Communication method, electronic device, readable storage medium, and chip

Abstract

A communication method, an electronic device, a readable storage medium, and a chip. The communication method is applied to an electronic device, and comprises: establishing a first connection with a satellite network; and maintaining the first connection with the satellite network, and searching for a terrestrial network when the first connection satisfies a first condition and a first communication mode is enabled, wherein the first communication mode is enabled on the basis of a user operation, and the first communication mode is a mode in which the electronic device automatically searches for a terrestrial network while maintaining the connection with the satellite network.

Description

Communication methods, electronic devices, readable storage media and chips

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411985222.3, filed on December 27, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Electronic Device, Readable Storage Medium and Chip", 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 communication method, electronic device, readable storage medium, and chip. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of satellite communication technology, electronic devices can access satellite networks in areas without terrestrial network coverage and communicate via satellite, such as making and receiving satellite calls and sending text messages. Satellite networks provide electronic devices with a new means of communication, ensuring communication support in emergencies, such as when the electronic device is located in a remote area or when the terrestrial network is damaged. However, if an electronic device enters an area covered by a terrestrial network after accessing the satellite network, or if the terrestrial network is restored, the electronic device cannot quickly switch back to the terrestrial network, resulting in the inability to obtain the best quality communication service. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a communication method, electronic device, readable storage medium, and chip that enable electronic devices to quickly switch from satellite networks to terrestrial networks.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a communication method applied to an electronic device, comprising: establishing a first connection with a satellite network; maintaining the first connection with the satellite network; and searching for a terrestrial network when the first connection satisfies a first condition and a first communication mode is enabled, wherein the first communication mode is enabled according to user operation, and the first communication mode is a mode in which the electronic device automatically searches for a terrestrial network while maintaining the connection with the satellite network.

[0006] In this embodiment of the application, after accessing the satellite network, the electronic device can automatically search for terrestrial networks. If a terrestrial network is found, it can access the terrestrial network, enabling the electronic device to connect to terrestrial networks other than the satellite network. Since terrestrial networks may provide more comprehensive communication services, the quality of communication services used by the electronic device can be improved.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the first condition includes: the first connection is in an idle state; or the first connection is in an idle gap of a service state.

[0008] In this embodiment of the application, when the first connection between the electronic device and the satellite network is in an idle state or an idle gap in the service state, there is no data transmission between the electronic device and the satellite network. Therefore, searching the ground network at this time can avoid interfering with the data transmission under satellite communication.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the terrestrial network is a cellular network, and searching the terrestrial network includes: obtaining first cellular information of the current first location of the electronic device; if the first cellular information is obtained and the obtained first cellular information satisfies a second condition, searching the terrestrial network based on the first cellular information; or if the first cellular information is not obtained, or the obtained first cellular information does not satisfy the second condition, searching the terrestrial network based on a preset strategy.

[0010] In this embodiment of the application, the first cellular information of the current location can be used as prior information to search for cellular networks, thereby improving the efficiency of searching for cellular networks.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the first cellular information includes at least one of the following: standard information, frequency band information, frequency point information, and system information block information.

[0012] In this embodiment of the application, the ability of electronic devices to identify and search for different cellular networks can be enhanced by using one or more types of first cellular information.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the second condition includes at least one of the following conditions: the quantity of the first cellular information satisfies the quantity condition, and the update time of the first cellular information satisfies the time condition.

[0014] In this embodiment of the application, by setting a second condition, it can be determined that the first cellular information used to search the ground network is not expired and is valid, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the search.

[0015] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, searching for a terrestrial network further includes: if no terrestrial network is found based on the first cellular information, searching for a terrestrial network based on a preset strategy.

[0016] In this embodiment of the application, after failing to perform a precise search using the first cellular information, a wider range of cellular network searches can be performed based on a preset strategy, thereby improving the success rate of searching for cellular networks.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: if no terrestrial network is found based on the first cellular information or a preset strategy, and the set conditions are not met, repeatedly performing the step of searching for a terrestrial network: obtaining second cellular information of the current second location of the electronic device; if the second cellular information is obtained and the obtained second cellular information meets the second condition, searching for a terrestrial network based on the second cellular information; or if no second cellular information is obtained, or the obtained second cellular information does not meet the second condition, searching for a terrestrial network based on a preset strategy; until a terrestrial network is found, or the search for a terrestrial network stops after the set conditions are met.

[0018] In this embodiment of the application, by repeatedly performing the step of searching for a ground network until it is found or the stopping condition is met, the sustainability of searching for a ground network can be improved and the unnecessary energy consumption of invalid searches can be avoided.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the step of repeatedly searching the ground network includes searching the ground network for the ath time, searching the ground network for the (a+1)th time, searching the ground network for the bth time, and searching the ground network for the (b+1)th time, wherein b is greater than a, and the first interval between searching the ground network for the bth time and searching the ground network for the (b+1)th time is greater than the second interval between searching the ground network for the ath time and searching the ground network for the (a+1)th time.

[0020] In this embodiment of the application, by increasing the interval between subsequent searches of the ground network, the search cycle can be controlled to be longer as the number of searches increases, thereby reducing the energy consumption of searching the ground network while ensuring that the search efficiency is not affected.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the set conditions include at least one of the following conditions: the distance between the current third position and the second position of the electronic device is less than a preset distance; the number of times the search for the ground network is executed reaches a preset number; the search time for the ground network reaches a preset duration; and after the number of times the search for the ground network is executed reaches a preset number, the search time for the ground network reaches a preset duration.

[0022] In this embodiment of the application, by setting specific conditions for stopping the search of the ground network, invalid searches can be avoided and the efficiency of the search process can be improved.

[0023] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, after stopping the search for the ground network, the method further includes: re-searching the ground network if the distance between the current fourth position and the second position of the electronic device is greater than a preset distance.

[0024] In this embodiment of the application, the search process is retried based on the change of location, thereby ensuring that when the electronic device reaches other areas, it can retry connecting to the optimal network in the current area.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, obtaining cellular information of the current first location of the electronic device includes: obtaining cellular information of the current first location of the electronic device according to a communication map; and the method further includes: downloading a communication map based on a preset period when the electronic device establishes a connection with a terrestrial network.

[0026] In this embodiment of the application, by obtaining cellular information through a communication map and periodically updating the communication map, it is possible to ensure that accurate cellular information is used for cellular search, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of cellular search.

[0027] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: establishing a second connection with the ground network when the ground network is found and the ground network satisfies the third condition, or establishing a second connection with the ground network in response to the user's confirmation operation; or establishing a second connection with the ground network when the ground network is found, or establishing a second connection with the ground network in response to the user's confirmation operation.

[0028] In this embodiment of the application, by automatically switching the terrestrial network under specific conditions, the user's operation can be simplified and the network switching efficiency can be improved.

[0029] In one possible implementation of the first aspect described above, the settings interface of the electronic device includes a first control for responding to a user operation to enable or disable a first communication mode; the first control enables the first communication mode before searching for a terrestrial network.

[0030] In this embodiment of the application, through the first control (such as a switch control) of the settings interface, users can easily turn the function of automatically searching for terrestrial networks on or off, which enhances the flexibility of users in controlling network search.

[0031] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: the settings interface of the electronic device includes a second control, the second control being used to enable or disable the second communication mode in response to a user operation; when the second communication mode is disabled, the electronic device establishes a second connection with the ground network in response to a user confirmation operation; when the second communication mode is enabled, the electronic device automatically establishes a second connection with the ground network; the method further includes: after the second control enables the second communication mode, establishing a second connection with the ground network.

[0032] In this embodiment of the application, through the second control (such as a switch control), the user can set to automatically or manually switch the terrestrial network, thereby providing the user with more ways to switch connections and meet different user preferences.

[0033] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the user confirmation operation is an operation based on a prompt interface, and the method further includes: displaying a prompt interface when a terrestrial network is found and the terrestrial network meets a third condition, wherein the prompt interface includes at least one of the following information: the type of terrestrial network, the signal strength of the terrestrial network, and the service content of the terrestrial network.

[0034] In this embodiment of the application, the prompt interface allows users to intuitively understand the terrestrial network information, assisting them in making a decision on whether to switch networks.

[0035] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the terrestrial network is a cellular network, and the third condition includes at least one of the following: the target cell in the terrestrial network meets the camping conditions, and the identifier of the target cell matches a pre-stored network identifier, wherein the network identifier corresponds to the network operator of the terrestrial network.

[0036] In this embodiment of the application, by matching network identifiers, such as public land mobile network (PLMN) numbers, electronic devices can be connected to registrable operator networks.

[0037] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the method further includes: storing and updating a pre-stored network identifier when a connection is established between the electronic device and the terrestrial network.

[0038] In this embodiment of the application, by storing and updating network identifiers, electronic devices can manage registrable network identifiers and use the pre-stored network identifiers for matching in subsequent cellular searches to help determine whether a cell is accessible.

[0039] In one possible implementation of the first aspect above, the terrestrial network includes at least one of the following networks: cellular mobile communication network, wireless local area network, and Internet of Things network.

[0040] In a second aspect, this application provides an electronic device, comprising: a memory for storing one or more programs; and a processor for executing one or more programs to enable the electronic device to implement the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0041] Thirdly, this application provides a readable storage medium storing one or more programs, which, when executed on an electronic device, enable the electronic device to implement the communication method described in the first aspect.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip, the chip including a memory for storing instructions executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, and one or more processors for executing the communication method described in the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of a scenario where a mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​a satellite network, according to this application;

[0044] Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of the interface of a mobile phone 10 according to this application;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile phone 10 being simultaneously within the coverage area of ​​a satellite network and a terrestrial network, according to this application.

[0046] Figure 3A shows a schematic diagram of the first settings interface of a satellite network for a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 3B shows a schematic diagram of a second settings interface for a satellite network of a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 3C shows a schematic diagram of a third settings interface of a satellite network for a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates a first flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5A shows a schematic diagram of the desktop interface of a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5B shows a schematic diagram of the notification center interface of a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 5C shows a schematic diagram of the satellite application interface of a first mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5D shows a schematic diagram of the satellite application interface of a second type of mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5E shows a schematic diagram of the satellite application interface of a third type of mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 illustrates a second flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for determining prompt information according to an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for downloading a communication map according to an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method for updating and storing a PLMN list according to an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 11 illustrates a third flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 12 shows a software structure block diagram of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 13 shows a schematic diagram of the unit structure of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of this application;

[0063] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0064] In the embodiments of this application, the term "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more than one" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0065] Unless otherwise stated, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, sequence, priority, or importance of multiple objects. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having" in the embodiments, claims, and drawings of this application are not exclusive. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules and may also include steps or modules not listed.

