Autonomous Terminal Integration via Simplified Protocol Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of simple, autonomous terminals into mobile communication networks is hindered by the need for costly and sophisticated hardware and software to support complex communication protocols, which is inefficient for devices transmitting small amounts of data with relaxed timing requirements, leading to overspecification and high costs for network providers.

Innovation Solution

A method for radio resource management that allocates specific radio resource units using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and time division multiple access (TDMA) schemes, allowing for the use of a simpler communication protocol for autonomous terminals within the same frequency range as mobile stations, reducing the need for expensive hardware and software in these terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If autonomous terminals use complex mobile communication protocols to ensure reliable communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication protocol into two parts: a simplified access protocol for autonomous terminals to join the network, and the existing complex mobile communication protocol for full network operations. This segmentation allows autonomous terminals to use only the essential simplified protocol components, reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the established mobile network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network entity (base station or network controller) as an intermediary that handles the complex protocol processing on behalf of autonomous terminals. This intermediary translates between the simplified protocol used by autonomous terminals and the complex mobile communication protocol used by the network, allowing reliable communication without requiring autonomous terminals to have complex protocol implementations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If autonomous terminals are equipped with sophisticated hardware and software to support complex protocols, then communication quality is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables autonomous terminals to use inexpensive, simple hardware and software configurations by allowing them to operate with a simplified protocol subset. The terminals can be manufactured at low cost without sophisticated communication components, while still achieving reliable communication through the network's infrastructure and protocol translation capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the protocol parameters and capabilities offered to autonomous terminals, providing a simplified version with reduced functionality compared to full mobile communication protocols. This parameter change allows terminals to use less expensive hardware and software while maintaining adequate communication quality for their specific applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the network provides full mobile communication services to autonomous terminals, then service completeness is improved, but resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice completenessVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different protocol complexities to different terminal types within the same network. Autonomous terminals receive a simplified protocol tailored to their specific needs (local optimization), while mobile stations continue to use the full complex protocol suite. This localized approach improves resource allocation efficiency by matching protocol complexity to actual service requirements rather than providing uniform full-service capabilities to all terminals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective communication with autonomous terminals using existing mobile communication systems by allowing the use of simpler protocols and hardware, while maintaining compatibility with licensed frequency ranges and minimizing interference with existing mobile communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

A method for radio resource management that allocates specific radio resource units using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and time division multiple access (TDMA) schemes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing:

Implementation Method 2

A method for radio resource management that allocates specific radio resource units using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and time division multiple access (TDMA) schemes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime Division Multiple Access:

Data Source

PatentEP2403306B1Coordinated integration of secondary wireless communication terminals into a primary wireless communication network
Publication Date: 2016.06.29 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2403306B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2403306B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2403306B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication method for a mobile communication system is described. Available radio resources, i.e. an available frequency band, are divided into a plurality of comparatively small radio resource units. The mobile communication system uses a first communication protocol for communicating with mobile stations compatible with the mobile communication system. For communicating with an autonomous terminal at least one radio resource unit is allocated, in which a second communication protocol incompatible with the first communication protocol is used for communicating with the terminal.