Wireless Broadcast Mode Selection via Resource Consumption Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless telecommunication networks face challenges in efficiently switching between point-to-multipoint single-cell (PTM-SC) and point-to-multipoint multi-cell (PTM-MC) transmission modes for multimedia broadcast/multicast services, as existing methods for determining user density are resource-intensive and prone to congestion or inaccuracies, affecting radio resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method where a control entity selects between PTM-SC and PTM-MC modes by transmitting request signals to base stations to receive radio resource efficiency values, allowing for precise determination of the most efficient transmission mode based on actual resource consumption, rather than relying on polling or counting, which reduces resource usage and improves decision-making.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If polling or counting methods are used to determine user density for mode selection, then user density information can be obtained, but radio resources are consumed and congestion may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser density determinationVSAvoidradio resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new intermediary mechanism where base stations report resource consumption values to a control entity, which then determines user density indirectly. This mediator (control entity) processes the resource consumption data to infer user density without requiring direct polling or counting at the base station level, thus reducing radio resource consumption while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical polling/counting system with an information-based system where base stations report resource consumption metrics. Instead of directly counting users through signaling (mechanical approach), the system uses resource consumption patterns as proxies to determine user density, substituting direct measurement with indirect inference through data analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If PTM-SC mode is used for transmission, then base stations can transmit autonomously without coordination, but interference between neighboring cells increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission autonomyVSAvoidinterference between cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode selection between PTM-SC and PTM-MC based on real-time resource consumption values. The system can transition from autonomous PTM-SC operation to coordinated PTM-MC operation when interference becomes problematic, and vice versa when autonomy is more beneficial. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between ease of operation and interference reduction based on current conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the transmission system by switching between two distinct modes (PTM-SC and PTM-MC) with different characteristics. PTM-SC provides autonomous operation with higher ease of operation but generates more interference, while PTM-MC provides coordinated operation that reduces interference but requires more coordination. The system selects the appropriate parameter set based on resource consumption analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If PTM-MC mode is used for transmission, then interference between cells is reduced through synchronization, but coordination between base stations is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference between cellsVSAvoidcoordination requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the coordination complexity dynamic by enabling mode switching. When resource consumption indicates low user density or when interference is not problematic, the system reverts to simpler PTM-SC mode without coordination. When resource consumption patterns suggest high user density or interference issues, the system activates PTM-MC with full coordination. This dynamic approach prevents permanent complexity while maintaining interference reduction capability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the coordination parameter of the transmission system by switching between PTM-SC (no coordination required) and PTM-MC (coordination required). This parameter change allows the system to adapt the level of coordination based on actual network conditions derived from resource consumption analysis, rather than maintaining fixed coordination complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If user density is used as criterion for mode switching, then transmission mode can be selected, but accurate user density measurement is difficult and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoiduser density measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes direct user density measurement with resource consumption measurement. Instead of trying to accurately count or poll users (which is resource-intensive and imprecise), the system measures the radio resources consumed by MBMS transmissions and uses this proxy metric to infer user density. This substitution maintains mode selection adaptability while achieving more precise and less resource-intensive measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces resource consumption values as an intermediary measurement metric between direct user counting and mode selection decisions. The control entity receives resource consumption data from base stations, processes this intermediate data to infer user density patterns, and then makes mode selection decisions. This intermediary approach provides more accurate information than direct counting while requiring fewer radio resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2007151B1Method of selecting between multiple operation modes of providing a broadcast or multicast services
Publication Date: 2009.05.20 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2007151B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2007151B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2007151B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of selecting by a control entity between at least a first and a second operation mode of providing a broadcast or multicast service to user equipments (UEs) in a wireless telecommunication network, the method comprising: - transmitting a request signal from the control entity to a plurality of base stations, the base stations being adapted for providing the service to the user equipments, - receiving by a control entity operating expense values in response to the transmitted request signal from the base stations, the operating expense values describing the amount of radio resources per data volume required for providing the service from the base stations to the user equipments, - selecting one of the at least two operation modes of providing the service by analyzing the received operating expense values.