Non-Terrestrial Node Beam Sweeping for User Equipment Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing networks face challenges in seamlessly integrating 5G non-terrestrial nodes with terrestrial nodes providing other types of coverage, such as 4G LTE, especially in coordinating signals and resource allocation to provide comprehensive coverage to user equipment.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting beams with different frequency ranges from non-terrestrial nodes to determine the location of user equipment by sweeping beams within larger coverage areas, using both physical and electronic adjustments, and dynamically allocating resources to enhance coverage and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beams with different frequency ranges are transmitted from non-terrestrial nodes to determine user equipment location, then coverage reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coverage area into multiple frequency ranges (first frequency range for wide area coverage, second frequency range for precise location determination). Different beams operating at different frequencies are used to serve different purposes, allowing the system to achieve reliable coverage while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-terrestrial nodes are designed with multi-functionality, capable of transmitting and receiving signals across multiple frequency ranges simultaneously. This universal capability allows a single node to perform both wide area coverage and precise location determination functions, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the second beam sweeps within the first area to determine user equipment location, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first transmitting the first beam covering the entire first area to establish baseline coverage and identify potential user equipment locations. This preliminary wide-area scan guides the subsequent focused sweeping of the second beam, reducing the overall time required for precise location determination compared to exhaustive searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by sweeping the second beam only within specific regions of the first area where user equipment is likely to be located, rather than uniformly sweeping the entire area. This selective approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing the time loss associated with beam sweeping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple beams with different frequency ranges are transmitted, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves adaptability by changing the frequency parameter of transmitted beams. Different beams operate at different frequency ranges (first frequency range for wide coverage, second frequency range for precise measurements), allowing the network to adapt to different user equipment capabilities and coverage requirements without adding significant hardware complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables a more seamless integration of 5G-enabled non-terrestrial nodes with existing networks, improving coverage reliability, especially for IoT devices and expanding network reach into areas with limited infrastructure, while reducing planning and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by one or more processors from a node of a network, a first beam having a first frequency range in a first area and a second beam having a second frequency range in a second area
Implementation Method 2
causing, by the one or more processors, the second beam to sweep within the first area
Data Source
AI summary
Determining a location of a user equipment includes transmitting, by one or more processors from a network node, a first beam having a first frequency range in a first area and a second beam having a second frequency range in a second area. The first area is larger than and encompasses the second area. A request for determining the location of the user equipment is received. The one or more processors may then cause the second beam to sweep within the first area, receive a second signal from the user equipment indicating when the second beam is swept over the location of the user equipment and data related to signal measurements of the second beam at the user equipment, and determine the location of the user equipment based on a pointing direction of the second beam relative to a position of the node of the network and the received data.