here, +60° represents the maximum right deflection angle of 60° of the main antenna beam relative to the normal direction of the antenna array, and -60° represents the maximum left deflection angle of 60° of the main antenna beam relative to the normal direction of the antenna array. The total coverage area is 120°.

[0124] The following section describes the process of establishing a connection between terminal equipment and satellite networks, based on the aforementioned basic concepts and terminology.

[0125] In this embodiment, the process of establishing a connection between the terminal device and the satellite network includes a preparation phase, satellite search, satellite alignment, and satellite connection. Details are as follows.

[0126] (I) Preparation Stage

[0127] In this embodiment, the terminal device needs to enable satellite communication service and perform device calibration before connecting to the satellite network.

[0128] Regarding the activation of satellite communication services, see [link to relevant documentation] in some embodiments. Figure 4 As shown in (a) to (d), in response to user actions on the "Settings" application, the terminal device displays a settings interface, which includes a "Satellite Networks" option. In response to user actions on the "Satellite Networks" option, the terminal device displays a "Tiantong Satellite Communication" control. In response to user actions on the "Tiantong Satellite Communication" control, the terminal device displays a control for enabling Tiantong satellite communication. In response to user actions on this control, the terminal device enables the Tiantong satellite communication service.

[0129] After enabling the Tiantong satellite communication service, terminal devices require calibration, which involves adjusting the parameters of the device's built-in sensors (such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers) to ensure the accuracy of their measurement data. See [example example] for a sample. Figure 5 As shown, the terminal device displays the prompt message "Til the device to its maximum to complete the calibration" to guide the user to tilt the phone to calibrate the device's built-in sensors, ensuring accurate satellite alignment in the future.

[0130] In some embodiments, if the terminal device determines that calibration is not required, the terminal device may also perform a satellite search in response to a user's control operation to enable the Tiantong satellite communication service.

[0131] (II) Satellite Search

[0132] Satellite search refers to searching for signals from positioning satellites, such as signals from BeiDou or GPS satellites. Based on the searched satellite signals, the terminal device can determine its own location (e.g., latitude and longitude). For ease of description, this embodiment refers to the terminal device's location as the terminal location, and the satellite's location will be referred to as the satellite location thereafter.

[0133] In some embodiments, see Figure 6 As shown, the terminal device displays a satellite search interface and prompts the user to stay in an open area to avoid obstructing the satellite signal by indicating that "try to be in an open area outdoors to avoid foreign objects blocking the line of sight." Simultaneously, the terminal device continuously scans for satellite signals using its antenna to determine its location.

[0134] After determining its location, the terminal device can use ephemeris data to identify a suitable communication satellite (i.e., the target satellite) for alignment and connection. Taking the Tiantong satellite communication service providing users with three communication satellites as an example, the ephemeris is used to predict the basic operating parameters of these three satellites within a preset future timeframe, including their positions. Based on the terminal's location and the satellite positions, the terminal device can then identify the target satellite from these three communication satellites for alignment and connection; for example, it can choose the Tiantong satellite closest to the terminal device as the target satellite for alignment and connection.

[0135] (III) Satellite Alignment

[0136] Satellite alignment refers to adjusting the azimuth and elevation angles of an antenna to point it essentially at the target satellite for receiving / transmitting signals. This antenna is used for satellite communication. After determining the target satellite based on ephemeris data, the terminal device can guide the user to adjust the device's attitude according to the target satellite's position, ensuring that the terminal device's antenna is aligned with the target satellite.

[0137] For example, the terminal device guides the user to align the terminal device's antenna with the target satellite via a satellite alignment interface. See also Figure 6 As shown, the satellite alignment interface includes at least a satellite icon, a satellite alignment guide fan, a small ball, and satellite alignment prompts. The satellite icon indicates the azimuth angle of the target satellite relative to the terminal device; its position on the alignment interface changes as the azimuth angle is adjusted. The satellite alignment guide fan indicates the scanning range of the satellite signal that the antenna in the terminal device can receive. This fan angle is typically a fixed value, such as 30°. The position of the small ball indicates the elevation angle of the terminal device relative to the target satellite. The satellite alignment prompts guide the user on how to adjust the device's attitude. In addition, the satellite alignment interface may include other content, such as signal strength information and a close control, which will not be elaborated here.

[0138] In some embodiments, the terminal device first guides the user to adjust the device's azimuth angle, and then guides the user to adjust the pitch angle. For example Figure 7 As shown in (a), when the satellite icon is located to the left of the alignment guide fan, the terminal device displays the alignment prompt message "Turn the phone to the left to bring the satellite into the fan area." After the user turns the device to the left and controls the satellite icon to enter the alignment guide fan, the first terminal device completes the azimuth adjustment, and then the terminal device guides the user to adjust the pitch angle. For example, see [link to example]. Figure 7 As shown in (b), when the ball is below the sector area, the terminal device displays the satellite alignment prompt message "Til your phone upwards to move the ball to the center area." After the user tilts the phone upwards to move the ball to the center area, the terminal device's pitch angle adjustment is completed, and satellite alignment is finished.