[0066] The illustrative embodiments of this application include, but are not limited to, communication methods, electronic devices, readable storage media, and chips.

[0067] It should be noted that the communication method provided in this application can be applied to any electronic device, including but not limited to user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), and mobile terminal (MT). For example, the electronic device can be a mobile phone, wearable device (such as a watch, earphone, or wristband), tablet computer, etc. It is understood that the electronic device has the ability to communicate with satellite networks and terrestrial networks. For ease of description, the following uses a mobile phone 10 as an example to introduce the technical solution of this application.

[0068] In some scenarios, if an electronic device enters an area covered by a terrestrial network after connecting to a satellite network, or if the terrestrial network recovers from a damaged state, the electronic device will still maintain its connection to the satellite network and will not be able to quickly switch back to the terrestrial network. Since the communication quality of the terrestrial network may be higher than that of the satellite network, the electronic device will not be able to obtain the best quality communication service.

[0069] For example, referring to Figure 1A, when mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​satellite 20, mobile phone 10 can connect to satellite 20 to establish a connection with the satellite network of satellite 20 and transmit data through the satellite network of satellite 20. At this time, if mobile phone 10 does not leave the coverage area of ​​satellite 20, or moves to the coverage area of ​​another satellite, mobile phone 10 and the satellite network will always remain connected, mobile phone 10 will always be in satellite communication mode, and only satellite communication information will be displayed. For example, referring to Figure 1B, when mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​satellite 20, mobile phone 10 always displays the satellite communication icon 01 corresponding to the satellite communication mode.

[0070] In the scenario shown in Figure 1A, there exists a situation as shown in Figure 2, in which mobile phone 10 has established a connection with the satellite network of satellite 20 and is in satellite communication mode, and mobile phone 10 is simultaneously within the coverage area of ​​satellite 20 in the satellite network and the coverage area of ​​network equipment 30 in the ground network.

[0071] In the scenario shown in Figure 2, although the quality of communication services provided by the terrestrial network may be higher than that provided by the satellite network, such as the terrestrial network providing cellular services other than emergency call services, the mobile phone 10 will not switch its connection with the satellite 20 to a connection with the network device 30. As a result, the mobile phone 10 still displays the satellite communication icon 01 as shown in Figure 1B, and can only provide the user with the communication mode of the satellite network, thus preventing the mobile phone 10 from obtaining better communication services.

[0072] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide a communication method in which, after an electronic device establishes a connection with a satellite network, the electronic device can search for terrestrial networks while maintaining the connection. Thus, after accessing the satellite network, the electronic device can automatically search for terrestrial networks, and if a terrestrial network is found, it can access it, enabling the electronic device to obtain communication services from networks other than the satellite network. For ease of description, the connection between the electronic device and the satellite network will be referred to as the first connection, and the connection between the electronic device and the terrestrial network will be referred to as the second connection.

[0073] According to some embodiments, when the first connection is in an idle state or during an idle gap when the first connection is in an active state, the electronic device searches for a terrestrial network. It is understood that during the idle state and idle gaps, the terminal device does not transmit data through the satellite network; therefore, searching for a terrestrial network does not affect the communication quality of the electronic device using the satellite network.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the electronic device can be configured to enable or disable the terrestrial network background search function. It is understood that terrestrial network background search refers to the search for terrestrial networks in satellite communication mode. Specifically, when the terrestrial network background search function is enabled, the electronic device can automatically search for terrestrial networks while maintaining the first connection. When the terrestrial network background search function is disabled, the electronic device does not automatically search for terrestrial networks while maintaining the first connection. According to other embodiments, the terrestrial network background search function can remain enabled, meaning that the terrestrial network background search function remains enabled continuously without any user configuration.

[0075] According to some embodiments, cellular information can be obtained from a communication map based on the current location of an electronic device, and cellular networks can be searched based on this information. The cellular information includes cell information, specifically including at least one of the following: standard information, frequency band information, frequency point information, and system information block (SIB) information. As an example, when an electronic device and a cellular network are connected, the electronic device can download and update the communication map according to a preset period. Thus, by obtaining the communication map in advance, cellular information corresponding to the current location can be quickly obtained when a cellular network search is needed, and this cellular information can be used as prior information for the search, thereby improving the efficiency of cellular network search.

[0076] According to some embodiments, it can be determined whether the confidence level of cellular information meets a confidence level condition. If yes, then cellular cells are searched based on the cellular information; otherwise, the cellular information is not used, and cellular cells are searched according to a preset search strategy. As an example, the confidence level condition includes at least one of the following conditions: the quantity of cellular information meets a quantity condition, for example, the quantity of cellular information corresponding to the current location in the communication map is greater than a quantity threshold; the update time of the cellular information meets a time condition, for example, the most recent update time of the cellular information is after a preset time.

[0077] According to some embodiments, electronic devices can be configured to automatically switch to a terrestrial network. It is understood that automatic switching to a terrestrial network means switching to a terrestrial network without user intervention; that is, if the electronic device finds an accessible terrestrial network while maintaining a first connection, it will not display any prompts, but will directly disconnect the first connection and establish a second connection.

[0078] According to some embodiments, if an electronic device finds an accessible terrestrial network while maintaining a first connection without automatically switching to a terrestrial network, a prompt interface containing prompt information can be displayed, and then a decision on whether to establish a second connection can be made based on the user's response to the prompt information.

[0079] For example, the prompt information in the interface may include at least one of the following: the type of terrestrial network found, its signal strength, and its service content. According to one example, the service content includes, but is not limited to, emergency call service, 4G service, and 5G service. Thus, by providing users with prompt information containing the communication characteristics of the terrestrial network, users can decide whether to switch to a terrestrial network based on their needs.

[0080] According to some embodiments, after an electronic device searches for an accessible terrestrial network, it displays the aforementioned prompt message or directly establishes a second connection with the terrestrial network.

[0081] According to some embodiments, whether a terrestrial network is an accessible terrestrial network can be determined by whether the terrestrial network meets the access conditions.

[0082] For example, the access conditions include at least one of the following: the target cell in the terrestrial network meets the camping conditions, for example, the signal strength of the target cell is greater than a strength threshold; the identifier of the target cell matches a pre-stored network identifier, for example, the network identifier is the identifier of a public land mobile network (PLMN) that the electronic device can register and access. Thus, the electronic device can access an authorized terrestrial network with the required connection quality.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the terrestrial network includes at least one of the following networks: a cellular mobile communication network, a wireless local area network, and an Internet of Things (IoT) network. For ease of description, the terrestrial network will be described below as an example of a cellular network.

[0084] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the electronic device can be configured to enable or disable the terrestrial network background search function. For example, in an example where the terrestrial network is a cellular network, the cellular background search mode (i.e., the first communication mode) can be configured to be enabled or disabled. It is understood that when the cellular background search mode of mobile phone 10 is enabled, mobile phone 10 can search for cellular networks in satellite communication mode.

[0085] The following describes a satellite network settings interface for mobile phone 10 with reference to Figure 3A, and a specific embodiment of setting the cellular background search mode with reference to the settings interface shown in Figure 3A.

[0086] As shown in Figure 3A, the satellite network settings interface may include a cellular background search mode switch control U01, which can be configured to be turned on or off in response to the user's click operation.

[0087] For example, when the cellular background search mode switch control U01 is configured to be on, the mobile phone 10 can search for cellular networks in the idle state of satellite communication mode or during the idle interval of service mode; when the cellular background search mode switch control U01 is configured to be off, the mobile phone 10 does not search for cellular networks in satellite communication mode.

[0088] Furthermore, when an accessible cellular network is found, the phone 10 can display a prompt message to guide the user to manually switch cellular networks. For example, the phone 10 can display a prompt interface that may include interactive controls, allowing the user to switch cellular networks based on these controls. The prompt interface will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5A-5E, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the electronic device can be configured to automatically switch to a terrestrial network. For example, in an example where the terrestrial network is a cellular network, automatic cellular mode switching (i.e., the second communication mode) can be configured to be on or off. It is understood that when automatic cellular mode switching is enabled on mobile phone 10, mobile phone 10 can automatically access any available cellular network it finds.

[0090] The following describes a satellite network settings interface for mobile phone 10 with reference to Figure 3B, and introduces a specific implementation of setting automatic switching of cellular mode with reference to the settings interface shown in Figure 3B.

[0091] As shown in Figure 3B, the satellite network settings interface may include a toggle control U02 for cellular background search mode and a toggle control U03 for automatic cellular mode switching. The toggle control U02 for cellular background search mode and the toggle control U03 for automatic cellular mode switching can be configured to be on or off in response to user clicks.

[0092] For example, when the cellular background search mode switch control U01 is configured to be on, the mobile phone 10 can search for cellular networks in the idle state of satellite communication mode or during the idle interval of service mode; when the cellular background search mode switch control U01 is configured to be off, the mobile phone 10 does not search for cellular networks in satellite communication mode.

[0093] For example, when the automatic cellular mode switching switch U03 is configured to be on, the phone 10 can directly establish a connection with an accessible cellular network if it finds one. When the automatic cellular mode switching switch U03 is configured to be off, the phone 10 can display a prompt message to encourage the user to manually switch cellular networks if it finds one. For example, the phone 10 can display a prompt interface, which may include user-interactive controls, allowing the user to switch cellular networks based on these controls.

[0094] In some embodiments, the conditions for automatic cellular network switching can also be set. For example, mobile phone 10 can be set to automatically switch cellular networks only when the cellular network provides full cellular functionality. The following describes the settings interface of another satellite network for mobile phone 10 with reference to Figure 3C.

[0095] As shown in Figure 3C, the satellite network settings interface may include a toggle control U04 for cellular background search mode, a toggle control U05 for automatic cellular mode switching, and a toggle control U06 for using only full cellular functionality. For a description of the cellular background search mode toggle control U04, please refer to the explanations of Figures 3A or 3B above; it will not be repeated here.

[0096] According to some embodiments, the switch control U06 shown in Figure 3C, which uses only full cellular functionality, can be configured to be turned on or off in response to a user's click operation. It is understood that using only full cellular functionality means automatically switching cellular networks only when the searched cellular network provides all cellular functions (such as call service, 4G service, and 5G service).

[0097] For example, when the automatic cellular mode switching switch U05 is configured to be on and the switch U06 for using only full cellular functionality is configured to be off, the phone 10 can directly establish a connection with a cellular network if it finds an accessible cellular network.

[0098] For example, when the automatic cellular mode switching switch U05 is configured to be on, and the switch U06 for using only full cellular functionality is configured to be on, if the searched cellular network does not provide full cellular functionality, the phone 10 can display a prompt message to prompt the user to manually switch the cellular network. That is, if the searched cellular network does not provide full cellular functionality, the cellular network will be switched according to the user's operation; if the searched cellular network provides full cellular functionality, the phone 10 will directly establish a connection with the cellular network.

