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Title:
METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DETERMINING PROXIMITY SERVICE APPLICATION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/092311
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is provided a method comprising determining at least one proximity service application and providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

Inventors:
MURALIDHARA HARISH (IN)
MURTHY MKRISHNA (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/FI2018/050786
Publication Date:
May 16, 2019
Filing Date:
October 29, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY (FI)
International Classes:
H04L67/51; H04L65/40; H04L67/52; H04W4/02; H04W4/20; H04W8/00; H04W48/16; H04W68/02
Domestic Patent References:
WO2014032892A12014-03-06
WO2016054578A12016-04-07
Foreign References:
US20140162544A12014-06-12
Other References:
3GPP: "Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Proximity-based services (ProSe); Stage 2 (Release 15)", 3GPP TS 23.303 V15.0.0, 12 June 2017 (2017-06-12), pages 1 - 131, XP051298388, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20190122]
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY (FI)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . A method comprising:

determining at least one proximity service application; and

providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

2. A method according to claim 1 , comprising selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the device-to-device connection is direct or via a further device. 5. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the information is provided over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the indication of the at least one determined proximity service application comprises a suggested application identity parameter.

8. A method comprising:

receiving at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one determined proximity service application is selected from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity. 10. A method according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the at least one determined proximity service application is selected from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

1 1 . A method according to claim 10, wherein the device-to-device connection is direct or via a further device.

12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 1 1 , wherein the at least one determined proximity service application is selected from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, comprising: receiving the information over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

14. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the indication of the at least one determined proximity service application comprises a suggested application identity parameter.

15. An apparatus comprising means for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 14.

16. A computer program product for a computer, comprising software code portions for performing the steps of any of claims 1 to 7 or 8 to 14 when said product is run on the computer. 17. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

determine at least one proximity service application; and

provide from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

18. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

receive at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

Description:
METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DETERMINING PROXIMITY SERVICE APPLICATION Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to location services in mobile communication area. Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Non- limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier. The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. LTE is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Device-to-device (D2D) communications have been proposed in LTE-A to take advantage of the proximity of devices of users to each other. Thereby, proximity services (ProSe) have been introduced.

Summary

In a first aspect there is provided a method comprising determining at least one proximity service application and providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

The method may comprise selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity. The method may comprise selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The method may comprise selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

The information may be provided over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter. In a second aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection. The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device. The method may comprise receiving the information over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter.

In a third aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for determining at least one proximity service application and means fort providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

The apparatus may comprise means for selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity. The apparatus may comprise means for selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to- device connection. The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The apparatus may comprise means for selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device. The information may be provided over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter. In a fourth aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application. The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device. The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the information over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter. In a fifth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine at least one proximity service application and provide, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

The apparatus may be configured to select the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity.

The apparatus may be configured to select the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The apparatus may be configured to select the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

The information may be provided over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter.

In a sixth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity. The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection. The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device. The apparatus may be configured to receive the information over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter

In a seventh aspect there is provided a computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising program code for controlling a process to execute a process, the process comprising, determining at least one proximity service application and providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

The process may comprise selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity.

The process may comprise selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The process may comprise selecting the at least one proximity service application from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

The information may be provided over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function. The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter.

In an eighth aspect there is provided a computer program embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer program comprising program code for controlling a process to execute a process, the process comprising receiving at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity. The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection.

The device-to-device connection may be direct or via a further device.

The at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device.

The process may comprise receiving the information over a PC3 interface from a proximity service function.

The indication of the at least one determined proximity service application may comprise a suggested application identity parameter. In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example ProSe architecture;

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example; Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example; Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a ProSe environment according to an example; Figure 8 shows a signalling flowchart according to an example. Detailed description

Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 2 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in figure 1 , mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatus. The controller apparatus may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a Radio Network Controller. In Figure 1 control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107. The control apparatus of a base station can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus is typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control apparatus may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.

