PATENT LANDSCAPE OF LTE (4G) TECHNOLOGY

Transcription

1 IIPTA Launch a Career. Be Awesome PATENT LANDSCAPE OF LTE (4G) TECHNOLOGY 1

2 Patent landscape is a competitive view of a technology area as seen through the lens of patent ownership and patent coverage or scope. Clients can use an effectively constructed patent landscape to identify risks and opportunities posed by IP-based issues, and to formulate responsive business strategies early in the innovation cycle. A patent landscape has four common features: It organises technology in a particular area; It maps patent assets (e.g., granted patents, published applications and unpublished applications) to the organisation so that the client can identify areas of interest; It correlates patent data with non-patent data to provide context; and It provides some factual basis for a client to choose a business course of action Patent landscape reports describe the patent situation for a specific technology in a given country, region or on the global level. They usually start with a state-of-the-art search for the technology of interest in suitable patent databases. The results of the search are then analysed to answer specific questions, e.g. to identify certain patterns of patenting activity (Who is doing what? What is filed where?), or patterns of innovation. (Innovation trends, diversity of solutions for a technical problem, collaborations). An essential component of each patent landscape report is the visualization of these results in order to facilitate their understanding, and certain conclusions or recommendations based on the empirical evidence provided by the search and analysis. Patent landscapes can therefore be useful for policy discussions, strategic research planning or technology transfer. However, they provide only a snapshot of the patenting situation at a certain point in time. In a wider sense, some patent landscapes reports may analyse the validity of patents by referring to legal status data, and thereby form a basis, e.g., for freedom to operate analysis. 1

3 Bibliographic Data Analysis of LTE Technology Analysis of Inventor Inventor's Name No. of patents LINDOFF, BENGT YAVUZ, MEHMET FREDERIKSEN, FRANK CAI, ZHIJUN IWAMURA MIKIO KAZMI, MUHAMMAD BALASUBRAMANIAN, SRINIVASAN LEE, YOUNG-DAE MEYLAN, ARNAUD PALANKI, RAVI Table 1 Inventor and No. of Patents LINDOFF, BENGT YAVUZ, MEHMET FREDERIKSEN, FRANK CAI, ZHIJUN IWAMURA MIKIO KAZMI, MUHAMMAD BALASUBRAMANIAN, SRINIVASAN LEE, YOUNG-DAE MEYLAN, ARNAUD PALANKI, RAVI Figure 1 On the grounds of above figure, Bengt Lindoff is at first postion with 42 patents in this technology, he is a key person of Telefonaktiebolaget. Followed by Mehmet Yavuz having 18 patent applications, he is a key person for Qualcomm. Frank has 17 patent applications and he works for Nokia Siemens and Nokia Corporation. Zhijun has 16 patent applications and he works for Research In Motion Ltd, but this company doesn t count in top 1 applicants. Mostly, No. of Patents, lies within the range of 18 to 12 2

4 Analysis of Applicant Applicant Name No Of Patent TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET L M ERICSSON QUALCOMM INCORPORATED LG ELECTRONICS INC. NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS OY NOKIA CORPORATION ALCATEL LUCENT SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. NTT DOCOMO INC INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS, INC. FUJITSU LTD Table 2: Applicant and No. of Patents TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET L M... QUALCOMM INCORPORATED LG ELECTRONICS INC. NOKIA CORPORATION NOKIA SIEMENS NETWORKS... ALCATEL LUCENT SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. NTT DOCOMO INC INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS, INC. FUJITSU LTD Figure 2 On the basis of above data, Telefonaktiebolaget has highest no of patents applied i.e It is a subsidiary of Ericsson; they are currently making efforts in LTE equipment production. It is followed by, Qualcomm, one of the leading LTE chip manufacturer with 435 patent applications. LG Electronics, NSN, Nokia with 39,172,145 patents applied. Nokia Siemens Network is emerging as top company in manufacturing LTE equipment. It had multiple contracts with other companies even in partnership with Ericsson. Alcatel Lucent collaborated with Verizon and AT&T to step into LTE. 3

5 Priority Centre Analysis of Priority Country No Of Patents WO EP IL Table 3 Priority Centre and No. of Patents WO EP IL Figure 3 Highest number of patents was filed at WO which is 1883, thus getting priority in the contracting countries of PCT, followed by 828 patent applications filed at EP in year 29 which again benefits of filing patent simultaneously in contracting countries of EPC, thus securing their inventions around the globe. 4

