DE102007027022B4 - Mobile radio terminal for DVB-H and MBMS multimedia service - Google Patents

Abstract

Mobile terminal (14) for Communication in a mobile network (10) according to the UMTS standard, a module (30) for receiving and processing multimedia services is provided according to the DVB-H standard, a module (26) for receiving and for the processing of multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for individually receiving and processing a multimedia service, characterized by a location system (44) for locating Radio signal shadows of the respectively used transmitter (10, 34) of the Multimedia service.

Description

Technical area

The The invention relates to a mobile radio terminal for communication in one Mobile network according to the UMTS standard, with a module for receiving and processing of multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard is a module for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for individually receiving and processing a multimedia service. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for a mobile radio terminal in one Mobile network according to the UMTS standard, wherein the mobile station is a module for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard between the module for multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard and a module for reception and processing multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for individually receiving and processing a multimedia service can be switched to selection with a switching device.

State of the art

Digital Video Broadcasting Handhelds (DVB-H), in German Digital Video Broadcasting for handheld devices is a transmission standard, with the digital broadcasting programs via small and / or mobile equipment can be received. With DVB-H can Multimedia services, d. H. especially television, for mobile phones and other small mobile devices via radio to be sent out. DVB-H becomes like digital terrestrial TV DVB-T Terrestrial broadcast and builds on its technology.

in the Unlike DVB-T DVB-H is the required power consumption for Receiving data through a time division multiplexing method significantly reduced. This is achieved, inter alia, that data packets, eg. B. a TV program to be sent at foreseeable times. A receiver can switch off in the meantime to save energy. Therefore, DVB-H is particularly suitable for small mobile devices with batteries, Accumulators or another wireless or mobile power supply. In mobile terminals are also interactive services through the use of a return channel based on GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System).

multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) is a specification for the wireless standard UMTS, in particular multimedia data such as mobile TV or files at the same time to many users to transfer. The advantage over the current method in UMTS, in which a data stream individually sent to each user is the significantly lower network load, because the data is transmitted only once, at the same time to all become. This will network resources both in a radio access network as well as in a transport network within a mobile network spared.

in the Unlike DVB-H data in the MBMS are not on their own Frequencies and stations but over transmit a mobile network according to the UMTS standard. Therefore arises a mobile network operator the advantage that he has no frequencies and no need to build new infrastructure to bring customers with digital broadcasting services. Furthermore, the Services by exploiting the cellular structure of digital mobile networks uncomplicated only in spatial narrowly defined areas, eg. B. in a sports stadium offered become.

The publication EP 1670159 describes a mobile radio terminal that has a circuit technology that can receive messages on the one hand via a DVB-H multimedia service and on the other hand information about an MBMS multimedia service. The mobile station can switch between the reception of the two multimedia service. The switching is based for example on the received signal strength of the respective DVB-H or MBMS signals.

The Japanese publication 2006 303 664 also discloses a receiving device which can simultaneously receive signals on multiple channels while switching between channels.

adversely for a DVB-H or MBMS multimedia service, that is not right from the start to disposal and that by radio shadows, for example by building or terrain formations, a reception disturbed can be. That is why it is common to receive only one or the other multimedia service. This has a particularly negative effect on moving users of one Multimedia service from, as it comes to these suddenly occurring interference can. A user then has to be cumbersome and tedious manually on the other multimedia service or on a conventional one Multimedia service (for example, UMTS) access, for example, a To continue broadcasting. But interruptions are Especially with television programs perceived as extremely disturbing and reduce such an acceptance and use of multimedia services.

Disclosure of the invention

task The invention is therefore the disadvantages of the prior art to avoid and a multimedia service, such as television, for a user a mobile station according to the UMTS standard spatially preferably offer a large area to be able to.

According to the invention Task solved by that at a mobile station for communication in a mobile network according to the UMTS standard of the type mentioned a module for receiving and processing of multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for individually receiving and processing a multimedia service is provided and a location system for locating Radio signal shadow of the respective used station of the multimedia service contains.

Farther The object is achieved by a method for a mobile radio terminal in a Mobile network according to the UMTS standard of the type mentioned solved, that between the module for Multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard and a module for reception and for the processing of multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for individually receiving and processing a multimedia service can be switched to selection with a switching device and by means of localization system radio signal shadows of each used station of the multimedia service.