[0099] For example, when the automatic cellular mode switching switch U05 is configured to be off, the switch U06 that only uses full cellular functionality is also configured to be off by default. Optionally, when the automatic cellular mode switching switch U05 is configured to be off, the switch U06 that only uses full cellular functionality may not be displayed in the settings interface.

[0100] By configuring the communication mode in the settings interface, users can be provided with personalized configuration options. Users can choose whether to automatically enable the cellular background search mode and whether to enable automatic switching of cellular mode according to their personal preferences. This controls the electronic device to perform cellular searches on satellite networks according to user preferences, and automatically switch to an available cellular network according to user preferences, so that the electronic device can provide communication services that are more adapted to the user's usage habits.

[0101] The following describes an exemplary process of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application, with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the exemplary process is executed by mobile phone 10 and includes the following steps.

[0102] S401: Establish the first connection with the satellite network.

[0103] According to some embodiments, mobile phone 10 can establish a first connection with a satellite network. For example, if mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​satellite 20 as shown in FIG. 1A, it can establish a first connection with the satellite network to which satellite 20 belongs. It can be understood that when mobile phone 10 establishes a first connection with the satellite network, mobile phone 10 is in satellite communication mode and can transmit data through the satellite network, such as making voice calls with other devices, sending text messages, or other data transmissions.

[0104] S402: Maintain a first connection with the satellite network, and search for a terrestrial network when the first connection meets a first condition and a first communication mode is enabled.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the first condition is that the first connection is in an idle state or an idle gap in a service state.

[0106] It is understood that the first communication mode is activated based on user operation. The first communication mode is a mode in which the electronic device automatically searches for terrestrial networks while maintaining a connection with the satellite network. According to some embodiments, the first communication mode can be the aforementioned cellular background search mode, which can be configured to be enabled or disabled. For example, referring to Figure 3A, when the cellular background search mode switch control U01 is configured to be enabled, the mobile phone 10 can search for cellular networks during idle states or idle intervals in service states within the satellite communication mode; when the cellular background search mode switch control U01 is configured to be disabled, the mobile phone 10 does not search for cellular networks in the satellite communication mode.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the terrestrial network may include a cellular network. In other embodiments, the terrestrial network may be other types of networks, which are not limited in this application.

[0108] In this embodiment of the application, after the electronic device accesses the satellite network, it can automatically search for terrestrial networks. If a terrestrial network is found, it can access the terrestrial network, enabling the electronic device to obtain communication services from networks other than the satellite network.

[0109] According to some embodiments, after the mobile phone 10 discovers an accessible cellular network, it can display a notification message (e.g., in the form of a notification bubble or notification bar). Furthermore, in response to the user clicking the notification message, the mobile phone 10 can display a satellite application interface and show a prompt message within the satellite application interface. For example, the prompt message may include information about the discovered cellular network, allowing the user to determine whether to switch to a cellular network based on this information.

[0110] The following describes a specific embodiment of the interface for displaying notification messages on mobile phone 10, with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0111] As an example, the notification message can be displayed in the form of a notification bar. Figure 5A shows a schematic diagram of the desktop interface of a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5A, when the mobile phone 10 determines that an accessible cellular network has been found, the mobile phone 10 can display a notification bubble U07 for the satellite application in the notification bar of the desktop interface to prompt the user that a new accessible network has been found.

[0112] As another example, the notification message can be displayed in the form of a notification bubble. Figure 5B shows a schematic diagram of the notification center interface of a mobile phone 10 according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 5B, when the mobile phone 10 determines that an accessible cell has been found, the mobile phone 10 can display a notification bubble U08 for the satellite application in the notification center interface to indicate that a new accessible network has been found.

[0113] It is understandable that, in response to the user's click operation on the notification bubble U07 area in the notification bar of the desktop interface shown in Figure 5A, or the user's click operation on the view button U09 in the notification bubble U08 of the notification center interface shown in Figure 5B, the mobile phone 10 can display the satellite application interface.

[0114] The following describes specific embodiments of the satellite application interface with reference to Figures 5C-5E.

[0115] According to one embodiment, referring to the satellite application interface shown in FIG5C, the application interface includes a cellular network identifier U10, a prompt message U11, and a confirmation switch button U12. The cellular network identifier U10 corresponds to the type of the searched terrestrial network being a cellular network. The prompt message U11 may include information indicating the terrestrial network currently searched by the mobile phone 10, such as "Currently in a cellular signal coverage area," indicating that a cellular network has been searched. The prompt message U11 may also include signal strength information, such as "High signal strength," indicating that the cellular network's signal strength is higher than a high-strength threshold. The prompt message U11 may also include service content information, such as "4G cellular service available," indicating that the cellular network provides 4G service. The cellular network identifier U10 corresponds to the service content, for example, including the word "4G" as shown in FIG5C. In response to the confirmation switch button U12 being triggered, the mobile phone 10 can disconnect from the first connection with the satellite network and establish a second connection with the cellular network.

[0116] According to one embodiment, referring to the satellite application interface shown in FIG5D, the application interface includes a cellular network identifier U13, a prompt message U14, and a confirmation switch button U15. The cellular network identifier corresponds to the type of the searched terrestrial network being a cellular network. The prompt message U14 may include information indicating the terrestrial network currently searched by the mobile phone 10, such as "Currently in a cellular signal coverage area," indicating that a cellular network has been searched. The prompt message U14 may also include signal strength information, such as "High signal strength," indicating that the cellular network's signal strength is higher than a high-strength threshold. The prompt message U14 may also include service content information, such as "5G cellular service available," indicating that the cellular network provides 5G service. The cellular network identifier U13 corresponds to the service content, for example, including the word "5G" as shown in FIG5D. In response to the confirmation switch button U15 being triggered, the mobile phone 10 can disconnect from the first connection with the satellite network and establish a second connection with the cellular network.

[0117] According to one embodiment, referring to the satellite application interface shown in FIG5E, the application interface includes a cellular network identifier U16, a prompt message U17, and a confirmation switch button U18. The cellular network identifier corresponds to the type of the searched terrestrial network as a cellular network. The prompt message U17 may include information indicating the terrestrial network currently searched by the mobile phone 10, such as "Currently in cellular signal coverage area," indicating that a cellular network has been searched. The prompt message U17 may also include signal strength information, such as "High signal strength," indicating that the cellular network's signal strength is higher than a high-strength threshold. The prompt message U17 may also include service information, such as "Emergency call service available," indicating that the cellular network provides emergency call service. The cellular network identifier U13 corresponds to the service content, for example, including the word "SOS" as shown in FIG5E. In response to the confirmation switch button U18 being triggered, the mobile phone 10 can disconnect from the first connection with the satellite network and establish a second connection with the cellular network.

[0118] It is understood that the interfaces shown in Figures 5A-5E above are merely exemplary. In other optional embodiments, the information about the searched cellular network can be presented in other ways, such as by displaying a pop-up window, by providing a prompt voice, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0119] It is understood that the user's confirmation action is not limited to the click action described above. In other optional embodiments, the user's confirmation action can also be other forms of confirmation action such as voice operation. This application does not limit this.

[0120] The following, with reference to Figure 6, describes an embodiment of a mobile phone 10 searching for cellular networks under a satellite network. In this embodiment, a specific communication mode of the mobile phone 10 can be configured to be turned on or off. For example, through the settings interface shown in Figure 3B, the background cellular search mode and the automatic cellular switching mode can be configured to be on or off, respectively. Furthermore, when the automatic cellular switching mode is off, if the mobile phone 10 finds an accessible cellular network, a prompt interface as shown in Figures 5A-5E can be displayed. Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the exemplary flow is executed by the mobile phone 10 and includes the following steps.

[0121] S601: Connected to the satellite network.

[0122] According to some embodiments, if mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​satellite 20 as shown in Figure 1A, it can establish a first connection through satellite 20 and the satellite network to which satellite 20 belongs. It can be understood that when mobile phone 10 establishes a first connection with the satellite network, mobile phone 10 is in satellite communication mode and can transmit data through the satellite network, such as enabling voice calls with other devices, sending text messages, or other data transmissions.

[0123] S602: Determine whether the connection with the satellite network is in an idle state or idle interval, and whether the cellular background search mode is enabled; if yes, proceed to S603; if no, proceed to S614.

[0124] It is understandable that if the connection between the mobile phone 10 and the satellite network is in an idle state or idle interval, and the cellular background search mode is enabled, it means that cellular search can be enabled, and the process will proceed to S603 to continue performing the relevant steps for searching for the cellular network; if the connection between the mobile phone 10 and the satellite network is not in an idle state or idle interval, or the cellular background search mode is disabled, it means that cellular search cannot be enabled, and the process will proceed to S614 to keep the mobile phone 10 connected to the satellite network.

[0125] It is understandable that the connection between the mobile phone 10 and the satellite network is in an idle state or during an idle interval, indicating that no data is being transmitted between the mobile phone 10 and the satellite network. At this time, since satellite communication and cellular communication in the mobile phone 10 can be time-division multiplexed, the mobile phone 10 can enable cellular search.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the cellular background search mode of mobile phone 10 can be configured to be enabled based on user operation. For example, referring to the settings interface shown in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, the user can operate the relevant controls of the cellular background search mode in the settings interface, such as in response to detecting that the user clicks the toggle control U01 of the cellular background search mode shown in Figure 3A to configure the cellular background search mode to be enabled. When the cellular background search mode is enabled, mobile phone 10 can automatically search for terrestrial networks while maintaining a connection with the satellite network.

[0127] S603: Determine whether cellular information for the current location has been obtained and whether the cellular information meets the confidence requirement; if yes, proceed to S604; if no, proceed to S606.

[0128] It is understandable that if mobile phone 10 obtains cellular information of the current location and the cellular information meets the confidence requirement, it means that the searched cellular information can be used as prior cellular information to assist mobile phone 10 in searching for cellular networks, and the process proceeds to S604 to continue execution, that is, mobile phone 10 searches for cellular cells based on prior cellular information; if mobile phone 10 does not obtain cellular information of the current location, or the obtained cellular information does not meet the confidence requirement, and there is no prior cellular information to assist mobile phone 10 in searching for cellular networks, the process proceeds to S606 to continue execution, that is, mobile phone 10 searches for cellular cells based on a preset strategy.

[0129] According to some embodiments, mobile phone 10 can obtain cellular information of its current location from a pre-downloaded communication map.