In Figure 1 base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 1 13 via gateway 1 12. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network. The smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may also be connected to the network 1 13, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the controllers of the macro level stations. The base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may be pico or femto level base stations or the like. In the example, stations 1 16 and 1 18 are connected via a gateway 1 1 1 whilst station 120 connects via the controller apparatus 108. In some embodiments, the smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may be part of a second network, for example WLAN and may be WLAN APs.

A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a 'smart phone', a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information. The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples comprise time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof such as the interleaved frequency division multiple access (I FDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA) and so on.

An example of wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A latest 3GPP based development is often referred to as the long term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specifications are referred to as releases. More recent developments of the LTE are often referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE-A). The LTE employs a mobile architecture known as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Base stations of such systems are known as evolved or enhanced Node Bs (eNBs) and provide E-UTRAN features such as user plane Packet Data Convergence/Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control/Physical layer protocol (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol terminations towards the communication devices. Other examples of radio access system comprise those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). A base station can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area.

An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. Network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation Node Bs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer QoS support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support QoE of user point of view. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple input - multiple output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so- called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

Future networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent.

The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, (e) node B or 5G AP, or a node of a core network such as an MME or S- GW, or a server or host. The method may be implanted in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

Device-to-device communication may allow direct communication between UEs without traversing a BS or CN. In general, Proximity Service (ProSe) communication is a device-to- device (D2D) communication between two UEs in proximity by means of e.g. a E-UTRAN or WLAN communication path established between the UEs.

Proximity-based Services (ProSe) are services that can be provided by the 3GPP system based on UEs being in proximity to each other. The 3GPP system enablers for ProSe include ProSe direct discovery, ProSe direct communication, EPC-level ProSe discovery and EPC support for WLAN direct discovery and communication.

The EPC network may decide to enable two or more ProSe-enabled WLAN-capable UEs to directly communicate using WLAN technology. This decision can be taken, for example, when the EPC network supports EPC-level ProSe discovery and becomes aware that two or more UEs are in close proximity, when the EPC network knows that UE-A requests to communicate with UE-B which is in close proximity of UE-A, etc.

The EPC network may enable UE-A and UE-B to directly communicate in WLAN direct mode by triggering the two UEs to establish a WLAN direct group and providing them with assistance information which enables the EPC network to control and to expedite the establishment of the WLAN direct group.

The EPC network may (i) control when a WLAN direct group can be established, (ii) authorize the UEs that can become members of this group (and thus communicate with each other in WLAN direct mode) and (iii) control the operating parameters of the WLAN direct group e.g. the SSID, the security keys, etc. The network function that triggers and controls the establishment of a WLAN direct group between one or more UEs may be known as the ProSe function. Figure 4 shows an example ProSe architecture. UE A and UE B are in D2D communication over PC5 interface. ProSe function is in communication with UE B over a PC3 interface. In this architecture, the ProSe function is shown in the packet core. However, the ProSe function may be located with or within the MME. If the MME is configured to indicate "ProSe authorised" to E-UTRAN, the UE is ProSe-enabled, and the UE is authorised to use ProSe direct services based on the subscription data, the MME shall include a "ProSe authorised" indication in an S1 AP Initial Context Setup Request, indicating which of the ProSe direct services the UE is authorised to use. If the UE's "ProSe authorised" status indicates the UE is not authorised to act as UE to-Network Relay, then the eNodeB shall not authorise the UE to use radio resources for Relay. In the case of ProSe, MME may, amongst other functions, receive subscription information related to ProSe from the HSS and provide indication to the E-UTRAN that the UE is authorised to use ProSe. The S-GW may receive information related to the ProSe UE-to-Network relay from the MME.

With 3GPP defining an architecture such as that shown in Figure 4 to provide proximity services using network elements like ProSe-Function, HSS, ProSe Application Server (AS) etc., further ProSe-enabled devices may evolve in future to access ProSe applications. In addition, more and more ProSe applications may be developed. ProSe applications may be from wide domains like Geofencing, Public Safety, Social Networking etc.

