Proximity Services Server for Network Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack efficient methods to provide proximity services that allow users to discover and locate nearby users with shared interests within a communication environment, without requiring changes to existing network architectures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proximity services server integrated into existing network architecture, utilizing the presence framework defined in 3GPP Release 23.141, which uses IMS registration services, presence server information, and location services to provide proximity notifications between user equipment (UEs) by determining their proximity and enabling direct communication when interests match.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proximity service discovery system is implemented, then users can discover and locate nearby users with shared interests, but the network architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reuses existing multi-functional network components (presence server, location server, IMS registration services) for proximity service discovery. These existing servers perform multiple functions including user registration, location tracking, and proximity determination, eliminating the need for dedicated proximity discovery infrastructure and reducing overall network complexity while enabling new services.
2Productivity
If proximity notifications are implemented between user equipment, then users can communicate when interests match, but the processing load on network servers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining user location information and interests in existing network servers (presence server, location server) before proximity matching is needed. When proximity determination is required, the system queries pre-stored location and interest data rather than collecting and processing this information in real-time, significantly reducing processing load during active proximity service operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing network architecture is used without modifications, then deployment is easier, but the system lacks dedicated proximity service functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary proximity services server that mediates between existing network infrastructure and proximity service requirements. This intermediary component utilizes existing IMS registration services, presence server, and location server through standardized interfaces, enabling proximity service functionality without modifying the underlying network architecture while maintaining ease of deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods disclosed herein provide proximity services using a proximity services server that can be integrated into existing network infrastructure. Proximity services procedures are disclosed, including procedures for registration to a proximity services server, publication of the direct path of a proximity services enabled user equipment (UE) to a proximity services server, requesting proximity information by a UE, and notifying UEs that are in proximity.