Mobile Radio Terminal FLO MBMS Module Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile radio terminals face disruptions in multimedia service reception due to varying radio signal strengths and limited coverage areas, leading to annoying interruptions and reduced user acceptance of multimedia services.

Innovation Solution

A mobile radio terminal with modules for FLO, MBMS, and optionally DVB-H standards, equipped with a switching device that automatically switches between these modules based on signal strength, ensuring continuous and reliable multimedia data reception by selecting the strongest available signal, and providing an interface for data transfer and program channel management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mobile radio terminal uses a single module for receiving multimedia services (FLO or MBMS), then the device complexity is reduced, but the reception reliability deteriorates due to dead spots and limited coverage areas

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple multimedia service modules (FLO module and MBMS module) into a single mobile radio terminal. The terminal includes both modules simultaneously and uses a switching device to select between them based on signal strength, thereby improving reception reliability without requiring the user to manually switch between services

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile radio terminal is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both FLO and MBMS modules, allowing it to receive multimedia services through multiple standards. This universal capability ensures that the terminal can operate reliably across different coverage areas regardless of which service is available

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal manually switches between multimedia services, then the adaptability to different coverage areas is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome and time-consuming switching processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to coverage areasVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal performs self-service by automatically monitoring signal strength and triggering module switching without user intervention. The triggering means continuously evaluates the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the current module and automatically switches to the other module when signal quality deteriorates, eliminating the need for manual user actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from signal strength monitoring to control the switching behavior. The triggering means receives feedback about the current module's signal quality and uses this information to automatically initiate switching when necessary, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing reception conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the terminal switches between modules manually, then the loss of time during service interruption is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to interruptions in multimedia service reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime loss during interruptionVSAvoidproductivity of service reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring signal strength and proactively switching modules before complete service interruption occurs. The triggering means detects signal degradation early and initiates the switching process in advance, ensuring seamless transition and preventing interruptions to the multimedia service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If the terminal uses multiple modules for multimedia services, then the reliability of reception is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates due to power consumption of multiple modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereception reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal dynamically adjusts its operation by activating only the necessary module at any given time. The switching device, controlled by signal strength monitoring, ensures that only one module is actively receiving and processing multimedia services at a time, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining reception reliability through automatic switching capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2091297B1Mobile radio terminal for FLO and MBMS/DVB-H multimedia service
Publication Date: 2012.09.12 VODAFONE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2091297B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile communication device (14) for communication in a mobile communication network (10) according to the UMTS standard. The mobile communication device (14) includes a module (30) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the FLO standard. Furthermore, a module (26) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and/or a module for receiving and processing a multimedia service via an individual end-to-end connection is provided. The invention also relates to a corresponding mobile communication device (14) with a module (30) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the FLO standard and a module (26) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for the mobile communication device (14).