Mobile network communication module, system of several network communication modules and method for providing a mobile network

Abstract

The invention relates to a network communication assembly (1) with a mobile communication base station (2) for providing a mobile communication network for a large number of subscriber devices (3). In order to allow rapid communication between a large number of subscriber devices (3), particularly in the event of a disaster, it is proposed that the network communication assembly (1) has a data storage device (4) in which at least one communication application (5) is stored, by means of which the subscriber devices (3) can communicate with each other via a local mobile communication network provided by the mobile network communication assembly (1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile network communication assembly with a mobile communication base station for providing a mobile communication network for a large number of subscriber devices.

[0002] In addition, the invention relates to a system consisting of several such mobile network communication modules.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for providing a mobile network for a large number of subscriber devices by means of a mobile network communication module and / or by means of a system of several mobile network communication modules. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Mobile network communication modules serve to quickly deploy a mobile network, especially when stationary mobile base stations are not available or not operational and / or when an existing mobile network is overloaded.

[0005] In a disaster such as a flood, earthquake, or tsunami, cell phone towers or entire cell phone base stations can be damaged. This can impair or completely disrupt the mobile network. If the mobile network is impaired and / or fails, the population and rescue workers may, in the worst-case scenario, no longer be able to communicate with others or seek and / or offer help.

[0006] Therefore, in disaster situations, as well as at large events or other situations with a large number of communication participants and poor mobile network coverage, mobile mobile base stations are used. These can be set up as needed at a desired location and provide internet access. Deutsche Telekom, for example, offers a so-called "mobile mast to go" (source: https: / / www.telekom.com / de / medien / medieninformationen / detail / mobilfunkmast-to-go-aufdigital-x-1048884, published 15.09.2023).

[0007] During the 2022 floods in the Ahr Valley (Germany) and the 2010 Oder River floods, social media platforms accessible via the internet (e.g., Facebook, a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.) were used to coordinate rescue operations. This allowed, for example, the availability and need for rescue equipment such as excavators, trucks, and sandbags to be centrally coordinated.

[0008] Mobile mobile base stations provide a flexible, temporary mobile communication solution. Connection to a data network / fixed-line network, and thus to the internet, can be established via fiber optic cable or (directional) radio. Although these mobile mobile base stations have proven effective in certain situations, they rely on an external power supply, which is often unavailable in disaster situations. Furthermore, it is possible that not only the mobile phone masts / base stations themselves, but also the fiber optic connections, may be damaged, preventing any connection to the fixed-line network / internet.

[0009] The alternative use of (directional) radio (instead of fiber optic connections) to connect mobile phone masts / mobile phone base stations and data networks / fixed networks is also problematic, as data transmission is slow and narrowband.

[0010] In disaster situations, satellite dishes are often used in addition to mobile cell towers to access the internet via Starlink services (Starlink is a registered trademark of SpaceX). However, this requires special Starlink terminals, which bind the user to a specific provider. Furthermore, setting up the connection can take several days.

[0011] In addition, US 2013 / 0072183A1 discloses a method for restoring communication links in the event of a connection interruption or disruption in a mobile network. The mobile network comprises several fixed base stations and several mobile devices, each of which has survivability components that, in the event of a connection interruption or disruption in the mobile network, can provide connections between remaining base stations to replace the failed components.

[0012] DE 10 2005 042 977 A1 discloses a method and system for multimedia support of voice calls. The system includes a multimedia server that enables connections between a multimedia-capable device and a non-multimedia-capable device by adapting the scope of multimedia functions of a multimedia call to the functionality of the non-multimedia-capable device, so that a voice call is at least partially supported with multimedia functions. The multimedia server can further include a download platform to make multimedia functions such as animations, audio streams, graphics, photos, or ringtones available for download to the non-multimedia-capable devices. TASK OF INVENTION

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of creating a simple and quickly available means of setting up a mobile network, particularly in disaster situations where stationary mobile base stations and / or fiber optic networks are damaged and / or destroyed. SOLUTION

[0014] The problem of the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention relates to a mobile network communication assembly with a mobile communication base station for providing a mobile communication network for a large number of subscriber devices.

