Network Indicator Segmentation for 5G Service Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for electronic devices to effectively display the type of network and network services provided by a 5G network, even when connected to a 4G network, due to the compatibility of 5G core networks and dual connectivity technology, requiring a method to notify users of the network type and services available.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device implements a method to display network indicators and service indicators on its display, using network capability information and cell barred information to determine the availability and type of 5G services, allowing users to be informed of the network type and services accessed, such as 4G or 5G, eMBB, URLLC, or mMTC, through visual indicators on the status bar or as icons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the electronic device displays network indicators to notify users of network type and service availability, then user awareness and network management are improved, but device complexity and display resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork information notificationVSAvoiddisplay control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network indicator is segmented into multiple components: a network type indicator (4G/5G) and a service indicator (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC). Each component conveys specific information independently, allowing the system to provide comprehensive network information while maintaining clear, organized display elements that reduce overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator system adds a new dimension of information display by incorporating service type indicators alongside traditional network type indicators. This dimensional expansion allows the device to communicate multiple aspects of network status (network type + service type) without requiring separate display elements for each piece of information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the electronic device displays multiple service indicators (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) simultaneously, then network service information completeness is improved, but display area and visual complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork service informationVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple service indicators (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC) are merged into a single integrated indicator element. When multiple services are available, they are combined and displayed together in one visual location, eliminating the need for separate display areas for each service type and conserving screen real estate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The service indicator is designed as a universal element that can represent multiple different service types within a single display structure. The indicator adapts its content based on which services are available, functioning as a multi-purpose information carrier that reduces the need for multiple specialized indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3599787B1Electronic device for displaying indicator regarding network and method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3599787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3599787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3599787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device comprising, a touch screen display, a communication module comprising long term evolution (LTE) communication circuit and new radio (NR) communication circuit, a communication processor configured to control the communication module, a memory, and an application processor, wherein the memory stores a plurality of operator information, wherein the communication processor is configured to receive a public land mobile network (PLMN) of a network to which the electronic device is connected, a system information block (SIB) indicating whether the network is available to evolved terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) new radio-dual connectivity (EN-DC), and restrict DCNR, from a LTE base station by using the LTE communication circuit, and provide the PLMN, the SIB, and the restrict DCNR to the application processor, wherein the application processor is configured to identify operator information among the plurality of operator information based on the PLMN, determine to display a LTE indicator or a 5th generation (5G) indicator, based on the identified operator information, the SIB, and the restrict DCNR.