Radio Network Device Counting via Probability-Based Presence Reporting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face challenges in managing the increased load of user equipment within a dedicated coverage area, particularly when a large number of devices attempt access simultaneously, leading to potential congestion and overload in physical access request channels.

Innovation Solution

A method for establishing a count measure of radio devices present within a dedicated coverage area by receiving and compiling presence messages from radio devices, using a reporting rule that includes a probability factor to minimize messaging and conserve power, especially for idle or inactive devices, allowing the network to estimate the number of devices and manage resources effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the radio network requests presence information from all user equipment, then the network gains accurate count data for load management, but the signaling load and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecount accuracyVSAvoidsignaling load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by requesting presence information from only a subset of user equipment rather than all devices. The network randomly selects certain UEs to respond to counting requests, which provides sufficient statistical data for load management while significantly reducing the overall signaling load and power consumption in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of information

If all user equipment responds to counting requests, then the network obtains complete device inventory, but the physical access request channels become congested and overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice inventory completenessVSAvoidchannel capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by having only a selected subset of UEs respond to counting requests. This approach maintains sufficient information for network load management while preventing channel congestion. The random selection mechanism ensures that the subset of responding UEs provides statistically representative data without overwhelming the physical access request channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the network monitors all active and inactive devices, then comprehensive load management is achieved, but the complexity of device tracking and power management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload management effectivenessVSAvoidtracking complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling user equipment to autonomously determine whether to respond to counting requests based on random selection criteria. Each UE independently evaluates the probability condition and decides its own participation in counting responses, eliminating the need for complex centralized tracking and control mechanisms while maintaining effective load management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3649799B1Method for counting user equipment in a radio network
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3649799B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649799B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3649799B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Method for providing a count indication of radio devices to a radio network, particularly in idle or in-active mode, comprising transmitting a presence message to a first base station of the radio network based on a reporting rule, which presence message indicates presence of a radio device within a dedicated coverage area of the radio network. The reporting rule may include a probability rule, wherein said presence message is transmitted from the radio device responsive to an outcome of a probability check, based on the probability rule, indicating that the radio device shall transmit the presence message. The reporting rule may also be transmitted responsive to the radio device making a cell reselection to the first cell. After receiving an acknowledgement presence message from the base station, connection setup to the network is terminated.