Handover Method Using Location Service Maps for Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In beyond 3rd generation (B3G) and 4th generation (4G) mobile communication systems, wireless terminals face challenges in reducing battery consumption and detection time when switching between heterogeneous networks, especially in urban areas with overlapping service areas, where traditional methods either increase battery drain or prolong detection time due to continuous or periodic modem activation.
Innovation Solution
A method that selects a candidate system based on signal intensity from nearby base stations, using a location service server to generate and store service area maps, allowing wireless terminals to transmit location and signal information for efficient handover between heterogeneous networks, thereby reducing battery consumption and detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all multi-standard modems are activated continuously to detect candidate systems, then detection reliability is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The location service server performs preliminary actions by generating service area maps and storing them before handover is needed. When handover is required, the terminal already has location information and pre-generated maps available, eliminating the need to activate all modems continuously for detection. The terminal can directly compare its location with stored maps to identify candidate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The location service server acts as an intermediary between the terminal and candidate system detection. Instead of the terminal directly detecting all candidate systems by activating all modems, the server uses location information to determine which systems are candidates, then provides this information to the terminal. This mediates the detection process and reduces terminal energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If modems are activated periodically to detect candidate systems, then battery consumption is reduced, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Service area maps are generated and stored in advance by the location service server. When handover is needed, the terminal immediately has access to pre-processed location and system availability information, eliminating the time delay associated with periodic modem activation and detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of periodically activating modems to detect systems with an information-based approach. The location service server provides candidate system information based on location data, substituting the need for repeated mechanical modem activation with a faster information retrieval and comparison process.
3Device complexity
If distance-based method is used to select candidate systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in urban areas with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The location service server acts as an intermediary that provides accurate location information to the terminal. This location information serves as a more reliable basis for candidate system selection than simple distance calculations, improving measurement precision without significantly increasing terminal complexity since the server handles the complex processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for candidate system selection from distance alone to location information based on signal intensity measurements. Instead of relying solely on theoretical distance calculations, the system uses actual signal intensity data to determine location and select candidates, improving accuracy in urban environments with obstacles.
Data Source
AI summary
A handover method and apparatus for a mobile terminal using location information in a network of heterogeneous systems are provided. The handover method uses service area map information provided by a location service server in a mobile communication network in which at least one or more heterogeneous wireless network systems are connected through a predetermined network and, includes: receiving service area map information transmitted from the location service server; the mobile terminal determining whether or not the location of the mobile terminal is within the service area map; and if it is determined that the mobile terminal is within the service area map, the wireless terminal selecting an accessible wireless network system and then activating a unit for communicating with a base station of the selected wireless network system. According to the method, a battery consumption problem that occurs by activating all modems when a wireless terminal, which is connected to a predetermined mobile communication system in an environment where a plurality of heterogeneous systems are overlapping each other, is searching for candidate systems in order to perform handover to a heterogeneous network, can be solved. Also, a problem where finding a candidate system is time-consuming can be solved.