Satellite access method and apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present application are a satellite access method and apparatus, which are applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: a terminal device acquiring the current attitude data, the current location data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data and the current occlusion data of the terminal device, wherein the current ephemeris data comprises ephemeris data of M satellites, M being an integer greater than 0; on the basis of the current attitude data, the current location data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data and the current occlusion data, searching for a target satellite among the M satellites, and determining first attitude data, wherein the first attitude data is a first angle at which the terminal device communicates with the target satellite; and on the basis of the first attitude data, accessing the target satellite. By means of the present application, it is possible to access a satellite when the satellite moves at a high speed, thereby reducing the transmission delay.

Description

A satellite access method and apparatus

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410917934.5, filed on July 9, 2024, entitled "A Satellite Access Method and Apparatus", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a satellite access method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, satellite communication has become one of the main communication methods. Existing satellite communication technologies primarily focus on geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite communication systems, which can provide services to any location within the coverage area of ​​a GEO satellite. Because GEO satellites are far from the Earth's surface, a single GEO satellite can cover almost an entire hemisphere, resulting in limited data transmission capacity and high latency. To improve data transmission capacity and reduce latency, future satellite communication systems will primarily feature two characteristics: large-scale constellations and high-gain antennas. For future large-scale constellations, ground-based terminal equipment can simultaneously view multiple low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Although LEO satellites are closer to the Earth than GEO satellites, they are moving at high speeds relative to Earth. The position of an LEO satellite will change from the moment a terminal equipment is pointed at it. Therefore, how to access satellites while they are moving at high speeds is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a satellite access method and apparatus that can enable satellite access even when the satellite is moving at high speed, thereby reducing transmission latency.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access method, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, including:

[0006] The terminal device acquires its current attitude data, current location data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data. The current ephemeris data includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0007] Based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data, a target satellite is searched among the M satellites, and first attitude data is determined. The first attitude data is the first angle at which the terminal device communicates with the target satellite.

[0008] Based on the first attitude data, the target satellite is accessed.

[0009] After acquiring the terminal device's current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data, the terminal device searches for the target satellite among M satellites and determines the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite by integrating the data from the different sources. This facilitates rapid satellite search and enhances the terminal device's competitiveness. Then, based on the first angle, access to the target satellite can improve the communication quality between the terminal device and the target satellite, which is beneficial for subsequent satellite access when the satellite is moving at high speed and reduces transmission latency.

[0010] In one possible design, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted based on the first angle; then, access to the target satellite is achieved based on the adjusted communication angle. Adjusting the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite improves the communication quality between them, facilitating satellite access even when the satellite is moving at high speeds and reducing transmission latency.

[0011] In another possible design, it is determined whether access to the target satellite was successful. By determining whether access to the target satellite was successful, the terminal device can determine whether to synchronize with the target satellite and establish a data link. This facilitates satellite access even when the satellite is in high-speed motion, reducing transmission latency.

[0012] In another possible design, if access to the target satellite is successful, synchronization with the target satellite is performed, and a data link is established; or, if access to the target satellite fails, but access to the first satellite among the M satellites (excluding the target satellite) is successful, synchronization with the first satellite is performed, and a data link is established; or, if access to the target satellite fails, and no satellite among the M satellites is accessed, the target satellite is searched again, and the first attitude data is determined. If satellite access is successful, the terminal device synchronizes with the satellite and establishes a data link, enabling successful satellite access even when the satellite is moving at high speed, reducing transmission latency; if satellite access fails, the terminal device searches for the target satellite again, which helps avoid the terminal device being stuck in a long waiting time due to the inability to access the satellite.

[0013] In another possible design, a timer is started after the first attitude data is determined; it is then determined whether access to the target satellite is successful within the timer's runtime. This helps ensure the effectiveness of the current target satellite and avoids the terminal device being stuck in a long waiting time due to the inability to access the satellite.

[0014] In another possible design, a baseband signal is received from the target satellite, the baseband signal including first ephemeris data of the target satellite; based on the first ephemeris data, the current ephemeris data is updated; based on the updated current ephemeris data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted. By updating the current ephemeris data, the terminal device can adjust the communication angle between itself and the target satellite in real time, which helps to improve the communication quality between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0015] In another possible design, second attitude data is determined based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data. This second attitude data represents the second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite. If the second attitude data differs from the first attitude data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted based on the second angle. By determining whether the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite has been adjusted, the communication quality between them can be improved, which is beneficial for subsequent satellite access even when the satellite is moving at high speeds, thus reducing transmission latency.

[0016] In another possible design, before searching for the target satellite among the M satellites, it is determined whether access to any one of the M satellites was successful; if access to any one of the M satellites was unsuccessful, then the target satellite among the M satellites is searched. This competition mechanism between searching for and accessing satellites helps reduce the satellite acquisition latency of the terminal device.

[0017] In another possible design, the first attitude data includes a first yaw angle, a first pitch angle, and a first roll angle. This facilitates adjusting the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite, thereby improving the communication quality between them.

[0018] In another possible design, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination. The first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle, and probability, while the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle, and occlusion loss. This allows the terminal device to integrate data from different sources, search for the target satellite, and determine the first attitude data, thereby completing rapid satellite search and enhancing the competitiveness of the terminal device.

[0019] In another possible design, an attitude adjustment interface is displayed, including a first indicator graphic determined based on the first attitude data. This helps guide the user to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite, thereby improving the communication quality between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access method, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in the terminal device, including:

[0021] The terminal device acquires its current attitude data, current location data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data. The current ephemeris data includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0022] If the second satellite among the M satellites is successfully accessed before the target satellite is searched, then the third attitude data is determined based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data. The third attitude data is the third angle for the terminal device to communicate with the second satellite.

[0023] Based on the third angle, the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite is adjusted.

[0024] Before searching for the target satellite among M satellites, if the terminal device successfully connects to the second satellite among the M satellites, it achieves successful connection to the second satellite even when the satellite is moving at high speed, which helps reduce transmission latency and satellite acquisition latency. By combining data from different sources such as the terminal device's current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data, a third angle for communication between the terminal device and the second satellite is determined. Then, based on the third angle, the terminal device's angle is adjusted, which can improve the communication quality between the terminal device and the second satellite.

[0025] In one possible design, synchronization with the second satellite is achieved, and a data link is established. This enables satellite access even when the satellite is in high-speed motion, which helps reduce transmission latency.

[0026] In another possible design, baseband signals from the second satellite are received, including the second ephemeris data of the second satellite; the current ephemeris data is updated based on the second ephemeris data; and the third attitude data is determined based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data. By updating the current ephemeris data, the terminal device can adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite in real time, which helps to improve the communication quality between the terminal device and the second satellite.

[0027] In one possible design, the third attitude data includes a third yaw angle value, a third pitch angle value, and a third roll angle value. This facilitates adjusting the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite, thereby improving the communication quality between the terminal device and the second satellite.

[0028] In one possible design, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination. The first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle, and probability, while the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle, and occlusion loss. This allows the terminal device to integrate data from different sources to determine third attitude data, thereby adjusting the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite and improving the communication quality between them.

[0029] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access device, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in a terminal device, including:

[0030] The sensor module is used to acquire the current attitude data of the terminal device.