It may be desirable that the ProSe-enabled devices are provided with suggested ProSe applications so that a user may utilise the ProSe application and thus benefit from ProSe services.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. In a first step S1 , the method comprises determining at least one proximity service application. In a second step, S2, the method comprises providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

The method may be performed at a network, for example, a ProSe function of a network.

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. In first step S1 , the method comprises receiving, at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

The information may be received from a network, for example, a ProSe function of a network. The first device may be performing a discovery procedure for use of a first proximity service application and the determined proximity service application may be a second proximity service application, wherein the first and second proximity service applications are different. As a result, a ProSe user may be provided with at least one suggested ProSe application for use at a given time or location. It is useful if the determined ProSe applications are relevant to the ProSe enabled device. The suggested applications may be, for instance, applications the user had previously attempted to use, applications which ProSe enabled devices connected to the user are using or applications which are popular at that time or at that location.

Analysis (e.g. determination of the at least one proximity service application) may be performed offline or when a ProSe device contacts the network for service authorisation. The network may communicate with community or social networking services to obtain analysis from artificial intelligence services there, or use edge computing to determine the at least one proximity service application.

Determining at least one proximity service application may comprise monitoring applications that devices in proximity are using and/or the timings of the applications in use by the devices. In one example, the at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices in at least one of geographical proximity and temporal proximity (that is, the proximity service applications may be in use by devices at a given time). The at least one determined proximity service application may not be available at the current time and/or geographical location of the user but may be available at a future time and or in a different geographical location (neighbouring or otherwise). In this case, the indication may include an indication of the respective time and/or location of the proximity service application. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications in use by devices to which the first device has a device-to-device connection. The device-to-device connection may be a direct connection or a connection via a further device. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one determined proximity service application may be selected from proximity service applications previously accessed by the first device. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one determined proximity service application may be configured by the operator of the network.

The at least one proximity service application may be determined based on the frequency of which a device visits a given location.

The at least one proximity service application may be determined based on applications to which the device is registered and/or subscribed, for example a social network application. In one example, the proximity service application may be an application that is already installed on a device, for example a social networking application such Facebook. In this case, the user device may receive an indication of a proximity service application as a notification in the social networking application. In further embodiments the users (of e.g. the first device and the device providing the proximity service) may both need to be registered and/or subscribed users of the social networking application to enable this service.

The received notification may be displayed in banners, lock screen, in the social networking application as a number in one corner of the icon of the social networking application or the proximity service application may be depicted in another corner in a social networking application icon on device screen e.g. to separate the proximity service application data from other social networking application data. The access to the notification may be provided by touching the number or force touching the number or icon to display received notifications.

In one embodiment the social networking application may have an interface that can handle the proximity service application data as well the normal application data.

Notifications may be displayed by using identity of suggested ProSe application using ProSe Application ID Name, business name and/or shop ID e.g. as a ticker. However, these notifications may disappear after the D2D connection (at the proximity service location) is closed. This may help a user manage the Ul. The notifications may be deleted within a predetermined time after the connection closes or the suggested applications or notifications may be placed separately in a folder or under tab before deletion.

Determining the at least one proximity service application may comprise receiving an indication of an application from an application server. A third party application server (any prose application server) may suggest an application to a ProSe function via PC2 interface, for example during a restricted discovery mechanism. For a third part application server, 3GPP may define a diameter interface towards these application servers. Alternatively, in a proprietary server the third party application server may be integrated into ProSe function by REST-Api based. The determination may be made at, and the indication sent from, a ProSe function. That is, the indication may be provided over the PC3 interface between a ProSe function and a ProSe enabled UE. The message may be an http message. The message format between the UE and network (e.g. ProSe function) may be enhanced to provide the indication. The indication of at least one determined proximity service application may be sent as part of the discovery response.

For example, when a ProSe enabled device receives authorisation from ProSe-Function for the discovery services, the ProSe-Function may provide an indication of determined ProSe applications along with the relevant discovery data (such as discovery filters, discovery code etc.) over PC3 interface.

