MBMS Scheduling in Mobile Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scheduling methods for Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Services (MBMS) in UMTS networks are inefficient, particularly in signaling MBMS service scheduling information, which can lead to increased message size and power consumption in mobile terminals due to frequent scheduling messages and asynchronous transmission approaches.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves grouping MBMS service data together for delayed transmission, providing scheduling information with variable transmission periods specific to each service, and using a synchronous scheduling approach with predefined schedules to reduce message frequency and power consumption, allowing for more efficient data transfer and improved user equipment (UE) measurement opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If frequent scheduling messages are transmitted to provide MBMS service information, then service scheduling flexibility is improved, but power consumption in mobile terminals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice scheduling flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption in mobile terminal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic scheduling messages transmitted at fixed intervals (e.g., every radio frame or every N frames) rather than frequently or asynchronously. This periodic approach allows UEs to predict when scheduling information will be available and can enter low-power states between transmissions, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining service scheduling flexibility through the regular update cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transmits scheduling information in advance before actual data transmission occurs. The scheduling message includes pre-defined transmission time intervals and resource allocation information, allowing UEs to prepare measurement periods and buffer allocations beforehand. This preliminary action reduces the need for frequent updates and allows UEs to enter power-saving modes with confidence that scheduling information is already available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous transmission approach is used for MBMS data, then transmission timing flexibility is improved, but scheduling efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission timing flexibilityVSAvoidscheduling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes periodic transmission intervals for MBMS data with predefined timing relationships between scheduling messages and actual data transmissions. This periodic structure provides predictable timing that improves scheduling efficiency, as network nodes and UEs can align their operations to known transmission cycles, reducing complexity and improving resource utilization compared to asynchronous approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains flexibility within the periodic framework by allowing dynamic adjustment of parameters such as the period length N, transmission time offsets, and resource allocation patterns. This dynamic capability within a structured periodic system achieves both scheduling efficiency and transmission timing flexibility, resolving the contradiction between rigid periodicity and needed adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If scheduling information is transmitted frequently to maintain service updates, then service update freshness is improved, but message size and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice update freshnessVSAvoidmessage size and processing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic scheduling messages transmitted at optimized intervals rather than continuously or frequently. Each periodic message contains consolidated scheduling information for multiple future transmission opportunities, reducing the total volume of messages while maintaining service update freshness through the regular periodic update cycle. UEs can efficiently process these periodic updates without the overhead of frequent individual messages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple scheduling decisions and transmission parameters into single consolidated scheduling messages. Instead of separate messages for each transmission opportunity, the scheduling information aggregates resource allocations, time intervals, and service parameters for multiple future transmissions, reducing message quantity and processing overhead while maintaining complete service update information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7664070B2Method for providing a multicast and/or broadcast service in a mobile telecommunications network

Publication Date: 2010.02.16 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A method of providing a multicast and/or broadcast service in a mobile telecommunications network, wherein transmission times for the services are scheduled and scheduling information is transmitted from a network node to a mobile terminal, and wherein the scheduling information is provided according to a predefined schedule.