GNSS Validity Reporting for Connected Timing Updates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Terminal devices cannot report remaining global navigation satellite system (GNSS) validity duration to a network side while maintaining communication, leading to interruptions in communication procedures.

Innovation Solution

Methods and apparatuses for updating timing information by allowing terminals to transmit remaining GNSS validity duration to an access network entity under specific conditions, using RRC or MAC-CE messages, and synchronizing timing information updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If terminal device performs GNSS acquisition operation to obtain updated GNSS information, then GNSS position accuracy is improved, but communication procedure is interrupted and communication continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGNSS position accuracyVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs GNSS acquisition operation in advance before communication procedures begin, or during idle periods when resources are available. By preparing GNSS position information beforehand and storing it locally, the terminal can provide location services without interrupting ongoing communication, thus resolving the contradiction between obtaining accurate GNSS position and maintaining communication continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a local buffer or storage mechanism as an intermediary between GNSS acquisition and communication procedures. The terminal stores GNSS position information locally and can use this stored information to satisfy communication requirements without needing to perform real-time GNSS acquisition during active communication, thereby maintaining both GNSS accuracy and communication continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If terminal device reports remaining GNSS validity duration to network side, then network timing synchronization is improved, but signaling overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork timing synchronizationVSAvoidreporting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the GNSS validity duration reporting function into existing uplink signaling channels and procedures that the terminal already uses for other purposes. By reusing established signaling mechanisms rather than creating dedicated reporting channels, the patent achieves network timing synchronization improvement while minimizing additional system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the GNSS validity duration information into standardized signaling parameters that fit within existing network protocols. By encoding the validity duration as a time parameter in conventional uplink messages, the system achieves precise timing synchronization without requiring complex new reporting mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between synchronization accuracy and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If terminal device interrupts communication procedure to reacquire GNSS position, then GNSS information freshness is improved, but communication productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveGNSS information freshnessVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic GNSS acquisition at predetermined intervals rather than continuous acquisition or interruption-based updates. The terminal acquires GNSS information periodically when resources are available, maintaining fresh GNSS data without disrupting communication workflows. This periodic approach balances information freshness with communication productivity by updating GNSS position only when necessary and when communication resources permit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal autonomously manages its own GNSS acquisition schedule and validity tracking without requiring network intervention or communication interruptions. By self-managing the GNSS information lifecycle including acquisition, validity duration tracking, and local buffering, the terminal maintains fresh GNSS data independently while preserving communication continuity, thus resolving the contradiction between information freshness and communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260098971A1Method and apparatus for updating timing information

Publication Date: 2026.04.09 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for updating timing information. The method is applied to a terminal and includes the terminal obtains global navigation satellite system (GNSS) information; the terminal determines a remaining GNSS validity period; and when determining that a reporting condition is satisfied, the terminal sends the remaining GNSS validity period to an access network entity.