Frequency Value Modification for Efficient PLMN Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

UMTS user equipment (UE) faces significant time consumption and resource usage in searching for available PLMNs across multiple frequencies, as existing methods are limited in storing frequencies that do not align with the 200 kHz raster, leading to inefficient cell reselection processes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves storing additional frequencies by shifting them onto the 200 kHz raster using an arithmetical operation, allowing these frequencies to be stored and retrieved efficiently within the EF NETPAR file, enabling UE to associate the frequency with a specific band and reducing the time required for cell reselection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the UE stores all frequencies including those not on the 200 kHz raster, then the completeness of frequency information is improved, but the compatibility with existing storage structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency information completenessVSAvoidstorage structure compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frequency value through an arithmetical operation (subtracting an offset) to transform it into a compatible form for storage. The original frequency parameter is altered by a fixed amount to map it onto the 200 kHz raster, enabling storage in existing structures while preserving the ability to retrieve and use the frequency information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the UE performs a full PLMN search across all frequencies, then the reliability of PLMN detection is improved, but the time consumption deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePLMN detection reliabilityVSAvoidPLMN search time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by storing frequency information from previously used cells in advance. When the UE needs to perform PLMN detection, it can first check the stored frequency information and prioritize searching on these frequencies, rather than performing a complete search across all possible frequencies from scratch. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces the time required while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the UE prioritizes searching on previously used frequencies, then the speed of PLMN detection is improved, but the risk of missing available PLMNs on other frequencies increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePLMN detection speedVSAvoidPLMN detection completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing PLMN detection on a subset of frequencies (those in the stored information) rather than all possible frequencies. The UE performs detection on the stored frequencies first, and if needed, can extend the search to other frequencies. This partial approach achieves faster detection speed for common cases while maintaining the option to ensure completeness when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2134124B1Method and apparatus for storing and for reading frequency values modified to be compatible with a parameter storage area
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2134124B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2134124B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2134124B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, in a wireless communications apparatus, the method comprising: identifying a previously used frequency as incompatible with a parameter storage area; performing an arithmetical operation on the value of the previously used frequency to give a modified value of the previously used frequency; and storing the modified value of the previously used frequency in the parameter storage area.