[0130] According to some embodiments, the cellular information of a cell includes at least one of the following: standard information, frequency band information, frequency point information, and system information block information.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the confidence condition includes at least one of the following conditions: the quantity of cellular information meets the quantity condition, and the update time of cellular information meets the time condition.

[0132] According to some embodiments, the preset strategy may include at least one of the following strategies: searching according to a preset standard priority order, searching according to a preset frequency band priority order, and searching according to a preset frequency point priority order. For example, searching the cellular network according to the preset strategy may involve searching for cells under each standard, frequency band, and frequency point sequentially according to their priority from high to low.

[0133] S604: Search for cells based on recommended frequencies in the cellular information.

[0134] It is understandable that if cellular information exists as prior cellular information, then the recommended frequency points in the cellular information can be used to search for cells under the recommended frequency points.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the number of recommended frequency points may be one or more, and this application does not limit this.

[0136] S605: Determine if a cell has been found; if yes, proceed to S608; if no, proceed to S606.

[0137] It is understandable that if the mobile phone 10 finds a cell during the execution of S604, it will proceed to S608 to determine whether the cell is accessible; if the mobile phone 10 does not find a cell during the execution of S604, it will proceed to S606 to search for a cellular network based on a preset strategy.

[0138] S606: Search for cells according to a preset strategy.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the preset strategy may include at least one of the following strategies: searching according to a preset standard priority order, searching according to a preset frequency band priority order, and searching according to a preset frequency point priority order. For example, when searching for cells based on the preset strategy, the highest priority standard, the highest priority frequency band, and the highest priority frequency point may be searched first, then the highest priority standard, the highest priority frequency band, and the second highest priority frequency point may be searched, and so on, until the lowest priority standard, the lowest priority frequency band, and the lowest priority frequency point are searched, until a cell is found.

[0140] S607: Determine if a cell has been found; if yes, proceed to S608; if no, proceed to S613.

[0141] It is understandable that if the mobile phone 10 finds a cellular cell during the execution of S606, it will proceed to S608 to determine whether the cellular cell is accessible; if the mobile phone 10 does not find a cellular cell during the execution of S606, it will proceed to S613 to determine whether the set conditions have been met, and then determine whether to continue searching for cellular networks based on whether the set conditions have been met.

[0142] S608: Determine if the cell meets the access conditions; if yes, proceed to S609; if no, proceed to S613.

[0143] It is understandable that if mobile phone 10 determines that the cellular cell meets the access conditions, it will proceed to S609 to determine whether automatic cellular switching mode is enabled, and then determine whether to immediately switch to the cellular network based on whether automatic switching mode is enabled; if mobile phone 10 determines that the cellular cell does not meet the access conditions, and mobile phone 10 does not find a cellular cell during the execution of S606, it will proceed to S613 to determine whether the set conditions are met, and then determine whether to continue searching for the cellular network based on whether the set conditions are met.

[0144] According to some embodiments, a cell is considered an accessible cell if it meets access conditions. For example, access conditions include at least one of the following: the cell meets camping conditions, or the cell is an accessible cell; the cell's signal strength is greater than a signal strength threshold; the cell's PLMN number belongs to a list of registrable PLMNs.

[0145] According to some embodiments, if the signal strength of the searched cell meets the protocol's signal strength requirements (e.g., the signal strength is greater than the protocol threshold), and the cell's PLMN number is a compliant or legal PLMN number belonging to the corresponding operator, then the cell is determined to meet the camping conditions, and the searched cell can be identified as a campable cell. For example, the protocol threshold is less than the aforementioned signal strength threshold.

[0146] According to some embodiments, after mobile phone 10 finds a cell, it can also directly determine that the cell is accessible without determining whether the cell meets the access conditions. That is, the determination step in S608 is not executed, and the process directly proceeds to S609.

[0147] S609: Determine whether automatic switching of cellular mode is enabled; if yes, proceed to S610; if no, proceed to S611.

[0148] It is understandable that if the automatic cellular mode switching of the phone 10 is enabled, it can switch to S610 to automatically switch the cellular network; if the automatic cellular mode switching of the phone 10 is disabled, it can switch to S611 to display a prompt message, provide the user with cellular network information, and instruct the user to perform user operations according to the prompt message, such as instructing the phone 10 to confirm the switch to the cellular network.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the automatic cellular switching mode of mobile phone 10 can be configured to be turned on or off based on user operation. For example, referring to the settings interface shown in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, the user can operate the relevant controls for automatic cellular switching mode in the settings interface. For instance, in response to detecting that the user clicks the switch control U03 for automatic cellular switching mode shown in Figure 3B, the user can configure automatic cellular switching mode to be turned on. When automatic cellular switching mode is turned on, mobile phone 10 can automatically connect to a cell when an accessible cell is found.

[0150] S610: Disconnect from the satellite network and access the cellular network.

[0151] According to some embodiments, when the automatic cellular mode switching of mobile phone 10 is enabled, it can directly disconnect from the satellite network and establish a connection with the cellular network by accessing the cellular network when an accessible cellular cell is found. For example, when mobile phone 10 finds an accessible cellular cell, it can attempt to establish a connection with the cellular network to which the found cell belongs. If the connection is successful, the connection with the satellite network is disconnected; if the connection fails, the connection with the satellite network is maintained.

[0152] S611: Display a prompt message.

[0153] According to some embodiments, when the automatic switching of cellular mode of mobile phone 10 is turned off, a prompt message can be displayed when an accessible cellular cell is found, providing the user with information about the cellular network and instructing the user to perform user operations according to the prompt message, such as instructing mobile phone 10 to confirm switching to the cellular network.

[0154] According to some embodiments, the prompt information includes at least one of the following: the type of terrestrial network, the signal strength of the terrestrial network, and the service content of the terrestrial network. For example, the prompt information may be the prompt information shown in Figures 5C-5E, such as prompt information U11 in Figure 5C, prompt information U14 in Figure 5D, or prompt information U17 in Figure 5E.

[0155] S612: User confirmation action detected, proceed to S610.

[0156] According to some embodiments, the user's confirmation operation can be a click operation, such as clicking the confirmation switch button in any of the satellite application interfaces shown in Figures 5C-5E. For example, the confirmation switch button could be confirmation switch button U12 as shown in Figure 5C, confirmation switch button U15 as shown in Figure 5D, or confirmation switch button U18 as shown in Figure 5E. After detecting the user's confirmation operation, the process can proceed to S610, meaning the mobile phone 10 can connect to the cellular network.

[0157] S613: Determine whether the set conditions have been met; if yes, proceed to S614; if no, proceed to S603.

[0158] Understandably, if the phone 10 determines that the set conditions have been met, it can switch to S614 to stop searching for cellular networks and remain on satellite networks; if the phone 10 determines that the set conditions have not been met, it can switch to S603 to start the next round of cellular search.

[0159] According to some embodiments, the set conditions may include one or more of the following conditions: the distance between the current location of the electronic device and the current location obtained when executing S603 is less than a preset distance; the number of times the search for the cellular network is executed reaches a preset number; the search time for the cellular network reaches a preset duration; after the number of times the search for the cellular network is executed reaches a preset number, the search time for the cellular network reaches a preset duration.

[0160] According to some embodiments, the search cycle increases with the number of searches.

[0161] For example, each search is equivalent to executing the process S603-S613 each time. Multiple searches for the cellular network may include the a-th search for the ground network, the (a+1)-th search for the ground network, the b-th search for the ground network, and the (b+1)-th search for the ground network, where b is greater than a. The first interval between the b-th and (b+1)-th searches for the ground network is greater than the second interval between the a-th and (a+1)-th searches for the ground network.

[0162] S614: Receives or transmits data via satellite network.

[0163] According to some embodiments, when the mobile phone 10 determines that it will not perform a cellular search, it can maintain a connection with the satellite network and receive or send data via the satellite network. For example, when the mobile phone 10 is in a non-idle period of service under a satellite communication network, it can receive or send data via the satellite network.

[0164] According to some embodiments, after S613 and S614 are executed, the mobile phone 10 can continuously obtain the location of the mobile phone 10. If the distance between the current location of the electronic device and the current location obtained when S603 was last executed is greater than a preset distance, it can switch to S603 and start a new round of cellular search.

[0165] This application provides users with a flexible mode setting scheme, allowing them to choose whether to enable cellular background search mode and automatic cellular mode switching based on their needs and environment. For example, if a user prefers cellular networks for communication over satellite networks and is in an area with potential cellular network coverage, they can enable automatic cellular mode switching and cellular background search mode as needed. This allows electronic devices to intelligently search for and access cellular networks while maintaining satellite network connectivity, enabling rapid switching in areas with cellular network coverage and ensuring communication continuity and reliability. Especially in remote areas or environments with unstable network coverage, users can more flexibly manage and optimize their communication experience. Furthermore, based on set conditions such as location changes, search frequency, and duration, electronic devices can efficiently determine whether to continue searching for cellular networks, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and resource waste.

[0166] According to some embodiments, mobile phone 10 can determine the display content that matches the cellular information based on cellular cell information, and display the display content that matches the cellular network as a prompt message to the user. That is, in S611 above, the prompt message can be determined and displayed based on the cellular cell information. The following describes an exemplary flow of a method for mobile phone 10 to determine the displayed prompt message based on cellular cell information with reference to FIG7. As shown in FIG7, it includes the following steps.

[0167] S701: Obtain information about the cellular unit.

[0168] According to some embodiments, the information of a cellular cell may include one or more of the following: signal strength, information carried in the system information block (such as PLMN number, cell disabling identifier, etc.).

[0169] It's understandable that after obtaining cellular information, the phone can match that information with multiple prompt conditions. If the cellular information matches one of the prompt conditions, the corresponding prompt information can be displayed. The following example, using N prompt conditions (including the first, second, ..., Nth prompt condition), illustrates the process for determining the prompt information.

[0170] S7021: If the information of the cellular cell meets the first prompt condition, display the first prompt information.

[0171] According to some embodiments, the mobile phone 10 can determine whether the information of the cellular cell meets the first prompt condition based on the information of the cellular cell, and if it is determined that the information of the cellular cell meets the first prompt condition, it displays the first prompt information corresponding to the first prompt condition.

[0172] For example, the first prompt condition could be that the signal strength is greater than the high strength threshold, and the first prompt message corresponding to the first prompt condition would be "high signal strength".

[0173] For example, the first prompt condition could be that the operator corresponding to the PLMN number provides 4G service, and the first prompt message corresponding to the first prompt condition would be "4G cellular service is available".

[0174] S7022: If the information of the cellular cell meets the second prompt condition, display the second prompt information.

[0175] According to some embodiments, the mobile phone 10 can determine whether the information of the cellular cell meets the second prompt condition based on the information of the cellular cell, and if it is determined that the information of the cellular cell meets the second prompt condition, the second prompt information is displayed.