The Invention is fundamentally based on the principle of receiving multimedia data of a multimedia service, such as a television program, with a mobile station a DVB-H and to use an MBMS signal. For this purpose, the mobile station includes a DVB-H module for receiving multimedia data streams via DVB-H and an MBMS module for receiving multimedia data streams via MBMS.

There the mobile broadcast services DVB-H and MBMS a different Have area coverage, is through a mobile station with DVB-H and MBMS functionality a reception of data of a multimedia service in a much larger area to disposal posed. Thus, with the mobile station an offered multimedia service, such as television programs, spatially much more extensible receivable. Furthermore, a moving user is in receipt of a Multimedia service is significantly less restricted in its mobility.

With the method according to the invention Switching between the DVB-H and the MBMS module is possible. Because depending on the location of the mobile device, only one DVB-H or an MBMS radio signal of sufficient strength can be received, the mobile terminal is through switching between the modules in a much larger area can be used to receive a multimedia data stream. It also gets through the possibility for switching a selection of the more suitable or more present radio signal and thus a reliable one and trouble-free Reception of multimedia data allows. If the MBMS radio signal is not available, then alternatively or switched to a module in combination, which is an individual Reception allows. While it is the MBMS radio signal is a signal which of all participants with appropriate equipment can, in the module for individual receiving a separate radio channel provided over the multimedia service can be received.

A advantageous embodiment of the mobile station according to the invention for communication in a mobile network according to the UMTS standard is that between the module for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard and the module for reception and processing of multimedia services according to the MBMS standard interface for data transfer is provided. about This interface will communicate between the modules allows. The modules can, for example Commands, status or other information or received data change. This is a simultaneous reception of multimedia data through both modules much easier and more effective to coordinate and controllable. In addition, a completion of data which only poor or incomplete received by one module, received by the other module Data easier possible. The interface carries thus essential to a secure transmission of multimedia data at.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the mobile radio terminal according to the invention is achieved by a switching device which switches interruption-free between the modules for multimedia services. Received multimedia data streams are displayed for example with the mobile station, processed or forwarded to other devices. With the help of the switching device is switched without interruption of a data stream from one module to another. Receives z. B. a module only incomplete or no data of a television program more, it is switched with the switching device to the other module and the TV program is very user friendly continued without interruption. A Be Users no longer have to cumbersome and time-consuming manually switch from one module to another. The comfortable and undisturbed reception of multimedia data significantly increases the acceptance and thus the use of these services.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the mobile station according to the invention Triggering means for controlling the switching device in dependence of received radio signal strength for the respective module for Multimedia services provided. For example, with the trigger means a switching operation by the switching device when falling below a particular received radio signal strength of the currently used module or at a much better wireless signal strength of the currently unused Module triggered. As a result, the switching device is very user-friendly automatically controlled to always have sufficient signal strength for one undisturbed Reception of multimedia data streams to ensure. A user can be beneficial entirely to the data received Concentrate on a use of the best for one Take care of receiving suitable module to have to.

A advantageous embodiment of the mobile station according to the invention is achieved by Zuschaltmittel, which in an adjustable and / or fixed value for the radio signal strength the used station of the multimedia service the other one Multimedia service before switching by the switching device connecting them. For activation of a DVB-H or MBMS module and access on a multimedia service through such a module will be a specific one Time needed. With the Zuschaltmitteln becomes timely with a deterioration of the radio signal strength before reaching an insufficient Radio signal strength activates the unused module and gives access to a multimedia service initiated. Thus, with insufficient radio signal strength, a Switch between modules without delay possible. A user does not have to permanently over at the same time a DVB-H and an MBMS module is logged in to a multimedia service. Thereby saves the user fees and uses less power. This has a positive effect on a mobile operating time the mobile terminal out. In the mobile network is also a protection of network resources reached.