[0139] It should be noted that the attitude information of the terminal device can be represented by the azimuth angle α, pitch angle β, and roll angle γ, i.e., (α, β, γ). Here, the azimuth angle α, pitch angle β, and roll angle γ represent the angles of rotation of the terminal device around the Z-axis, X-axis, and Y-axis of the sensor coordinate system, respectively. See also Figure 8 As shown, for most terminal devices, the origin of the sensor coordinate system is the center of the terminal device's screen. The X-axis points vertically from the left side to the right side of the terminal device, the Y-axis points vertically from the bottom side to the top side, and the Z-axis points vertically upwards from the screen. The sensor coordinate system is a three-axis coordinate system used by the terminal device's sensor frame to display sensor data. These three axes are objectively existent, set based on the natural orientation of the terminal device, and will not change due to changes in the device's position or angle.

[0140] (iv) Connecting to satellites

[0141] After the terminal device's antenna is aligned with the target satellite, the terminal device can establish a communication link with the target satellite. During the establishment of the communication link, the terminal device can prompt the user to maintain the device's attitude through a first prompt message. For example, see... Figure 9 As shown, the first prompt message is "Connecting" and "Aimed at satellite, please ensure there are no buildings or trees obstructing this direction." After a successful connection, the terminal device displays a second prompt message, which, for example, includes "Connection successful, maintain current handheld posture to avoid significant shifts." Additionally, the terminal device displays applications that support satellite communication, such as messaging and calling applications. Users can use these applications to conduct satellite communication. For example, the messaging application can be used to send satellite text messages, and the calling application can be used to make satellite calls.

[0142] In summary, through the above content (I) to (IV), the terminal device can connect to the satellite and conduct satellite communication.

[0143] However, it's important to note that the error in ephemeris predictions increases progressively with each subsequent ephemeris date. Therefore, to ensure a high success rate during satellite alignment, the required alignment angle for the terminal device is typically small and fixed, for example, ±15°. This results in a high level of manual alignment skill required each time the user performs a fan-shaped alignment based on the guidance, necessitating precise adjustments to the device's attitude each time, leading to greater difficulty and slower alignment speed.

[0144] Furthermore, ephemeris divergence becomes particularly severe near the end of its validity period, leading to greater errors in ephemeris predictions. Therefore, in some cases, even if the user adjusts the device's attitude according to the terminal's instructions near this end, the terminal's antenna may not actually be aligned with the target satellite, resulting in a failed satellite connection. In other words, with severe ephemeris divergence, it becomes difficult for the user to successfully align the terminal's antenna with the satellite using a fixed-angle alignment guide fan.

[0145] Therefore, this application provides a satellite alignment method that can control the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite using different alignment angles based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite. This method not only has a faster alignment speed but also improves the success rate of alignment and provides a better user experience.

[0146] Next, the satellite alignment method provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0147] Figure 10 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a satellite alignment method provided in one embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 10 As shown, the method includes the following steps S1001 to S1003.

[0148] S1001, The terminal equipment determines the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment. The ephemeris is used to predict the basic operating parameters of the target satellite, and the ephemeris prediction accuracy is used to indicate the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction of the basic operating parameters.

[0149] In some embodiments, ephemeris prediction accuracy includes high accuracy, medium accuracy, and low accuracy. It should be noted that the embodiments of this application do not limit the classification of ephemeris prediction accuracy; ephemeris prediction accuracy can also be divided into more or fewer levels, for example, including first accuracy to fifth accuracy.

[0150] For example, the terminal device can determine the ephemeris prediction accuracy based on how close the current time is to the ephemeris's start time. Specifically, within the ephemeris's validity period, the closer the current time is to the ephemeris's start time, the higher the ephemeris prediction accuracy; the farther the current time is from the ephemeris's start time, the lower the ephemeris prediction accuracy.

[0151] S1002, the terminal device determines the alignment angle, which is related to the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction.

[0152] In some embodiments, the star-alignment angle is related to the ephemeris prediction accuracy, and the higher the ephemeris prediction accuracy, the larger the star-alignment angle. Based on this, the terminal device can pre-set the correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and star-alignment angle. After determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy, the terminal device can determine the star-alignment angle according to this correspondence.

[0153] In other embodiments, the star alignment angle is related to both ephemeris prediction accuracy and interference factors, including at least one of terminal position error, terminal jitter, and magnetic interference. Specifically, higher ephemeris prediction accuracy results in a larger star alignment angle; greater interference factors lead to a smaller star alignment angle. Therefore, the terminal device can first determine the star alignment angle based on a comprehensive consideration of ephemeris prediction accuracy and interference factors.

[0154] S1003, the terminal equipment controls the antenna of the terminal equipment to align with the target satellite according to the satellite alignment angle.

[0155] In some embodiments, the terminal device displays a satellite alignment area on the satellite alignment interface based on the alignment angle, and guides the user to align the antenna of the terminal device with the target satellite based on the alignment area. For example, the area of ​​the alignment area is positively correlated with the alignment angle.

[0156] In other embodiments, the terminal device displays a satellite alignment area on the satellite alignment interface. The displayed area of ​​this alignment area is independent of the alignment angle, but the actual area of ​​the alignment area is determined based on the alignment angle. Based on the alignment area, the terminal device guides the user to align the terminal device's antenna with the target satellite.

[0157] The method provided in this application allows the terminal device to determine the corresponding alignment angle based on different ephemeris prediction accuracies during satellite alignment. For example, a larger alignment angle is determined when the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high. A larger alignment angle requires less user intervention, allowing the user to quickly align the terminal device's antenna with the target satellite with simple adjustments. Conversely, a relatively smaller alignment angle is determined when the ephemeris prediction accuracy is low. A smaller angle ensures that the terminal device's antenna is aligned with the target satellite as closely as possible, improving the alignment success rate. Furthermore, while a smaller alignment angle requires more user intervention, it also increases the alignment speed compared to some technologies where multiple attempts by the user may fail to achieve alignment, allowing for faster alignment with the target satellite.