[0176] For example, the second prompt condition could be that the signal strength is less than or equal to the high strength threshold and greater than the medium strength threshold, and the second prompt message corresponding to the second prompt condition would be "signal strength is medium".

[0177] For example, the second prompt condition could be that the operator corresponding to the PLMN number provides 5G service, and the second prompt information corresponding to the second prompt condition would be "5G cellular service is available".

[0178] S702N: If the information of the cellular cell meets the Nth prompt condition, display the Nth prompt information.

[0179] According to some embodiments, the mobile phone 10 can determine whether the information of the cellular cell meets the Nth prompt condition based on the information of the cellular cell, and if it is determined that the information of the cellular cell meets the Nth prompt condition, the Nth prompt information is displayed.

[0180] For example, the Nth prompt condition could be that the signal strength of the cell is less than or equal to the medium strength threshold and greater than the low strength threshold, and the Nth prompt information corresponding to the Nth prompt condition is "low signal strength".

[0181] For example, the Nth prompt condition could be that the operator corresponding to the PLMN number provides emergency call service, and the Nth prompt message corresponding to the Nth prompt condition would be "Emergency call service is available".

[0182] In this embodiment of the application, the prompting conditions for matching the information of the cellular cell are not limited to the first prompting conditions to the Nth prompting conditions mentioned above. Correspondingly, the prompting information is not limited to the first prompting information to the Nth prompting information mentioned above.

[0183] It is understood that S7021, S7022, and S702N described above are merely example steps, corresponding to the first prompt condition, the second prompt condition, and the Nth prompt condition, respectively. In addition to S7021, S7022, and S702N, steps not shown may also be included. For example, when N is 5, the steps performed by the satellite application module 301 may also include S7023 and S7024, corresponding to the third prompt condition and the fourth prompt condition, respectively. This application embodiment does not limit the number of N.

[0184] It should be noted that S7021-S702N can be executed in parallel or in a certain order. This application embodiment does not limit the execution order.

[0185] In the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 6, mobile phone 10 can pre-download a communication map and obtain cellular information of its current location from the communication map. According to some embodiments, the communication map can be downloaded when mobile phone 10 is on a cellular network. An exemplary flow of a method for mobile phone 10 to download a communication map is described below with reference to Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the exemplary flow is executed by mobile phone 10 and specifically includes the following steps.

[0186] S801: Connected to a cellular network.

[0187] According to some embodiments, when mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​a cellular network, mobile phone 10 can connect to the cellular network. While connected to the cellular network, mobile phone 10 can download communication maps.

[0188] S802: Downloads a communication map from the first device based on a preset download cycle.

[0189] According to some embodiments, if the mobile phone is under a cellular network, the mobile phone 10 can download a communication map from a first device based on a preset download cycle.

[0190] According to some embodiments, the first device may be a cloud-side device, such as a cloud server. According to other embodiments, the first device may be other electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and other terminal devices.

[0191] Through the embodiments of this application, electronic devices can pre-download communication maps, which facilitates the acquisition of cellular information of the current location during subsequent cellular searches, thereby assisting in cellular searches and improving the efficiency of cellular searches.

[0192] In the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 6, mobile phone 10 can determine whether the PLMN number of the searched cell belongs to the list of registrable PLMNs. According to some embodiments, the list of registrable PLMNs can be downloaded to the cellular information management module 303 when mobile phone 10 is under cellular network conditions. The following describes an exemplary flow of a method for mobile phone 10 to update and store the PLMN list with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the exemplary flow is executed by mobile phone 10 and specifically includes the following steps.

[0193] S901: Connected to a cellular network.

[0194] According to some embodiments, when mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​a cellular network, mobile phone 10 can connect to the cellular network. It is understood that during the period when mobile phone 10 is connected to the cellular network, mobile phone 10 can store or update a PLMN list. It is understood that the PLMN list includes one or more PLMN numbers that mobile phone 10 can register, and each PLMN number can correspond to a network operator.

[0195] S902: Update the PLMN list when the update conditions are met.

[0196] According to some embodiments, if the mobile phone is under a cellular network, the mobile phone 10 can update the PLMN list when the update conditions are met.

[0197] According to some embodiments, the update conditions include at least one of the following: the cellular signal received by mobile phone 10 changes, the geographical location of mobile phone 10 changes, and the update time of reaching the PLMN list.

[0198] For example, changes in cellular signal or geographic location can indicate changes in cellular cells, which may lead to changes in operators. Since new cells may correspond to new PLMN numbers, the PLMN list can be updated.

[0199] For example, the PLMN list can be updated based on a preset update cycle, such as every hour. This application does not limit the update cycle.

[0200] Through the embodiments of this application, the electronic device pre-downloads a list of PLMNs, which facilitates the electronic device to determine whether a cell is an accessible cell by checking whether the PLMN of the cell belongs to the list of registrable PLMNs, thereby improving the reliability of cellular search results.

[0201] This application also provides a terminal communication device that can be used to execute the communication method in any of the above embodiments.

[0202] An embodiment of a terminal communication device is described below with reference to FIG10. FIG10 shows a schematic diagram of a terminal communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that the terminal communication device 1000 is in a mobile phone 10. Through the terminal communication device 1000, the mobile phone 10 can download a communication map while maintaining a second connection with a cellular network; and, while the mobile phone 10 maintains a first connection with a satellite network, the mobile phone 10 can search for cellular networks based on the cellular information provided by the communication map. For example, the cellular information may include recommended frequency points, enabling the mobile phone 10 to search for cellular networks at the recommended frequency points.

[0203] As shown in Figure 10, the terminal communication device 1000 includes a satellite application module 1001, a satellite communication control module 1002, a satellite communication baseband module 1004, a cellular information management module 1003, a cellular background search module 1005, and a radio frequency antenna module 1006. These modules will be described in turn below.

[0204] According to some embodiments, the satellite application module 1001 can be used to acquire and display satellite communication status information. For example, the status information may include the connection status between the mobile phone 10 and the satellite network (e.g., connected, disconnected), signal strength (e.g., strong signal, weak signal), etc.

[0205] According to some embodiments, the satellite application module 1001 can also display information about the searched cellular networks. For example, the satellite application module 1001 can control the display of notification information in any of the interfaces shown in Figures 5A-5B. As another example, the satellite application module can control the display of prompt information in any of the satellite application interfaces shown in Figures 5C-5E.

[0206] According to some embodiments, the satellite communication control module 1002 can be used to control the satellite communication process. For example, the satellite communication process may include at least one of the following: a process in which the mobile phone 10 establishes a first connection with the satellite network, a process in which the mobile phone 10 transmits data with the satellite network, and a process in which the mobile phone 10 searches for cellular networks while maintaining the first connection with the satellite network.

[0207] The process by which mobile phone 10 searches for cellular networks while maintaining its initial connection with the satellite network can also be referred to as the cellular background search process. According to some embodiments, when the satellite communication control module 1002 determines that the cellular background search mode of mobile phone 10 is enabled and the initial connection between mobile phone 10 and the satellite network is in an idle state or a gap in the service state, it can control the cellular background search module 1005 to search for cellular networks by sending a command to enable cellular background search. According to some embodiments, the satellite communication control module 1002 can obtain cellular information of the current location from the cellular information management module 1003 and send this cellular information as prior cellular information to the cellular background search module, enabling the cellular background search module 1005 to search for cellular networks based on the prior cellular information.

[0208] According to some embodiments, the satellite communication baseband module 1004 is used to generate transmitted satellite signals or to parse received satellite signals. For example, the satellite communication baseband module 1004 can convert digital signals into analog signals that can be transmitted through a satellite network, i.e., generate satellite signals for transmission. For example, the satellite communication baseband module 1004 can receive analog signals from a satellite network and convert the analog signals back into digital signals, i.e., parse the received satellite signals.

[0209] According to some embodiments, the cellular information management module 1003 is used to update the information used by the cellular background search module 1005 when searching for the cellular network, such as communication maps and a list of registrable PLMNs, when the mobile phone 10 establishes a second connection with the cellular network, i.e., when the mobile phone 10 is under the cellular network. For example, the cellular information management module 1003 can download communication maps from a cloud server based on a preset period. As another example, the cellular information management module can update the PLMN list based on the detection of cellular signal changes (e.g., cellular signal changes occurring when one cell switches to another), the detection of a change in the location of the mobile phone 10 (e.g., a change from one base station coverage area to another), or based on a preset period.

[0210] According to some embodiments, the cellular background search module 1005 is used to receive an instruction from the satellite communication control module 1002 to initiate a cellular background search. According to some embodiments, the cellular background search module 1005 can receive prior cellular information sent by the satellite communication control module 1002 and search for cellular networks based on recommended frequencies in the prior cellular information. According to other embodiments, if the cellular background search module 1005 does not receive prior cellular information sent by the satellite communication module 1002, or receives non-prior cellular information sent by the satellite communication module 1002, it can search for cellular networks based on a preset strategy. The non-prior cellular information is used to instruct the cellular background search module 1005 not to use prior cellular information for cellular network searching. The preset strategy refers to searching based on one or more preset priority information such as system priority, frequency band priority, and frequency point priority. For example, cellular networks are searched in descending order of preset standard priority, with LTE being the highest priority standard. During the search for each standard, cellular networks are further searched in descending order of frequency band priority. For instance, if the priority order of the frequency bands covered by the LTE network is 1800MHz and 700MHz, then cells in the 1800MHz band will be searched first. Similarly, during the search for each frequency band, cellular networks are searched in descending order of frequency point priority. For example, the 1800MHz band covers a frequency range from 1710MHz to 1880MHz. Within the 1800MHz band, the frequency point priority order is 1801MHz and 1802MHz, so cells in the 1810MHz frequency point will be searched first.

[0211] According to some embodiments, the radio frequency antenna module 1006 can be used to transmit and receive wireless signals from a satellite network or a cellular network. For example, the radio frequency antenna module 1006 can receive signals sent by a base station during the cellular background search module 1005's search for a cellular network, such as synchronization signals indicating cellular cells and reference signals indicating the signal strength and signal quality of cellular cells.

[0212] The terminal communication device 1000 described above enables the mobile phone 10 to search for cellular networks when in satellite communication mode. For example, if the satellite communication control module 1002 determines to enable cellular network search, it sends an instruction to the cellular background search module 1005 to instruct the cellular background search module 1005 to search for cellular networks. Further, an exemplary flow of a communication method provided by an embodiment of this application is described below with reference to the terminal communication device 1000 shown in FIG10 and FIG11. As shown in FIG11, the steps are as follows.

