UE Network Reporting for Precise Location in Non-Terrestrial Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

In non-terrestrial communication networks with large coverage areas, user equipment (UE) cannot be accurately located to provide targeted services due to varying regional policies and control methods, leading to potential service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

User equipment reports network information of smaller coverage terrestrial cells to the service node of the larger coverage non-terrestrial network, enabling precise identification of the UE's location and allowing for tailored service provision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a non-terrestrial communication network with large coverage area is used, then the coverage area is improved, but the ability to accurately locate user equipment for targeted service provision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidlocation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the large non-terrestrial coverage area by introducing terrestrial base stations with smaller coverage areas within the satellite cell. The UE reports information about detected terrestrial cells (such as cell ID, frequency, signal strength) to the satellite base station, which uses this segmented location information to determine the UE's precise position within the large coverage area, thereby resolving the contradiction between large coverage and precise location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If satellite base stations provide service over large areas, then the service coverage is improved, but the ability to apply regional policies and control methods deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidregional policy adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces terrestrial base stations as intermediaries between the satellite base station and the UE. The terrestrial base stations provide localized network information (such as PLMN ID, TAC, frequency information) that reflects regional policies and control methods. The satellite base station uses this intermediary information to understand the UE's regional context and apply appropriate regional policies, thus resolving the contradiction between broad service coverage and regional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If user equipment operates in a large coverage non-terrestrial network, then the network accessibility is improved, but the ability to provide region-specific services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork accessibilityVSAvoidregional information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the UE proactively detect and report terrestrial cell information before the satellite base station needs to provide region-specific services. The UE continuously monitors for terrestrial base stations and pre-collects network information (cell ID, frequency, signal strength, regional identifiers). This preliminary collection of regional information ensures that when service is needed, the satellite base station already has the necessary data to apply regional policies, thus resolving the contradiction between easy accessibility and retention of regional information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3962154B1Network information reporting method and apparatus, user equipment, service node and medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 ZTE CORP
  • EP3962154B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3962154B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3962154B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present application provides a network information reporting method and device, a user terminal, a service node, and a medium. The network information reporting method comprises: when a user terminal is operating in a first type network, detecting a cell of a second type network; and reporting cell network information to a service node of the first type network, wherein the cell network information comprises network information corresponding to a detected target cell of the second type network.