[0158] The satellite alignment method provided in this application embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to examples.

[0159] Figure 11This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite alignment method provided in another embodiment of this application. See also Figure 11 As shown, this method is applied to a terminal device and specifically includes the following steps S1101 to S1107.

[0160] S1101, The terminal device acquires ephemeris data when connected to a terrestrial network.

[0161] Typically, satellite communication service providers regularly update ephemeris data on cloud servers, and some websites also update it periodically. Based on this, when connected to a terrestrial network, terminal devices can obtain or update the corresponding ephemeris data from the operator's server or some websites. For example, they can obtain new ephemeris data from the operator's server at preset intervals (e.g., every hour, every day) to update their local ephemeris. Alternatively, they can obtain new ephemeris data from the operator's server when the ephemeris is about to expire or after it has expired to update their local ephemeris. This application does not limit the timing or method by which the terminal device obtains ephemeris data.

[0162] Normally, when the ground network is unavailable, the terminal device aligns itself with the target satellite through steps S1102 to S1107, thereby connecting to the satellite network for satellite communication. Of course, when the ground network is available, the terminal device can also connect to and use satellite communication, for example, to send an emergency distress signal via satellite.

[0163] S1102, The terminal device receives a user control operation, which is used to control the activation of satellite communication services.

[0164] For example, the user control operation can be... Figure 4 The operation of the "Enable Tiantong Satellite Communication" control shown in (d) is as follows. In response to this user control operation, the terminal device enables the Tiantong satellite communication service.

[0165] In some embodiments, during the process of a terminal device activating satellite communication services, related functions such as WLAN and mobile data will be disabled, and related services will be unavailable. After the terminal device exits satellite communication services, related functions such as WLAN and mobile data will be automatically restored.

[0166] S1103, the terminal device searches for and locates satellite signals to determine its own location information and identifies the target satellite.

[0167] In some embodiments, in response to a first control operation, the terminal device searches for positioning satellite signals (e.g., BeiDou satellite signals) and determines its current location based on these signals. Subsequently, the terminal device parses the ephemeris to obtain the reference time and current position of each satellite. Finally, based on its location and the current positions of the satellites, the terminal device can determine the target satellite from among the multiple satellites. See the preceding text for details; further elaboration is omitted here.

[0168] It should be noted that different ephemeris formats typically require different parsing methods. For example, two-line elements (TLE) ephemeris uses the simplified general perturbations 4 (SGP4) algorithm, GPS broadcast satellites use the 16-parameter parsing method, GLONASS broadcast ephemeris uses the Chebyshev polynomial parsing method, and precise ephemeris uses the standard product 3 (SP3) format parsing method, etc.

[0169] S1104, the terminal device determines whether the ephemeris is within its validity period.

[0170] As described above, the ephemeris reference time includes the reference time (denoted as T0) and the validity period (denoted as delT). Therefore, the validity period of the ephemeris is (T0, T0+delT). Taking the current time of the terminal device as T as an example, when T is within (T0, T0+delT), the ephemeris of the terminal device is within its validity period.

[0171] In some embodiments, the terminal device can determine whether the ephemeris is within its validity period based on expression (1).

[0172] isValid=T0+delT-T>0:True? False (1)

[0173] According to expression (1), when T0+delT-T>0, the ephemeris is within its validity period. However, when T0+delT-T cannot satisfy >0, the ephemeris is not within its validity period, that is, the ephemeris has expired.

[0174] When ephemeris data is outdated, terminal devices are typically unable to update it due to the unavailability of terrestrial networks. In such cases, although the predictions based on ephemeris data may have significant errors, the terminal device can still attempt satellite alignment, but the likelihood of successful alignment is low.

[0175] If the ephemeris is valid, the terminal device performs satellite alignment according to the following steps S1105 to S1107.

[0176] S1105, The terminal device determines the ephemeris prediction accuracy at the current moment.

[0177] As described above, as the distance from the reference time T0 increases, the ephemeris prediction results will diverge, meaning the error of the ephemeris prediction results will become larger and larger.

[0178] The following sections explain the divergence of ephemeris prediction results using the J2 method or the high precision orbit propagator (HPOP) method. The J2 method employs over-numerical integration combined with the J2 perturbation model to recursively extrapolate the satellite's basic operational parameters over time. HPOP is an orbit prediction method based on numerical integration and a complex perturbation model, used for high-precision simulation of the orbital evolution of satellites or other spacecraft.

[0179] For example, for a satellite with an orbital altitude of 1100km, Figure 12 A set of accuracy statistics for satellite position prediction using the J2 and HPOP methods is presented. Figure 12 It can be seen that, regardless of whether the J2 method or the HPOP method is used for satellite position prediction, the predicted distance error increases with the distance from the reference time T0. Therefore, the terminal equipment can determine the ephemeris prediction accuracy based on the difference between the current time T and the reference time T0.

[0180] In some embodiments, based on the effective time range of the ephemeris, if the current time T is within a first effective time range, the ephemeris prediction accuracy is determined to be a first accuracy; if the current time T is within a second effective time range, the ephemeris prediction accuracy is determined to be a second accuracy; wherein, if the first effective time range is before the second effective time range, the first accuracy is higher than the second accuracy.

