MBMS Service Feedback Mechanism for LTE Network Resource Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE R9, there is no provision for uplink channels or feedback mechanisms for MBMS users to communicate their service reception status to the MBMS service provider, limiting the operator's ability to gather actual service reception and subscription information.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for providing MBMS service status feedback, where a WTRU receives an MBMS service status query message and transmits a service status response, including MBMS service identifiers, within a predetermined time limit, allowing the network to query and receive feedback on currently received or intended services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If no uplink channels or feedback mechanisms are provided for MBMS users, then the system maintains simplicity in LTE R9, but the operator cannot gather actual service reception and subscription information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reception status informationVSAvoidfeedback mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where WTRUs transmit MBMS service status information to the network using uplink channels. The feedback includes service reception status and subscription information, allowing the operator to gather actual MBMS service reception data from users without requiring complex dedicated feedback channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes existing uplink channels (such as PUSCH or PUCCH) that serve multiple purposes in LTE, including both regular uplink data transmission and MBMS feedback transmission. This multi-functionality approach allows MBMS feedback to be carried on channels already designed for general uplink communication, avoiding the need for dedicated MBMS feedback channels

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If MBMS feedback mechanisms are implemented in LTE R10, then the service provider can gather reception information, but the system complexity increases compared to LTE R9

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice management capabilityVSAvoidfeedback mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic feedback reporting where WTRUs transmit MBMS status information based on network requests or specific triggering conditions. The feedback mechanism is not continuously active but dynamically activated when the network needs service status information, allowing the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation while providing enhanced adaptability when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the feedback mechanism from inactive (in LTE R9) to active (in LTE R10), enabling the service provider to gather reception information. By controlling when and how feedback is transmitted through configurable parameters, the system achieves greater service management capability while managing the complexity of the feedback structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2827620B1Method and apparatus for multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) service feedback
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP2827620B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2827620B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2827620B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method and apparatus are described for providing multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) service feedback. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may receive an MBMS service query message over an MBMS control channel and transmit an MBMS service response. The MBMS service query message and MBMS service response message may be radio resource controller messages. The MBMS service query message may include MBMS service identifiers which identify MBMS services that the WTRU is receiving or intending to receive. The WTRU may generate a report with MBMS service identifier index values, where each MBMS service identifier index value indicates a position of a service identifier corresponding to an MBMS service in the original query list that the WTRU is currently receiving or intending to receive. The MBMS service status query message may be received alone or along with a MBSFNAreaConfiguration message. The WTRU may respond within a predetermined or configured time limit.