The indication of the determined proximity service application may be a suggested application identity parameter. For Open ProSe Discovery, (as described in 3GPP TS 22.278 [25]) the ProSe Application ID is called the Public ProSe Application ID. The geographic scope of the Public ProSe Application ID may be PLMN-specific, country specific or global. The ProSe Application ID Name may be described in its entirety by a data structure characterized by different levels e.g., broad-level business category (Level 0) / business sub-category (Level 1 ) / business name (Level 2) / shop ID (Level 3). For the purpose of presentation, a ProSe Application ID Name may be displayed as a string of labels in which the labels represent hierarchical levels. Although the ProSe application ID may be fixed for some proximity services, the ProSe application ID may be a temporary ID. For example, a parameter "Suggested Application ID" similar to the Application Identity parameter over PC3 interface may be used to indicate the determined ProSe application. The parameter may be included as part of Discovery response.

The ProSe-Function may add parameters in addition to all existing parameters for discover announce/monitor open/restricted services response messages.

That is, a UE may receive the following parameters from ProSe-Function Suggested Application ID=<OS ID>UUID2</OS ID><OS App ID>app2</OS App ID>

Suggested Application ID=<OS ID>UUID3</OS ID><OS App ID>app3</OS App ID>

The following schema changes (in bold) may be made for Open Discovery services,

<xs:complexType name="prose-direct-discovery-response">

<xs:sequence>

<xs:element name="Current-Time" type="xs:dateTime"/>

<xs:element name="Max-Offset" type="xs:integer"/>

<xs:element name="response-announce" type="AnnounceRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="response-monitor" type="MonitorRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="restricted-announce-response" type="RestrictedAnnounceRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="restricted-monitor-response" type="RestrictedMonitorRsp-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="restricted-discoveree-response" type="RestrictedDiscovereeRsp- info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="restricted-discoverer-response" type="RestrictedDiscovererRsp- info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="response-reject" type="RejectRsp-info" minOccurs="0"

maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="suggested-application-response"

type="SuggestedApplication-info" minOccurs="0" maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

<xs:element name="anyExt" type="anyExtType" minOccurs="0"/>

<xs:any namespace="##other" processContents="lax" minOccurs="0"

maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

</xs:sequence>

<xs:attribute name="network-initiated-transaction-method" type="xs:integer"/>

<xs:anyAttribute namespace="##any" processContents="lax"/>

</xs : com pi exTy pe>

<xs:complexType name="SuggestedApplication-info">

<xs:sequence>

<xs:element name="Suggested-ProSe-Application-ID" type="xs:string"/>

<xs:element name="Suggested-application-identity" type="ApplD-info"

minOccurs="0" />

<xs:any namespace="##other" processContents="lax" minOccurs="0"

maxOccurs="unbounded"/>

</xs:sequence>

<xs:anyAttribute namespace="##any" processContents="lax"/>

</xs : co m p I exTy pe>

Alternatively, or in addition, the indication of the determined at least one proximity service application can be included in the "Metadata" field over the PC3 interface. The Metadata field defined as per the standard contains information specific to the application to which the user device is requesting authorisation. It may be re-used to include the indication of the at least one proximity service application. In one example, two ProSe enabled devices, UEA and UEB, are utilising a ProSe service, app1 . An example ProSe application is "find me a friend". UEB is using a second ProSe application (app2), e.g. "live stream of a movie". The network, i.e. ProSe-Function, suggests. app2 to UEA when UEA gets authorised for ProSe service. App1 is an indicator app2 may be relevant for UEA.

Figure 7 illustrates a scenario in which ProSe function may arrive at at least one determined proximity service application for suggestion to a UE and provide an indication of the determined at least one proximity service application to the UE.

A first ProSe enabled user, UEA, is in ProSe direct communication with a ProSe enabled device UEB . UEB is providing the ProSe application appl (e.g. movie streaming) to UEA. UEB is also connected to a second Prose enabled user UEC (which UEA is not connected to) for a different application app2 (e.g. audio streaming). UEC is also in direct ProSe communication with UED. UED is providing UEC with ProSe application app3 (food service).

