Edge-Enabler Location Management for Mobile Terminal Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The application of edge computing technology to user equipment in mobile communication systems has not been discussed, leading to challenges in managing the location of mobile terminals, which can result in service disruptions or malfunctions due to inaccurate location information.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for obtaining and managing location information of a mobile terminal in an edge computing system, utilizing an edge enabler server that receives location requests from application servers, includes location information based on granularity parameters, and provides reliable location data through a network interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the mobile terminal uses direct GPS for location information, then the location accuracy is improved, but the battery consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The edge computing platform acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and the location service. The terminal's location client sends location requests to the edge platform, which then obtains location information from the application server. This mediator approach allows the terminal to get accurate location data without continuously activating GPS, thereby reducing battery consumption while maintaining location accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile terminal changes location frequently, then the service adaptability is improved, but the service continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice adaptabilityVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the location client periodically checks whether the terminal is still within the service area. When the terminal moves out of the service area, the system receives location update notifications from the edge platform and can switch to a different service area or notify the user. This feedback loop ensures service continuity while adapting to terminal movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the system obtains detailed location information, then the location precision is improved, but the privacy protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation precisionVSAvoidprivacy exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by providing different levels of location information granularity based on the service requirements. The location client can request location information at different granularities (e.g., coarse location vs. precise location), and the edge platform provides only the necessary level of detail required for the specific service, minimizing privacy exposure while maintaining sufficient location precision for service delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3955543B1Method and apparatus for obtaining and managing location information of mobile terminal in edge computing system
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3955543B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3955543B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3955543B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for obtaining location information of a terminal in an edge computing system and, more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for obtaining location information of a mobile terminal. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for managing a location of a UE in an edge enabler server of an edge computing system may comprise: an operation of receiving a location request for the UE of a mobile communication system from an edge application server, wherein the location request includes an identifier of the UE and a location granularity parameter; and a step of including, in a response message to the location request, location information of the UE based on the granularity parameter, and transmitting same to the application server.