A Another preferred embodiment of the mobile station according to the invention is by a location system for locating radio signal shadows scored the station of the multimedia service used. The location system is satellite or radio cell based, for example operated and serves primarily for location and movement determination the mobile terminal. With the help of the location and movement coordinates can be z. B. fast and reliable determine if the mobile station is currently or in the near future is located in a radio signal shadow of the DVB-H or MBMS signal or will be. Thus, a timely and thus uninterrupted Switching from one signal to the other reliable and easier possible. But with the current location coordinates can also switch the switching device can be prevented when the radio signal shadow is only of very small extent. For this purpose, the mobile terminal are suitable geographical data enabling such an analysis.

Further are in one embodiment of the mobile station according to the invention for communication in a mobile network according to the UMTS standard advantageous means for recording and maintaining a program channel after the switching process intended. These funds will ensure that while and for example, after a switching operation, a radio or television program is maintained. This can be z. B. with the help of an electronic service Guide (ESG) be realized. ESG stands both in the DVB-H as also available at MBMS. This is an uninterrupted consumption of a program without a manual intervention for allows a user comfortable and reliable. The received program channel can be stored, for example, and after the switching process be queried and set again in the other mode.

at an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention for a mobile station in one Mobile network according to the UMTS standard, the selection is made according to the Strength the radio signal of the multimedia services. As in the mobile radio terminal according to the invention is characterized For example, a switching operation when falling below a certain received radio signal strength of the currently used Module or at a much better radio signal strength of the straight Unused module triggered. This automatically and reliably controls a switching process, sufficient radio signal strength for undisturbed reception of multimedia data streams to reach. For a user this means a substantial relief since he does not have to trigger a switching process himself to always do that best suitable module for to use a reception of multimedia data.

In a further preferred variant of the method according to the invention for a mobile radio terminal, switching between the modules of the multimedia services takes place with the following procedure renschritten uninterrupted: First, the wireless signal strength of the multimedia service used is detected and then determined whether the detected radio signal strength is below an adjustable or fixed value. Then, if the radio signal strength falls below this value, the module of the respective other multimedia service is switched on. Finally, a switchover takes place with the switching device. By using the radio signal strength as the trigger for a changeover, a sufficient radio signal strength is always automatically achieved for undisturbed reception of multimedia data streams. For a user is thus a trouble-free and uninterrupted viewing or listening to multimedia data, eg. As a television program guaranteed. Advantageously, the user does not have to make a correct selection of the appropriate module himself. Furthermore, by switching on the unused module below a certain radio signal strength, switching is prepared in good time so that no interruptions of the multimedia data stream occur during the switching. Since the unused module is activated and logged in just before a possible switchover, user fees are saved and energy consumption of the mobile station is kept low. As a result, the mobile device is longer available to a user mobile. Furthermore, a mobile network is burdened less by less data to be transmitted.

Further be advantageous in an embodiment of the method for a mobile station by means of a localization system radio signal shadow of each used station of the multimedia service located. Corresponding the mobile station according to the invention will also this location system, for example, satellite or radio cell-based operated. With the help of a known position and movement of the mobile station can be in particular the occurrence of radio signal shadows of a DVB-H or Predict MBMS signal and any necessary switching initiate. This will especially with a quick waste the radio signal strength DVB-H- or MBMS signal a timely and thus uninterrupted Switchover guaranteed. A user can be more reliable and receive and enjoy multimedia data without interruption.

Further Embodiments and advantages emerge from the subject matter of Subclaims, as well the drawing with the corresponding Description.

One embodiment The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings explained in more detail.

Short description of the drawing

1 shows a schematic schematic diagram of an embodiment of a mobile station for communication in a mobile network according to the UMTS standard with a DVB-H and MBMS module for receiving data of a multimedia service.

Preferred embodiment

In 1 will with 10 a mobile network for communication according to the UMTS standard or a standard 4th generation referred. The person skilled in the art is familiar with mobile radio networks with the corresponding components. For the sake of simplicity, the mobile network 10 therefore only by a cloud with a radio mast contained therein 12 shown stylized. About the mobile network 10 multimedia services such as television or radio programs are offered to users. This can z. B. either a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) or a conventional, preferably packet-oriented UMTS connection can be used.

Furthermore, in 1 With 14 a mobile station for communication via the mobile network 10 designated. The mobile terminal 14 has a mobile phone module 16 to send and receive data over the cellular network 10 , The mobile terminal 14 For example, a mobile phone, mobile phone, car phone, smartphone, a stationary computer (eg PC) or mobile computer (eg notebook, PDA) or another device with a built-in or connected via an interface mobile module 16 (eg a PMCCIA card).

