Adaptive NTN Measurements for Intermittent, Overlapping Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in managing intermittent and overlapping non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage due to moving satellites and long propagation delays, which increase measurement load and power consumption in devices like IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive measurement procedures for NTN coverage are implemented, where wireless devices adjust measurement rates and durations based on satellite sojourn time using ephemeris data, switching between normal and relaxed states to optimize power consumption and reduce signaling overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement procedures are performed continuously at normal rate, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement procedures that adapt the measurement rate based on satellite coverage conditions. The wireless device switches between normal measurement rate (when satellite coverage is stable) and reduced measurement rate (when satellite coverage is intermittent or overlapping), thereby maintaining measurement precision when needed while reducing power consumption during challenging NTN scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter (measurement rate) based on satellite coverage time calculations. By determining whether the satellite coverage time exceeds a threshold, the system dynamically adjusts the measurement frequency, transitioning between different operational states to balance measurement accuracy with energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If measurement procedures are performed at normal rate, then reliability of connection is improved, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts signaling activity based on satellite coverage conditions. During normal coverage, measurements are performed at standard rates with regular reporting. During intermittent or overlapping coverage, the system reduces measurement frequency and corresponding signaling overhead, while maintaining sufficient monitoring to ensure connection reliability when satellites are visible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies signaling parameters (measurement reporting frequency, measurement configuration) based on the determined satellite coverage time. When coverage time exceeds the threshold, normal signaling procedures are maintained. When coverage time is insufficient, the system adjusts signaling parameters to reduce overhead while preserving essential connection reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If measurement procedures are reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intelligently adjusts measurement parameters based on satellite coverage assessments. Rather than uniformly reducing measurements, the system calculates satellite coverage time and only reduces measurement frequency when coverage is insufficient (below threshold). When coverage is adequate, normal measurement precision is maintained, ensuring that power reduction does not compromise measurement accuracy in favorable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wireless device continuously monitors satellite coverage conditions and adjusts measurement procedures accordingly. The coverage time determination feeds back into the measurement rate selection, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement precision when satellite conditions permit while reducing measurements only when coverage is inherently limited.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If satellite coverage is intermittent or overlapping, then coverage continuity is improved, but measurement load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic measurement load adjustment based on satellite coverage patterns. When intermittent or overlapping coverage is detected (coverage time below threshold), the system reduces measurement frequency to lower the processing load on the wireless device. This dynamic adaptation prevents the device from being overwhelmed by excessive measurements during challenging satellite visibility conditions while maintaining adequate monitoring for handover decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, network node and wireless device (WD) for performing adaptive measurement procedures for intermitted and overlapping non-terrestrial network (NTN) coverage are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a WD includes determining a satellite coverage time based at least in part on the ephemeris data. The method also includes performing a first measurement procedure to measure satellite signals during a first measurement time when the satellite coverage time is less than a first threshold. The method further includes performing a second measurement procedure to measure satellite signals during a second measurement time when the satellite coverage time is greater than a second threshold.