NTN Communications Device Dynamic Scheduling for Channel Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-terrestrial networks face challenges in maintaining efficient communication due to varying channel conditions caused by distance and movement, leading to increased resource requirements for data transmission and reception.

Innovation Solution

A method where communications devices detect channel conditions during in-coverage periods and schedule transmissions or receptions during sub-periods with improved conditions, reducing the amount of resources needed for successful data communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If communications are maintained over long distances in non-terrestrial networks, then coverage area is expanded, but channel conditions deteriorate and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidchannel conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adapts to time-varying channel conditions by identifying and selecting optimal sub-periods for communication based on real-time channel quality assessments, allowing the system to maintain reliable communication over long distances despite changing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary channel condition assessments during in-coverage periods to predict and identify favorable sub-periods for future communications, allowing the system to proactively schedule transmissions during optimal conditions rather than reacting to poor conditions after they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If transmissions are performed during all available time periods, then data throughput is maximized, but resource consumption increases during poor channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata throughputVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively scheduling communications only during identified optimal sub-periods rather than continuously, transmitting data during favorable channel conditions while intentionally leaving gaps during poor conditions, thereby reducing unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining acceptable throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temporal parameter of communication scheduling by dividing coverage periods into sub-periods and selecting specific sub-periods based on channel condition parameters, adapting the timing of transmissions to match channel quality variations and reduce energy waste during poor conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If channel conditions are monitored continuously, then communication efficiency is optimized, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the continuous coverage period into discrete in-coverage periods and further divides these into sub-periods, allowing the device to monitor and assess channel conditions at specific intervals rather than continuously, reducing processing requirements while maintaining the ability to identify optimal communication windows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240171266A1Methods, communications device and non-terrestrial network infrastructure equipment

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided a method of operating a communications device to transmit or to receive via a non-terrestrial network, NTN, infrastructure equipment. The method comprises detecting, by transceiver circuitry of the communications device, signals from the non-terrestrial infrastructure equipment during one of a plurality of in-coverage periods during which the communications device is in a coverage area of the NTN infrastructure equipment because the communications device can receive signals from the NTN infrastructure equipment carried by an aerial vehicle or relayed from the aerial vehicle as the aerial vehicle passes over the communications device.