[0031] The positioning module is used to obtain the current location data of the terminal device.

[0032] The antenna pattern module is used to acquire the current antenna pattern data of the terminal device.

[0033] The ephemeris module, connected to the positioning module, is used to obtain the current ephemeris data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes the ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0034] An occlusion module, connected to the positioning module, is used to obtain the current occlusion data of the terminal device.

[0035] The satellite-finding module is connected to the sensor module, the positioning module, the antenna pattern module, the ephemeris module, and the occlusion module, respectively. It is used to search for the target satellite among the M satellites and determine the first attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current occlusion data. The first attitude data is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0036] The baseband module, connected to the satellite-finding module, is used to access the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

[0037] In one possible design, the satellite-finding module is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the first angle; the baseband module is further configured to access the target satellite based on the adjusted communication angle.

[0038] In another possible design, the baseband module is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite is successful.

[0039] In another possible design, the baseband module is further configured to synchronize with the target satellite and establish a communication link if access to the target satellite is successful; or, the baseband module is further configured to synchronize with the first satellite (excluding the target satellite) and establish a communication link if access to the target satellite fails but access to the first satellite among the M satellites is successful; or, the baseband module is further configured to send a first indication message to the satellite-finding module if access to the target satellite fails and no access to any of the M satellites is achieved, wherein the first indication message is used to instruct the re-search for the target satellite and determine the first attitude data.

[0040] In another possible design, the baseband module is also used to send a first prompt message to the satellite-finding module, the first prompt message being used to indicate whether the access to the target satellite was successful or failed.

[0041] In another possible design, the satellite access device further includes a timer; the timer, connected to the satellite-finding module, is used to start after the first attitude data is determined; the baseband module is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite is successful within the timer's running time range.

[0042] In another possible design, the baseband module is further configured to receive a baseband signal from the target satellite, the baseband signal including first ephemeris data of the target satellite; the satellite-finding module is further configured to receive the first ephemeris data from the baseband module and update the current ephemeris data based on the first ephemeris data; the satellite-finding module is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the updated current ephemeris data.

[0043] In another possible design, the satellite-finding module is further configured to determine second attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data, wherein the second attitude data is a second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite; the satellite-finding module is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the second angle if the second attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data.

[0044] In another possible design, the baseband module is further configured to determine whether access to any one of the M satellites is successful before the satellite-finding module searches for the target satellite among the M satellites; the baseband module is further configured to send a second indication message to the satellite-finding module if access to any one of the M satellites is not successful, the second indication message being used to indicate the search for the target satellite among the M satellites.

[0045] In another possible design, the first attitude data includes a first yaw angle value, a first pitch angle value, and a first roll angle value.

[0046] In another possible design, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination, wherein the first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

[0047] The operation and beneficial effects of the satellite access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0048] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access device, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in a terminal device, including:

[0049] The sensor module is used to acquire the current attitude data of the terminal device.

[0050] The positioning module is used to obtain the current location data of the terminal device.

[0051] The antenna pattern module is used to acquire the current antenna pattern data of the terminal device.

[0052] The ephemeris module, connected to the positioning module, is used to obtain the current ephemeris data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes the ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0053] An occlusion module, connected to the positioning module, is used to obtain the current occlusion data of the terminal device.

[0054] The baseband module is used to determine third attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data if the second satellite among the M satellites is successfully accessed before searching for the target satellite among the M satellites. The third attitude data is the third angle for the terminal device to communicate with the second satellite.

[0055] The satellite-finding module is used to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite based on the third angle.

[0056] In one possible design, the baseband module is also used to synchronize with the second satellite and establish a data link.

[0057] In another possible design, the baseband module is further configured to receive a baseband signal from the second satellite, the baseband signal of the second satellite including the second ephemeris data of the second satellite; the satellite-finding module is further configured to update the current ephemeris data based on the second ephemeris data; the satellite-finding module is further configured to determine the third attitude data according to the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data.

[0058] In one possible design, the third attitude data includes a third yaw angle value, a third pitch angle value, and a third roll angle value.

[0059] In one possible design, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination, wherein the first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

[0060] The operation and beneficial effects of the satellite access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0061] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access device, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in a terminal device, including:

[0062] Sensors are used to acquire the current attitude data of terminal devices.

[0063] The processor is configured to acquire the current location data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0064] The processor is further configured to search for a target satellite among the M satellites and determine first attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current occlusion data. The first attitude data is the first angle at which the terminal device communicates with the target satellite.

[0065] The baseband chip is used to access the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

[0066] In one possible design, the processor is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the first angle; the baseband chip is further configured to access the target satellite based on the adjusted communication angle.

[0067] In another possible design, the baseband chip is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite is successful.

[0068] In another possible design, the baseband chip is further configured to synchronize with the target satellite and establish a communication link if access to the target satellite is successful; or, the baseband chip is further configured to synchronize with the first satellite (other than the target satellite) and establish a communication link if access to the target satellite fails but access to the first satellite among the M satellites is successful; or, the baseband chip is further configured to send a first indication message to the processor if access to the target satellite fails and no access to any of the M satellites is achieved, the first indication message being used to instruct a re-search for the target satellite and determination of the first attitude data.

[0069] In another possible design, the baseband chip is also used to send a first prompt message to the processor, the first prompt message being used to indicate whether the access to the target satellite was successful or failed.

[0070] In another possible design, the satellite access device further includes a timer; the timer, connected to the processor, is used to start after the first attitude data is determined; the baseband chip is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite is successful within the timer's running time range.

[0071] In another possible design, the baseband chip is further configured to receive a baseband signal from the target satellite, the baseband signal including first ephemeris data of the target satellite; the processor is further configured to receive the first ephemeris data from the baseband chip, update the current ephemeris data based on the first ephemeris data; and the processor is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the updated current ephemeris data.

[0072] In another possible design, the processor is further configured to determine second attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current occlusion data, wherein the second attitude data is a second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite; the processor is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the second angle if the second attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data.

[0073] In another possible design, the baseband chip is further configured to determine whether access to any one of the M satellites is successful before the processor searches for the target satellite among the M satellites; the baseband chip is further configured to send a second indication message to the processor if access to any one of the M satellites is not successful, the second indication message being used to indicate the search for the target satellite among the M satellites.

[0074] In another possible design, the first attitude data includes a first yaw angle value, a first pitch angle value, and a first roll angle value.

[0075] In another possible design, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination, wherein the first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

[0076] The operation and beneficial effects of the satellite access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the first aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access device, which is applied to a terminal device, or a chip or circuit configured in a terminal device, including:

[0078] Sensors are used to acquire the current attitude data of terminal devices.

[0079] The processor is configured to acquire the current location data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0080] The baseband chip is used to determine third attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data if the second satellite among the M satellites is successfully connected before searching for the target satellite among the M satellites. The third attitude data is the third angle for the terminal device to communicate with the second satellite.

[0081] The processor is also configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite based on the third angle.

[0082] In one possible design, the baseband chip is also used to synchronize with the second satellite and establish a data link.