[0181] For example, the terminal device can determine the time range of T based on the difference |diff| between the current time T and the reference time T0, and then determine different flag bits. Different flag bits are used to represent different ephemeris prediction accuracies.

[0182] For example, taking ephemeris prediction accuracy as including high, medium, and low accuracy, the terminal device can determine the ephemeris prediction accuracy using formula (2). Formula (2) is as follows:

[0183]

[0184] In formula (2), flag is a flag indicating the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction. flag = 0 indicates high accuracy, flag = 1 indicates medium accuracy, and flag = 1 indicates low accuracy. threshold1, threshold2, and threshold3 represent threshold 1, threshold 2, and threshold 3, respectively. For example, threshold1 = 2 days, threshold2 = 7 days, and threshold3 = 14 days.

[0185] In this embodiment, the terminal device can configure different thresholds for satellites with different orbital altitudes and different ephemeris prediction methods. This is because the divergence rate of ephemeris prediction results varies under different prediction methods. The faster the ephemeris prediction results diverge, the greater the satellite position error. The greater the satellite position error, the greater the error angle (called the alignment error angle) it brings to the satellite alignment process. Furthermore, for the same satellite position error, the higher the satellite's orbital altitude, the smaller the alignment error angle caused by the satellite position error; while the lower the orbital altitude, the greater the alignment error angle caused by the position error.

[0186] For example, see Figure 12 As shown, the ephemeris obtained using the J2 method exhibits greater divergence than that obtained using the HPOP method. At the same time T distance from the reference time T0, the satellite position predicted by the J2 method has a larger error than that predicted by the HPOP method.

[0187] For example, for low-Earth orbit satellites at an altitude of 1100km, as shown in Table 1, as the satellite position error increases from ±10km to ±100km, the alignment error angle also gradually increases from ±0.5° to ±5°.

[0188] Table 1. Angles of alignment errors caused by different satellite position errors.

[0189] Position error of a satellite at an orbital altitude of 1100km Star alignment error angle ±10km ±0.5° ±20km ±1° ±40km ±2° ±60km ±3° ±100km ±5°

[0190] Therefore, the terminal device can combine the satellite's orbital altitude and ephemeris prediction method to determine the relevant thresholds for ephemeris prediction accuracy, such as the thresholds 1 to 3 mentioned above.

[0191] In some embodiments, referring to Table 1, if the ephemeris corresponding to the alignment error angle of (0°, 1°) is set as a high-precision ephemeris, the ephemeris corresponding to the alignment error angle of (1°, 3°) is set as a medium-precision ephemeris, and the ephemeris corresponding to the alignment error angle of (3°, 5°) is set as a low-precision ephemeris, then for a target satellite with an orbital altitude of 1100km and an ephemeris validity period of 14 days, when the ephemeris prediction method is the J2 method, threshold1 = 3000min, threshold2 = 9500min, and threshold3 = 16000min. When the ephemeris prediction method is the HPOP method, threshold1 = 4000min, threshold2 = 11900min, and threshold3 = 18000min.

[0192] S1106, the terminal equipment determines the star angle based on the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction.

[0193] It is understandable that different antennas have different scanning angles. For example, a narrow-beam antenna can cover ±15°, while a wide-beam antenna can cover ±(60°~80°). This scanning angle is determined by the antenna's capability and is usually a fixed value.

[0194] During satellite alignment, in order to ensure that the satellite's position is within the antenna scanning angle, the antenna scanning angle must be able to cover the alignment error angle caused by the ephemeris prediction error (referred to as the ephemeris error angle).

[0195] In some embodiments, see Figure 13 As shown, the antenna scanning angle includes the ephemeris error angle and the alignment angle. Therefore, the alignment angle can be determined by formula (3).

[0196] ±B=± (AC) (3)

[0197] Where ±A is the antenna scanning angle, ±B is the star alignment angle, and ±C is the ephemeris error angle.

[0198] It should be noted that there is a preset correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and ephemeris error angle. For example, this correspondence is shown in Table 2 or Table 3. After determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy, the terminal device can determine the ephemeris error angle by looking up this correspondence.

[0199] Table 2. Correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and ephemeris error angle 1

[0200] Ephemeris Prediction Accuracy Ephemeris Error Angle High precision ±1° Medium precision ±5° low precision ±10°

[0201] Table 3. Correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and ephemeris error angle 2

[0202] Ephemeris Prediction Accuracy Ephemeris Error Angle High precision ±3° Medium precision ±10° low precision ±20°

[0203] In some embodiments, the antenna scanning angle of the terminal device is ±30°, and the correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and ephemeris error angle is shown in Table 2. In this case, the alignment angles corresponding to different ephemeris prediction accuracies are as follows:

[0204] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, the ephemeris error angle is ±1°, and the star angle = ±(30°-1°) = ±29°.

[0205] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is medium, the ephemeris error angle is ±5°, and the star angle = ±(30°-5°) = ±25°.

[0206] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is low, the ephemeris error angle is ±10°, and the star angle = ±(30°-10°) = ±20°.

[0207] In other embodiments, the antenna scanning angle of the terminal device is ±60°, and the correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and ephemeris error angle is shown in Table 3. In this case, the alignment angles corresponding to different ephemeris prediction accuracies are as follows:

[0208] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, the ephemeris error angle is ±3°, and the star angle = ±(60°-3°) = ±57°.

