Idle Mode MBMS Service Reception via Priority Manipulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of LTE networks, terminals in idle mode lack network control and predictable mobility for MBMS service reception, leading to uncontrolled load balancing and unpredictable UE behavior, especially when UEs transition from idle to connected mode.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a network-controlled mechanism where UEs receive priority indications for communication layers, allowing them to manipulate layer priorities only when interested in MBMS services, using timers to manage access and prevent prolonged priority manipulation, thereby maintaining network control and predictability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UEs are allowed to manipulate layer priorities for MBMS service reception in idle mode, then service reception capability is improved, but network control and load balancing are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reception capabilityVSAvoidnetwork control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter control mechanism by introducing network-configurable parameters that dynamically adjust UE behavior. The network can configure whether UEs are allowed to manipulate layer priorities for MBMS reception, and if so, under what conditions (e.g., only when SIB indicates MBMS availability). This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to service needs while maintaining network control through parameter management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network monitors UE behavior and service reception status, then adjusts configuration parameters accordingly. The SIB messages provide feedback about MBMS service availability, and the network can update UE permissions based on observed network conditions and load balancing requirements, ensuring both service reception and network control are maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If UEs manipulate layer priorities freely, then MBMS service access is enabled, but UE behavior becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice accessVSAvoidbehavior predictability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces configurable parameters that define predictable UE behavior patterns. UEs are configured with specific rules about when and how to manipulate layer priorities (e.g., only when SIB indicates MBMS service, only for specific durations). This standardization ensures predictable behavior while still enabling service access, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If UEs camp on layers based on SIB priority, then load balancing is maintained, but MBMS service reception is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balancingVSAvoidservice reception
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the layer priority system dynamic rather than static. UEs can temporarily deviate from SIB-priority-based camping when MBMS service reception is required, but must return to following SIB priorities when service reception is complete. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between load balancing mode and service reception mode, resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic behavior where UEs alternate between following SIB priorities (for load balancing) and manipulating priorities (for service reception). The periodic switching is triggered by service availability indicators and duration parameters, ensuring that load balancing is restored after service reception, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining load balance and enabling service access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2702781B1Methods and devices for enabling reception of a specific service for terminals in idle mode
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP2702781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2702781B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2702781B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods and devices for enabling reception of a specific service for terminals idle mode. More particularly, the present invention relates to such methods and devices enabling mobility for terminals in idle mode so as to receive an MBMS service. In case a terminal is interested in the MBMS service, it applies different reselection rule than normal reselection rule i.e., when the terminal is not interested in the MBMS service. For instance, the terminal manipulates the priority indications received from an eNB and considers MBMS layer the highest priority in case the terminal is interested in MBMS service. If the terminal thus manipulates the priority due to the (intended) MBMS reception, the terminal starts an MBMS timer, which is received as a permission parameter from the eNB.