[0083] In another possible design, the baseband chip is further configured to receive a baseband signal from the second satellite, the baseband signal of the second satellite including second ephemeris data of the second satellite; the processor is further configured to receive the second ephemeris data from the baseband chip and update the current ephemeris data based on the second ephemeris data; the processor is further configured to determine the third attitude data according to the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current occlusion data.

[0084] In one possible design, the third attitude data includes a third yaw angle value, a third pitch angle value, and a third roll angle value.

[0085] In one possible design, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination, wherein the first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

[0086] The operation and beneficial effects of the satellite access device can be found in the method and beneficial effects described in the second aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access device, which includes one or more processors. The one or more processors are used to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect described above.

[0088] In one possible design, the satellite access device may further include an interface circuit, wherein the processor is used to communicate with other devices or components through the interface circuit.

[0089] In one possible design, the satellite access device may further include at least one memory. The at least one memory is used to store part or all of the computer program or instructions necessary to implement the functions involved in the first aspect above. The one or more processors can execute the computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed, cause the communication device to implement the methods in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect above.

[0090] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access system, which includes a sensor module, a positioning module, an antenna pattern module, an ephemeris module, an obstruction module, a satellite search module, and a baseband module. The sensor module acquires the current attitude data of the terminal device; the positioning module acquires the current position data of the terminal device; the antenna pattern module acquires the current antenna pattern data of the terminal device; the ephemeris module acquires the current ephemeris data of the terminal device, which includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0; the obstruction module acquires the current obstruction data of the terminal device; the satellite search module searches for a target satellite among the M satellites and determines first attitude data based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data, where the first attitude data is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite; and the baseband module accesses the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

[0091] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a satellite access system capable of performing the method described in the first aspect. The functions of this satellite access system can be implemented in hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the aforementioned functions. The system can be software and / or hardware.

[0092] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program that, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first aspects to be implemented.

[0093] In one aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including a computer program, which, when executed, causes the method described in any one of the first aspects to be implemented.

[0094] In a twelfth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip including at least one processor and a communication interface for communicating with external or internal devices, the at least one processor being used to implement the methods of the above aspects.

[0095] In one possible design, the chip may further include a memory storing computer programs or instructions, which the processor executes, either from the stored computer programs or instructions or derived from other programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, the processor implements the methods described in the preceding aspects.

[0096] In another possible design, the chip can be integrated into a satellite access system or satellite access device. Attached Figure Description

[0097] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0098] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the satellite access method of this application embodiment;

[0099] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the posture adjustment of a terminal device;

[0100] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a satellite access system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a satellite access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a terminal-side coordinate system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of occlusion data provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an attitude data conversion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0105] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a satellite access device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0107] The following explanations of some of the terms used in this application are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0108] (1) Starlink: is a high-speed internet access service that SpaceX plans to launch through a low-Earth orbit satellite network to provide global coverage.

[0109] (2) Solution space: refers to the set of all possible solutions.

[0110] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0111] It should be understood that in the description of this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. In addition, the words "first," "second," etc., unless otherwise stated, are used only for the purpose of distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0112] It should be understood that in the description of this application, the indication includes direct indication (also known as explicit indication) and implicit indication. Direct indication information A refers to information A being included; implicit indication information A refers to information A being indicated through the correspondence between information A and information B, and the direct indication information B. The correspondence between information A and information B can be predefined, pre-stored, pre-burned, or pre-configured.

[0113] It should be understood that, in the description of this application, information C is used to determine information D, including both situations where information D is determined solely based on information C and situations where it is determined based on information C and other information. Furthermore, information C can also be used to determine information D indirectly, for example, where information D is determined based on information E, and information E is determined based on information C.

[0114] Furthermore, in this application, "Module A sends information A to Module B" can be understood as Module B being the destination of information A or an intermediate module in the transmission path between the destination and module B, which may include sending information directly or indirectly to module B. Similarly, "Module B receives information A from Module A" can be understood as Module A being the source of information A or an intermediate module in the transmission path between the source and module A, which may include receiving information directly or indirectly from module A. Information may undergo necessary processing, such as format changes, between the source and destination, but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be interpreted in a similar way and will not be elaborated further here.

[0115] The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to communication systems such as non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite communication systems.

[0116] The communication system may include satellite base stations, ground stations, and terminal-type network elements. Satellite base stations provide communication services to terminal devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other similar devices. The satellite base station transmits downlink data to the terminal devices, which can be encoded using channel coding. The channel-coded downlink data is then modulated by constellation before being transmitted to the terminal devices. The terminal devices transmit uplink data to the satellite base station, which can also be encoded using channel coding. The encoded uplink data is then modulated by constellation before being transmitted to the satellite base station.

[0117] For example, the network architecture of the above-mentioned communication system can be a convergence of satellite communication and 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technology via the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) network. As shown in Figure 1, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the satellite access method of this application embodiment. In this network architecture, terminal equipment and ground stations are deployed on the ground, 5G base stations are deployed on satellites, terminal equipment connects to 5G base stations via 5G New Radio (NR), 5G base stations connect to the 5G core network via the NG interface, and signaling interaction and user data transmission are achieved between 5G base stations via the Xn interface.

[0118] In this network architecture, terminal devices can access the satellite network and initiate services such as calls and internet access via the 5G New Radio interface. For example, terminal devices can be mobile phones, tablets, and other devices that support the 5G New Radio interface.

[0119] 5G base stations are used to provide wireless access services, allocate wireless resources to access terminal devices, and provide reliable wireless transmission protocols and data encryption protocols.

[0120] The 5G core network can provide services such as user access control, mobility management, session management, user security authentication, and billing. It consists of multiple functional network elements, including control plane functional network elements, user plane function (UPF) network elements, and data network. Among them, the control plane functional network elements mainly include access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements and session management function (SMF) network elements.

[0121] UPF network elements are primarily responsible for processing user packets, such as forwarding and billing.

[0122] AMF network elements are primarily responsible for mobility management in mobile networks, such as user location updates, user network registration, and user handover.

[0123] SMF network elements are primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include assigning IP addresses to users and selecting the UPF that provides packet forwarding capabilities.

[0124] Data networks (DNs) are primarily responsible for providing data transmission services to users, such as IP multimedia service (IMS) and the Internet.

[0125] It should be noted that network element can also be replaced by entity, network entity, device, communication device, communication module, node, communication node, etc. In this application, network element is used as an example for description.

[0126] Ground stations are used to forward signaling and service data between satellite base stations and the 5G core network.

[0127] 5G New Radio refers to the wireless link between terminal equipment and 5G base stations.

[0128] The Xn interface refers to the interface between 5G base stations, which is mainly used for signaling interactions such as handover.

[0129] The NG interface refers to the interface between the 5G base station and the 5G core network. It is mainly used for exchanging signaling such as network attached storage (NAS) of the core network and user service data.

[0130] In practical applications, this network architecture may include multiple terminal devices, such as terminal device 1 and terminal device 2 in Figure 1; the network architecture may also include multiple 5G base stations, such as 5G base station 1 and 5G base station 2 in Figure 1; the embodiments of this application do not limit the number of terminal devices and 5G base stations included in the network architecture. Furthermore, a 5G base station may be connected to one terminal device or multiple terminal devices, and this application does not limit this.