To operate the mobile station 14 by a user is an operation unit 18 intended. With an ad 20 Received or transmitted data is displayed or user assistance is provided. Furthermore, the mobile station contains 14 an acoustic converter 22 (eg, a speaker or headphones) for converting electronic signals into acoustic signals.

Together with a microphone 24 becomes such a verbal communication and together with the ad 20 a representation of multimedia data by the mobile station 14 allows.

To an MBMS service of the mobile network 10 to use, contains the mobile station 14 an MBMS module 26 , The MBMS module 26 receives via the mobile module 16 and a radio link, arrow 28 , Multimedia data from the mobile network 10 and prepare them for presentation with the ad 20 and the acoustic converter 22 on.

Furthermore, the mobile station contains 14 a DVB-H module 30 for receiving and editing multimedia data in the DVB-H standard. These multimedia data are called DVB-H radio signals, arrow 32 , broadcast by broadcasters on certain frequencies, as known from conventional digital terrestrial television (DVB-T). The necessary DVB-H transmission infrastructure 34 is known in the art and is in 1 for the sake of simplicity, as a cloud with a stylized radio tower 36 shown.

The DVB-H module 30 is via an interface 38 with the MBMS module 26 connected. About this interface 38 is a fast and uncomplicated exchange of received data, status or other information or commands between the DVB-H module 30 and the MBMS module 26 possible. One in the mobile station 14 provided switching device 40 is used to select the DVB-H module 30 or the MBMS module 26 as a source of multimedia data streams to be displayed or processed. The switching device 40 allows in particular switching from one module to the other module without interrupting a data stream, if both modules provide the same data stream.

The switching device 40 is with triggering agents 42 automatically controllable, for example as a function of a DVB-H or MBMS radio signal strength, a place of use of the mobile station 14 , a time or a combination of these parameters. These are preferably in the mobile station 14 or alternatively in the mobile network 10 a location system 44 and a timer 46 intended. The location system may, for example, operate using satellites, cell ranging, or both. With the timer 46 is also a delay of switching the switching device 40 possible to B. to avoid unnecessary switching in a very short-term radio signal interference.

Furthermore, the mobile station contains 14 Zuschaltmittel 48 to avoid switching by the switching device 40 the unused DVB-H or MBMS module 26 . 30 to activate and log in to a multimedia service. This ensures uninterrupted switching without both modules 26 . 30 must be operated simultaneously. The Zuschaltmittel 48 are also dependent on a DVB-H or MBMS radio signal strength, a location of the mobile station 14 , a time or a combination of these parameters controllable, for example via the trigger means 42 ,

To maintain a multimedia program, in particular a television or radio channel, during and after a switchover by the switching device 40 ensure includes the mobile station 14 additional funds 50 for program recording and maintenance. For example, the Electronic Service Guide (ESG) provided by the DVB-H or MBMS service can be used.

Would a user want a multimedia service with the mobile station 14 he chooses this with the help of the operating unit 18 out. The corresponding module 26 . 30 the mobile terminal 14 is then activated and, if necessary, a registration at the multimedia service performed. Subsequently, the received multimedia data on the display 20 and with the acoustic converter 22 presented to the user. With the switching device 40 and the interface 38 the user can via the operating unit 18 manually switch to another service with the same data stream during the reception of a multimedia data stream without interruption of the data stream. About the interface 38 In this case, a coordination of the switching operation is achieved without data loss. Alternative services are z. B. determined by the ESG.

For example, if a user is watching a TV program from a DVB-H station 34 receives and suddenly faults occur with the switching device 40 and the interface 38 a simple and rapid and uninterrupted manual switching to a MBMS service with the same television program possible. If this is also disturbed, then a switch to a conventional UMTS service is also feasible to continue to receive the television program.

