Relay UE Priority Conflict Resolution in eMBMS Broadcast

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, especially for eMBMS, conflicts arise when relay UEs receive different priority levels for the same group communication identifier, leading to disruptions or delays in broadcast services due to the lack of uplink traffic to send configuration information, particularly in device-to-device (D2D) communications.

Innovation Solution

A method where user equipment (UE) receives configuration information including a group communication identifier and priority indicator, conveys this information to a relay UE using Proximity-based Service (ProSe) signaling, and the relay UE resolves conflicts by using the highest or most recent priority indicator to relay broadcast content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If relay UE receives different priority levels for the same group communication identifier, then broadcast service delivery becomes unreliable, but implementing conflict resolution mechanisms increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcast service delivery reliabilityVSAvoidrelay UE processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter handling by introducing a priority indicator that can be updated based on received configuration information. When the relay UE receives a new priority indicator for the same group communication identifier, it updates the stored priority value, transforming the static priority assignment into a dynamic parameter that adapts to changing service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the relay UE receives priority indicators from multiple UEs, compares them against stored values, and updates its relayed broadcast content accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the most current priority information is used, resolving conflicts without requiring complex arbitration protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If uplink traffic is used to send configuration information to relay UE, then service disruption can occur, but without uplink traffic configuration information cannot be conveyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebroadcast service continuityVSAvoidconfiguration information delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the priority indicator as an intermediary element that carries configuration information within the existing downlink broadcast traffic. Instead of requiring separate uplink communication channels, the configuration information (group communication identifier and priority indicator) is embedded in the downlink data flow, allowing the relay UE to receive updates without needing uplink capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the downlink broadcast traffic multi-functional by using it both for content delivery and for conveying configuration information. The same downlink channel that carries broadcast content also carries the group communication identifier and priority indicator, eliminating the need for dedicated uplink configuration channels.

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

3Ease of operation

If multiple priority indicators are stored for the same group communication identifier, then priority conflict resolution is needed, but simple selection rules may lose information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepriority conflict resolution simplicityVSAvoidpriority indicator information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic priority selection mechanism where the relay UE compares received priority indicators against stored values and updates based on predefined selection rules. The system dynamically adapts between maintaining the highest priority, the most recent priority, or other selection criteria based on service requirements, rather than using a static selection method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3314928B1Packet priority for evolved multimedia broadcast multicast (EMBMS) service relays
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3314928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3314928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3314928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are described for wireless communication. A user equipment (UE) may receive configuration information for a multimedia broadcast service including a group communication identifier and a priority indicator. The UE may then convey the information in a monitoring request to a relay UE. In some cases the information may be conveyed using the Proximity-based Service (ProSe) signaling protocol. The relay UE may use the configuration information to relay broadcast to the receiving UE. If the relay UE receives multiple priority indicators associated with the same group communication identifier (e.g., from different receiving UEs) it may use the highest priority or the most recent priority.