[0131] It should be understood that the devices included in the network architecture shown in Figure 1 are merely examples. The network architecture may also include other devices, or may not include some of the devices shown in Figure 1. This application does not limit this.

[0132] With the continuous development of wireless communication and satellite communication technologies, the current technical paths for direct satellite connection between mobile phones and satellites can be categorized into three main types, as shown in Table 1. Specifically, Technical Path 1 primarily involves maintaining the satellite without modification, customizing the mobile phone hardware, and utilizing dedicated Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum. Representative systems for Technical Path 1 include the collaboration between Apple and GlobalStar, Huawei Mate 50 and BeiDou, Huawei Mate 60 and TianTong, and Qualcomm and Iridium. The advantage of Technical Path 1 is its relatively rapid commercialization. Its disadvantage is its reliance on the "closed" ecosystem of terminal manufacturers. The architecture of Technical Path 1 is a centralized architecture, where the number of satellites is one.

[0133] The main implementation method of technical path 2 is to keep existing mobile phones unchanged, design satellites to be compatible with mobile phones, and use international mobile telecommunications (IMT) spectrum. Representative systems of technical path 2 mainly include Starlink and AST. The advantage of technical path 2 is that if the satellite is well made, it can be commercially available. The disadvantage of technical path 2 is that it is affected by the spectrum, and the terrestrial IMT spectrum is expensive and has limited capacity. The architecture of technical path 2 is also a centralized architecture.

[0134] The main implementation method of technology path 3 is based on the entire industry chain cooperation of 3GPP NTN; the representative systems of technology path 3 mainly include MediaTek's MT6825 NTN chipset and Samsung's Exynos 5300; the advantages of technology path 3 are that the chip industry chain of narrowband Internet of Things (IoT) is progressing rapidly and the standards are unified, which is conducive to future development; the disadvantage of technology path 3 is that the commercialization cycle is long; the architecture of technology path 3 is also a centralized architecture.

[0135] Table 1

[0136] In technical path 1, mobile phone manufacturers collaborate with satellite operators, customizing the phone hardware while leaving the satellite unchanged, using a dedicated communication protocol and satellite MSS spectrum for communication. Because this path relies on the "closed" ecosystem of the terminal manufacturers and is subject to satellite regulation, it currently only provides regional services. Furthermore, the speeds are generally low, unable to provide high-speed services; it typically supports emergency SMS and voice communication.

[0137] In technical path 2, satellite operators collaborate with terrestrial operators, keeping existing mobile phones unchanged and adapting the satellite design to these phones, using 3GPP protocols and operator spectrum for communication. The limitation of this path lies in the high cost of prime terrestrial IMT frequency bands and the fragmented and limited bandwidth of the spectrum available from operators, thus restricting capacity.

[0138] In technology path 3, a full-industry chain collaboration is built based on 3GPP NTN, namely, cooperation between chip / equipment manufacturers and satellite / terrestrial operators. Regarding standards, Release 17 was finalized in mid-2022, supporting research on direct mobile phone connections and on-board transparent transmission modes in the 3GPP n255 / n256 frequency bands; Release 18 supports coverage enhancement designs to improve coverage. In terms of industry, narrowband IoT technology is currently the most mature, with rapid progress in the chip industry chain, such as MediaTek's MT6825 NTN chipset and Samsung's Exynos 5300.

[0139] Furthermore, the Huawei phone models that can directly connect to satellites and their corresponding satellite connection functions are shown in Table 2. These include the Mate 50 series, Mate 60 series, Mate X3, Mate X5, and Pura 70 series. Specifically, the Mate 50 series can directly connect to the BeiDou satellite, enabling text and location data transmission; it was released in September 2022. The Mate 60 series can directly connect to the Tiantong-1 satellite, enabling text and location data transmission; it was released in September 2023. The Mate X3 can directly connect to the BeiDou satellite, enabling text and location data transmission; it was released in March 2023. The Mate X5 can directly connect to the BeiDou satellite, enabling text and location data transmission; it was released in September 2023. The Pro+ and Ultra models in the Pura 70 series support both BeiDou and Tiantong dual communication systems, and can send text, location, and image information; it was released in April 2024. Among them, the Beidou satellite and the Tiantong-1 satellite are GEO satellites.

[0140] Table 2

[0141] It can be seen that Huawei mobile phones currently focus on direct satellite connections to GEO satellites, and commercial terminals do not have direct connections to LEO satellites. However, due to the great distance between GEO satellites and the fact that a single GEO satellite can cover almost an entire hemisphere, the data transmission capacity of GEO satellite communication systems is limited and the transmission latency is relatively high.

[0142] To improve data transmission capabilities and reduce latency in satellite communications, future satellite systems will primarily feature two characteristics: large-scale constellations and high-gain antennas. For large-scale constellations, Starlink Gen2 is projected to launch 30,000 satellites, and as of November 2023, Starlink had over 5,000 satellites in orbit. This allows ground-based terminal devices to simultaneously view multiple satellites. For example, a terminal device can receive coverage from nearly 20 satellites at the same time. For future large-scale constellations, selecting which satellite to communicate with is a design challenge for the terminal devices. Furthermore, LEO satellites move at high speeds, exceeding 7 km / s, causing the terminal device's attitude towards the satellite to change at different times. Figure 2 illustrates this attitude adjustment. The communication angle between the terminal device and the satellite at time t0 differs from that at time t1; that is, the terminal device's attitude at time t0 may not be applicable to time t1, as t0 precedes t1. Additionally, the antenna performance of the terminal device is limited, resulting in an imperfect antenna array pattern. For example, the radiation pattern coverage angle is not wide enough, and it can only cover a portion of the satellites at the same time; in addition, due to touch and human body obstruction, the radiation pattern may have pits, showing the characteristic of discontinuous gain.

[0143] The above-mentioned process of terminal equipment accessing the satellite has the following main drawbacks: (1) The high speed of LEO satellites will cause the terminal equipment to be aligned with the satellite at time t, but will change at time t+T, which may cause a decrease in the link budget. (2) The alignment of the terminal equipment with the satellite and the attitude adjustment are coupled, and the algorithm solution space is large, which can reach N×M. theta ×M phi Where N represents the number of visible satellites, and M theta M represents the dimension of the pitch angle search space. phi Indicates the azimuth angle search space dimension. (3) The satellite search module responsible for searching for satellites is deployed on the application process (AP) side, and the baseband module responsible for accessing satellites is deployed on the modem side, which causes a competition problem between the AP side and the modem side.

[0144] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following solutions.

[0145] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a satellite access system provided in an embodiment of this application. The satellite access method provided in this application is applicable to this satellite access system. The satellite access system includes a data acquisition module 301, a satellite search module 302, a baseband module 303, a timer 304, and a display module 305. Specifically, the satellite search module 302 is connected to the data acquisition module 301, the baseband module 303, the timer 304, and the display module 305, respectively. The above connections are used to transmit commands and / or data signals. A detailed description of each module is as follows.

