GNSS Position Fix Duration Configuration for NTN Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication technologies face challenges in performing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) operations simultaneously with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IOT) and Enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) due to synchronization issues and propagation delays, requiring frequent re-acquisition of GNSS positions during long connections.
Innovation Solution
A method where User Equipment (UE) transmits GNSS position fix time duration and validity duration to a network node during initial access, allowing the network node to configure and trigger GNSS measurements in connected mode, enabling UE to autonomously perform GNSS measurements based on received configurations, and updating the GNSS validity duration upon completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If UE autonomously pre-compensates timing advance and frequency doppler shift using GNSS capability, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but GNSS operations and NTN NB-IOT/eMTC operations cannot be performed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic state management for GNSS functionality, allowing the UE to switch between different operational modes (connected mode with network-configured GNSS measurements, idle mode with autonomous GNSS positioning, or NTN mode with pre-compensation). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to optimize for either precision or versatility depending on current operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of GNSS by introducing network-configured measurement opportunities with specific time durations and validity durations. This allows the system to transition from autonomous continuous GNSS operation to network-coordinated periodic measurements, enabling simultaneous NTN operations while maintaining sufficient synchronization accuracy through properly configured measurement gaps.
2Measurement precision
If UE re-acquires GNSS position fix during connected mode, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but operation continuity is interrupted and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic GNSS measurements during connected mode through network configuration, where the UE performs measurements at scheduled intervals rather than continuously or on-demand. The network configures measurement opportunities with specific time durations and validity durations, creating a periodic measurement pattern that maintains positioning accuracy while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where the UE reports GNSS measurement results and validity durations to the network, which then adjusts future measurement configurations based on this feedback. This closed-loop system ensures positioning accuracy is maintained while optimizing measurement frequency to minimize power consumption, as the network can reduce measurement frequency when accuracy is sufficient.
3Measurement precision
If UE performs GNSS measurement in connected mode, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but transmission time is increased due to additional signaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the uplink transmission multi-functional by combining GNSS measurement reports with other uplink data transmissions. The same uplink resources are used for both carrying user data and reporting GNSS measurement results, eliminating the need for separate dedicated signaling resources. This reduces the additional transmission time while maintaining positioning accuracy through proper measurement reporting.
4Measurement precision
If network node configures GNSS measurement opportunities with time duration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but scheduling flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the uplink transmission into distinct functional parts: data portions for user traffic and reference signal portions for GNSS measurements. By dividing the transmission structure in this way, the network can configure specific time durations for measurements without affecting the overall scheduling flexibility, as each segment can be independently managed and optimized for its specific purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
Various solutions for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) operations with respect to user equipment and network node in mobile communications are described. An apparatus may transmit a GNSS position fix time duration and a GNSS validity duration to a network node during an initial access. The apparatus may receive a configuration based on the GNSS position fix time duration and the GNSS validity duration from the network node in a connected mode. The apparatus may perform a GNSS measurement based on the configuration. The apparatus may transmit a new GNSS validity duration to the network node in the connected mode in an event that the apparatus completes the GNSS measurement.