Interworking Function Device for MTC Group Message Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for distributing group messages in Machine Type Communication (MTC) are inefficient, particularly due to limitations in Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) capabilities, such as inefficiency in handling simpler MTC device capabilities, inability to handle large data transmission, and deployment stress on operators, which makes CBS unsuitable for all application scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A method involving an interworking function device that receives a group message from a Service Capability Server, selects an appropriate transmission mode, translates and updates the message with geographical and internal identifiers, and transmits it to a core network or broadcast system node using CBS, MBMS, or SMS modes, enabling efficient distribution across different 3GPP systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) is used to transmit group messages, then the fundamental capability to transmit trigger messages is provided, but CBS is inefficient for MTC devices with simpler capabilities and cannot handle large data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to transmit trigger messagesVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of transmission modes (CBS, MBMS, or SMS) based on the specific requirements of the group message, including data size, device capabilities, and service type. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize transmission efficiency for different scenarios while maintaining reliable trigger message delivery through CBS when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transmission mode parameter based on message characteristics. For small trigger messages, CBS is used; for larger data transmissions, MBMS or SMS modes are selected. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by matching the transmission method to the specific requirements of each message type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If CBS is deployed widely to support group based trigger messages, then MTC killer service is supported, but deployment stress is imposed on operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for MTC killer serviceVSAvoiddeployment stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the transmission system universal by supporting multiple transmission modes (CBS, MBMS, SMS) that can handle different types of group messages. This multi-functionality allows the system to support MTC killer services without requiring exclusive reliance on CBS deployment, thereby reducing deployment stress on operators while maintaining service capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary selection mechanism that determines the appropriate transmission mode based on message characteristics. This intermediary layer prevents direct dependency on CBS for all group messages, reducing the deployment burden on operators while still enabling MTC killer services through selective use of CBS when most appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a unified solution is implemented for group message distribution, then simplicity is achieved, but it cannot accommodate different types of group messages effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of distribution processVSAvoidaccommodation of different message types
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the group message transmission into different modes (CBS for trigger messages, MBMS for data, SMS for supplementary information) based on message type and requirements. This segmentation maintains operational simplicity through a unified selection mechanism while effectively accommodating different types of group messages through specialized transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects the appropriate transmission mode based on message characteristics such as data size, device capabilities, and service requirements. This dynamic approach preserves the simplicity of a unified distribution process while adapting to different message types, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2901719B1Method of distributing group message of machine type communication
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 ALCATEL LUCENT SA
  • EP2901719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2901719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2901719B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method, in an interworking function device, of distributing a group message of machine type communication, the method including the steps of: receiving the group message from a service capability server, wherein the group message includes location/area information, radio access technology information, external group identifier information and/or application layer data; selecting a transmission mode under a predetermined policy according to the group message or obtaining the transmission mode by querying a home location register or a home subscriber server according to the group message; translating the location/area information into a geographical area in which the group message is transmitted and updating the group message with the geographical area; mapping the external group identifier information to internal group identifier information according to information in the home location register or the home subscriber server and updating the group message with the internal group identifier information to obtain an updated group message; querying the home location register or the home subscriber server according to the updated group message about a core network node or a broadcast system node for transmitting the group message; and transmitting the updated group message to the core network node or the broadcast system node in the selected transmission mode.