Satellite UE Positioning for Accurate Cell Handover Boundaries

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial network scenarios, such as those involving satellite communication, the rapid change in satellite position makes it difficult for user equipment (UE) and aerial access network equipment to accurately determine when to switch cells, leading to inaccuracies in cell reselection and handover processes due to the lack of significant differences in received signal strength at the cell's center and edge.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the location relationship of UE with respect to a serving cell using measured positioning measurements, such as time of flight and angle of arrival of wireless signals from aerial access network equipment, and utilizing location indication information to calculate distances and angles, enabling precise determination of cell boundaries and triggering cell reselection or handover processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cell switching methods are used in non-terrestrial networks, then satellite coverage can be provided, but cell switching accuracy deteriorates due to rapid satellite position changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell switching accuracyVSAvoidsatellite position change rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning measurements (time of flight, angle of arrival) to determine the UE's location relationship with the serving cell before cell switching is needed. This advance positioning information enables accurate cell switching decisions despite rapid satellite movement, as the UE's position is known in advance relative to the satellite's trajectory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional signal strength-based cell switching (mechanical/electromagnetic field measurement) with a positioning-based system using time of flight and angle of arrival measurements. This substitution allows cell switching decisions to be based on geometric position relationships rather than signal strength variations, which are unreliable in non-terrestrial networks due to rapid satellite movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If frequent neighbor cell measurements are performed to improve cell switching accuracy, then positioning precision improves, but terminal power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidterminal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs positioning measurements selectively rather than continuously - measurements are triggered when positioning accuracy is needed for cell switching decisions. The UE determines location relationship information only when required by the network or when cell switching conditions are met, avoiding unnecessary measurements and reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient positioning precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The network receives positioning measurement results from the UE and uses this feedback to determine whether cell switching should be triggered. The network can also provide feedback to the UE about whether additional positioning measurements are needed, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes measurement frequency based on actual cell switching requirements rather than using fixed frequent measurement intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enhances the accuracy of cell switching decisions, reducing inaccuracies and conserving terminal power by optimizing neighbor cell measurements and handover processes in satellite communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

measured positioning measurement result of a wireless signal transmitted by an aerial access network equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

measured positioning measurement result of a wireless signal transmitted by an aerial access network equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngle of arrival:

Data Source

PatentUS12520267B2Position determining method and apparatus, and communication device and storage medium

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A method for determining a location is performed by a user equipment (UE), and includes: determining a location relationship of the UE with respect to a serving cell according to a measured positioning measurement result of a wireless signal transmitted by an aerial access network equipment in the serving cell, wherein the positioning measurement result indicates a location relationship of the UE with respect to the aerial access network equipment.