AppleGranted patentNetworks & wirelessInterest 6/10

Apple patents method for satellite phones to sync timing with base stations

Patent drawing from the official filing.

Apple has been granted a patent for a method that helps devices in non-terrestrial networks, such as satellite links, maintain accurate timing. The system compares a specific timing value with a unique offset assigned to the device to determine if a status report needs to be sent to the base station.

Why it mattersThis technology helps ensure reliable communication when standard ground-based cell towers are unavailable, which is crucial for expanding satellite connectivity features in future devices.

In the filing’s own words

The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods for ephemeris signaling in wireless networks.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An apparatus comprising: processor circuitry to: determine a timing advance (TA); receive a user equipment (UE)-specific offset value; compare a difference between the UE-specific offset value and the TA to at least one predetermined threshold; detect a report trigger based on the comparison of the difference to the at least one predetermined threshold; and generate a report for transmission to a base station based on the report trigger; and interface circuitry coupled to the processor circuitry to transmit the report.

Facts

Company: Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title: Communication devices and methods for signaling in non-terrestrial networks
Patent number: US12757143B2
Application number: 17852208
Filed: Jun 28, 2022
Granted: Oct 6, 2026
Inventors: 14
Claims: 15

Classified under

H04W 56/005 Electricity & electronicsH04B 7/18539 Electricity & electronicsH04B 7/19 Electricity & electronicsH04W 84/06 Electricity & electronics

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.