VoLTE Handover Control via SRVCC Triggering in Non-VoLTE Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Voice communication services using LTE networks often experience disruptions when a device moves out of a VoLTE area, as existing solutions like SRVCC are not effectively triggered in non-VoLTE areas, leading to service disconnections.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that trigger SRVCC in a Base Station (BS) when an electronic device enters a non-VoLTE area by using handover response messages to determine the VoLTE service availability in the target area, allowing for seamless handovers and maintaining VoLTE services through LTE handovers or legacy network connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic device hands over to another LTE network area not supporting VoLTE, then the device can access the other LTE network, but the VoLTE service is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLTE network area accessVSAvoidVoLTE service continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The Base Station performs preliminary checking of VoLTE support capability in the target LTE network area before executing handover. By querying the target BS about VoLTE support and receiving a response indicating non-VoLTE area status, the serving BS determines in advance that VoLTE service cannot be maintained, and proactively triggers SRVCC handover to CS network to prevent service disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If SRVCC is triggered when LTE signal strength is lower than threshold, then the voice service can be maintained, but the VoLTE service is disconnected when moving to non-VoLTE areas with adequate signal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoice service continuityVSAvoidVoLTE service availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanism where the electronic device reports LTE signal strength and the serving BS determines whether to trigger SRVCC based on both signal strength feedback and VoLTE support capability information. The handover decision is made by the BS based on comprehensive feedback including signal quality and target area VoLTE support status, rather than automatic triggering based solely on signal threshold.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the electronic device limits VoLTE service in non-VoLTE areas, then service disconnection is prevented, but seamless handover is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVoLTE service continuityVSAvoidhandover smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The serving Base Station acts as an intermediary that coordinates the handover process. It queries the target BS for VoLTE support capability, processes the response information, and makes the intelligent decision to trigger SRVCC handover to CS network. This intermediary coordination ensures seamless handover by managing the transition process rather than allowing direct device-to-network handover that would cause service interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9888043B2Method for providing voice communication service and electronic device thereof

Publication Date: 2018.02.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for providing a voice communication service using a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in an electronic device are provided. A method includes providing a first Voice over LTE (VoLTE) service in a first LTE area, handing over to a second LTE area during the first VoLTE service, when the first VoLTE service ends, determining whether the second LTE area provides a VoLTE service, and when the second VoLTE area does not provide the VoLTE service, limiting the VoLTE service of the electronic device.