With the triggering agents 42 is very user-friendly automatic switching to an alternative multimedia service with the same data stream, eg. As television program, executed when a coverage area of the used service is left or interference of the radio signal occur. For this purpose, the trigger signal continuously determines the radio signal strength of the service used. If the value falls below a value that can be set by the user or a network operator, or a fixed value is set with the connection means 48 an alternative service is activated and possibly logged on. This service is also determined, for example, from the ESG. If the signal strength decreases even further, the triggering means is again set at a value which can be set or fixed by the user or network operator 42 a switch triggered by the switching device. Switching takes place with the already activated alternative service without subbreeding monitoring of the multimedia data stream. The means for program recognition and maintenance ensure that a user despite switching without interruption or manual intervention z. B. can continue to watch a television program.

Alternatively or additionally, the triggering agents conduct 42 also a changeover with the help of the location system 44 or the timer 46 one. With the location system 44 An anticipated radio signal loss is reliably calculated by leaving a coverage area or reaching a radio shadow. A timely switch is thus easily possible. The timer 46 allows, for example, for timely limited services timely switching. Furthermore, the timer 46 support a control of the entire switching process. Also, there is a delay in switching by the timer 46 possible in order to avoid a changeover which is not necessary in the event of a brief interruption of the reception. In addition to the already mentioned parameters (radio signal strength, location, time) is a use of other parameters, such. As a data integrity or checksums, to trigger a switch conceivable.

With the mobile device 14 and the corresponding method, an automatic handover between a DVB-H, MBMS and a conventional UMTS multimedia service is provided. For a user, thus a large-scale provision of multimedia data streams is realized very advantageous, wherein the multimedia data can be viewed without very annoying interruptions. This means a significant increase in the acceptance and use of these services.

10

mobile network

12

radio mast

14

mobile radio terminal

16

mobile module

18

operating unit

20

display

22

acoustic transducer

24

microphone

26

MBMS module

28

arrow (UMTS connection)

30

DVB-H module

32

arrow (DVB-H radio signal)

34

DVB-H transmission infrastructure

36

radio tower

38

interface

40

switching device

42

trigger means

44

Location determination system

46

timer

48

Zuschaltmittel

50

medium (Program retention)

Claims (9)

Mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) for communication in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard, whereby one module ( 30 ) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard, a module ( 26 ) for the reception and processing of multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for the individual reception and processing of a multimedia service, characterized by a location system ( 44 ) for the localization of radio signal shadows of the respectively used transmitter ( 10 . 34 ) of the multimedia service. Mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) for communication in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to claim 1, characterized in that between the module ( 30 ) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard and the module ( 26 ) for the reception and processing of multimedia services according to the MBMS standard, an interface ( 38 ) is provided for data transfer. Mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) for communication in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by a switching device ( 40 ), which between the modules ( 26 . 30 ) for multimedia services without interruption. Mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) for communication in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to claim 3, characterized in that triggering means ( 42 ) for controlling the switching device ( 40 ) depending on received radio signal strength for the respective module ( 26 . 30 ) are provided for multimedia services. Mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) for communication in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by switching means ( 48 ), which at an adjustable and / or fixed value for the radio signal strength of the transmitter used ( 10 . 34 ) of the multimedia service the respective other multimedia service before switching by the switching device ( 40 ). Mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) for communication in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by means ( 50 ) for acquiring and maintaining a program channel after the switching operation. Method for a mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard, whereby the mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) a module ( 30 ) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the DVB-H standard, between the module ( 30 ) for multimedia service according to the DVB-H standard and a module ( 26 ) for receiving and processing multimedia services according to the MBMS standard and / or a module for individually receiving and processing a multimedia service for selection with a switching device ( 40 ) can be switched, characterized in that by means of location determination system ( 44 ) Radio signal shadows of the respectively used transmitter ( 10 . 34 ) of the multimedia service. Method for a mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to claim 7, characterized in that the selection according to the strength of the radio signal ( 28 . 32 ) of the multimedia services. Method for a mobile radio terminal ( 14 ) in a mobile network ( 10 ) according to the UMTS standard according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the switching between the modules ( 26 . 30 ) of the multimedia services is carried out without interruption with the following method steps: a) detecting the radio signal strength of the multimedia service used, b) determining whether the radio signal strength thus detected is below an adjustable or fixed value, c) connecting the module ( 26 . 30 ) of the other multimedia service falls below the radio signal strength below this value, d) switching the switching device ( 40 ).