The ProSe-Function may indicate app2 and/or app3 to UEA when providing discovery information to UEA to access appl .

There may be other ways that a ProSe-Function determines the ProSe application for suggesting to a ProSe enabled devices. The ProSe-Function may suggest those applications which UEA had tried earlier and failed, where the same service is now available in the user's proximity. ProSe-Function may suggest those applications which the ProSe enabled devices are using at that point (at that particular time or particular location) in its proximity.

Figure 8 shows a signalling flowchart according to the example described with reference to Figure 7. In step 1 to step 5 user UE C is authorised from the network via the ProSe function for ProSe Discovery and ProSe Communication services using app2 and app3.

In step 6, user UE A sends a discovery request for appl to the ProSe function. The ProSe function provides authorisation and an indication of app3 to UE A.

In step 7, UE B provides appl to UE A. In step 8, UE A is authorised from the network for ProSe communications using app3 and in step 9 UE D provides app3 to UE A. Since UE A has been provided with the suggestion of app3, in steps 8 and 9, UE A takes action to use proximity services app3 provided by UE D. The flowchart of Figure 8 is described with reference to the open discovery case. For restricted discovery cases, a UE may have to use restricted ProSe application user ID (RPAUID) which may be obtained from a corresponding ProSe application server.

If a third party application server is merged with a ProSe function, the ProSe-Function may register the ProSe-application with AS for an RPAUID and an application, e.g., appl , over PC2 diameter interface through proximity action request (PXR) message. The application server can send the suggested list of ProSe Application in proximity action answer (PXA).

Optional Diameter AVP's may be introduced in PXA (in bold below). For example:

<PX-Answer> ::= < Diameter Header: 8388676, PXY >

< Session-Id >

{ Auth-Application-ld }

{ Auth-Session-State }

{ Origin-Host }

{ Origin-Realm }

* [ Proxy- Info ]

{ ProSe-Request-Type }

[ Targeted-EPUID ]

[ ProSe-Function-ID ]

* { Suggested-ProSe-Application }

* [ Monitor-Target ]

*[ Target-PDUID ]

[ Metadata ]

*[ AVP ]

The Suggested-ProSe-Application AVP (AVP code XXXX) may be of type OctetString, and it indicates possible Suggested ProSe Application ID's possibly a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) format.

It should be understood that each block of the flowchart of Figures 5 and 6 and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means or their combinations, such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors and/or circuitry. The method may be implemented on a mobile device as described with respect to figure 2 or control apparatus as shown in Figure 3.

Control functions may comprise determining at least one proximity service application and providing, from a network, information to a first device capable of using proximity services, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of the at least one determined proximity service application.

Alternatively, or in addition, control functions may comprise receiving at a first device capable of using proximity services, information from a network, wherein said information comprises discovery information and an indication of at least one determined proximity service application.

It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and/or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to ProSe architecture, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems where device-to-device communication and proximity or location services are available. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it. Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Reference numbers in Fig. 8:

810 Step!: Discovery Authorization for ANNOUNCE successful with UE ldentity=UEC 820 Step2: Discovery Authorization for MONITOR successful with UE Identity =UED

Discovery Filters for ProSe ApplicationlDs x.x.x. restaurant. pasta i.e. app3

830 Step3: UE-C avails food service(app3) from UE-D

840 Step4: Discovery Authorization for MONITOR successful with UE Identity = UEB Discovery Filters ProSe Application IDs x.x.entertainment* i.e. appl and app2

850 Step5: UE-C avails entertainment service (audio i.e. app2) from UE-B

860 Step6: Discovery Authorization for ANNOUNCE successful with UE Identity = UEA ProSe Application ID = x.x.entertainment.movie_streaming Application ID = appl

870 Step7: UE-A avails entertainment service(movie i.e. appl) from UE-B

880 Step8: Discovery Authorization for ANNOUNCE successful with UE Identity = UEA ProSe Application ID = x.x.x.restaurantpasta

Application ID = app3

890 Step9: UE-A avails food service (app3) from UE-D