6 Analysis of Priority year of Application Priority year No Of Patents Table 4 Priority Year and No. of Patents Figure 4 Highest number of patent application was filed in 28 when LTE was introduced which is 1269, 1178 applications were filed in year 27 signify the Research in this technology prior introduction. 5

7 Analysis of Expiry Year of Patent Expiry year No Of Patents Table 5 Expiry year and No. of Patents Figure 5 In 228 around 1269 patents will expire, and 1178 patents will expire in 228, this is analysed on the basis of application published in year 29. 6

8 Analysis of publication Year 2721 patent application were published in year 29 at WIPO. Analysis of IPC Code IPC No Of Patent H4W 143 H4L H4L H4B 46 H4Q 117 G6F 68 H4J 48 H4M 38 H3M 29 H4N 22 G6Q 2 Table 6 IPC and No. of Patents G6F 68 H4Q 117 H4J 48 H4M 38 H3M 29 H4N 22 G6Q 2 H4B 46 H4W 143 H4L 811 Figure patent application was fall under IPC classification H4W which states the wireless Services, it also states the method of interference, reselection and many more. Today s trend is of keeping mobile; therefore wired communication apparatus have been replaced. Thus, there is highest number of patent applications falls under this IPC. Followed by, H4L and H4B with 811 and 46 patent applications respectively 7

9 Analysis of Type of Patent Type of Patent No Of Patents Process Product & Process Product Table 7 Type of Patent and No. of Patents Process Product & Process Product Figure patent applications are Process type, as technology involves mechanism for forwarding, continuity etc. Followed by 995 patent applications as Product & Process type, it provides device or apparatus for the process, as without any architecture or platform, communication services cannot prevails.. 8

10 Technical Data Analysis Most commonly known as the process of looking at technical data and summing up the data with the purpose to extract any available useful technical information and then use that information to draw conclusions. This data analysis process is closely related to the data mining applications. Classification of LTE TECHNOLOGY OFFERED NETWORK SERVICES RADIO COMMUNICATION MOBILE COMMUNICATION LONG TERM EVOLUTION (LTE) MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION Apparatus & Device INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION Figure 8 LTE can be classified into many; here it has been divided into technology offered mainly multiple platforms and division frequency to lower down the traffic. Mode of communication which involves radio, mobile and multiple, And Services, hence it is a technology to provide high speed internet access with less buffering time and many other advantage, therefore Primary Classification is important with Apparatus and devices suggested for many other services. 9

11 LTE Technology is primarily classified as shown in table: No Of Patent Apparatus & device 93 Mobile 293 Services 169 Multiple communication 132 Technology 115 Radio 4 Table 8 Primary Classification and No. of Patents Apparatus & device Mobile Services Multiple communication Technology Radio Figure 9 From the above data and graph, it is concluded that the main classification is Apparatus and Device with 93 patent applications filed. It includes many Apparatus and device to remove the faults of previous technology and even suggest improved devices to carry on various services. 1

12 Secondary Classification of Each Primary Classification Technology No Of Patent MIMO 52 OFDM 46 LTE 28 SAE 4 Filter 2 Table 9 Technology and No. of Patents MIMO O FDM LTE sae filter Figure 1 From the above data, technology is further classified into OFDM, MIMO, SAE, LTE and filter with 46 patent applications in OFDM and 52 patent applications in MIMO. LTE basically based on frequency division to lower the buffering time and multiple data packets so that traffic on network connection can be lessen. 11

13 Radio Comm. Patent Landscape of LTE Radio Communication No Of Patents Device 15 Transmission 9 Data packets 4 Interference 3 User Terminal 3 Detection 2 Coding 2 Random Access 1 Handover 1 Table 1 Radio Comm. and No. of Patents Device Transmission Data Packets Interferance user terminal Detection coding Random Access Handover Figure 11 Radio Communication is further classified as above in data. The highest number of patent is in device i.e. 15 which means improved system, thus removing previous impuissance. Followed, transmission which has 9 patent application and then data packets which has 4 patent applications. All are suggesting improved ways to their specific classifications. 12