[0146] The data acquisition module 301 is used to acquire the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data and current obstruction data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes the ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0147] The data acquisition module 301 includes a sensor module, a positioning module, an antenna pattern module, an ephemeris module, and an obstruction module. The positioning module is connected to both the ephemeris module and the obstruction module. Specifically, the sensor module acquires the current attitude data of the terminal device; the positioning module acquires the current position data of the terminal device; the antenna pattern module acquires the current antenna pattern data of the terminal device; the ephemeris module acquires the current ephemeris data of the terminal device, which includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is a positive integer; and the obstruction module acquires the current obstruction data of the terminal device.

[0148] Optionally, the positioning module in the data acquisition module 301 can collect the current location data of the terminal device through the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) built into the terminal device.

[0149] Optionally, the positioning module in the data acquisition module 301 can also receive current location data from other modules. Furthermore, the positioning module can acquire current location data sent by other modules through interfaces with them.

[0150] Optionally, the positioning module in the data acquisition module 301 can also send the current location data to the ephemeris module in the data acquisition module 301. The current location data is used to assist the ephemeris module in sending the current ephemeris data to the star-finding module.

[0151] Optionally, the positioning module in the data acquisition module 301 can also send the current location data to the occlusion module in the data acquisition module 301. The current location data is used to assist the occlusion module in sending the current occlusion data to the satellite finding module.

[0152] Optionally, the positioning module can be connected to the ephemeris module via interface 4.1.

[0153] Optionally, the positioning module can also be connected to the occlusion module via interface 5.1.

[0154] The satellite search module 302 is used to search for a target satellite among M satellites and determine the first attitude data based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data and current obstruction data. The first attitude data is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0155] The satellite-finding module 302 is connected to the sensor module, positioning module, antenna pattern module, ephemeris module and obstruction module in the data acquisition module 301.

[0156] Optionally, the satellite-finding module 302 can also receive the current timestamp from the occlusion module in the data acquisition module 301. The current timestamp refers to the moment when the positioning module acquires the current location data. The current timestamp is used to ensure the validity of the current target satellite.

[0157] Optionally, the satellite search module 302 can also send a third indication message to the baseband module 303, which is used to indicate the reception of baseband signals.

[0158] Optionally, the satellite-finding module 302 can also send a fourth indication message to the timer 304 after determining the first attitude data. The fourth indication message is used to indicate that the timer will be started after the first time period has elapsed.

[0159] The unit of the first time period can be slot, s, ms, etc., and this application does not impose any restrictions. Furthermore, if the duration of the first time period is 0, it indicates that there is no startup delay.

[0160] Optionally, the satellite search module 302 can also be connected to the sensor module via interface 1.

[0161] Optionally, the satellite-finding module 302 can also be connected to the positioning module via interface 2.

[0162] Optionally, the satellite finder module 302 can also be connected to the antenna pattern module via interface 3.

[0163] Optionally, the star-finding module 302 can also be connected to the ephemeris module via interface 4.

[0164] Optionally, the satellite-finding module 302 can also be connected to the obstruction module via interface 5.

[0165] The baseband module 303 is used to access the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

[0166] Optionally, the baseband module 303 can also send a first prompt message to the satellite-finding module 302. The first prompt message is used to indicate whether the access to the target satellite was successful or failed. Further, if the baseband module 303 successfully accesses the target satellite, the first prompt message is used to indicate successful access; if the baseband module 303 fails to access the target satellite, but successfully accesses the first satellite among the M satellites other than the target satellite, the first prompt message is used to indicate failed access.

[0167] Optionally, if the baseband module 303 fails to connect to the target satellite and fails to connect to any of the M satellites, it can also send a first instruction message to the satellite search module 302. The first instruction message is used to instruct the target satellite to be searched again and to determine the first attitude data.

[0168] Optionally, if the baseband module 303 is not connected to any of the M satellites, it can also send a second indication message to the satellite search module 302. The second indication message is used to indicate the target satellite among the M satellites to be searched.

[0169] Optionally, the baseband module 303 can also be connected to the satellite search module 302 via interface 6.

[0170] Timer 304 is used to start after the first attitude data is determined.

[0171] Optionally, timer 304 can also send detection information to satellite-finding module 302. The detection information is used to detect whether satellite-finding module 302 has determined the first attitude data. Further, after receiving the detection information, if satellite-finding module 302 detects the first attitude data, it returns the detection result to timer 304. Timer 304 starts after a first time period based on the detection result.

[0172] Optionally, timer 304 can also be connected to satellite-finding module 302 via interface 7.

[0173] Display module 305 is used to display an attitude adjustment interface. The attitude adjustment interface includes a first display graphic, which is determined based on first attitude data. The first display graphic is used to guide the user to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0174] Optionally, the display module 305 may also receive first attitude data from the star-finding module 302, where the first attitude data is used to determine the first display graphic.

[0175] Optionally, the display module 305 can also be connected to the satellite search module 302 via interface 8.

[0176] It should be noted that the ten names—data acquisition module, satellite finding module, baseband module, timer, display module, sensor module, positioning module, antenna pattern module, ephemeris module, and obstruction module—are used as examples and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application. With the development of satellite communication technology, these ten modules may adopt other names. For example, the satellite finding module can also be described as an easy-to-find-satellite module or a satellite search module; the baseband module can also be described as a baseband satellite selection module or a baseband chip; and so on, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0177] It should also be noted that the aforementioned satellite access system can be a user-interactive system. This system can be a software system, a hardware system, or a combination of both; this application does not impose any specific limitations on this. Furthermore, Figure 3 is merely an exemplary structural diagram of a satellite access system, and in practical applications, the satellite access system in Figure 3 can be modified accordingly based on specific circumstances.

[0178] As shown in Figure 4, Figure 4 is a schematic flowchart of a satellite access method provided in an embodiment of this application. This satellite access method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0179] S401: Obtain the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes the ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0180] Among them, current attitude data refers to the angular orientation of the terminal device in three-dimensional space at the current moment, including the current heading, pitch, and roll angle values; current position data refers to the user coordinates of the terminal device at the current moment, which may include the user coordinates of the terminal device in the Earth-centered Earth Fixed (ECEF) coordinate system or the longitude, latitude, and altitude (LLA) coordinate system; current antenna pattern data refers to the antenna pattern of the terminal device at the current moment, which may include the current pitch angle, azimuth angle, and gain value; current ephemeris data refers to the set of coordinates of visible satellites of the terminal device at the current moment; current occlusion data refers to the occlusion detection results of the terminal device at the current moment, which includes a first data combination or a second data combination. The first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle, and probability, while the second data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle, and occlusion loss.

[0181] It should be noted that the units for the current heading angle, current pitch angle, and current roll angle values ​​in the current attitude data, the current pitch angle and current azimuth angle values ​​in the current antenna pattern data, and the pitch angle and azimuth angle in the current obstruction data can be either degrees or radians; this application does not impose any limitation on this. Furthermore, the probability value in the current obstruction data ranges from 0 to 1; the unit for obstruction loss in the current obstruction data can be dB.

[0182] Specifically, the methods for obtaining the above data can include the following five aspects:

[0183] Firstly, current attitude data can be collected through the gyroscope and magnetometer built into the terminal device.

[0184] As shown in Figure 5, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a terminal-side coordinate system provided in an embodiment of this application. In this system, heading rotates around the Z-axis, pitch rotates around the Y-axis, and roll rotates around the X-axis. The angular direction of the terminal device in three-dimensional space can be represented by a triple (heading, pitch, roll).