[0016] According to the invention, the network communication assembly has a data storage device in which at least one communication application is stored, by means of which the subscriber devices can communicate with each other via a local mobile network provided by the mobile network communication assembly.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, the mobile communication base station, the autonomous power supply unit, and the data storage unit are arranged on and / or in a common assembly base body. This design of the mobile network communication assembly as a mobile unit makes it particularly easy to transport and install the essential components necessary for providing the local mobile network as a whole at the desired location, e.g., in the affected crisis area.

[0018] In particular, the network communication module's compatible components are already integrated as a unit, eliminating the need for any further on-site assembly of suitable components. Specifically, it is unnecessary to test the functionality of the entire module beforehand. Instead, the module's components are pre-matched to ensure optimal performance and, in particular, a sufficient and autonomous power supply for the unit.

[0019] The mobile network communication assembly according to the invention, which establishes a local mobile network, makes it possible to enable communication for a large number of subscriber devices without having to rely on often difficult communication via the Internet.

[0020] The network communication module functions without an internet connection. The connected devices can communicate within a locally established mobile network, although it is also possible to connect the mobile network communication module to an available internet connection (if one is available in the given situation).

[0021] The network communication module provides subscriber devices with at least one communication application, which they can use for communication regardless of the mobile network provider. The network communication module's data storage unit thus features an integrated "app store" where subscriber devices and their users have access to a selection of mobile applications. The network communication module's data storage unit is, for example, part of a local server at the mobile network base station. Subscriber devices in the mobile network can access at least certain (authorized) sections of the data storage unit, which may depend on the user group (those seeking help, those offering help, professional emergency responders, volunteer emergency responders). This will be explained in more detail later.

[0022] In the event of large-scale disasters such as floods, tsunamis, or earthquakes, this invention makes it easy to ensure communication between people. Restoring internet access, which often presents a significant technical and logistical challenge, becomes unnecessary.

[0023] The mobile communication base station of the mobile network communication module can have at least one antenna and a control and evaluation unit for controlling radio signals transmitted to the subscriber devices via the antenna and / or for evaluating radio signals received by the subscriber devices via the antenna. The antenna can be an externally visible radio mast or, alternatively, an antenna integrated into the mobile communication base station, which is not visible externally and is therefore particularly well protected against damage in disaster situations. The control and evaluation unit serves in particular to carry out message communication, that is, to send and receive information between the subscriber devices.

[0024] The network communication module can be easily transported and activated as a complete unit in the crisis area. The mobile base station establishes a mobile network through which all participating devices can connect. Once connected, the server / data storage device provides at least one communication application, enabling each participating device to communicate quickly and easily.

[0025] Preferably, the communication application can incorporate the functionality of a social network. Users of mobile devices (subscriber devices) typically use one or more so-called "social media platforms," ​​i.e., social networks such as Facebook, WhatsApp, X, Instagram, and others. The communication application provided locally by the mobile network communication assembly according to the invention enables users of the subscriber devices to communicate in the usual manner. Users can thus utilize social media functions intuitively, without having to learn new technical functions, especially given the already challenging disaster situation. In particular, the communication application is designed for exchanging text messages, voice messages, images, photos, and / or videos.Preferably, the communication application also provides functions such as font magnification, text reading aloud, and similar features to enable information exchange for visually impaired and / or hard-of-hearing individuals (e.g., when other aids (glasses, hearing aids, etc.) are no longer available due to loss).

