MEC Indicator Activation via PCO Messages in 5G UE Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile communication devices experience confusion and increased customer service inquiries due to unpredictable video quality in Fifth Generation (5G) mobile networks, where Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) services can provide high or low quality without clear indication to the user.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where User Equipment (UE) devices display a visual or non-visual indicator, such as an icon, to notify users of an active MEC session, using messages like Protocol Configuration Options (PCO) or extended PCO (ePCO) messages, Quality of Service (QoS) Class Flow Identifiers, or User Route Selection Profile (URSP) modules to determine and activate/deactivate the indicator based on MEC session status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MEC services are deployed in 5G networks to provide high-quality video streaming, then video quality and service performance are improved, but user confusion and support inquiries increase due to lack of clear indication about service status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying a colored icon (e.g., orange or yellow indicator) on the user device to visually represent MEC session status. This color-based indication system allows users to immediately understand whether they are connected to MEC services, resolving the information asymmetry between high-quality video delivery and user awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator system that mediates between the MEC network infrastructure and the user. This indicator acts as a communication bridge, translating complex network session status into simple visual information that users can understand, thereby eliminating confusion without compromising video quality.
2Productivity
If MEC sessions are established without user notification, then network efficiency and service delivery are improved, but user confusion and customer service burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by providing users with immediate visual feedback about their MEC session status through displayed icons. Users can independently determine whether they are connected to MEC services without needing to contact customer support, thus maintaining network efficiency while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the user device receives and displays status information about the MEC session. This feedback loop allows users to understand the service status in real-time, reducing confusion and support inquiries while preserving efficient service delivery.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to user devices to show MEC session status, then user awareness and experience are improved, but device complexity and implementation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the MEC status indication function from the core video streaming functionality. The indicator is implemented as a distinct visual element (icon or symbol) that can be added to the existing user interface without fundamentally altering the device architecture or complicating the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, lightweight visual indicators (such as small colored icons) that require minimal processing power and memory. These indicators are easy to implement and update, representing a low-cost solution that provides significant user awareness benefits without substantially increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A user equipment (UE) device may include a processor configured to establish an application session with a multi-access edge computing (MEC) device via a base station. The processor may be further configured to receive a message associated with the application session; retrieve, from the received message, an indication that a MEC indicator on a user interface of the UE device should be activated, wherein the MEC indicator indicates that a MEC application session is active on the UE device; and activate the MEC indicator on the user interface of the UE device, in response to retrieving the indication.