[0209] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is medium, the ephemeris error angle is ±10°, and the star angle = ±(60°-10°) = ±50°.

[0210] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is low, the ephemeris error angle is ±20°, and the star angle = ±(60°-20°) = ±40°.

[0211] S1107, the terminal equipment guides the user to align the antenna of the terminal equipment with the target satellite based on the satellite alignment angle.

[0212] In some embodiments, the terminal device displays a satellite alignment area on the satellite alignment interface and guides the user to adjust the attitude of the terminal device according to the satellite alignment area in order to control the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite.

[0213] For example, the star-aligning region includes sectors, fan-shaped rings, circles, polygons, and ellipses. The polygon can be a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, etc. This application does not impose specific limitations on the shape of the star-aligning region. A fan-shaped ring (also called a sector ring) is a special geometric shape, consisting of a circle partially obscured by a sector. The angle of this sector is the angle of the fan-shaped ring. When the star-aligning region is a fan-shaped ring, the angle of the fan-shaped ring is related to the star-aligning angle; for example, the angle of the fan-shaped ring may be the same as the star-aligning angle.

[0214] It should be noted that the first parameter of the star-aligned region is positively correlated with the star-alignment angle; that is, the larger the star-alignment angle, the larger the first parameter. Here, the first parameter is the area of ​​the star-aligned region. Alternatively, the first parameter is positively correlated with the area of ​​the star-aligned region. For example, when the star-aligned region is fan-shaped, the first parameter is the fan-shaped angle; when the star-aligned region is an annular fan-shaped region, the first parameter is the annular fan-shaped angle; when the star-aligned region is circular, the first parameter is the diameter or radius of the circle; when the star-aligned region is polygonal, the first parameter is the side length of the polygon; and when the star-aligned region is elliptical, the first parameter is the major or minor axis of the ellipse.

[0215] The following example illustrates the process of a terminal device displaying the satellite alignment area on the satellite alignment interface and guiding the user to adjust the terminal device's attitude based on the alignment area, thereby controlling the terminal device's antenna to align with the target satellite.

[0216] For example Figure 14 As shown in (a) to (c), for an antenna with a scanning angle of ±30°, the satellite alignment angles are ±29°, ±25° and ±20° when the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, medium and low, respectively. Based on this, the fan-shaped angles in the satellite alignment interface are ±29°, ±25° and ±20°, respectively.

[0217] For example Figure 15 As shown in (a) to (c), for an antenna with a scanning angle of ±60°, the satellite alignment angles are ±57°, ±50° and ±40° when the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, medium and low, respectively. Based on this, the fan-shaped angles in the satellite alignment interface are ±57°, ±50° and ±40°, respectively.

[0218] In other embodiments, a satellite alignment area is displayed, and the first parameter used when displaying the satellite alignment area is not related to the satellite alignment angle, while the first parameter actually used when guiding the user control terminal device to align with the target satellite is related to the satellite alignment angle; based on the satellite alignment area, the antenna of the user control terminal device is guided to align with the target satellite.

[0219] Taking a sector-shaped alignment area as an example, the angle of the sector-shaped alignment displayed on the satellite alignment interface of the terminal device is a fixed angle (e.g., ±15°), which is independent of the magnitude of the alignment angle. However, during the control process of the terminal device, the actual angle of this sector-shaped alignment is equal to the alignment angle. Based on the actual angle of the sector-shaped alignment, the terminal device guides the user to align the antenna of the terminal device with the target satellite.

[0220] With the satellite alignment method provided in this application, when aligning with a target satellite, the terminal device can determine the corresponding alignment angle based on different ephemeris prediction accuracies. For example, when the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, a larger alignment angle is determined, and when the ephemeris prediction accuracy is low, a relatively smaller alignment angle is determined, guiding the user to control the antenna of the terminal device to quickly align with the target satellite.

[0221] Figure 16 This is a schematic flowchart of a satellite alignment method provided in another embodiment of this application. See also Figure 16 As shown, this method is applied to a terminal device and specifically includes the following steps S1601 to S1608.

[0222] S1601, The terminal device obtains ephemeris data when connected to a terrestrial network.

[0223] S1602, The terminal device receives a user control operation, which is used to control the activation of satellite communication services.

[0224] S1603, the terminal device searches for and locates satellite signals to determine its own location information and identifies the target satellite.

[0225] S1604, the terminal device determines whether the ephemeris is within its validity period.

[0226] S1605, The terminal device determines the ephemeris prediction accuracy.

[0227] For details regarding S1601 to S1605, please refer to S1101 to S1105; they will not be repeated here.

[0228] S1606, The terminal equipment determines the magnitude of the interference factor.

[0229] Satellite alignment is affected not only by the accuracy of ephemeris predictions, but also by interference factors such as terminal position errors, terminal jitter, and magnetic interference from the terminal equipment. The terminal equipment can determine the magnitude of these interference factors through the following process.

[0230] (1) Terminal position error

[0231] During the satellite search process before satellite alignment, the terminal device can determine not only its location information but also the error in that location information, which is called the terminal position error. For example, the terminal device can be positioned using a GNSS sensor, which can receive radio signals from multiple navigation satellites (such as GPS satellites, BeiDou satellites, etc.) and output location information and the terminal position error based on these signals.

