WTRU-WTRU Paging for M2M Coverage Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine-to-machine (M2M) networks lack efficient methods for paging multiple subscriber stations and extending paging signals beyond the range of base stations, leading to increased overhead and reduced connectivity robustness.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for WTRU-WTRU paging, where a WTRU configured to page other WTRUs receives a group identification and indicator, transmitting an access signal if the indicator matches its own, using a secondary advanced preamble, and employing a transmit power ramp-up procedure to ensure successful communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If base stations transmit paging signals to subscriber stations, then connectivity is established, but coverage range is limited and overhead increases for large numbers of subscribers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage rangeVSAvoidnetwork overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces WTRUs (wireless transmit/receive units) as intermediary devices that relay paging signals between base stations and subscriber stations. These WTRUs act as intermediate nodes in the communication path, extending the effective coverage area while distributing the paging overhead across multiple relay devices rather than concentrating it at the base station level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network into multiple hierarchical levels: base stations at the top level, WTRUs as intermediate relay nodes, and subscriber stations at the bottom level. This segmentation allows paging functionality to be distributed across multiple segments, reducing the overhead burden on any single base station while extending overall coverage through the segmented network structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If paging signals are transmitted to reach all subscribers, then connectivity is improved, but battery consumption increases for mobile devices

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic paging where WTRUs monitor for paging signals at specific intervals rather than continuously. Subscriber stations wake up periodically to check for pages and then return to sleep mode, reducing their battery consumption while maintaining reliable connectivity through the periodic monitoring mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

By using WTRUs as intermediaries, the patent reduces the transmission distance and power requirements for paging signals reaching subscriber stations. The intermediary WTRUs are typically in closer proximity to sleeping subscriber stations, enabling lower-power transmissions while maintaining reliable delivery of paging messages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cellular paging is used for M2M networks, then individual subscriber paging is supported, but group paging and coverage extension are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegroup paging capabilityVSAvoidcoverage robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal paging mechanism that handles both individual subscriber paging and group paging through the same WTRU relay infrastructure. The system can selectively page individual subscribers or entire groups by addressing the WTRUs, which then distribute the pages to their associated subscriber stations, providing multi-functional paging capability while enhancing coverage robustness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to paging by introducing intermediate WTRU nodes between base stations and subscriber stations. This creates a multi-dimensional paging architecture where pages can be routed through different spatial paths via different WTRUs, enabling group paging and coverage extension in directions and areas beyond the direct base station range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2664168B1Method and apparatus for paging in machine to machine or mobile assisted deployments
Publication Date: 2015.03.11 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP2664168B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2664168B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2664168B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

A method and apparatus may be used to perform WTRU-WTRU paging in wireless communications. For example, a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may be configured to page another WTRU. In this example, the paging WTRU may receive a first message that indicates a group identification (ID). The WTRU may receive a second message that may include an indicator that indicates one or more other WTRUs that the paging WTRU may page. If the received indicator matches a paging indicator of the paging WTRU, the paging WTRU may transmit an access signal to one or more other WTRUs. The paging indicator of the paging WTRU may be predetermined, and may be received in a configuration message from a base station (BS). The first message may be a secondary advanced (SA)-preamble.