[0213] S1101: Satellite communication control module 1002 controls mobile phone 10 to establish the first connection with satellite network.

[0214] According to some embodiments, when the mobile phone 10 enters a remote area without cellular network coverage, the satellite communication control module 1002 can control the mobile phone 10 to establish a first connection with the satellite network and communicate with other terminal devices under the satellite network through the first connection.

[0215] S1102: Satellite communication control module 1002 obtains the current location of mobile phone 10.

[0216] It is understandable that after the mobile phone 10 establishes the first connection with the satellite network, the satellite communication module 1002 can obtain the current location of the mobile phone 10. According to some embodiments, the current location of the mobile phone 10 can be obtained through satellite technology. For example, the satellite communication control module 1002 can receive positioning signals transmitted by one or more satellites of the Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), and then calculate the current location of the mobile phone 10 based on the positioning signals.

[0217] S1103: When the satellite communication control module 1002 is in an idle state or during an idle interval of the service state, it sends a command to the cellular background search module 1005 to start the cellular network background search.

[0218] It is understandable that during idle periods, terminal devices do not transmit data through satellite networks. Therefore, searching for terrestrial networks will not affect the communication quality of electronic devices using satellite networks. At this time, the satellite communication control module 1002 can send a command to the cellular background search module 1005 to enable cellular background search, so as to control the cellular background search module 1005 to search for cellular networks.

[0219] In some embodiments, the mobile phone 10 can enable or disable the cellular background search mode in response to user configuration operations. It is understood that in cellular background search mode, the mobile phone 10 can automatically search for cellular networks in satellite communication mode. According to some embodiments, the satellite communication control module 1002 can determine whether to execute S1103 based on whether the cellular background search mode of the mobile phone 10 is enabled. Specifically, if the cellular background search mode is enabled, S1103 can be executed to send an instruction to the cellular background search module 1005 to enable cellular network background search, so that the cellular information management module 1003 searches for cellular networks; conversely, if the cellular background search mode is disabled, S1103 is not executed, i.e., the cellular search process is not automatically initiated.

[0220] S1104: Satellite communication control module 1002 obtains the communication map from cellular information management module 1003.

[0221] According to some embodiments, the communication map is pre-acquired by the cellular information management module 1003. For example, the cellular information management module 1003 is used to periodically download the communication map when the mobile phone 10 is connected to the cellular network, that is, when the mobile phone 10 is under the cellular network.

[0222] It is understood that a communication map includes cellular information of cells in multiple different locations. For example, the cellular information of a cell may include one or more of the following: standard information, frequency band information, frequency point information, cell identification information, and PLMN number information.

[0223] S1105: Satellite communication control module 1002 obtains cellular information for the current location from the communication map.

[0224] After acquiring the communication map, the satellite communication control module can obtain the cellular information for the current location from the communication map.

[0225] According to some embodiments, if the satellite communication control module 1002 does not obtain the current location of the mobile phone 10, or if the satellite communication control module 1002 determines that there is no cellular information for the current location in the communication map (for example, if the current location is not within the coverage area of ​​a cell in the communication map), then prior cellular information will not be used to search for cellular networks. It can be understood that prior cellular information refers to historical information about cells already obtained during the cellular network search process. This information can assist the cellular background search module 1005 in searching for and identifying cells more quickly and accurately.

[0226] S1106: The satellite communication control module 1002 determines the confidence level of the cellular information when it obtains the cellular information at the current location.

[0227] According to some embodiments, when the satellite communication control module 1002 obtains cellular information, it can determine the confidence level of the cellular information based on the number of crowdsourcing requests in the cellular information and the time distance between the latest crowdsourcing request and the current time. It can be understood that when the confidence level reaches a confidence threshold, the cellular information can be used as prior cellular information for cellular network searching to assist the cellular background search module 1005 in its cellular network search.

[0228] This refers to the total number of cellular data points collected from terminal devices in the crowdsourcing communication map. A higher crowdsourcing number indicates that the cellular information has been verified by more people, corresponding to a higher confidence level in the cellular information.

[0229] The time distance between the latest crowdsourcing and the current time refers to the difference between the most recent user feedback cellular data, or the data update of cellular data, and the current time. A shorter time distance indicates that the cellular information is newer and updated more recently, corresponding to a higher confidence level in the cellular information.

[0230] It is understood that after determining the confidence level of the cellular information in S1106, S1107A and S1108A or S1107B and S1108B are executed depending on whether cellular information has been obtained and whether the confidence level of the cellular information meets the confidence level condition. Specifically, if cellular information is obtained and the cellular information meets the confidence level condition, S1107A and S1108A are executed; otherwise, if no cellular information is obtained, or the obtained cellular information does not meet the confidence level condition, S1107B and S1108B are executed. In some embodiments, if no cellular network is found after S1107A and S1108A are executed, the process can proceed to S1107B, and S1107B and S1108B can continue to be executed.

[0231] S1107A: When the confidence level of the acquired cellular information is determined to meet the confidence level condition, the satellite communication control module 1002 sends prior cellular information to the cellular background search module 1005.

[0232] According to some embodiments, when the confidence level of the acquired cellular information meets the confidence level condition, the satellite communication control module 1002 can send the cellular information of the searched cells as prior cellular information to the cellular background search module 1005.

[0233] As an example, the confidence condition includes at least one of the following conditions: the quantity of cellular information meets the quantity condition, for example, the quantity of cellular information corresponding to the current location in the communication map is greater than the quantity threshold; the update time of cellular information meets the time condition, for example, the most recent update time of cellular information is after a preset time.

[0234] S1107B: If the confidence level of the acquired cellular information does not meet the confidence level condition, or if no cellular information is acquired, the satellite communication control module 1002 sends non-prior cellular information to the cellular backend search module 1005.

[0235] According to some embodiments, when the confidence level of the acquired cellular information meets the disconfidence condition, or when no cellular confidence level is obtained, the satellite communication control module 1002 may send non-prior cellular information to the cellular background search module 1005. The non-prior cellular information is used to instruct the cellular background search module not to use prior cellular information, but to search for cellular networks according to a preset strategy.

[0236] For example, non-prior cellular information can be empty. If the cellular background search module 1005 parses the non-prior cellular information and determines that the content is empty, it can search for cellular networks according to a preset strategy.

[0237] For example, non-prior cellular information may include information about preset strategies, such as preset standard priority, preset frequency band priority, and preset frequency point priority. After parsing the non-prior cellular information and obtaining the preset strategy information, the cellular backend search module 1005 can search for cellular networks according to the preset strategy, such as searching for cellular networks based on the priority order of preset standard priority, preset frequency band priority, and preset frequency point priority.

[0238] S1108A: The cellular background search module 1005 searches for cellular networks at the frequency points corresponding to the prior cellular information based on the prior cellular information.

[0239] According to some embodiments, prior cellular information may include the frequency points of the cells, and the cellular backend search module 1005 searches for cellular networks based on the frequency points included in the prior information.

[0240] S1108B: Cellular background search module 1005 searches for cellular networks based on preset system priority, frequency band priority, and frequency point priority.

[0241] According to some embodiments, cellular networks can be searched in a preset order of high to low priority based on standard, frequency band, and frequency point. For example, cellular networks can be searched in a preset order of high to low priority based on standard. If the highest priority standard is LTE, then LTE cellular networks will be searched first. During the search for each standard, cellular networks can be searched in a preset order of high to low priority based on frequency band. For example, if the priority order of the frequency bands covered by the LTE network is 1800MHz and 700MHz, then cells in the 1800MHz band will be searched first. Similarly, during the search for each frequency band, cellular networks can be searched in a preset order of high to low priority based on frequency point. For example, the 1800MHz band covers a frequency range from 1710MHz to 1880MHz. Within the 1800MHz band, if the priority order of frequency points is 1801MHz and 1802MHz, then cells at the 1810MHz frequency point will be searched first.

[0242] S1109B: When the cellular background search module 1005 finds a cell that can be camped, it sends the information of the cell to the satellite communication control module 1002.

[0243] According to some embodiments, when the cellular background search module 1005 finds a cellular cell and determines that the found cellular cell meets the camping conditions based on the information of the found cellular cell, it can identify the found cellular cell as a campable cellular cell and send the information of the found campable cellular cell to the satellite communication control module 1002.

[0244] For example, cell information may include one or more of the following: signal strength, information carried in the system information block (such as PLMN number, cell disabling identifier, etc.). For example, based on cell information, if the signal strength meets the protocol's requirements and the PLMN number is a compliant or legal PLMN number of the corresponding operator, the searched cell can be identified as a cell that can be camped on.

[0245] According to some embodiments, if the cellular background search module 1005 does not find a cell that can be camped, for example, if the cellular background search module 1005 does not find a cell, or if the cell found by the cellular background search module 1005 does not meet the camping conditions, then no information will be sent to the satellite communication control module 1002.

[0246] It is understood that the satellite communication control module 1002 may execute S11010A or S11010B-S11012B depending on whether it receives the cellular information that can be hosted by the cellular background search module 1005 within a set time after sending the command to enable the cellular network via S1103. It is understood that S11010B is executed after S1109B, and the execution order between S11010A and S1109B is not limited in this embodiment.

[0247] S11010A: If the satellite communication control module 1002 does not receive information about a resident cell within a set time after sending the command, it determines that the search for the cellular network has not met the set conditions and proceeds to S1102.

[0248] It is understandable that if the cellular backend search module 1005 does not find a cell that can be camped, for example, if the cellular backend search module 1005 does not find a cell, or if the cell found by the cellular backend search module 1005 does not meet the camping conditions, then the satellite communication control module will not receive information about the cell that can be camped.

[0249] According to some embodiments, if the satellite communication control module determines that it has not received information about a resident cell within a set time after sending the command, and if it determines that the search for the cellular network has not met the set conditions, it can proceed to S1102 to continue execution; if the set conditions are met, the process can end.

[0250] According to some embodiments, the set conditions include at least one of the following conditions: the distance between the location of the mobile phone 10 and the previously acquired current location is less than a preset distance; the number of times the cellular network is searched repeatedly (e.g., the number of times S1103 is executed) exceeds a preset number; the search time for the cellular network (e.g., the time elapsed after the first execution of S1103) reaches a preset duration; and after the number of times the cellular network search is executed reaches a preset number, the search time for the terrestrial network reaches a preset duration.

[0251] For example, after the number of cellular network searches reaches a preset number, such as 5 times, the satellite communication control module 1002 can start a timer. After the timer reaches a preset duration, such as 5 minutes, the process can end. Before the timer reaches 5 minutes, after executing S11010A, it can switch to S1102 to reacquire the current location and re-execute a round of cellular network searches.