14 Transmission Multiple Mobile platform Patent Landscape of LTE Mobile Communication Mobile Comm. No Of Patents User Terminal 79 Device 7 Control Program 49 Transmission 29 Data 21 Handover 13 Multiple Mobile platform 7 Synchronizing 6 Coding 4 Detection 3 Interference 3 Random Access 2 Tracking 2 Relay 2 Fallback 1 Trace Log 1 Table 11 Mobile Comm. and No. of Patents User Terminal Device Control Program Data Handover Figure 12 From the above data, mobile communication is further classified into said above. User terminal has 79 patent applications, followed by device which has 7 and Control program 4 patent applications. Coding Detection Interference Random Access Tracking Relay Fallback Trace Log 13

15 Radio Communication Content Delivery LTE System Patent Landscape of LTE Apparatus & Device Apparatus & Device No of patents l ll l l l l l l l Table 12 Apparatus & Device and No. of Patents Mobile Communication Handover Resource Allocation Paging UpLink Data OFDM Apparatus Determination MIMO Apparatus Handling Reselection Wireless Device Synchronizing Triggering NAS Error Estimation Tracking Mobiltiy Radio Link Wi-max Selection UMTS Signalling GPRS Data Management Figure 13 From the above data, Apparatus & Device is further classified into which technology offered. Mobile communication apparatus has 48 patent applications, followed by handover, resource allocation, paging with 34, 29, and 28 respectively. Other Apparatus patent applications are in range from 26 to 1. 14

16 SRS Patent Landscape of LTE Services Services No of patents Scheduling 78 Mapping 28 Resource Allocation 15 Continuity 12 SRS 9 Signaling 6 Table 13 Services and No. of Patents Scheduling Mapping Resource Allocation Continuity Signaling Figure 14 From above data, Scheduling service has highest number of patent applications which are 78, followed by service mapping has 28 patent applications. 15

17 Multiple Communications Multiple Comm. No of patents Multiple Wireless 28 Multiple Channel 14 Multiple access 8 Multiple Antennas 6 Multiple code 6 Multiplexed 4 Media Broadcast 4 Multiple Platform 1 CRCS 1 Table 14 Multiple Comm. and No. of Patents Multiple Wireless Multiple Channel Multiple access Multiple Antennas Multiple code Multiplexed Media Broadcast Multiple Platform CRCS Figure 15 From the above data, multiple wireless has 28 patent application in multiple communications followed by multiple channel which has 14 patent applications 16

18 Industrial Application of LTE Data Exchange Cell Spacing Data & Call Continuity Gap Measurement HARQ Failure Error Estimation Error Recovery Connection Failure Industrial Application of LTE Collission Interferance Recovery Communication Security &Quality Noise Interferance Prevention Mobile Communication Bitwidth Minimization Radio Communication Cross Polarization Wireless Communication 17

19 A new mobile generation has appeared approximately every 1th year since the first 1G system Nordic Mobile Telephone, was introduced in The first 2G system started to roll out in 1992; the first 3G system first appeared in 21 and 4G systems began to appear 211. LTE basically marketed as 4G has replaced 3G in market. 3G and 4G are standards for mobile communication.standards specify how the airwaves must be used for transmitting information (voice and data). 3G (or 3rd Generation) was launched in Japan in 21. As recently as mid-21, the networks for most wireless carriers in the U.S. were 3G. 3G networks were a significant improvement over 2G/EDGE networks, offering higher speeds for data transfer. The comparison between 3G and 4G will be easier to understand with the following table. Table 16 Comparison between 3G and 4G Features 3G 4G Data Throughput: Up to 3.1mbps Practically speaking, 3 to 5 mbps potential estimated at a range of 1 to 3 mbps. Peak Upload Rate: 5 5 Mbit/s Peak Download Rate: 1 Mbit/s 1 Gbit/s Switching Technique: packet switching packet switching, message switching Network Architecture: Wide Area Cell Based Integration of wireless LAN and Wide area. Services And Applications Forward error correction (FEC): CDMA 2, UMTS, EDGE etc 3G uses Turbo codes for error correction. Frequency Band: GHz 2 8GHz Wimax2 and LTE-Advance Concatenated codes are used for error corrections in 4G. The more research in this technology and evolvement can lead to another technology which may be in future, will be able to replace 4G. The proposed technology is 5G. 5G (5th generation mobile networks or 5th generation wireless systems) is a term used in some research papers and projects to 18