[0232] (2) Terminal jitter

[0233] It is understandable that during the process of a user's handheld terminal device controlling the antenna to align with a target satellite, the terminal device will typically experience a certain degree of jitter. The terminal device can detect its attitude angle using sensors and determine the rate of change of that angle. For example, these sensors may include one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. This rate of change represents the magnitude of the terminal's jitter.

[0234] (3) Magnetic interference

[0235] During the alignment process with a target satellite, terminal equipment may experience magnetic interference due to factors such as magnetic components of the equipment, its metal casing, surrounding magnetic objects, surrounding metallic objects, and geomagnetic anomalies, which can affect the alignment process. To address this, the terminal equipment can use magnetic sensors to measure the ambient magnetic field strength and, based on its location information, determine the geomagnetic field strength at its current location using a global geomagnetic field model. For example, the global geomagnetic field model can be the World Magnetic Model (WMM) or the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which includes the correspondence between geographical location and geomagnetic field strength. The difference between the detected ambient magnetic field strength and the geomagnetic field strength represents the magnitude of the magnetic interference.

[0236] S1607, the terminal equipment determines the alignment angle based on the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction and the magnitude of interference factors.

[0237] During satellite alignment, to ensure the satellite's orientation is within the antenna scanning angle, the antenna scanning angle must be able to cover the influence of various factors. Based on this, the terminal device can comprehensively determine the alignment angle by considering the accuracy of ephemeris prediction, as well as the impact of interference factors such as magnetic interference, terminal jitter, and terminal device location on the satellite alignment process.

[0238] In some embodiments, see Figure 17 As shown, the antenna scanning angle includes the ephemeris error angle, the interference error angle, and the alignment angle. Therefore, the alignment angle = ±(antenna scanning angle - ephemeris error angle - interference error angle). There is a pre-defined correspondence between the ephemeris prediction accuracy and the ephemeris error angle, as detailed above, and will not be repeated here. The interference error angle refers to the error angle caused by interference factors, which can be determined based on the specific impact of the interference factors.

[0239] Regarding terminal position error: For satellites at different orbital altitudes, the terminal equipment can pre-set the correspondence between different distance errors and the resulting position error angles, and determine the position error angle corresponding to the current distance error of the terminal equipment based on this correspondence.

[0240] Regarding terminal jitter: The terminal device can preset the correspondence between the rate of change of different attitude angles and the jitter error angle. Based on this, the terminal device can use sensors to measure the rate of change of the current attitude angle and find the mapping relationship to determine the jitter error angle.

[0241] Regarding magnetic interference: The terminal device can pre-set the correspondence between different magnetic interference intensities and magnetic interference error angles. Based on this, the terminal device can first determine the magnetic interference intensity, which is equal to the difference between the ambient magnetic field strength and the geomagnetic field strength at the current location. After determining the current magnetic interference intensity, the magnetic interference error angle can be determined according to this correspondence.

[0242] In summary, the interference error angle = position error angle + jitter error angle + magnetic interference error angle.

[0243] Taking a terminal device with a wide-beam antenna having a scanning range of ±60° as an example, and with the relationship between ephemeris prediction accuracy and ephemeris error angle as shown in Table 3, and an interference error angle of ±10°, the corresponding alignment angles for different ephemeris prediction accuracies are as follows:

[0244] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is high, the ephemeris error angle is ±3°, and the star angle = ±(60°-10°-3°) = ±47°.

[0245] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is medium, the ephemeris error angle is ±10°, and the star angle = ±(60°-10°-10°) = ±40°.

[0246] When the ephemeris prediction accuracy is low, the ephemeris error angle is ±20°, and the star angle = ±(60°-10°-20°) = ±30°.

[0247] In other embodiments, the terminal device determines its alignment level based on the accuracy of ephemeris prediction and interference factors, and determines its alignment angle based on the alignment level. A preset correspondence exists between the alignment level and the alignment angle.

[0248] For example, see Figure 18 As shown:

[0249] First, the terminal device determines its satellite alignment level to be Level 1 based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy. There is a preset correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and satellite alignment level. Taking ephemeris prediction accuracy as an example, which includes high, medium, and low accuracy, this correspondence is illustrated in Table 4. In Table 4, the alignment levels decrease sequentially from Level A to Level C.

[0250] Table 4. Correspondence between ephemeris prediction accuracy and star class

[0251] Ephemeris Prediction Accuracy Star rating High precision Grade A Medium precision Level B low precision Grade C

[0252] Subsequently, if the interference factor meets the first condition, the satellite alignment level will be adjusted from level one to level two. The first condition indicates that at least one interference factor affects the satellite alignment process. In other words, if at least one of the following—terminal position error, terminal jitter, or magnetic interference—affects the satellite alignment process, the terminal equipment will adjust the satellite alignment level from level one to level two, where level one is higher than level two. For example, the terminal equipment may lower the satellite alignment level from level A to level B, or from level B to level C, or from level A to level C.

[0253] Furthermore, if the interference factors of the terminal equipment meet the second condition, the satellite alignment level will remain unchanged at Level 1. The second condition indicates that none of the aforementioned interference factors have any impact on the satellite alignment process, or their impact is negligible. In other words, if terminal position error, terminal jitter, and magnetic interference have no impact on the satellite alignment process, or their impact is negligible, the satellite alignment level will remain unchanged at Level 1 (e.g., Level A).

