WTRU Edge MEC Application Migration for QoS and Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communications systems face challenges in efficiently managing and optimizing the deployment and operation of Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) applications on Wireless Transmit-Receive Units (WTRUs), particularly in handling diverse network requirements and resource allocation across various radio access technologies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of methods, architectures, and systems that facilitate Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) applications on WTRUs, including constrained MEC (cMEC) and User Application LifeCycle Management Proxy (cUALCMP) to manage and optimize the deployment and operation of MEC applications, enabling efficient resource allocation and communication across different radio access technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If MEC applications are deployed on WTRUs to improve network performance and resource utilization, then the ability to handle diverse network requirements is improved, but the device complexity of WTRUs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse network requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity of WTRUs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the MEC system into distributed cMEC instances on individual WTRUs and a centralized management component. Each WTRU runs a lightweight cMEC container that handles local MEC functions, while a management entity coordinates across multiple WTRUs. This segmentation allows diverse network requirements to be handled by distributing functionality across devices rather than concentrating complexity in one location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal cMEC platform that can host multiple different MEC applications on the same WTRU. The constrained MEC runtime environment is designed to support various application types (video processing, cloud gaming, AR/VR, etc.) using a common infrastructure, allowing one device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate specialized hardware for each application type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If cMEC and cUALCMP are implemented on WTRUs to optimize MEC application deployment, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the constrained User Application LifeCycle Management Proxy (cUALCMP) as an intermediary component that automates the deployment, instantiation, and management of MEC applications. The cUALCMP on each WTRU communicates with a centralized management entity to automatically handle resource allocation decisions, application lifecycle events, and coordination between multiple WTRUs, eliminating the need for manual configuration while optimizing resource usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cMEC runtime environment on each WTRU is designed to autonomously manage its own MEC applications without requiring direct user intervention. The system automatically handles application deployment, resource allocation, and lifecycle management through the cUALCMP, allowing the network to self-optimize resource distribution across devices based on current conditions and application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If MEC applications are distributed across multiple WTRUs to improve network performance, then the loss of information is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation loss in network communicationVSAvoiddifficulty of monitoring distributed MEC instances

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each cUALCMP on WTRUs reports application lifecycle events, resource usage status, and operational metrics to a centralized management entity. The management entity collects information from multiple distributed cMEC instances and provides coordinated control decisions back to the WTRUs. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain awareness of the distributed MEC state and optimize performance while reducing information loss through continuous status reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12604264B2Methods, architectures, apparatuses and systems for multiaccess edge computing applications on wireless transmit-receive units

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Procedures, methods, architectures, apparatuses, systems, devices, and computer program products are disclosed for Multi-access Edge Computing, MEC, applications on Wireless Transmit-Receive Units, WTRUs. WTRUs hosting constrained, or limited capability, MEC resources according to embodiments, may advertise MEC capabilities to other WTRUs or to a full MEC system. WTRUs may request instantiation, deletion of MEC applications instantiated for their benefit on other WTRUs hosting constrained MEC resources, or may request migration of a MEC application from one WTRU to another WTRU, for example to ensure Quality of Service, QoS, requirements for the MEC application.