20 denote the next major phase of mobile telecommunications standards beyond the current 4G/IMT-Advanced standards. 5G does not describe any particular specification in any official document published by any telecommunication standardization body. Although updated standards that define capabilities beyond those defined in the current 4G standards are under consideration, those new capabilities are still being grouped under the current 4G standards. New mobile generations are typically assigned new frequency bands and wider spectral bandwidth per frequency channel (1G up to 3 khz, 2G up to 2 khz, 3G up to 5 MHz, and 4G up to 4 MHz), From users point Weakness High price Managing your account online is not user friendly Network doesn't allow simultaneous voice and data usage No true unlimited data No 2-way paging Lack of current bandwidth expandability Non-3gpp incompatibility Opportunity Further consolidation in the industry Increasing demand for wireless broadband applications Expansion of audio-conferencing access Focus on International expansion Acquisition of smaller, regional operators Expansion of audio-conferencing access 2-way paging Integration with GPS LTE connected devices practices Threats Intense competition in the wireless space OTT application Usage VoIP directly competes with wireless business Mobile Malware Safety 19

21 of view, previous mobile generations have implied substantial increase in peak bitrate (i.e. physical layer net bitrates for shortdistance communication). However, no source suggests 5G peak download and upload rates of more than the 1 Gbps to be offered by ITU- R's definition of 4G systems. If 5G appears, and reflects these prognoses, the major difference from a user point of view between 4G and 5G techniques must be something else than increased maximum throughput; for example lower battery consumption, lower outage probability (better coverage), high bit rates in larger portions of the coverage area, cheaper or no traffic fees due to low infrastructure deployment costs, or higher aggregate capacity for many simultaneous users (i.e. higher system level spectral efficiency). Strength LTE is commercially deployed in US, thus scoring a strong position. Its strong coverage and access to high speed internet makes life easy. It is available with multiple OS that means it is platform independent. It works with Android, Iphone and even windows phone. Associating with brand name gives it recognition and even it enjoys their goodwill. Some of the service provider gives unlimited data usage (Verizon in US). It provides the comfort of using message and data packet simultaneously. It has significant packet data rate thus providing reducing the buffering time frequently. It also prevents internet traffic thus provide faster upload and download rate. It also distributes frequency over different channel thus, preventing interference and also consume less power. Weakness The major weakness of LTE is the high Cost of setting up the framework, therefore bandwidth expandability is still lacking. Even the hardware which is LTE enabled are available at high price. Even the LTE chip manufacturers are less in number. LTE uses additional antennas for data transmission, thus non-3gpp mobile holders should purchase new LTE enabled phone to use the network. Accounts are managed online in 4g enabled mobiles which are less user friendly because of authorization and authentication issues. Data packets cannot be used when mobile is in used for call. Opportunity The major opportunity For LTE is to meet the increasing demand of Wireless broadband and also meet the consumers expectations worldwide. It should provide transition technology so that non 3gpp consumers can also access the network without changing the mobile handsets. It should grab the opportunity with regional operator, so that bandwidth expandability will not take extra efforts. Integration with GPS, will boom its growth around the globe. With evolvement in internet access, the technology of audio conferencing and paging should also improve. Threats The major threat LTE is facing is the security of content and people information. As increase in the cyber-attack, and LTE monitors account online, raise the question in consumers mind about secured connection. LTE will increase the usage of OTT (Over the Top) applications, thus involving the high risk of downloading malicious content. Online charging mechanism also promotes high risk 2