[0026] Preferably, the network communication module includes at least one autonomous power supply unit for powering the mobile communication base station. This autonomous power supply unit provides emergency power, thus making the network communication module independent of any grid connection. However, it is not precluded that the mobile network communication module can also be connected to a grid connection, either additionally or alternatively. The power supply unit can, for example, include a gasoline-powered generator, a diesel-powered generator, a gas-powered generator, and / or a battery. Combinations of two or more generator types can be particularly advantageous, enabling the network communication module to be operated with different fuel types and thus independent of situational conditions.Furthermore, it is possible to equip the energy supply facility with a photovoltaic system, at least for support, and thus to be able to guarantee emergency operation for a certain period of time even without fossil fuels.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the communication application stored in the data storage unit of the network communication module can be permanently stored in the local data storage of the receiving device. The at least one communication application is thus available for download by one or more receiving devices in the data storage unit. The communication application is designed to be stored and executed locally in the receiving device's data storage. The locally stored communication application enables fast data transmission during communication as well as local storage of received and / or sent information in the receiving device's local memory, so that the user has access to the sent / received information even when there is no mobile network connection between the receiving device and the local mobile network.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the network communication module, it is proposed that at least one communication application stored in the data storage device of the network communication module be readable and / or usable only by a predefined authorized subscriber device and / or storable in the subscriber device's local device data storage. According to this embodiment, certain communication applications are usable only by a predefined group of subscribers (devices), for example, to provide emergency services with at least one separate communication application that is not visible and / or executable by other subscriber devices. The separate communication application can be used to ensure communication exclusively between emergency services.Furthermore, this system can restrict access to predefined participant devices, for example, to a database used to coordinate rescue operations, rescue equipment, and emergency personnel. In particular, applications tailored to the specific operational requirements of rescue teams can be provided.

[0029] A particularly desirable feature is that communication applications reserved for specific user devices are not visible to other user devices outside the predefined group, and in particular, are not displayed for selection and / or download. Specifically, only user devices predefined as authorized are able to save such a communication application to their local data storage.

[0030] According to another alternative or additional configuration, at least one subscriber device can be prioritized over other subscriber devices for communication via the local mobile network. This ensures, for example, that in the event of high network load on the local mobile network, communication between emergency services (or their subscriber devices) functions smoothly.

[0031] To give priority to the devices of users of high-priority users, such as emergency services, over other devices, these devices are identified primarily by their mobile phone number. Alternatively, they can be identified by device identification numbers. Another option is to require users of devices with priority access to enter a specific access code to authenticate themselves on the local mobile network.

[0032] It is specifically proposed that the common assembly base be a pallet. Preferably, the common assembly base is supported on a surface by rollers. This allows the mobile network communication assembly to be transported to a desired location with particular ease. In particular, the use of conventional transport methods is possible, including partial transport by forklift and / or final positioning using the rollers.

[0033] In addition to the mobile network communication module described above, the invention further proposes a system consisting of several such network communication modules, wherein the mobile communication base stations of the several network communication modules are designed and configured to communicate with each other.

[0034] Such a system, consisting of multiple network communication modules, each providing a local mobile network, can extend the communication range by enabling the mobile base stations of the respective local networks to communicate with each other. This allows the subscriber devices of the network communication modules—that is, the subscriber devices of the system—to communicate with subscriber devices of other local mobile networks beyond their own local communication network. Consequently, even geographically distant locations, such as isolated communities or parts of a larger disaster area, can be connected via information technology.

[0035] In particular, it may be possible for the mobile communication base stations of two network communication modules to communicate with each other via a radio link. This radio link can be, in particular, a microwave link, which, through the use of directional antennas (i.e., energy-focusing antennas), enables the transmission of information largely in a desired direction and thus to a defined destination. A radio link can, in general, replace damaged fiber optic connections in order to connect multiple local mobile communication nodes.

[0036] In addition to the proposed network communication module and the system of multiple network communication modules, the invention also proposes a method for providing a mobile network to a large number of subscriber devices by means of a mobile network communication module. The network communication module and / or the system is / is configured according to one or more of the embodiments described above.

[0037] According to the invention, it is proposed that the at least one network communication assembly provides a local mobile network for the subscriber devices, wherein a data storage device of the mobile network communication assembly stores at least one communication application and provides it to the subscriber devices, wherein the subscriber devices access the communication application via the local mobile network and communicate with each other using the communication application.

[0038] In particular, it may be provided that the respective subscriber device downloads the communication application from the data storage device of the mobile network communication module and permanently stores it in a local device data storage of the subscriber device. This means that information, texts, images, videos and / or audio recordings are stored locally on the subscriber device and are available to the respective user of the subscriber device even without a (current) mobile network connection.

