MBMS Relay via Peer Discovery Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication networks, mobile devices participating in multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) lose service when moving out of network coverage, as they cannot receive or upload content due to disrupted uplink and downlink connections with the BM-SC server.

Innovation Solution

Mobile devices within network coverage area detect the transition and establish a peer-to-peer link with capable devices to relay MBMS content, using peer discovery signals to identify and connect with an MBMS relay device for continued service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile device moves out of network coverage area, then the device gains mobility freedom, but the MBMS service connection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility freedomVSAvoidMBMS service connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An in-coverage peer device acts as an intermediary relay between the out-of-coverage mobile device and the network infrastructure. The relay device receives MBMS content from the network via base station and forwards it to the out-of-coverage device, enabling continued service access without direct network connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If direct peer-to-peer connection is established for MBMS relay, then service continuity is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice continuityVSAvoidpeer discovery and relay establishment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peer discovery signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it announces the presence of an out-of-coverage device, requests MBMS relay services, and enables direct communication establishment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate signaling mechanisms and simplifies the overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If peer discovery signals are broadcast to find relay devices, then MBMS relay can be established, but signal transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelay connection establishmentVSAvoidsignal transmission overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The out-of-coverage mobile device transmits peer discovery signals periodically rather than continuously. This periodic transmission allows the device to enter low-power states between transmissions, reducing energy consumption while still maintaining the ability to establish relay connections when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10285020B2Continuing multimedia broadcast multicast services for out-of-coverage devices

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for managing a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS). In one configuration, content of an MBMS may be received while operating in a coverage area of a base station. A transition to operate outside the coverage area of the base station may be sensed. A peer discovery signal to request a relay of the content of the MBMS may be transmitted. The peer discovery signal may include an identifier of the MBMS. In another configuration, a first peer discovery signal including an out-of-coverage status indicator for the mobile device or MBMS query and an identifier of an MBMS may be received from the mobile device. A determination may be made regarding whether to relay content of the MBMS. Upon determining to relay the content of the MBMS, a second peer discovery signal indicating a capability to relay the content of the MBMS may be transmitted.