Non-Terrestrial Network System Information Update Timing Offset

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), the large propagation delays between user equipment (UE) and radio access network elements complicate timing advance procedures, leading to challenges in synchronizing uplink and downlink transmissions and managing system information updates, which affects the efficiency and power consumption of UE operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a new framework that allows user equipment to identify and apply new non-terrestrial-network system information at a predetermined time, using a K_offset value to account for propagation delays and Doppler shifts, and provides a soft indication of system information modifications to minimize unnecessary updates and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user equipment continuously monitors and re-acquires system information in NTN, then system information updates are maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem information update synchronizationVSAvoiduser equipment power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The network provides a soft indication of upcoming system information modification in advance of the actual modification. This allows the UE to prepare for the update at a predetermined time without continuously monitoring for changes, reducing unnecessary re-acquisitions and power consumption while maintaining synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the network informs the UE about upcoming system information modifications through soft indication. This feedback loop allows the UE to adjust its monitoring behavior accordingly, avoiding continuous re-acquisition and reducing power consumption while ensuring it receives updates at the appropriate time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of time

If user equipment applies system information immediately upon receipt, then timing synchronization is improved, but propagation delays and Doppler shifts cause misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem information application timingVSAvoidtiming alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The UE identifies a predetermined time for applying system information in advance, accounting for NTN-specific challenges like propagation delays and Doppler shifts. This preliminary timing calculation ensures that when the system information is applied, it is properly synchronized despite the large delays and frequency shifts characteristic of non-terrestrial networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a timing offset mechanism that cushions against the effects of propagation delays and Doppler shifts. By planning the application time in advance and building in a margin for these effects, the system ensures accurate timing alignment when the system information is actually applied, preventing misalignment that would occur with immediate application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Use of energy by moving object

If soft indication of system information modification is implemented, then unnecessary re-acquisitions are reduced, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser equipment power consumptionVSAvoidsignaling message volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the essential information needed to indicate system information modification from the full system information message. By sending a compact soft indication rather than the complete system information, the signaling overhead is minimized while still providing sufficient information for the UE to adjust its behavior and reduce unnecessary re-acquisitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20240364416A1Management of updates in scheduling offset via system information and soft indication of system information modification

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for management of updates in scheduling offset via system information and soft indication of system information modification are provided. For example, a method can include identifying, by a user equipment, a time of application of a new non-terrestrial-network system information. The method may also include waiting to apply the new non-terrestrial-network system information until the time of application. The method may further include applying the new non-terrestrial-network system information at the time of application, conditioned on the new non-terrestrial-network system information being received before the time of application.