[0185] Secondly, current location data can be collected through the GNSS system built into the terminal device.

[0186] For example, current location data may include the user's coordinates (X, Y, F, Z) in the ECEF coordinate system at the current moment. UE Y UE Z UE It can also include the user coordinates (Lat) of the terminal device in the LLA coordinate system at the current moment. UE Long UE H UE ), Lat UE Long represents the latitude of the terminal device at the current moment. UE H represents the longitude of the terminal device at the current moment. UE This indicates the elevation / altitude of the terminal device at the current moment.

[0187] Thirdly, the current antenna pattern data can be obtained through anechoic chamber measurements.

[0188] For example, the current antenna pattern data can be represented as Where, θ LCS This represents the pitch angle of the terminal device in its local coordinate system (LCS) at the current moment. G represents the azimuth angle of the terminal device in the LCS coordinate system at the current moment. RThis indicates the gain of the terminal device at the current moment.

[0189] Fourthly, one can download ephemeris data sets from the cloud to obtain the current ephemeris data.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the terminal device downloads a set of ephemeris data from the cloud, which includes the current ephemeris data.

[0191] Specifically, based on the current location data, the terminal device determines the visible satellites at its current location. The visible satellites include M satellites. Then, the ephemeris data of each of the M satellites is selected from the ephemeris data set, and the ephemeris data of the M satellites is determined as the current ephemeris data.

[0192] In another possible approach, a set of ephemeris data is downloaded from the cloud, and then the ephemeris data is pushed to obtain the current ephemeris data.

[0193] Specifically, after the terminal device downloads the ephemeris data set from the cloud, it pushes the ephemeris data set to obtain the pushed ephemeris data set. Based on the current location data, it determines the visible satellites at the current location of the terminal device. The visible satellites include M satellites. Then, it filters the ephemeris data of each of the M satellites from the pushed ephemeris data set and determines the ephemeris data of the M satellites as the current ephemeris data.

[0194] For example, the current ephemeris data of the terminal device can be as shown in Table 3. Table 3 includes ephemeris data for M satellites. The ephemeris data for each satellite can include satellite ephemeris information for a future second time period with a preset time interval. Specifically, the future second time period is divided into N time periods with a preset time interval, where N is an integer greater than 0. The satellite ephemeris information corresponding to each satellite ID includes the satellite coordinates of each satellite in each of the N time periods. Among them, the satellite ephemeris information corresponding to satellite ID "1" includes (X... sat1,1 Y sat1,1 Z sat1,1 ), (X sat1,2 Y sat1,2 Z sat1,2 ), ... (X) sat1,N Y sat1,N Z sat1,N N satellite coordinates, including satellite ID "2"; satellite ephemeris information corresponding to satellite ID "2" includes (X... sat2,1 Y sat2,1 Z sat2,1 ), (X sat2,2 Y sat2,2 Z sat2,2 ), ... (X) sat2,N Ysat2,N Z sat2,N (N satellite coordinates, etc.); others are similar and will not be described in detail here.)

[0195] The preset time period can be an empirical parameter or a user setting; this application does not limit this.

[0196] Table 3

[0197] Fifthly, occlusion detection algorithms can be used to calculate current occlusion data in real time.

[0198] Specifically, the terminal device calculates the current occlusion data in real time based on the current location data and through an occlusion detection algorithm.

[0199] Optionally, the current occlusion data can also be downloaded from the cloud.

[0200] For example, if the current occlusion data includes the first data combination, then the current occlusion data can be represented as: Where, θ GCS This represents the elevation angle of the terminal device in the current geographic coordinate system (GCS). Let represent the azimuth angle of the terminal device in the GCS coordinate system at the current moment, and p represent the probability of the terminal device at the current moment.

[0201] For example, if the current occlusion data includes a second data combination, then the current occlusion data can be represented as follows: Where, θ GCS This represents the pitch angle of the terminal device in the GCS coordinate system at the current moment. The azimuth angle of the terminal device in the GCS coordinate system at the current moment is represented by , and the blocking loss of the terminal device at the current moment is represented by , where blocking loss represents the occlusion loss of the terminal device at the current moment. The second data combination can be as shown in Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of occlusion data provided in an embodiment of this application. The difference in occlusion loss in different regions is used to indicate the occlusion detection result of the terminal device at the current moment.

[0202] S402: Based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data, search for the target satellite among M satellites and determine the first attitude data, which is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0203] The first attitude data refers to the optimal angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite at the current moment. The first attitude data includes the first sea angle value, the first pitch angle value, and the first roll angle value of the terminal device.

[0204] Specifically, the terminal device searches for M satellites by combining current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current occlusion data, thereby determining the target satellite among the M satellites, and calculates the first attitude data based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current occlusion data.

[0205] As shown in Figure 7, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of attitude data transformation provided by an embodiment of this application. Specifically, (x, y, z) constitutes the attitude data in the GCS coordinate system, and (x2, y3, z3) constitutes the attitude data in the LCS coordinate system. The attitude data in the GCS coordinate system and the attitude data in the LCS coordinate system can be mutually transformed by rotating the heading, pitch, and / or roll angles.

[0206] S403: Access the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

[0207] First, based on the first angle, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted.

[0208] Optionally, the terminal device may also display an attitude adjustment interface, which includes a first display graphic determined based on first attitude data. Further, the first display graphic guides the user to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0209] Then, based on the adjusted communication angle, the target satellite is accessed.

[0210] Specifically, the terminal device receives baseband signals from multiple satellites, demodulates the received baseband signals, and then connects to the target satellite based on the demodulated baseband signals. This includes the following three scenarios:

[0211] Scenario 1: If access to the target satellite is successful, the terminal device synchronizes with the target satellite and establishes a data link. Further, the terminal device needs to update its current ephemeris data and determine if the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite needs adjustment. This mainly includes the following steps:

[0212] Step 1: Receive baseband signals from the target satellite, the baseband signals including the first ephemeris data of the target satellite.

[0213] Specifically, the terminal device receives the baseband signal from the target satellite, then demodulates the baseband signal to obtain the first ephemeris data of the target satellite.

[0214] Optionally, the terminal device can also receive baseband signals from other satellites among the M satellites besides the target satellite.

[0215] Step two: Update the current ephemeris data based on the first ephemeris data.

[0216] Specifically, it is determined whether the ephemeris data of the target satellite in the current ephemeris data contains all the data information in the first ephemeris data. If the ephemeris data of the target satellite in the current ephemeris data does not contain the first data in the first ephemeris data, then the first data is saved in the ephemeris data of the target satellite in the current ephemeris data to obtain the updated current ephemeris data; if the ephemeris data of the target satellite in the current ephemeris data contains all the data in the first ephemeris data, then the current ephemeris data is determined as the updated current ephemeris data.

[0217] Step 3: Based on the updated current ephemeris data, adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0218] Specifically, based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, updated current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data, second attitude data is calculated. The second attitude data represents the second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite. Then, it is determined whether the second attitude data is consistent with the first attitude data. If the second attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted based on the second angle. If the second attitude data is consistent with the first attitude data, it means that no adjustment is needed to the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0219] Optionally, the attitude adjustment interface may also include a second indicator graphic, which is determined based on the second attitude data.

