Multi-Group Call Setup via Temporary Group Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication technologies cannot support multi-group calls involving multiple Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT) groups, which is essential for coordinated actions in emergency situations like those involving fire brigades and police forces.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for setting up multi-group calls among multiple MCPTT groups, where an MCPTT server processes a multi-group call setup message to initiate a temporary group call, sending paging messages to user equipment to join the call, and obtaining location information if needed, allowing users from different groups to coordinate effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional MCPTT group call models are used, then single-group communication is supported, but multi-group coordinated communication cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-group call supportVSAvoidcall setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-group call into a temporary group structure that combines multiple existing MCPTT groups. The temporary group acts as a container that holds multiple sub-groups, allowing independent management of each group while enabling coordinated communication across all groups. This segmentation approach resolves the contradiction by providing multi-group support through a structured hierarchy rather than treating all groups as a single complex entity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporary group as an intermediary structure between the multiple MCPTT groups and the call control mechanism. This temporary group serves as a mediator that coordinates communication between different groups, managing the complexity of multi-group interactions through a unified control plane while maintaining the independence of individual groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If location information is always obtained for all users, then accurate paging is ensured, but system complexity and data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaging reliabilityVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by obtaining location information selectively based on the user's current state and the paging scenario. Location information is retrieved only when necessary (e.g., when a user is not currently in the targeted group or when precise location-based paging is needed), rather than maintaining location data for all users continuously. This selective approach ensures reliable paging when needed while reducing overall system complexity and data storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3264857B1Method and device of establishing multi-group call
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3264857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
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  • EP3264857B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a multi-group call setup method and device. The method includes: determining, by a first MCPTT server, to set up a multi-group call involving N MCPTT groups, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and sending, by the first MCPTT server, a call message to first UE, where the call message is used to add the first UE to the multi-group call, a first MCPTT user is an associated user of the first UE, and the first MCPTT user is any MCPTT user in the N MCPTT groups. In this way, the multi-group call can be performed among the N MCPTT groups.