Mobile Device PS to CS Service Fallback Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile devices may experience communication service failures due to inoperability of components supporting Packet Switched (PS) services, leading to call failures and service disruptions, as they are unable to process data for PS services such as voice, text, or video services.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a mobile device detecting the inoperability of PS service components, such as SIP components, and automatically switching to Circuit Switched (CS) services by attempting to attach to a CS service-providing access network, using CS Fallback procedures, and updating communication settings to ensure reliable voice and data services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile device uses PS services for communication, then service functionality is improved, but service reliability deteriorates when PS components fail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice functionalityVSAvoidservice reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between PS and CS services based on the operational status of PS components. When PS components are functional, the device uses PS services; when they fail, it automatically transitions to CS services. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous communication capability while maintaining high service reliability despite component failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile device supports both PS and CS services, then service availability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality to support both PS and CS services through a unified architecture. The device can operate in PS mode when components are functional and automatically fall back to CS mode when needed, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining service availability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-diagnosis of PS component status and automatically initiates service switching without user intervention. The system monitors component health, detects failures, and autonomously transitions between service modes, reducing the complexity of manual configuration and management while ensuring continuous service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the mobile device automatically switches to CS service, then service continuity is improved, but switching time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains CS service capabilities in standby mode with pre-configured parameters and authentication credentials. When PS component failure is detected, the system can immediately activate pre-prepared CS service configurations without requiring time-consuming setup procedures, thereby minimizing switching time while ensuring service continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors PS component status and provides real-time feedback to the service management layer. Upon detecting component failure, the feedback mechanism triggers immediate service switching procedures, reducing detection and response time while maintaining service continuity through rapid automatic transition to CS services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3220683B1Supporting a communication service using PS or CS services
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3220683B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3220683B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3220683B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A wireless communication network and a mobile device (400) may support Circuit Switched (CS) and Packet Switched (PS) services. Some types of communication services (e.g. voice, text, data, etc.) may be supported using a CS service or using a PS service. In some embodiments, the PS service is an IMS service using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to provide a "CS-like" communication service such as voice or text message. According to the disclosure, a method executed in a mobile device comprises detecting that the mobile device is unable to process data for the PS service. Detecting that the mobile device is unable to process the data for the PS service comprises monitoring a Packet Switched, PS, service support component for supporting a communication service using the PS service. Monitoring the component that supports the communication service using the PS service comprises monitoring for a signal that indicates failure of the component. In response to detecting that the mobile device is unable to process data for the PS service, attempting to support the communication service using the CS service (3-2).