[0220] Scenario 2: If access to the target satellite fails, but access to the first satellite out of the M satellites (excluding the target satellite) is successful, the terminal device synchronizes with the first satellite and establishes a data link. Furthermore, the terminal device needs to update its current ephemeris data and determine if the communication angle between the terminal device and the first satellite needs adjustment. This mainly includes the following steps:

[0221] Step 1: Receive baseband signal from the first satellite, the baseband signal including the second ephemeris data of the first satellite.

[0222] Specifically, the baseband signal from the first satellite is received, and then the baseband signal is demodulated to obtain the second ephemeris data of the first satellite.

[0223] Step two: Update the current ephemeris data based on the second ephemeris data.

[0224] Specifically, it is determined whether the ephemeris data of the first satellite in the current ephemeris data contains all the data information in the second ephemeris data. If the ephemeris data of the first satellite in the current ephemeris data does not contain the second data in the second ephemeris data, then the second data is saved in the ephemeris data of the first satellite in the current ephemeris data to obtain the updated current ephemeris data; if the ephemeris data of the first satellite in the current ephemeris data contains all the data in the second ephemeris data, then the current ephemeris data is determined as the updated current ephemeris data.

[0225] Step 3: Based on the updated current ephemeris data, adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the first satellite.

[0226] Specifically, based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, updated current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data, the fourth attitude data is calculated. The fourth attitude data represents the fourth angle for communication between the terminal device and the first satellite. Then, it is determined whether the fourth attitude data is consistent with the first attitude data. If the fourth attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the first satellite is adjusted based on the fourth angle. If the fourth attitude data is consistent with the first attitude data, it means that no adjustment is needed to the communication angle between the terminal device and the first satellite.

[0227] Optionally, the attitude adjustment interface may also include a fourth indicator graphic, which is determined based on the fourth attitude data.

[0228] Scenario 3: If access to the target satellite fails and no satellite among the M satellites is accessed, the terminal device needs to search for the target satellite again and determine the first attitude data.

[0229] Furthermore, in order to ensure the effectiveness of the target satellite and avoid the terminal device being stuck in a long waiting time due to the inability to access the satellite, a timer can be started after the first attitude data is determined, and it can be determined whether the terminal device successfully accesses the target satellite within the timer's running time range.

[0230] If the terminal device successfully connects to the target satellite within the timer's runtime, the implementation method is the same as in scenario 1 above, and can be referred to in scenario 1, so it will not be repeated here. If the terminal device fails to connect to the target satellite within the timer's runtime, but successfully connects to the first satellite other than the target satellite among the M satellites, the implementation method is the same as in scenario 2 above, and can be referred to in scenario 2, so it will not be repeated here. If the terminal device fails to connect to the target satellite within the timer's runtime, and does not connect to any of the M satellites, the implementation method is the same as in scenario 3 above, and can be referred to in scenario 3, so it will not be repeated here.

[0231] In addition, since there is competition between search satellites and access satellites, a racing mechanism can be used to reduce satellite acquisition latency.

[0232] Optionally, before searching for the target satellite among the M satellites, it can be determined whether access to any one of the M satellites was successful. This includes the following two scenarios:

[0233] Scenario 1: If no satellite among the M satellites is connected, then search for the target satellite among the M satellites.

[0234] Specifically, the terminal device can search for the target satellite among M satellites and determine the first attitude data based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data. The specific implementation method is the same as that in step S402 above, and can be referred to step S402 above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0235] Scenario 2: If the connection to the second satellite out of M satellites is successful, then synchronization with the second satellite will be performed and a data link will be established.

[0236] Specifically, if the connection to the second satellite is successful, the terminal device also needs to update the current ephemeris data and determine whether the communication angle between the terminal device and the second satellite needs to be adjusted. The specific implementation method is the same as that in scenario 2 above, and can be referred to scenario 2 above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0237] By employing the embodiments of this application, acquiring the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data of the terminal device helps ensure that the terminal device can obtain external auxiliary information. By comprehensively analyzing the above data, the target satellite among M satellites is searched, and the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite is determined, which facilitates rapid satellite search and enhances the competitiveness of the terminal device. Based on the first angle, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted, which helps improve the communication quality between the terminal device and the target satellite. If satellite access is successful, synchronization with the satellite and the establishment of a communication link are achieved, which helps to achieve successful satellite access even when the satellite is moving at high speed, thereby reducing transmission latency. If satellite access fails, the target satellite is searched again, which helps to avoid the terminal device being stuck in a long waiting time due to the inability to access the satellite.

[0238] The methods of the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above, and the apparatus of the embodiments of this application is provided below.

[0239] As shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of a satellite access device provided in an embodiment of this application. This satellite access device can be a terminal device, or a chip or processing system within a terminal device. This device can be used to implement any method and function of the terminal device involved in any of the foregoing embodiments. The device may include a receiving module 801 and a processing module 802. The detailed descriptions of each module are as follows.

[0240] The receiving module 801 is used to acquire the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data and current obstruction data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes the ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0.

[0241] The processing module 802 is used to search for a target satellite among M satellites and determine the first attitude data based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data and current obstruction data. The first attitude data is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite.

[0242] The processing module 802 is also used to access the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

[0243] Optionally, the processing module 802 is also used to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the first angle; and to access the target satellite based on the adjusted communication angle.

[0244] Optionally, the processing module 802 is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite was successful.

[0245] Optionally, the processing module 802 is further configured to, if access to the target satellite is successful, synchronize with the target satellite and establish a data link; or, if access to the target satellite fails, but access to the first satellite among the M satellites other than the target satellite is successful, synchronize with the first satellite and establish a data link; or, if access to the target satellite fails, and no satellite among the M satellites is accessed, re-search for the target satellite and determine the first attitude data.

[0246] Optionally, the processing module 802 is also used to start a timer after determining the first attitude data; and to determine whether the access to the target satellite is successful within the timer's running time range.

[0247] Optionally, the receiving module 801 is further configured to receive baseband signals from the target satellite, the baseband signals including the first ephemeris data of the target satellite; the processing module 802 is further configured to update the current ephemeris data based on the first ephemeris data; the processing module 802 is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the updated current ephemeris data.

[0248] Optionally, the processing module 802 is further configured to determine second attitude data based on the current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, updated current ephemeris data, and current occlusion data. The second attitude data is the second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite. If the second attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted based on the second angle.

[0249] Optionally, the processing module 802 is further configured to determine whether access to any one of the M satellites is successful before searching for the target satellite among the M satellites; if access to any one of the M satellites is not successful, then search for the target satellite among the M satellites.

[0250] Optionally, the first attitude data includes the first yaw angle value, the first pitch angle value, and the first roll angle value.

[0251] Optionally, the current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination. The first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

[0252] It should be noted that the implementation of each module can also refer to the corresponding description of the method embodiment shown in Figure 4, and execute the methods and functions performed by the satellite access system in the above embodiments.

[0253] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of this application. The terminal device includes a processor 901, a transceiver 902, and a memory 903. The processor 901, transceiver 902, and memory 903 can communicate with each other via a communication bus 904 to transmit instructions and / or data signals. The memory 903 stores computer programs, and the processor 901 retrieves and runs the computer programs from the memory 903 to control the transceiver 902 to transmit and receive signals.