[0254] It should be noted that the terminal equipment can also choose to lower the first level by one or more levels, thus obtaining the second level, depending on the number of interference factors affecting the satellite alignment process. That is, there can be one or more levels between the first and second levels. For example, when only one interference factor affects the satellite alignment process, the terminal equipment will lower the alignment level from level A to level B. When multiple interference factors affect the satellite alignment process, the terminal equipment will lower the alignment level from level A to level C.

[0255] In addition, if the first level is the lowest level in the satellite alignment (such as level C), then even if there are interfering factors that affect satellite alignment, the first level can still be maintained.

[0256] In this embodiment, for example, the impact of interference factors on the satellite alignment process can be determined by the following method.

[0257] (1) If the terminal position error is greater than the distance threshold, then the terminal position error is determined to have an impact on the satellite alignment process. Conversely, if the distance is less than or equal to the distance threshold (e.g., 1 km), then the terminal equipment is determined to have no impact on the satellite alignment process, or the impact is negligible.

[0258] (2) If the rate of change of the terminal device's attitude angle is greater than the rate of change threshold, it indicates that the terminal jitter has an impact on the satellite alignment process. Conversely, if the rate of change is less than or equal to the rate of change threshold, it indicates that the terminal jitter has no impact on the satellite alignment process or that the impact is negligible.

[0259] (3) If the magnetic interference intensity is greater than the magnetic field strength threshold, it is determined that the terminal device has magnetic interference. Conversely, if the deviation between the detected environmental magnetic field intensity and the preset Earth magnetic field model is less than or equal to the magnetic field strength threshold, it is determined that the terminal device does not have magnetic interference, or the magnetic interference can be ignored.

[0260] Based on the above process, after determining the satellite alignment level, the terminal device can determine the corresponding guidance angle by finding the correspondence between the satellite alignment level and the satellite alignment angle. In one example, the satellite alignment relationship between the satellite alignment level and the satellite alignment angle is shown in Table 5. According to this correspondence, if the satellite alignment level determined by the terminal device is level B, then the corresponding satellite alignment angle is ±40°.

[0261] Table 5. Correspondence between star level and star angle

[0262] Star rating Angle of stars Grade A ±50° Level B ±40° Grade C ±25°

[0263] S1608: The terminal equipment guides the user to align the antenna of the terminal equipment with the target satellite based on the alignment angle.

[0264] It should be noted that S1608 is specifically shown in S1107, and will not be repeated here.

[0265] The satellite alignment method provided in this application not only considers the impact of ephemeris prediction accuracy, but also the impact of interference factors such as terminal position error, terminal jitter and magnetic interference. This improves the robustness of the satellite alignment interface to changes in the star angle, enabling the determination of a more suitable and accurate star angle, thereby achieving rapid alignment with the target satellite.

[0266] It should be noted that, due to the low orbital altitude of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, their positional errors have a significant impact on the satellite alignment process. Furthermore, LEO satellite signals are greatly affected by human body obstruction (e.g., 10 dB). Therefore, the satellite alignment method provided in this application significantly improves the alignment process for LEO satellites and can substantially increase their satellite velocity. In addition, the satellite alignment method provided in this application is also applicable to other satellites, such as geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites.

[0267] It should be understood that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0268] Based on the same concept, as an implementation of the above method, this application provides a satellite alignment device. This satellite alignment device embodiment corresponds to the aforementioned method embodiment. For ease of reading, this device embodiment will not repeat the details of the aforementioned method embodiment one by one, but it should be clear that the device in this embodiment can correspondingly implement all the contents of the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0269] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of a satellite alignment device provided in one embodiment of this application. See also... Figure 19 As shown, the satellite alignment device 1900 includes an ephemeris acquisition module 1901, a first determination module 1902, a second determination module 1903, a third determination module 1904, and a satellite alignment control module 1905. The functions of each module are as follows.

[0270] The ephemeris acquisition module 1901 is an optional module used to acquire or update the ephemeris of the target satellite when the terminal device is connected to a terrestrial network (such as WLAN or cellular network).

[0271] The first determining module 1902 is an optional module, used in response to a first control operation to search for positioning satellite signals; determine the current location information of the terminal device based on the positioning satellite signals; and determine the target satellite from a plurality of satellites included in the ephemeris based on the location information.

[0272] The second determining module 1903 is used to determine the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current time. The ephemeris is used to predict the basic operating parameters of the target satellite, and the ephemeris prediction accuracy is used to indicate the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction of the basic operating parameters.

[0273] The third determining module 1904 is used to determine the alignment angle of the terminal device with the star, which is related to the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction. For example, the higher the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction, the larger the alignment angle.

[0274] The satellite alignment control module 1905 is used to control the antenna of the terminal equipment to align with the target satellite according to the satellite alignment angle.

[0275] Optionally, the ephemeris includes a valid time range, which includes a first valid time range and a second valid time range that do not overlap, and the first valid time range precedes the second valid time range. Based on this, the second determining module 1903 is used to determine the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current time, including: determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy as a first accuracy when the current time falls within the first valid time range; and determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy as a second accuracy when the current time falls within the second valid time range; wherein the first accuracy is higher than the second accuracy.

[0276] Optionally, the star angle is also related to interference factors of the terminal equipment. For example, such interference factors include at least one of the terminal equipment's position error, jitter, and magnetic interference.

