Geofenced UE Identification via LAC Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular network systems are limited in identifying user equipment (UE) within a geographic area, especially when multiple operators are involved and UEs are in idle mode, which hampers emergency services' ability to provide accurate location information and communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that establish a geofenced area around an emergency situation, change location area identifier values across multiple cellular networks, and identify UEs in both connected and idle modes by determining neighbor cells and using Location Area Codes (LAC) or Tracking Area Codes (TAC) to gather identities of UEs within the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If mechanisms are limited to a single network, then network complexity is reduced, but the quantity of UEs that can be discovered is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the identification process by operator network, with each operator independently identifying UEs in their own networks. The coordination server then aggregates results from multiple operators, allowing comprehensive UE discovery without requiring each individual network to handle all operators' UEs directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination server provides a universal interface that works across multiple operator networks, enabling a single mechanism to discover UEs from different operators. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle identification requests from any operator while maintaining standardized procedures.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UEs are in idle mode, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to communicate location information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of UEs in idle mode by detecting their presence in geofenced areas through network measurements and location area updates. This allows the system to proactively identify and store location information of idle UEs before they need to communicate, so that when emergency services require this information, it is already available without requiring the UE to be in connected mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from location area updates and neighbor cell reports to continuously monitor and update the positions of idle UEs. When a UE performs a location area update or when networks report neighbor cell measurements, this feedback information is used to refresh the UE's location data, ensuring accurate location information is maintained even while the UE remains in idle mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A method that identifies user equipment (UE) in both idle mode and connected mode in a cellular network is performed when an indication of an emergency situation is received. A geofenced area is established around a location of the emergency situation, one or more cells are identified in the geofenced area, and an emergency system transmits a request to change a location area identifier value to one or more network providing service to the one or more cells. The emergency system receives unique identities of UEs in the geofenced area that are provided when the location area identifier value is changed.