M2M Device Triggering via SIP URI Translation Proxy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current M2M communication in cellular networks faces challenges such as the inefficiency of using E.164 MSISDN for addressing M2M devices, which does not scale with the growing number of devices, and the overhead of signaling in mobile systems, as well as dependencies between PLMN and external M2M applications, leading to delayed response times and resource constraints.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) to replace E.164 MSISDN for identifying M2M devices, decoupling PLMN identities from M2M applications, and using a combined SIP server and mapping function at the border between the Packet Data Network and the PLMN to translate SIP URIs to PLMN internal information, optimizing registration procedures and enabling direct communication through SIP signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If E.164 MSISDN is used for addressing M2M devices, then device identification is possible, but the system does not scale for large numbers of devices and identities will be exhausted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalability of device addressingVSAvoidavailability of unique identifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the addressing parameter from E.164 MSISDN (telephony-based) to SIP URI (internet-based). This parameter change enables scalable addressing for billions of M2M devices by using a different identifier space that is not limited by telephony number allocations. The SIP URI format (sip:user@domain) provides a flexible, hierarchical naming structure that can accommodate massive numbers of devices without exhausting available identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If SMS-based communication is used for M2M devices, then device addressing is possible, but delay and response time requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse time performanceVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the SMS-based communication mechanism with SIP-based signaling. SMS operates through store-and-forward centers (SMSC) which introduce delays, while SIP uses real-time session initiation protocol designed for immediate communication establishment. This substitution enables M2M applications to meet strict delay and response time requirements by using a communication protocol optimized for real-time interaction rather than asynchronous message delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If PLMN specific identifiers are used in M2M applications outside the PLMN, then device identification works within the network, but dependencies are created and development is slowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of application developmentVSAvoidindependence from PLMN domain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes SIP URI a universal addressing mechanism that works both within PLMN and outside PLMN boundaries. Instead of using PLMN-specific identifiers that create domain dependencies, the SIP URI provides a domain-independent addressing scheme that can be used universally. This eliminates the need for separate PLMN-specific implementation considerations and enables M2M applications to develop once and deploy anywhere without PLMN-specific constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If traditional attach and bearer procedures are used for M2M devices, then connection establishment is possible, but large amounts of signaling overhead occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables M2M devices to perform partial attachment procedures or use simplified bearer establishment through SIP-triggered mechanisms. Instead of requiring full attach and bearer activation for every M2M communication, the SIP-based triggering allows devices to establish minimal connections only when needed, performing just enough attachment procedures to enable the specific M2M communication task. This reduces signaling overhead by avoiding excessive or unnecessary attachment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9596596B2Machine-to-machine device triggering using session initiation protocol uniform resourse identifier

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A machine-to-machine communication proxy node is presented herein. The proxy node may be used as a translation device in machine-to-machine communications. For example, if an application server in a packet based network initiates communication with device in a mobile network, the proxy node may be utilized to translate application domain specific device identities coded in the format of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Uniform Resource Identifier's (URI's) to mobile specific identities such as IMSI and establish communication connection in the mobile network. This identifying of mobile devices may be utilized to replace the commonly used E.164 Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) numbers for identifying mobile devices.