[0252] S11010B: Satellite communication control module 1002 determines whether a cell is accessible based on cell information.

[0253] It is understandable that if the cellular backend search module 1005 finds a cell that can be camped, the satellite communication control module can receive the information of the cell that can be camped.

[0254] According to some embodiments, the information of a cellular cell may include one or more of the following: signal strength, information carried in the system information block (such as PLMN number, cell disabling identifier, etc.).

[0255] According to some embodiments, the satellite communication control module 1002 can determine whether a cellular cell is accessible based on one or more of the following conditions: the signal strength is greater than a preset strength, and the PLMN number belongs to a pre-stored list of registrable PLMNs. It is understood that the list of registrable PLMNs can be stored in the cellular information management module 1003, which updates and stores the list when the mobile phone 10 is in a cellular network.

[0256] According to some embodiments, if it is determined that the cell is accessible, execution proceeds to S11011B. According to some embodiments, if it is determined that the cell is inaccessible, it can be determined whether the search for cellular networks meets set conditions. If not, the search for cellular networks continues; if so, the search stops. The details of the set conditions can be found in the description of S11010A above, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] S11011B: When the satellite communication control module 1002 determines that the cell is accessible, it sends the cell information to the satellite application module 1001.

[0258] According to some embodiments, when the satellite communication control module 1002 determines that a cellular cell is accessible, it can send the cellular cell information to the satellite application module 1001 so that the satellite application module 1001 can display the cellular network information.

[0259] According to some embodiments, the information of a cellular cell may include one or more of the following: signal strength, information carried in the system information block (such as PLMN number, cell disabling identifier, etc.).

[0260] It is understandable that in automatic cellular switching mode, when mobile phone 10 finds an accessible cellular cell, it can automatically access the cellular network and disconnect from the satellite network. According to some embodiments, the satellite communication control module 1002 can determine whether to execute S11011B based on whether automatic cellular switching mode is enabled on mobile phone 10. Specifically, if automatic cellular switching mode is enabled, S11011B can be skipped, the connection to the satellite network can be directly disconnected, and mobile phone 10 can be controlled to access the cellular cell to establish a connection with the cellular network. Conversely, if automatic cellular switching mode is disabled, S11011B is executed to send cellular information to the satellite application module 1001, causing the satellite application module 1001 to display a prompt message in a notification message or the satellite application interface, prompting the user to manually switch to the cellular network.

[0261] S11012B: Satellite application module 1001 displays a prompt message.

[0262] According to some embodiments, the satellite application module 1001 can display prompt information based on information from the cellular cell.

[0263] According to some embodiments, the satellite application module 1001 can display any of the interfaces shown in Figures 5A-5E. Taking Figure 5C as an example, the satellite application module 1001 can display the prompt message "High signal strength" on the satellite application interface if the signal strength is greater than the high strength threshold; it can also display the prompt message "4G cellular service available" on the satellite application interface if it identifies the access operator based on the PLMN number and determines the service information provided by the cellular network based on the operator; and it can display the prompt message "Currently in cellular signal coverage area" on the satellite application interface if it receives information from the cellular cell indicating that the mobile phone 10 is within the coverage area of ​​the cellular network.

[0264] According to some embodiments, the satellite application module 1001 can, upon detecting a user operation indicating a network switching, such as when the confirmation switching button U12 in FIG5C is triggered, control the satellite communication control module to disconnect the first connection between the mobile phone 10 and the satellite network, and control the mobile phone 10 to register to the aforementioned accessible cellular cell and establish a second connection with the cellular network.

[0265] Through the embodiments of this application, when an electronic device enters a cellular network coverage area, the system controls the mobile phone to maintain its connection with the satellite network while retaining the ability to search for terrestrial networks such as cellular networks. For example, during idle periods of satellite communication, the system can send a command to the cellular background search module to initiate a cellular network background search. Furthermore, it can perform cellular searches based on cellular information obtained from a communication map, thereby improving the efficiency of cellular network searches. In this way, a smooth switch between satellite communication and cellular networks can be achieved, and the electronic device can be guaranteed to obtain better communication services as much as possible.

[0266] Figure 12 is a software structure block diagram of an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0267] The software system of electronic device 100 can adopt a layered architecture, event-driven architecture, microkernel architecture, microservice architecture, or cloud architecture. This embodiment of the invention uses the layered architecture Android system as an example to exemplify the software structure of electronic device 100.

[0268] A layered architecture divides software into several layers, each with a clear role and function. Layers communicate with each other through software interfaces. In some embodiments, the Android system is divided into four layers, from top to bottom: the application layer, the application framework layer, the Android runtime and system libraries, and the kernel layer.

[0269] The application layer can include a series of application packages.

[0270] As shown in Figure 12, the application package may include applications such as camera, gallery, calendar, call, map, navigation, WLAN, Bluetooth, music, video, and satellite communication. Among these, the satellite communication application can obtain and display satellite communication status information. According to some embodiments, the satellite communication application can also display information about the searched cellular networks, such as service content, signal strength, and network type.

[0271] The application framework layer provides application programming interfaces (APIs) and a programming framework for applications in the application layer. The application framework layer includes some predefined functions.

[0272] As shown in Figure 12, the application framework layer may include a window manager, content provider, view system, phone manager, resource manager, notification manager, etc.

[0273] The window manager is used to manage windowed applications. It can retrieve screen size, determine the presence of a status bar, lock the screen, and capture screenshots, among other things.

[0274] Content providers store and retrieve data, making that data accessible to applications. This data may include videos, images, audio, made and received phone calls, browsing history and bookmarks, phone books, etc.

[0275] A view system includes visual controls, such as controls for displaying text and controls for displaying images. View systems can be used to build applications. A display interface can consist of one or more views. For example, a display interface including a text notification icon could include views for displaying text and views for displaying images.

[0276] The phone manager is used to provide communication functions for electronic device 100. For example, it manages call status (including connection and disconnection).

[0277] The file explorer provides applications with various resources, such as localized strings, icons, images, layout files, video files, and more.

[0278] The notification manager allows applications to display notifications in the status bar. These notifications can be used to deliver informational messages and can disappear automatically after a short pause, requiring no user interaction. For example, the notification manager can be used to notify users of completed downloads or message alerts. The notification manager can also display notifications as icons or scrolling text in the top status bar, such as notifications from background applications, or as dialog boxes on the screen. Examples include displaying text messages in the status bar, emitting sounds, vibrating electronic devices, and flashing indicator lights.

[0279] The Android Runtime consists of core libraries and a virtual machine. The Android runtime is responsible for scheduling and managing the Android system.

[0280] The core library consists of two parts: one part is the functionalities that need to be called by the Java language, and the other part is the Android core library.

[0281] The application layer and application framework layer run in a virtual machine. The virtual machine executes the Java files of the application layer and application framework layer as binary files. The virtual machine is used to perform functions such as object lifecycle management, stack management, thread management, security and exception management, and garbage collection.

[0282] System libraries can include multiple functional modules. For example: surface manager, media libraries, 3D graphics processing libraries (e.g., OpenGL ES), 2D graphics engines (e.g., SGL), etc.

[0283] The Surface Manager is used to manage the display subsystem and provides the blending of 2D and 3D layers for multiple applications.

[0284] The media library supports playback and recording of various common audio and video formats, as well as still image files. It supports multiple audio and video encoding formats, such as MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPG, and PNG.

[0285] The 3D graphics processing library is used to implement 3D graphics drawing, image rendering, compositing, and layer processing.

[0286] A 2D graphics engine is a graphics engine for 2D drawing.

[0287] The kernel layer is the layer between hardware and software. The kernel layer contains at least the display driver, camera driver, audio driver, and sensor driver.

[0288] The following example, using a scene of capturing a photograph, illustrates the workflow of the software and hardware of the electronic device 100.

[0289] When touch sensor 180K receives a touch operation, a corresponding hardware interrupt is sent to the kernel layer. The kernel layer processes the touch operation into a raw input event (including touch coordinates, timestamp of the touch operation, etc.). The raw input event is stored in the kernel layer. The application framework layer retrieves the raw input event from the kernel layer and identifies the control corresponding to the input event. Taking a touch click as an example, where the corresponding control is the camera application icon, the camera application calls the application framework layer's interface to launch the camera application, and then calls the kernel layer to launch the camera driver, capturing still images or videos through camera 193.

[0290] This application also provides an electronic device. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the unit structure of the electronic device 100 provided in this application embodiment.

[0291] As shown in FIG13, in an optional embodiment, the electronic device 100 includes a receiver 101, a processor 102, and a transmitter 103. The receiver 101 and transmitter 103 can be used to perform S401 in FIG4 and / or perform other steps described in this application. The processor 102 can be used to perform S402 in FIG4 and / or perform other steps described in this application.

[0292] For example, receiver 101 and transmitter 103 can control mobile phone 10 to connect to the satellite network and maintain the connection between mobile phone 10 and the satellite network.

[0293] For example, the processor 102 can search for terrestrial networks when the first connection meets the first condition and the first communication mode is enabled.

[0294] According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may take the form shown in FIG14.

[0295] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the electronic device 100.

[0296] As previously stated, electronic device 100 may include, but is not limited to, devices such as smartphones, smart wearable devices, desktop computers, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, digital assistants, and augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) devices. For example, electronic device 100 may be mobile phone 10.

[0297] Electronic device 100 may include processor 110, external memory interface 120, internal memory 121, universal serial bus (USB) interface 130, charging management module 140, power management module 141, battery 142, antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, audio module 170, speaker 170A, receiver 170B, microphone 170C, headphone jack 170D, sensor module 180, button 190, motor 191, indicator 192, camera 193, display screen 194, and subscriber identification module (SIM) card interface 195, etc. The sensor module 180 may include a pressure sensor 180A, a gyroscope sensor 180B, a barometric pressure sensor 180C, a magnetic sensor 180D, an accelerometer sensor 180E, a distance sensor 180F, a proximity sensor 180G, a fingerprint sensor 180H, a temperature sensor 180J, a touch sensor 180K, an ambient light sensor 180L, a bone conduction sensor 180M, etc.

[0298] It is understood that the structures illustrated in the embodiments of the present invention do not constitute a specific limitation on the electronic device 100. In other embodiments of this application, the electronic device 100 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine some components, or split some components, or have different component arrangements. The illustrated components may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0299] Processor 110 may include one or more processing units, such as application processor (AP), modem processor, graphics processing unit (GPU), image signal processor (ISP), controller, video codec, digital signal processor (DSP), baseband processor, and / or neural network processing unit (NPU). These different processing units may be independent devices or integrated into one or more processors.

