MBMS Handover via Service Reception Info

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems experience MBMS service interruptions during handovers due to the selection of cells that do not support MBMS services, as they primarily choose cells based on signal quality without considering MBMS service availability.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that acquire MBMS service reception information to select a target cell supporting MBMS services for seamless handovers, ensuring continuous MBMS service by using MBMS service reception information, MBSFN area information, MBMS session information, and UE measurement reports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the source base station selects a target cell based on signal quality from measurement reports, then the handover decision is simple and fast, but the MBMS service continuity cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover decision speedVSAvoidMBMS service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The source base station pre-acquires MBMS service reception information from the target cell before making the handover decision. This preliminary action ensures that when handover is executed, the target cell is already confirmed to support MBMS service, thus guaranteeing service continuity without adding significant decision time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the source base station obtains MBMS service reception information from the target cell through inter-base station communication. This intermediary information exchange allows the source base station to make informed handover decisions that maintain MBMS service continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the source base station checks MBMS service reception information from the target cell before handover, then the MBMS service continuity is guaranteed, but the handover process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMBMS service continuityVSAvoidhandover process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the MBMS service reception information checking step as a separate, independent operation that the source base station performs before handover. This extracted function is implemented through dedicated information acquisition from the target cell, simplifying the overall handover logic by separating the service compatibility check from the signal quality evaluation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The source base station performs the MBMS service reception information acquisition itself through its own capabilities to communicate with the target cell. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional network entities or complex multi-step verification processes, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If the source base station hands over the device to a cell with better signal quality without checking MBMS support, then the handover is fast and simple, but the MBMS service is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandover timeVSAvoidMBMS service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The source base station performs preliminary acquisition of MBMS service reception information from the target cell before executing the handover. This preliminary check ensures that the target cell supports MBMS service, preventing service interruption while maintaining fast handover execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the handover selection criteria by incorporating MBMS service reception information as an additional parameter alongside signal quality. This parameter change transforms the handover decision from a single-criterion (signal quality) to a multi-criterion decision, ensuring both speed and service continuity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2667642B1Method, apparatus, software program and storage medium for handing over device
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP2667642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2667642B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2667642B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed in the present invention are a method and apparatus for handing over device, and belongs to the field of mobile communication. The method comprises: obtaining the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) service reception information of the device; according to the MBMS service reception information, selecting a target cell supporting the MBMS service for the device; handing over the device to the target cell. The apparatus comprises: an acquiring module, for obtaining the MBMS service reception information of the device; a selection module, for selecting a target cell supporting the MBMS service for the device according to the MBMS service reception information; a handing over module, for handing over the device to the target cell. By the implementation of the technical solution that selecting a target cell supporting the MBMS service for the device according to the MBMS service reception information, and switching the device to the target cell, the present invention guarantees the continuity of the MBMS service during the handover process of the device.