Sidelink Relay Access Using Location and Time in NTN Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), the signal quality of the NTN cell cannot accurately reflect the near-far effect, making signal quality-based measurements infeasible for sidelink relay processes, leading to potential early or late relay selection and discovery, which results in resource wastage or connection failures.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication method and apparatus that utilize first location information and/or first time information to guide sidelink relay operations, such as relay discovery and selection, to improve the accuracy of relay processes in NTN cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If signal quality measurement is used for relay discovery and selection in NTN cells, then the relay process can be automated, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to the near-far effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay process automationVSAvoidsignal quality measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal quality (RSRP) to location information (distance, coordinates) and time information. This parameter substitution resolves the near-far effect issue by using geometric relationships rather than signal strength, enabling accurate relay selection in NTN environments while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces location information and time information as intermediary parameters between the terminal and the relay selection process. These intermediaries provide an accurate basis for relay discovery and selection without being affected by the near-far effect, thus maintaining measurement precision while enabling automated relay operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If relay selection is performed early based on signal quality, then the relay establishment speed is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelay establishment speedVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By changing from signal quality parameters to location and time parameters, the patent enables early relay selection based on accurate geometric predictions rather than misleading signal strength measurements, thus improving both speed and reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary relay selection based on location and time information before actual data transmission begins. This preliminary action uses accurate predictive measurements to identify suitable relays in advance, ensuring both fast establishment and reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If relay discovery is delayed due to signal quality measurement issues, then measurement accuracy is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal quality measurement accuracyVSAvoidresource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement basis to location and time information, which provides accurate results immediately without delay. This enables timely relay discovery while maintaining high measurement precision, thus improving resource efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4672816A1Wireless communication method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP4672816A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4672816A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4672816A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A wireless communication method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the following. A first terminal device performs a first operation when a first condition is met, where the first operation is related to a process of accessing a network device by the first terminal device through a first relay device. The first condition is associated with first location information and/or first time information. The first location information indicates location information of the first terminal device in a serving cell. The first time information indicates time information when the serving cell serves or stops serving the first terminal device. In embodiments of the disclosure, the first terminal device can perform multiple operations involved in a sidelink relay process from the first terminal device to the network based on the first location information and/or the first time information, thereby reducing the influence of the inability of the measurement based on signal quality to accurately reflect the near-far effect, and facilitating better application to the sidelink relay process in the NTN cell.