[0254] The processor 901 described above can correspond to the processing module 802 in Figure 8. The processor 901 and the memory 903 can be combined into a processing device. The processor 901 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 903 to achieve the above functions. In specific implementation, the memory 903 can be integrated into the processor 901 or independent of the processor 901.

[0255] The transceiver 902 described above can also be referred to as a transceiver unit or transceiver module. The transceiver 902 may include a receiver (or receiver circuit) and a transmitter (or transmitter circuit). The receiver is used to receive signals, and the transmitter is used to send signals.

[0256] It should be understood that the terminal device shown in Figure 9 can implement all the processes involved in the satellite access system in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4. The operation and / or function of each module in the terminal device are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted here.

[0257] The processor 901 can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor 901 can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, etc. The communication bus 904 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 9, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus. The communication bus 904 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In this embodiment, the transceiver 902 is used for signaling or data communication with other node devices. The memory 903 may include volatile memory, such as nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), phase change RAM (PRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), etc., and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory devices, such as NOR flash memory or NAND flash memory, semiconductor devices, such as solid-state disks (SSDs), etc. The memory 903 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 901. The memory 903 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information. The processor 901 may also execute the program stored in the memory 903. The processor can cooperate with the memory and transceiver to execute any of the methods and functions of the terminal device in the above-described embodiments.

[0258] Optionally, the memory 903 may also be at least one storage device located remotely from the aforementioned processor 901.

[0259] Optionally, the memory 903 may also store a set of computer program code or configuration information.

[0260] Optionally, the processor 901 can also execute programs stored in the memory 903.

[0261] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a chip system, which includes a processor for supporting a satellite access system or satellite access device to implement the functions involved in any of the above embodiments, such as searching for target satellites or accessing target satellites.

[0262] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIG4.

[0263] According to the method provided in the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method of any one of the embodiments shown in FIG4.

[0264] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The readable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., SSD), etc.

[0265] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0266] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A, and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean that B is determined solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information.

[0267] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A satellite access method, characterized in that, include: The terminal device acquires its current attitude data, current position data, current antenna pattern data, current ephemeris data, and current obstruction data. The current ephemeris data includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0. Based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data, a target satellite is searched among the M satellites, and first attitude data is determined. The first attitude data is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite. Based on the first attitude data, the target satellite is accessed.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of accessing the target satellite based on the first attitude data includes: Based on the first angle, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted; Based on the adjusted communication angle, access is made to the target satellite.

3. The method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine whether access to the target satellite was successful.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: If access to the target satellite is successful, synchronization with the target satellite will be performed, and a data link will be established; or If access to the target satellite fails, but access to the first satellite among the M satellites (excluding the target satellite) is successful, then synchronization with the first satellite is performed, and a data link is established; or If access to the target satellite fails and no access is made to any of the M satellites, then the target satellite is searched again and the first attitude data is determined.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Start the timer after determining the first attitude data; Determine whether access to the target satellite was successful within the timer's runtime range.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive baseband signals from the target satellite, the baseband signals including the first ephemeris data of the target satellite; The current ephemeris data is updated based on the first ephemeris data; Based on the updated current ephemeris data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted.

7. The method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The adjustment of the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the updated current ephemeris data includes: Based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data, a second attitude data is determined, which is the second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite; If the second attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data, the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite is adjusted based on the second angle.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Before searching for the target satellite among the M satellites, the process also includes: Determine whether access to any one of the M satellites was successful; If no one of the M satellites is connected, then the target satellite among the M satellites is searched.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first attitude data includes the first yaw angle value, the first pitch angle value, and the first roll angle value.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination. The first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

11. A satellite access device, characterized in that, include: The sensor module is used to acquire the current attitude data of the terminal device; The positioning module is used to obtain the current location data of the terminal device; Antenna pattern module, used to acquire the current antenna pattern data of the terminal device; An ephemeris module, connected to the positioning module, is used to acquire the current ephemeris data of the terminal device. The current ephemeris data includes ephemeris data of M satellites, where M is an integer greater than 0. An occlusion module, connected to the positioning module, is used to obtain the current occlusion data of the terminal device; The satellite-finding module is connected to the sensor module, the positioning module, the antenna pattern module, the ephemeris module, and the occlusion module, respectively. It is used to search for the target satellite among the M satellites and determine the first attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the current ephemeris data, and the current occlusion data. The first attitude data is the first angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite. The baseband module, connected to the satellite-finding module, is used to access the target satellite based on the first attitude data.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The satellite-finding module is also used to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the first angle; The baseband module is also used to access the target satellite based on the adjusted communication angle.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The baseband module is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite is successful.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The baseband module is further configured to synchronize with the target satellite and establish a communication link if successful access to the target satellite is achieved; or The baseband module is also used to synchronize with the first satellite and establish a communication link if access to the target satellite fails, but access to the first satellite other than the target satellite among the M satellites is successful; or The baseband module is further configured to send a first indication message to the satellite search module if it fails to access the target satellite and fails to access any of the M satellites. The first indication message is used to instruct the search module to re-search for the target satellite and determine the first attitude data.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The baseband module is also used to send a first prompt message to the satellite-finding module, the first prompt message being used to indicate whether the access to the target satellite was successful or failed.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that, The satellite access device also includes a timer; The timer is connected to the star-finding module and is used to start after the first attitude data is determined; The baseband module is also used to determine whether access to the target satellite was successful within the timer's runtime range.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11-16, characterized in that, The baseband module is also used to receive baseband signals from the target satellite, the baseband signals including the first ephemeris data of the target satellite; The star-finding module is also used to receive the first ephemeris data from the baseband module and update the current ephemeris data based on the first ephemeris data; The satellite-finding module is also used to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the updated current ephemeris data.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The satellite-finding module is further configured to determine second attitude data based on the current attitude data, the current position data, the current antenna pattern data, the updated current ephemeris data, and the current obstruction data. The second attitude data is the second angle for communication between the terminal device and the target satellite. The satellite-finding module is further configured to adjust the communication angle between the terminal device and the target satellite based on the second angle if the second attitude data is inconsistent with the first attitude data.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11-18, characterized in that, The baseband module is also used to determine whether access to any one of the M satellites is successful before the satellite-finding module searches for the target satellite among the M satellites; The baseband module is further configured to send a second indication message to the satellite search module if it fails to connect to any of the M satellites, the second indication message being used to instruct the search for the target satellite among the M satellites.

20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11-19, characterized in that, The first attitude data includes the first yaw angle value, the first pitch angle value, and the first roll angle value.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11-20, characterized in that, The current occlusion data includes a first data combination or a second data combination. The first data combination includes pitch angle, azimuth angle and probability, and the second data combination includes the pitch angle, the azimuth angle and occlusion loss.

22. A satellite access system, characterized in that, The satellite access system includes terminal equipment and satellite, wherein the terminal equipment is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-10.

23. A satellite access device, characterized in that, The satellite access device includes at least one processor, which is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1-10.

24. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-10.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, Used to store computer programs that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

26. A chip, characterized in that, The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to communicate with external or internal devices, and the at least one processor being used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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