Cellular Warning Dissemination via Base Station Identity Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earthquake and tsunami warning systems only transmit warning information to users within the area directly affected by the emergency, leading to incomplete coverage and potential network disruptions, which can result in users unaware of the danger and loss of network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method to transmit warning information about affected or estimated-to-be-affected areas to all users in a cellular network, including identities of affected base stations, allowing users to locate functional base stations and reducing power consumption by avoiding searches for dysfunctional cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If warning information is only sent to UEs in affected areas, then network resources are conserved, but coverage is incomplete and users outside affected areas remain unaware of potential dangers
Solution Approach 1:
The warning information is segmented into two types: ETWS (Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System) messages for immediate threats, and CBS (Cell Broadcast Service) messages for extended area warnings. This segmentation allows targeted delivery to different user groups based on their location and risk level, ensuring both efficient resource use and comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the warning system from a two-dimensional geographic coverage model to a three-dimensional model by adding the temporal dimension. Warnings are delivered not only based on spatial location but also considering the time of emergency occurrence and duration, allowing UEs outside affected areas to receive timely alerts before the emergency reaches their location.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If base stations are switched off during emergencies, then power consumption is reduced and network stability is improved, but users cannot receive warning information from those base stations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending warning information through multiple base stations before they are switched off during the emergency. The network node identifies base stations that will be affected by the emergency and proactively transmits ETWS and CBS messages through them before power reduction or shutdown occurs, ensuring users in those areas receive alerts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network node as an intermediary that coordinates between the emergency management system and base stations. This intermediary collects information about base stations expected to be affected, manages the timing of warning message transmission, and ensures information delivery even when base stations are subsequently switched off for power conservation.
3Reliability
If UEs search for cells in all areas, then comprehensive coverage is maintained, but power consumption increases during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs receive information from the network about which base stations are functional and which are affected by emergencies. This feedback allows UEs to adjust their cell search behavior dynamically, focusing resources on searching for functional base stations while avoiding futile searches in affected areas, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to arrangements and methods for distribution of warning information relating to an emergency to mobile users. Warning information is sent to UEs both within and outside an area affected, or an area estimated to be affected by the emergency. The warning information comprises information associated with the affected area, or the area which is estimated to be affected, e.g. geographical information or identities of the base stations within said area.