[0039] Furthermore, it may be stipulated that at least one communication application can only be read and / or used by a predefined authorized subscriber device and / or stored in the subscriber device's local device data storage. Alternatively or additionally, it may be stipulated that at least one subscriber device is prioritized over other subscriber devices for communication via the local mobile network. In each of the aforementioned cases, it may be stipulated that the subscriber devices are identified by a control and evaluation unit of the network communication module, in particular via a mobile phone number. Alternatively or additionally, identification via passwords and / or device identifiers is also possible.

[0040] Prioritizing or granting permissions to specific user devices allows certain users of the local mobile network to be granted special access. This enables emergency services, in particular, to be provided with different functions and / or communication applications than, for example, those seeking or offering help. Specifically, the data storage unit of the mobile network communication module can be configured with different user areas and / or storage areas, some containing applications for emergency services, such as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the Red Cross, and others, and others containing applications for those seeking or offering help. The display of defined applications can be restricted to specific user groups.

[0041] Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0042] The advantages of features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0043] Regarding the disclosure content—not the scope of protection—of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be derived from the drawings—in particular, the geometries depicted and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and functional connection. The combination of features from different embodiments of the invention or from features of different claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen cross-references of the claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features from different claims.Likewise, features listed in the patent claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent patent claims of the granted patent.

[0044] The features mentioned in the claims and the description are to be understood, with regard to their number, as meaning that exactly that number or a greater number than the stated number is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least". Thus, for example, if an element is mentioned, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one element, two elements, or more elements are present. The features listed in the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features that the subject matter of the respective claim possesses.

[0045] The reference numerals contained in the patent claims do not constitute a limitation of the scope of the subject matter protected by the patent claims. They merely serve the purpose of making the patent claims easier to understand. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0046] The invention will now be explained and described in more detail using an embodiment shown in the figure. Fig. Figure 1 shows a mobile network communication assembly for providing a local mobile network for a large number of subscriber devices. FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0047] Fig.Figure 1 shows an exemplary mobile network communication module 1, which is trained and configured to provide a local mobile network for a large number of subscriber devices 3 in a situational manner, particularly in a disaster scenario. The subscriber devices 3 can communicate with each other via the local mobile network.

[0048] The network communication module 1 has a module base 10 designed as a pallet. Rollers 11 are located below the module base 10 to allow the module base 10 to be moved on a surface.

[0049] A mobile communication base station 2 is located on the assembly base body 10. The mobile communication base station 2 has an antenna 8, a data storage device 4 and a control and evaluation device 9.

[0050] In addition to the mobile communication base station 2, the assembly base 10 also houses a power supply unit 6, which provides an autonomous power supply for the electrical and electronic components of the mobile communication base station 2. The power supply unit 6 may include an emergency power generator that can be operated with a fossil fuel such as diesel, gasoline, or gas. Furthermore, the power supply unit 6 may include multiple emergency power generators, particularly for different fuel types, and / or a battery and / or a photovoltaic system.

[0051] The data storage unit 4 of the network communication module 1 contains several communication applications 5, which can be used by the subscriber devices 3 for communication within the local mobile network. One or more communication applications 5 can be downloaded from the data storage unit 4 of the network communication module 1 to a local device data storage 7 of a subscriber device 3 and stored there locally.

[0052] The subscriber devices 3 are, for example, mobile phones, tablet computers or other devices that have a SIM card and to which a mobile phone number can be assigned.

[0053] The communication application 5 preferably has the functionality of a social network in which users can exchange and store text, image and / or audio / video information.

[0054] The invention functions in such a way that the mobile network communication module 1 is transported to the relevant area in the event of a disaster or in other situations where the rapid and uncomplicated establishment of a local mobile network for a large number of subscriber devices 3 is required. For example, to enable the use of forklifts, the design of the module base 10 as a transportable pallet is advantageous. The rollers 11 can also be used to roll the module base 10 across a surface and into its final position.

[0055] At the deployment site, the power supply unit 6, i.e., the emergency power generator, is put into operation to supply the electrical and electronic components of the mobile communication base station 2 with power. This allows the control and evaluation unit 9 to transmit radio signals via the antenna 8 and establish a local mobile communication network that can be found by the subscriber devices 3.

