NTN GNSS Measurement Gaps for Connected-State Position Fixes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in performing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) due to the need for simultaneous GNSS operations and NTN communication, particularly in scenarios like IoT NTN where simultaneous GNSS and NTN operations are not assumed, leading to issues with position fix acquisition and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of GNSS measurement gaps in connected states, including periodic and event-triggered configurations, allowing UEs to perform GNSS measurements without disrupting data communication, with options for UE and network-side triggers and updates, and enhanced time or frequency control mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GNSS measurement is performed in connected state without measurement gaps, then position fix acquisition is improved, but data communication is disrupted and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition fix acquisitionVSAvoiddata communication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operational timeline into distinct measurement gaps and communication periods. Measurement gaps are periodically inserted into the connected state to allow GNSS measurements without continuously disrupting data communication. This segmentation enables both position fixing and data transmission to occur in separate time intervals, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and communication productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic measurement gaps that repeat at configured intervals during the connected state. Instead of continuous GNSS measurement which would disrupt all communication, periodic gaps allow measurements at optimal times while maintaining data communication during non-measurement periods. This periodic action balances position fix acquisition with data communication efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If GNSS measurement gap is configured with high periodicity, then position fix acquisition frequency is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition fix acquisition frequencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic configuration of measurement gaps where the network can adjust the periodicity and duration based on current conditions. The measurement gap configuration is not fixed but can be modified according to device location, communication needs, and power constraints. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization between position fix frequency and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of the measurement gap configuration including periodicity, duration, and timing offset to balance measurement frequency with power consumption. By adjusting these parameters, the system can perform GNSS measurements frequently enough for accurate positioning while limiting the total time the device is in measurement mode, thereby reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If measurement gap duration is increased, then GNSS measurement accuracy is improved, but data transmission time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveGNSS measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata transmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows the network to configure measurement gaps in advance based on predicted GNSS signal conditions and device location. By preparing and scheduling measurement gaps before actual measurements are needed, the system can ensure accurate GNSS measurements without last-minute disruptions to data transmission. The preliminary configuration optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and transmission time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors GNSS measurement quality and device location to dynamically adjust measurement gap parameters. Based on feedback about measurement accuracy and communication needs, the system can optimize the duration and timing of measurement gaps, ensuring sufficient time for accurate measurements while minimizing impact on data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260029548A1System and method for performing a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) measurement in non-terrestrial network (NTN)
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 APPLE INC
  • US20260029548A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029548A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029548A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a system and a method for performing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurement in Non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may comprise: at least one antenna; at least one radio, configured to perform wireless communication using at least one radio access technology; and one or more processor coupled to the at least one radio, wherein the at least one radio and the one or more processor are configured to cause the UE to detect an event to trigger a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurement; transmit, to a network device, a request to perform an event-triggered GNSS measurement, in response to detection of the event; receive, from the network device, a configuration for an event-triggered GNSS measurement gap during which the UE performs the event-triggered GNSS measurement in a connected state; and perform the event-triggered GNSS measurement in the connected state during the event-triggered GNSS measurement gap.