[0277] Based on this, the third determining module 1904 is used to determine the alignment angle of the terminal device, specifically including: determining the alignment level based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy and interference factors; and determining the alignment angle based on the alignment level. For example, it is used to determine the alignment level of the terminal device as the first level based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy; if the interference factors meet the first condition, the alignment level is adjusted from the first level to the second level; wherein the first level is higher than the second level, and the alignment angle corresponding to the first level is greater than the alignment angle corresponding to the second level; if the interference factors meet the second condition, the alignment level is kept unchanged at the first level.

[0278] Alternatively, the third determining module 1904 is used to determine the star alignment angle based on the correlation between the star alignment angle and the antenna scanning angle, interference error angle, and ephemeris error angle of the terminal equipment; wherein, the antenna scanning angle is related to the antenna capability, the interference error angle is related to the interference factors, and the ephemeris error angle is related to the ephemeris prediction accuracy.

[0279] Optionally, the satellite alignment control module 1905 is used to control the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite based on the satellite alignment angle. Specifically, this includes: displaying an alignment area, where a first parameter of the alignment area is related to the satellite alignment angle. Alternatively, the first parameter used when displaying the alignment area may not be related to the satellite alignment angle, but the first parameter actually used to guide the user control terminal device to align with the target satellite is related to the satellite alignment angle. Subsequently, the user control terminal device's antenna is guided to align with the target satellite based on the satellite alignment area.

[0280] This application also provides a terminal device, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the satellite alignment method shown in the above embodiments.

[0281] This application also provides a chip, see [link to example]. Figure 20 As shown, the chip includes a processor and a memory, in which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the satellite alignment method in the above embodiments.

[0282] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the satellite alignment method provided in the above embodiments.

[0283] This application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when run by a terminal device, enables the terminal device to implement the satellite alignment method provided in the above embodiments.

[0284] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0285] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0286] In the embodiments provided in this application, the division of each framework or module is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple frameworks or modules may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0287] Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing module, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be integrated into one module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0288] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0289] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0290] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A satellite alignment method, characterized in that, Applied to a terminal device, the method includes: Determine the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment, wherein the ephemeris is used to predict the basic operating parameters of the target satellite, and the ephemeris prediction accuracy is used to indicate the accuracy of the basic operating parameters predicted by the ephemeris. Determine the alignment angle of the terminal device with the star, wherein the alignment angle is related to the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction; Based on the stated alignment angle, the antenna of the terminal device is controlled to align with the target satellite.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The star alignment angle is related to the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction, including: the higher the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction, the larger the star alignment angle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ephemeris includes a valid time range, which includes a first valid time range and a second valid time range that do not overlap, wherein the first valid time range is located before the second valid time range. The determination of the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite includes: If the current time falls within a first valid time range, the ephemeris prediction accuracy is determined to be a first accuracy. If the current time falls within the second valid time range, the ephemeris prediction accuracy is determined to be the second accuracy; wherein the first accuracy is higher than the second accuracy.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The alignment angle is also related to interference factors of the terminal device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interference factors include at least one of the following: position error of the terminal device, jitter, and magnetic interference.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Determining the satellite alignment angle of the terminal device includes: The star level is determined based on the accuracy of the ephemeris prediction and the interference factors. The star alignment angle is determined based on the star alignment level.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The determination of the star class based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy and the interference factors includes: Based on the ephemeris prediction accuracy, the satellite alignment level of the terminal device is determined to be Level 1; If the interference factor meets the first condition, the star alignment level is adjusted from the first level to the second level; wherein the first level is higher than the second level, and the star alignment angle corresponding to the first level is greater than the star alignment angle corresponding to the second level; If the interference factor meets the second condition, the star level remains unchanged at the first level.

8. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The alignment angle is related to the antenna scanning angle, interference error angle, and ephemeris error angle of the terminal device. The antenna scanning angle is related to the antenna capability, the interference error angle is related to the interference factor, and the ephemeris error angle is related to the ephemeris prediction accuracy.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The step of controlling the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite according to the satellite alignment angle includes: The star-aligned region is displayed, and the first parameter of the star-aligned region is related to the star-aligned angle. Based on the target satellite region, the user is guided to align the antenna of the terminal device with the target satellite.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The step of controlling the antenna of the terminal device to align with the target satellite according to the satellite alignment angle includes: The satellite alignment area is displayed, and the first parameter used when displaying the satellite alignment area is not related to the satellite alignment angle. However, the first parameter used when the satellite alignment area is used to guide the user to align with the target satellite is related to the satellite alignment angle. Based on the target satellite region, the user is guided to align the antenna of the terminal device with the target satellite.

11. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that, The star-targeting region includes fan-shaped, fan-ring-shaped, circular, polygonal, and elliptical regions.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first parameter is the area of ​​the star-pairing region, or the first parameter is positively correlated with the area of ​​the star-pairing region.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Before determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment, the method further includes: When the terminal device is connected to a terrestrial network, it acquires or updates the ephemeris of the target satellite.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, Before determining the ephemeris prediction accuracy of the target satellite at the current moment, the method further includes: In response to the first control operation, search for and locate satellite signals; The current location information of the terminal device is determined based on the positioning satellite signal; The target satellite is determined from a plurality of satellites included in the ephemeris based on the location information and the ephemeris.

15. A terminal device, characterized in that, The method includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run by a terminal device, causes the terminal device to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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