22 of fraudulent data. Computation of wireless mechanism space is comparatively less due to existence prior network coverage. Competitive Intelligence Competitive Intelligence identifies competitive trends, provides early warning on threats and opportunities in the evolving competitive landscape and evaluates their impact. CI is an integral part of the business decision-making process and helps to achieve and maintain competitive leadership. It develops understanding, creates insight and drives action for general management and individual business function leadership (e.g., strategy, marketing, sales, technology development, finance, human resources, etc.) Firstly, I compared LTE with its rival Technology Wi-Max, as todays each mobile has Wi-fi built in, so that they can access the Wi-fi too, if available. Wi-Max WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a wireless communications standard designed to provide 3 to 4 megabit-per-second data rates, with the 211 update providing up to 1 Gbit/s for fixed stations. The Wi-Max reached various markets around the globe. It is aimed to provide low cost service model with IP friendly architecture and plug-play support. It utilizes advanced radio techniques to provide high spectrum efficiency and Quality of Service feature. The Wi-max service has reached in 28; HTC announced the first Wi-MAX enabled mobile phone, the Max 4G, on November 12, 28 where LTE product had hit the markets in 21. This provide the edge over LTE, thus provide the customer high speed over 3G. Features of Wi-Max Providing portable mobile broadband connectivity across cities and countries Providing a wireless alternative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) for broadband access. Providing data, telecommunications (VoIP) and IPTV services. Providing a source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity plan. Smart grids and metering For existing non 3GPP consumers, Wi-Max provides the solution of accessing broadband wireless network with green field network. As LTE, is not compatible with non 3GPP consumers. Wi-Max also provides External Modem such as USB modem to connect. Intel has the strong equity in Wi-Max. Companies in LTE Top brands of telecommunication are in the race of launching their product having LTE network access, they are Samsung, HTC and now NOKIA with its windows Phone. Even the companies having Patent in this technology like Qualcomm, KDDI, ZTE, Nokia and many more have collaborated and decided to licensing their patent to other companies, so the product accessing LTE network will increase, thus meeting consumer demands.each telecommunication has range of product in this technology but they are on much higher price. Top Companies manufactures LTE Equipment. They are as follows 1) Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides 21

23 a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 15 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. 2) With 4 LTE customer trials secured to date, Alcatel-Lucent is a worldwide leader in LTE. The company is actively engaged in the majority of LTE projects being pursued by tier 1 operators around the globe. To help operators realize their potential, Alcatel- Lucent is offering a unique, pre-integrated, end-to-end LTE solution and a full set of associated professional services. The company also founded the ng Connect Program, a global initiative to drive the development of an open and diverse ecosystem of LTE device manufacturers, content providers and application partners. Through the Connecting program and with Alcatel-Lucent's end-to-end LTE solution, wireless broadband operators benefit from open innovation, pre-integrated solutions, reduced time to market with LTEenabled services, and the ability to drive new and non-traditional business models. it the largest patent holder in the industry. 4) Huawei is a leading telecom solutions provider. Through continuous customercentric innovation, we have established end-to-end advantages in Telecom Network Infrastructure, Application & Software, Professional Services and Devices. With comprehensive strengths in wireline, wireless and IP technologies, Huawei has gained a leading position in the All-IP convergence age. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 1 countries and have served Tekelec's Diameter Signalling Router, which helps operators to deal with Diameter signalling challenges, was recently recognized by the Frost and Sullivan "New Product Innovation Award". 5) Tekelec is a global provider of communications network systems and software that enable network operators to deliver a range of communications services including voice, text messaging, and mobile data services. 3)Ericsson is the world s leader in telecommunications technology and services and is leading the way in the rollout of LTE. To date, Ericsson has signed commercial LTE contracts with six major global operators, three of which are in the United States, the world s fastest growing LTE market. Ericsson has been driving open standards and has had the highest impact on the released LTE specifications. Ericsson expects to hold 25 percent of all essential patents for LTE, making 22

24 Conclusion Patent landscape of a Technology helps corporate intellectual property managers and research executives quantify successful patent families and evaluate overall research strength. The metrics can be used to measure and guide the interaction of R&D and intellectual property strategy, which can increase efficiency and shareholder return. Also Patent Landscape of a Technology (LTE) maintains a large portfolio of thousands of patents into a multiple platform filed by multiple companies to secure their position in it.a technology s patent landscape helps in: Determining strengths and weaknesses (gap analysis) of the technology vis-à-vis the competition New product development To improve leverage from your patents Technology leadership Dominance of companies in this technology through patents Competence levels and new R&D opportunities R&D investment and development strategy LTE provides telecom industry a opportunity to enter into next generation with high speed internet access, low internet traffic, distributed traffic channel thus lowering interference, low battery consumption and in the end happy customers. But, it also comes with high investment for hardware and even for planning network architecture. Thus, companies holding patent in this technology have collaborated and decide to license their patent to cop-up with the high investment and also can come with revolution in telecom industry. 23

25 IIPTA Launch a Career. Be Awesome info@iipta.com