[0300] The processor 110 may also include a memory for storing instructions and data corresponding to the communication method provided in this embodiment. In some embodiments, the memory in the processor 110 is a cache memory. This memory can store instructions or data that the processor 110 has just used or that are used repeatedly. If the processor 110 needs to use the instruction or data again, it can directly retrieve it from the memory. This avoids repeated access, reduces the waiting time of the processor 110, and thus improves the efficiency of the system.

[0301] In some embodiments, the processor 110 of the electronic device 100 executes a communication method provided in this application embodiment by calling program instructions stored in the memory. For example, it is used to perform: establishing a first connection with a satellite network; maintaining the first connection with the satellite network; and searching for a terrestrial network when the first connection meets a first condition and a first communication mode is enabled, wherein the first communication mode is enabled according to user operation, and the first communication mode is a mode in which the electronic device automatically searches for a terrestrial network while maintaining the connection with the satellite network.

[0302] The wireless communication function of electronic device 100 can be realized through antenna 1, antenna 2, mobile communication module 150, wireless communication module 160, modem processor and baseband processor, etc.

[0303] Electronic device 100 implements display functions through a GPU, a display screen 194, and an application processor. The GPU is a microprocessor for image processing, connected to the display screen 194 and the application processor. The GPU is used to perform mathematical and geometric calculations and for graphics rendering. Processor 110 may include one or more GPUs, which execute program instructions to generate or modify display information.

[0304] Display screen 194 is used to display images, videos, etc. Display screen 194 includes a display panel. The display panel may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED), a flexible light-emitting diode (FLED), a MiniLED, a MicroLED, a Micro-OLED, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED), etc. In some embodiments, electronic device 100 may include one or N displays 194, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0305] Electronic device 100 can achieve the acquisition function through ISP, camera 193, video codec, GPU, display screen 194 and application processor.

[0306] The ISP (Image Signal Processor) is used to process data fed back from the camera 193. For example, when taking a picture, the shutter is opened, and light is transmitted through the lens to the camera's photosensitive element. The light signal is converted into an electrical signal, and the camera's photosensitive element transmits the electrical signal to the ISP for processing, transforming it into an image visible to the naked eye. The ISP can also perform algorithmic optimization on image noise, brightness, and skin tone. The ISP can also optimize parameters such as exposure and color temperature of the scene being captured. In some embodiments, the ISP can be integrated into the camera 193.

[0307] Camera 193 is used to capture still images or videos. An object is projected onto a photosensitive element by generating an optical image through the lens. The photosensitive element can be a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistor. The photosensitive element converts the light signal into an electrical signal, which is then passed to an ISP for conversion into a digital image signal. The ISP outputs the digital image signal to a DSP for processing. The DSP converts the digital image signal into image signals in standard RGB, YUV, or other formats. In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include one or N cameras 193, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0308] Video codecs are used to compress or decompress digital video. Electronic device 100 may support one or more video codecs. Thus, electronic device 100 can play or record videos in various encoding formats, such as Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 1, MPEG2, MPEG3, MPEG4, etc.

[0309] Buttons 190 include a power button, volume buttons, etc. Buttons 190 can be mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons, such as the capture button in a camera application. Electronic device 100 can receive button input and generate key signal inputs related to user settings and function control of electronic device 100.

[0310] The software system of electronic device 100 can adopt a layered architecture, event-driven architecture, microkernel architecture, microservice architecture, or cloud architecture. This embodiment of the invention uses a layered architecture of Android. TM Taking the system as an example, the software structure of electronic device 100 is illustrated.

[0311] Accordingly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including: a memory for storing instructions executed by one or more processors of the electronic device, and a processor for executing instructions of the above-described communication method.

[0312] Accordingly, embodiments of this application provide a storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the aforementioned communication method.

[0313] Accordingly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including: a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, the non-volatile computer-readable storage medium containing computer program code for performing the above-described communication method.

[0314] Accordingly, embodiments of this application provide a chip, which includes a memory for storing instructions executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, and one or more processors for executing the aforementioned communication method.

[0315] This specification provides the methods or processes shown in the embodiments or flowcharts, but based on conventional or non-inventive labor, more or fewer operation steps may be included. The order of steps listed in the embodiments is merely one of many execution orders and does not represent the only execution order. In actual execution, the methods or processes shown in the embodiments or drawings can be executed in sequence or in parallel (e.g., in a parallel controller or multi-threaded processing environment).

[0316] The embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these implementation methods. Embodiments of this application can be implemented as computer programs or program code executable on a programmable system, the programmable system including at least one processor, a storage system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0317] Program code can be applied to input instructions to execute the functions described in this application and generate output information. The output information can be applied to one or more output devices in a known manner. For the purposes of this application, the processing system includes any system having a processor such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a microprocessor.

[0318] The program code can be implemented using a high-level procedural language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with the processing system. Assembly language or machine language can also be used when needed. In fact, the mechanisms described in this application are not limited to any particular programming language. In either case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language.

[0319] In some cases, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions carried or stored thereon on one or more temporary or non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. For example, the instructions may be distributed via a network or through other computer-readable media. Therefore, machine-readable media may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form, including but not limited to floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic cards or optical cards, flash memory, or tangible machine-readable storage for transmitting information (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.) using the Internet in the form of electrical, optical, acoustic, or other propagation signals. Therefore, machine-readable media include any type of machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) form.

[0320] As used herein, the term “module” may refer to, as part of, or include: a memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) for running one or more software or firmware programs, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), electronic circuitry and / or a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped), combinational logic circuitry, and / or other suitable components that provide the said functionality.

[0321] In the accompanying drawings, some structural or methodological features may be shown in a specific arrangement and / or order. However, it should be understood that such a specific arrangement and / or order is not necessary. Rather, in some embodiments, these features may be illustrated in a manner and / or order different from that shown in the illustrative drawings. Furthermore, the inclusion of structural or methodological features in a particular drawing does not mean that all embodiments need to include such features; in some embodiments, these features may be omitted, or they may be combined with other features.

[0322] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the use of the technical solutions of this application is not limited to the various applications mentioned in the embodiments of this patent. Various structures and modifications can be easily implemented with reference to the technical solutions of this application to achieve the various beneficial effects mentioned herein. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, all changes made without departing from the spirit of this application should be considered within the scope of this patent application.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to electronic devices, characterized in that, include: Establish the first connection with the satellite network; Maintaining a first connection with the satellite network, and searching for a terrestrial network when the first connection meets a first condition and a first communication mode is enabled, wherein the first communication mode is enabled according to user operation, and the first communication mode is a mode in which the electronic device automatically searches for the terrestrial network while maintaining a connection with the satellite network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first condition includes: The first connection is in an idle state; or The first connection is in an idle period of service.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The ground network is a cellular network, and the search of the ground network includes: Obtain the first cellular information of the current first location of the electronic device; If the first cellular information is obtained and the obtained first cellular information meets the second condition, the terrestrial network is searched based on the first cellular information; or If the first cellular information is not obtained, or if the obtained first cellular information does not meet the second condition, the terrestrial network is searched based on a preset strategy.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first cellular information includes at least one of the following: standard information, frequency band information, frequency point information, and system information block information.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The second condition includes at least one of the following conditions: the amount of information in the first cellular information meets the quantity condition, and the update time of the first cellular information meets the time condition.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that, The search ground network also includes: If the terrestrial network is not found based on the first cellular information, the terrestrial network is searched based on the preset strategy.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, Also includes: If the terrestrial network is not found based on the first cellular information or the preset strategy, and the set conditions are not met, the step of searching for the terrestrial network is repeated: Obtain the second cellular information of the current second location of the electronic device; If the second cellular information is obtained and the obtained second cellular information satisfies the second condition, the terrestrial network is searched based on the second cellular information; Alternatively, if the second cellular information is not obtained, or if the obtained second cellular information does not meet the second condition, the terrestrial network is searched based on the preset strategy; The search continues until the terrestrial network is found, or until the set conditions are met.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of repeating the search for the ground network includes searching the ground network for the a-th time, the (a+1)-th time, the b-th time, and the (b+1)-th time, where b is greater than a. The first interval between the b-th search of the ground network and the b+1-th search of the ground network is greater than the second interval between the a-th search of the ground network and the a+1-th search of the ground network.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The set conditions include at least one of the following conditions: The distance between the current third position and the second position of the electronic device is less than the first preset distance; The search for the ground network has been performed a preset number of times; The search time for the ground network reaches the preset duration; After the number of times the search for the ground network is performed reaches a preset number, the search time for the ground network reaches a preset duration.

10. The method according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that, After stopping the search of the terrestrial network, the method further includes: If the distance between the current fourth position and the second position of the electronic device is greater than a second preset distance, the ground network is searched again.

11. The method according to any one of claims 3-10, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the cellular information of the current first location of the electronic device includes: Based on the communication map, obtain the cellular information of the current first location of the electronic device; and The method further includes: When the electronic device and the terrestrial network establish a connection, the communication map is downloaded based on a preset period.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, Also includes: If the ground network is found and the ground network meets the third condition, a second connection is established with the ground network, or a second connection is established with the ground network in response to the user's confirmation operation; or If the terrestrial network is found, a second connection is established with the terrestrial network, or a second connection is established in response to the user's confirmation.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The settings interface of the electronic device includes a first control, which is used to turn a first communication mode on or off in response to user operation. Prior to searching the ground network, the first control activated the first communication mode.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, Also includes: The settings interface of the electronic device includes a second control, which is used to turn the second communication mode on or off in response to user operation. When the second communication mode is off, the electronic device establishes a second connection with the terrestrial network in response to user confirmation. When the second communication mode is on, the electronic device automatically establishes a second connection with the terrestrial network. The method further includes: after the second control enables the second communication mode, establishing a second connection with the ground network.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The user confirmation operation is based on the prompt interface, and The method further includes: If the terrestrial network is found and meets the third condition, the prompt interface will be displayed. The prompt interface includes at least one of the following information: the type of the terrestrial network, the signal strength of the terrestrial network, and the service content of the terrestrial network.

16. The method according to claim 12 or 15, characterized in that, The terrestrial network is a cellular network, and The third condition includes at least one of the following: the target cell in the terrestrial network meets the camping conditions, the identifier of the target cell matches the pre-stored network identifier, wherein the network identifier corresponds to the network operator of the terrestrial network.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: When the electronic device and the terrestrial network establish a connection, the pre-stored network identifier is stored and updated.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-17, characterized in that, The terrestrial network includes at least one of the following networks: cellular mobile communication network, wireless local area network, and Internet of Things network.

19. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store one or more programs; A processor for executing the one or more programs to cause the electronic device to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores one or more programs, which, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to implement the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A chip, the chip comprising: A memory for storing instructions executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, and said one or more processors for performing the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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