Dynamic MBSFN Resource Allocation for Cluster Group Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current eMBMS techniques face resource wastage and poor real-time performance due to fixed MBSFN area configurations, which fail to accurately determine resource distribution for group calls, leading to potential service interruptions and resource inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method where a cluster server dynamically allocates and releases resources based on real-time counting of terminals under each MBSFN area by re-counting when terminals access, exit, or move between areas, initiating resource allocation or release processes accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the MBSFN area is deployed to be large, then the probability of resource redistribution is reduced and service interruptions are minimized, but resource waste occurs since there may be no terminals needing to receive the service under some cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidresource waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static MBSFN area configuration to dynamic resource allocation. The cluster server continuously monitors terminal locations and dynamically adjusts resource distribution across MBSFN areas based on real-time terminal presence, ensuring resources are allocated only where needed while maintaining service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by enabling different resource allocation strategies for different MBSFN areas based on local terminal distribution. Each MBSFN area receives resources proportionally to the number of terminals present, allowing efficient local resource utilization rather than uniform allocation across all areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If resources are fixedly distributed under some MBSFN areas, then resource distribution is simplified, but terminals not in these areas cannot receive the service in time, resulting in poor real-time performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource distribution complexityVSAvoidservice real-time performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the cluster server continuously receives terminal location information and service requests from MBSFN areas. Based on this feedback, the server dynamically adjusts resource allocation to ensure terminals can receive services in real-time regardless of their location, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed distribution and real-time performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cluster server allocates resources in all MBSFN areas, then all terminals can receive service, but resource waste occurs in areas with no terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverageVSAvoidresource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the resource allocation parameter (number of resources) based on the terminal count parameter in each MBSFN area. The cluster server modifies resource allocation parameters in real-time according to actual service demand, achieving both wide service coverage and high resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2894885B1Method and apparatus for allocating resources for group call in cluster system
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 ZTE CORP
  • EP2894885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2894885B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Provided are a method and apparatus for allocating resources for a group call in a cluster system. When a group call is initiated, a cluster server counts the number of terminals under all MBSFN areas allocated and pre-allocated by each MCE for the group call, according to information about the MBSFN areas allocated and pre-allocated by each MCE for the group call; when the group call is ongoing, re-counts the number of the terminals under all the MBSFN areas allocated and pre-allocated by each MCE for the group call; if it is determined that the number of the terminals under an MBSFN area changes from zero to non-zero, the cluster server initiates a process of allocating resources for the group call under the MBSFN area; and if it is determined that the number of the terminals under an MBSFN area changes from non-zero to zero, the cluster server initiates a process of releasing resources allocated for the group call under the MBSFN area. The scheme solves the problem of wasting resources due to the fixed configurations of the MBSFN areas receiving a group call in the related art.