[0056] A person present within the area of ​​the local mobile network can register with the local mobile network using their subscriber device 3 (using their mobile phone number) and access the data storage device 4 of the mobile base station 2. Several communication applications 5 for different user groups can be stored and retrieved in the data storage device 4, whereby the control and evaluation device 9 of the mobile base station 2 preferentially identifies a respective subscriber device 3 via its mobile phone number, assigns it to a specific user group, and grants the access predefined for that user group.

[0057] One group of participants might include, for example, people seeking and offering help, while another group comprises only professional aid workers such as the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the Red Cross, and others. In particular, it is possible to prioritize based on the mobile phone number of the respective participant device 3, such that only certain communication applications 5 (approved for this group of participants) are displayed to the participant device 3 or its users, and only these can be downloaded to a local device data storage 7. Furthermore, in the event of high network load on the local mobile network, only authorized participant devices 3 may be permitted to communicate via the mobile network.

[0058] If a greater communication range is desired or required than the network communication module 1 alone can provide, it is possible to arrange several network communication modules 1 in a system and connect them to each other via a radio link. This allows the subscriber devices 3 of a first local network of a network communication module 1 to communicate with other subscriber devices 3 of another local network communication module 1. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Network communication module 2 mobile phone base stations 3 participant devices 4 Data storage device 5 Communication application 6 Energy supply unit 7 Device data storage 8 antenna 9 Control and evaluation unit 10 basic assembly bodies 11 roll

Claims

[1] Mobile network communication assembly (1) comprising a mobile base station (2) for providing a mobile network to a large number of subscriber devices (3), characterized by , that the network communication assembly (1) has a data storage device (4) in which at least one communication application (5) is stored, by means of which the subscriber devices (3) can communicate with each other via a local mobile network provided by the mobile network communication assembly (1), wherein the mobile base station (2), an autonomous power supply device (6) and the data storage device (4) are arranged on and / or in a common assembly base body (10). [2] Mobile network communication assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the mobile communication base station (2) has at least one antenna (8) and a control and evaluation unit (9) for controlling radio signals to be sent to the subscriber devices (3) by means of the antenna (8) and / or for evaluating radio signals received by the subscriber devices (3) by means of the antenna (8). [3] Mobile network communication assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the communication application (5) has an application functionality of a social network. [4] Mobile network communication assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the network communication assembly (1) comprises at least one autonomous power supply unit (7) for powering the mobile communication base station (2). [5] Mobile network communication assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication application (5) can be permanently stored in a local device data storage (7) of the subscriber device (3). [6] Mobile network communication assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - at least one communication application (5) is readable and / or applicable only by a predefined authorized subscriber device (3) and / or storable in a local device data storage (7) of the subscriber device (3), and / or - at least one subscriber device (3) is prioritized over other subscriber devices (3) for communication via the local mobile network, wherein the subscriber devices (3) are identified in particular by their mobile phone number. [7] Mobile network communication assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the common assembly base body (10) is a pallet, wherein the common assembly base body (10) is in particular supported on a substrate by rollers (11). [8] System of several mobile network communication modules (1) designed according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile communication base stations (2) of the several network communication modules (1) are designed and configured to communicate with each other. [9] System according to claim 8, wherein the mobile communication base stations (2) of two network communication assemblies (1) communicate with each other via a radio link. [10] Method for providing a mobile network for a plurality of subscriber devices (3) by means of a mobile network communication assembly (1) configured according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and / or by means of a system configured according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the at least one network communication assembly (1) provides a local mobile network for the subscriber devices (3), wherein a data storage device (4) of the mobile network communication assembly (1) stores at least one communication application (5) and makes it available to the subscriber devices (3), wherein the subscriber devices (3) access the communication application (5) via the local mobile network and communicate with each other using the communication application (5). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the respective subscriber device (3) downloads the communication application (5) from the data storage device (4) of the mobile network communication assembly (1) and permanently stores it in a local device data storage (7) of the subscriber device (3). [12] Method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein - at least one communication application (5) can only be read and / or used by a participant device (3) that is predefined as authorized and / or stored in a local device data storage (7) of the participant device (3). and / or - wherein at least one subscriber device (3) is prioritized over other subscriber devices (3) for communication via the local mobile network, wherein the subscriber devices (3) are identified in particular by their mobile phone number.

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