NTN and Aircraft Relay Prioritization for Efficient UE Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems lack rules or conditions to determine which types of non-terrestrial entities (e.g., satellites or aircraft) user equipment (UEs) should communicate with, leading to inefficient and power-consuming communication attempts due to unsuitable node selection.

Innovation Solution

Implement prioritization configurations that define relative priorities for UEs to communicate with non-terrestrial relay nodes (aircraft or satellites) based on factors like aircraft density, network conditions, and latency requirements, enabling efficient handover and resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If UEs attempt to communicate with multiple types of non-terrestrial entities without prioritization rules, then coverage area is extended, but communication efficiency deteriorates and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic prioritization configurations that adapt to changing network conditions, aircraft density, and service requirements. The network can dynamically adjust priority levels for different non-terrestrial entities (NTNs) based on real-time conditions, allowing UEs to efficiently select appropriate nodes without exhaustive attempts, thereby maintaining communication efficiency while extending coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of node selection priority by introducing prioritization configurations that define relative priorities for different NTN types. This parameter change enables UEs to systematically select nodes based on priority levels rather than random or exhaustive attempts, improving communication efficiency while maintaining extended coverage through hierarchical node selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If UEs attempt to communicate with multiple types of non-terrestrial entities without prioritization rules, then communication options are increased, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication optionsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring priority configurations for different NTN types before UEs attempt communication. This preliminary prioritization guidance allows UEs to immediately select appropriate nodes without exhaustive search attempts, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining multiple communication options through the hierarchical priority structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If prioritization configurations are implemented based on aircraft density and network conditions, then communication efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors aircraft density, network conditions, and communication performance, then adjusts prioritization configurations accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically optimize communication efficiency based on real-time conditions without requiring complex manual configuration, as the system self-adjusts through monitored feedback from the network environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If prioritization configurations are implemented for handover procedures, then resource utilization is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the handover control process by introducing prioritization configurations that divide NTN nodes into hierarchical priority groups. This segmentation simplifies handover control by providing clear priority-based decision rules, allowing UEs to systematically select target nodes during handover without complex evaluation of all available nodes, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured priority levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260046868A1Techniques for joint non-terrestrial networks and aircraft relaying networks

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may be configured to receive a control message indicating a prioritization configuration for prioritizing wireless communications between one or more non-terrestrial relay nodes and one or more non-terrestrial network (NTN) nodes. The UE may be configured to communicate one or more messages based on the prioritization configuration and a quantity of non-terrestrial relay nodes corresponding to a location associated with the UE, a timing associated with the UE, or both.