NTN Positioning Using Doppler and Bent-Pipe Satellite Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks with non-terrestrial components, such as satellites, lack methods to determine the position of user devices accurately using wireless communication network signals, as conventional positioning techniques rely on terrestrial transmission points that are not applicable to moving satellite anchors.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for determining and verifying the position of user devices in networks with non-terrestrial components by utilizing distance and Doppler values from multiple NTN components, along with network-measured values, to accurately calculate the user's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional positioning techniques are used in networks with NTN components, then the positioning method can be implemented, but the position determination accuracy deteriorates because terrestrial transmission points cannot accurately determine position for mobile satellite anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters used for position determination from terrestrial-based methods to NTN-specific parameters including satellite ephemeris data, Doppler shift measurements, and geometric relationships between satellite and user equipment. This enables accurate position determination in the non-terrestrial network environment where conventional methods fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network-side measurement values as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of relying solely on UE-reported position or traditional terrestrial base station measurements, the system uses network-measured values that account for satellite motion and signal propagation characteristics to verify and refine position determination accuracy.
2Productivity
If UE-reported position is used for connection establishment, then the connection process can be initiated, but the reliability of position information deteriorates due to potential inaccuracies in UE-based determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the network measures position-related parameters independently and uses these network-side measurements to verify and correct UE-reported position information. This feedback loop ensures that position information used for connection establishment is both timely and reliable, maintaining high productivity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary position verification using network-measured values before finalizing the connection establishment. By pre-verifying the position information against network measurements, the system ensures reliability is established beforehand, allowing for confident and efficient connection decisions without delays.
3Measurement precision
If network measures position values to verify UE position, then the position accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional measurement and verification procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the network measurement function to serve multiple purposes: position verification, connection quality assessment, and network optimization. By making the measurement system multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high position verification accuracy, as a single measurement infrastructure supports multiple network functions.
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
Enables accurate position determination and verification of user devices in networks with NTN components, ensuring reliable connection establishment and network parameter selection, even when conventional methods fail.
Implementation Method 1
one or more Doppler values for each link between the user device and the at least two different NTN components
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining a position of a user device, UE, of a wireless communication network is described. The wireless communication network includes a radio access network, RAN, and a plurality of non-terrestrial network, NTN, components, like an airborne vehicle or a spaceborne vehicle, operating on a bent pipe principle for a transmission between the UE and the RAN. The wherein the apparatus is to receive (1) for bent pipe transmissions between the UE and the RAN via at least two different NTN components respective values indicative of a distance between the UE and the RAN, or (2) one or more Doppler values for each link between the UE and the at least two NTN components. The apparatus is to obtain positions of the at least two NTN components, and determine the position of the UE using the obtained positions of the at least two NTN components and the values or one or more Doppler values.