NTN Satellite Positioning for GPS-Free UE Location Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of User Equipment (UE) due to lack of positioning capability, potential location tampering, and difficulties in using multi-base station positioning with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) satellites, which have wide coverage areas.
Innovation Solution
Determine the location of UE by measuring distances between the UE and NTN service satellites at three different moments using triangulation based on the orbital locations of these satellites, which belong to at least two different satellite orbits, and utilizing signal time of flight for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite communication is used for wide coverage, then coverage range is improved, but location determination accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional terrestrial base station positioning to three-dimensional satellite positioning. By utilizing satellites in different orbital planes (at least two different satellite orbits) and multiple time points, the system creates a 3D spatial reference framework that enables accurate location determination despite the wide coverage area of individual satellites.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of signal time of flight at multiple time points (at least three different moments) before final location calculation. This preliminary action at different orbital positions allows the network to predict and compensate for satellite movement, improving location accuracy in the wide coverage area.
2Loss of information
If UE location is determined using traditional methods, then location information can be obtained, but reliability deteriorates due to potential tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The network device acts as an intermediary that performs location determination on behalf of the UE. Instead of relying on UE-provided location information that could be tampered with, the network device independently calculates the UE's location based on satellite signal measurements, ensuring reliability while maintaining information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service location determination where the network device autonomously determines UE location without requiring UE cooperation or GPS capability. This eliminates the need for UE to provide potentially tampered location information while maintaining continuous location availability.
3Measurement precision
If multi-base station positioning is used, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes NTN satellites serve multiple functions: they provide both communication services and positioning services. By utilizing the same satellite infrastructure for both purposes, the system achieves location accuracy comparable to multi-base station positioning without adding separate positioning infrastructure, thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges communication and positioning functions into a single integrated process. The same satellite signals used for communication are also used for location determination, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining location accuracy.
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
Solves the issue of UE location determination without GPS capability and enhances the reliability of location information by omitting intermediate steps in transmission, ensuring accurate and secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
measuring distances between the UE and NTN service satellites at three different moments using triangulation based on the orbital locations of these satellites
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a location, includes: determining location information of a User Equipment (UE) based on distances between the UE and one or more Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) service satellites of the UE at at least three different moments and location information of the one or more NTN service satellites of the UE at the at least three different moments, wherein orbital locations of the one or more NTN service satellites of the UE are different at the at least three different moments, and the orbital locations of the one or more NTN service satellites of the UE belong to at least two different satellite orbits.