ProSe Discovery Location Reporting Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for EPC-level ProSe discovery in wireless communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the proximity of User Equipments (UEs) without affecting UTRAN/GERAN and UMTS/GSM networks, particularly in scenarios where UEs camp on shared cells with different ECGIs, leading to inefficient location reporting and potential battery consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method for EPC-level ProSe discovery that utilizes the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and Mobility Management Entity (MME) to request and acquire location information of UEs, determining proximity based on pre-configured distances and time windows, and optimizing location reporting to reduce unnecessary signaling and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If location information is continuously reported to determine UE proximity, then proximity determination accuracy is improved, but battery consumption increases due to unnecessary idle mode to connected mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity determination accuracyVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing a time window mechanism where location information is only reported when UEs are within a predetermined distance and time window, rather than continuously. This partial reporting approach maintains sufficient proximity determination accuracy while significantly reducing unnecessary idle mode to connected mode transitions and battery consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by pre-configuring proximity determination parameters including predetermined distances and time windows before actual proximity detection. This allows the system to establish criteria in advance, avoiding unnecessary location reporting and mode transitions when UEs are unlikely to be in proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If location information is frequently requested and reported, then proximity determination reliability is improved, but network signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity determination reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork signaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by conditionally requesting and reporting location information only when specific conditions are met (UEs within predetermined distance and time window). This selective approach maintains proximity determination reliability by ensuring location data is obtained when needed, while significantly reducing network signaling overhead by avoiding unnecessary location requests and reports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If UEs camp on shared cells with different ECGIs, then network compatibility is improved, but location reporting accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidlocation reporting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a ProSe function entity that mediates between UEs camping on shared cells with different ECGIs. This intermediary collects and processes location information from multiple UEs, determining proximity based on predetermined distances and time windows, thereby resolving the conflict between network compatibility and location reporting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2996364B1Method and apparatus for proximity service discovery to provide proximity service
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2996364B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2996364B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4
  • EP2996364B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a first terminal to perform a proximity service (ProSe) in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: a first terminal transmitting a Prose discovery request to a first network entity; and the first terminal receiving a ProSe discovery response from the first network entity, wherein the ProSe discovery response indicates a refusal of the ProSe if the first terminal and a second terminal area determined not to be in a proximity relationship during a previously configured temporal period.