Proxy UE Relay for Seamless P2P Session Continuity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems, particularly LTE-D, face challenges in maintaining seamless communication within a peer-to-peer group session when a member of the group exits the radio access area of the LTE network.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where a user equipment (UE) in a peer-to-peer group exchanges initial communications via a direct data traffic connection, requests session data from an application server, and conveys this data to a proxy UE within the group, allowing for continued communication with the application server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If direct peer-to-peer communication is used within LTE network coverage, then communication efficiency and speed are improved, but communication continuity deteriorates when a member exits the coverage area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidcommunication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an application server as an intermediary to maintain peer-to-peer group sessions. When a UE exits LTE coverage, the application server acts as a mediator to relay communications, allowing the session to continue seamlessly. The server stores session data and facilitates communication between UEs, one of which remains in coverage to maintain the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by selecting a proxy UE and pre-configuring session data before any UE exits coverage. The application server proactively maintains session information and identifies which UE should act as proxy, ensuring that when disconnection occurs, the transition to indirect communication is seamless and immediate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If peer-to-peer direct data traffic connection is established, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot handle member mobility outside coverage area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmobility handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The application server provides multi-functional support for peer-to-peer sessions. It can handle both direct communications within coverage and indirect communications when UEs exit coverage. The server universally manages session data, proxy UE selection, and communication routing, making the system adaptable to different mobility scenarios without increasing device complexity.

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

3Reliability

If a proxy UE mechanism is implemented to maintain sessions outside coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession continuityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the application server automatically manage proxy UE selection and session data maintenance. The system autonomously identifies which UE should act as proxy based on coverage status, and automatically routes communications through the appropriate path. This automation reduces the need for complex device-side logic while maintaining session continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3222105B1Peer-assisted seamless mobility for peer-to-peer data traffic
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3222105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3222105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3222105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining continuity of a peer-to-peer group session. The method may include exchanging a first P2P group session communication with a member of the P2P group via a direct data traffic connection, requesting session data from an application server, conveying the session data to a proxy UE, wherein the proxy UE is a member of the P2P group, and exchanging a second P2P group session communication with the application server in accordance with the session data.