WO2017039492A1

WO2017039492A1 - Collaborative sharing of media data

Info

Publication number: WO2017039492A1
Application number: PCT/SE2015/050908
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elena Fersman; Aneta VULGARAKIS FELJAN; Gábor STIKKEL; Hongxin LIANG; Leonid Mokrushin
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2015-08-28
Filing date: 2015-08-28
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

Collaborative media data sharing is achieved by receiving an identifier of a media content transmitted to a user equipment (1) over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4) and position information defining a position within the media content. Target user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to the user equipment (1) is identified. Media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information or fetching instructions enabling fetching of the media data from the media server (4) is transmitted to the target user equipment (2, 3) together with set-up instructions enabling the target user equipment (2, 3) to set up short-range wireless connection to the user equipment (1) to transmit the media content to the user equipment (1) over the short-range wireless connection.

Description

COLLABORATIVE SHARING OF MEDIA DATA

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to distribution of media data, and in particular to collaborative sharing of distributed media data.

BACKGROUND

It is well known that radio-based communication networks do not provide uniform quality of service throughout all geographical area. Radio coverage problems may occur in such radio-based communication networks due to poor radio signal propagation caused by, for instance, static obstacles, such as buildings or tunnels; landscape obstacles, such as hills or mountains; insufficient provisioning of radio base stations and other network nodes; and/or specific network node problems, such as misconfiguration or hardware/software failures. Obviously such poor radio coverage conditions affect the experience of end users.

For instance, during a long distance trip, it is common that users will enter geographical areas with radio coverage problems, such as poor radio coverage, limited bandwidth, large latency, etc. A possible solution for a user involved in a media or data communication session, such as streaming session involving reception of streamed media data from a media server, is to pre-cache the media data. However, such pre-caching is not always feasible.

For instance, the time period from starting such increased pre-caching until the user enters the geographical area with radio coverage problems may be too short in order to pre-cache sufficient media data. As a result, the media data may be played out thereby emptying the buffer in the user equipment. This results in an interruption in the play out until the user leaves the geographical area and then once more will receive media data.

In another situation, the bandwidth may be limited prior to entering the geographical area with radio coverage problems, implying that the user equipment will not be able to pre-cache sufficient media data prior to entering the geographical area. It is then likely that the buffer of the user equipment will be emptied during play out as mentioned above. A further disadvantage with the prior art solutions is that intensive pre-caching from several user equipment that will enter a geographical area with radio coverage problems may put high demands on the wireless communication network. There is, thus, a need for a solution that can overcome some or all of the drawbacks of prior art technology relating to pre-caching of media data in a user equipment entering a geographical area with radio coverage problems.

SUMMARY

It is a general objective to enable collaborative sharing of media data.

It is a particular objective to enable employment of user equipment in distributing media data to a user equipment temporarily experiencing poor radio coverage. These and other objectives are met by embodiments as disclosed herein.

An aspect of the embodiments relates to a method enabling collaborative sharing of media data. The method comprises a data sharing server receiving i) an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The method also comprises the data sharing server identifying at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The method further comprises the data sharing server transmitting, to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment, ia) respective media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information or ib) fetching instructions enabling the target user equipment to fetch the respective media data from the media server and ii) set-up instructions enabling the target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit the respective media data to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection. Another aspect of the embodiments relates to a data sharing server. The data sharing server is configured to receive i) an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The data sharing server is also configured to identify at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short- range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The data sharing server is further configured to transmit, to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment, ia) respective media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information or ib) fetching instructions enabling the target user equipment to fetch the respective media data from the media server and ii) set-up instructions enabling the target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit the respective media data to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

A related aspect of the embodiments defines a data sharing server comprising a user equipment identifier for identifying at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to a current user equipment receiving media content transmitted over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server. The data sharing server also comprises an instruction generator for generating set-up instructions enabling each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit, to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection, respective media data of the media content selected based on an identifier of the media content and position information representing a defined position within the media content.

A further aspect of the embodiments a method for collaborative sharing of media data. The method comprises a user equipment transmitting, to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The method also comprises the user equipment receiving, from the data sharing server, set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment. The method further comprises the user equipment setting up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment. The method additionally comprises the user equipment receiving respective media data of the media content from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s). Yet another aspect of the embodiments relates to a user equipment configured to transmit, to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The user equipment is also configured to receive, from the data sharing server, set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment. The user equipment is further configured to set up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment. The user equipment is additionally configured to receive respective media data of the media content from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

A related aspect of the embodiments defines a user equipment comprising a data provider for providing, for transmission to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The user equipment also comprises a connection unit for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) received from the data sharing server. The user equipment further comprises a data storing unit for storing, in an associated memory, respective media data of the media content received from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

A further aspect of the embodiments relates to a method for collaborative sharing of media data. The method comprises a target user equipment receiving, from a data sharing server, ia) media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network or ib) fetching instructions for fetching, from the media server, the media data and ii) set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The method also comprises the target user equipment temporarily storing the media data in a memory. The method further comprises the target user equipment setting up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The method additionally comprises the target user equipment transmitting the media data temporarily stored in the memory to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

Yet another aspect of the embodiments relates to a user equipment configured to receive, from a data sharing server, ia) media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network or ib) fetching instructions for fetching, from the media server, the media data and ii) set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The user equipment is also configured to temporarily store the media data in a memory. The user equipment is further configured to set up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The user equipment is additionally configured to transmit the media data temporarily stored in the memory to the current user equipment over the short- range wireless connection.

A related aspect of the embodiments defines a user equipment comprising a data storing unit for temporarily storing, in an associated memory, media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network. The media data is received from a data sharing server or fetched from the media server using fetching instructions received from the data sharing server. The user equipment also comprises a connection unit for setting up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection received from the data sharing server. The user equipment further comprises a data retrieving unit for retrieving, from the associated memory, the media data temporarily stored in the associated memory for transmission to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection. A further aspect of the embodiments relates to a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to identify at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to a current user equipment receiving media content transmitted over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server. The processor is also caused to generate set-up instructions enabling each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit, to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection, respective media data of the media content selected based on an identifier of the media content and position information representing a defined position within the media content. Another aspect of the embodiments relates to a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to provide, for transmission to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The processor is also caused to set up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up short- range wireless connection(s) received from the data sharing server. The processor is further caused to store, in an associated memory, respective media data of the media content received from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s). Yet another aspect of the embodiments relates to a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to temporarily store, in an associated memory, media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network. The media data is received from a data sharing server or fetched from the media server using fetching instructions received from the data sharing server. The processor is also caused to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment based on the set-up instructions received from the data sharing server. The processor is further caused to retrieve, from the associated memory, the media data temporarily stored in the associated memory for transmission to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

A related aspect of the embodiments defines a carrier comprising a computer program as defined above. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

The present embodiments enable distribution of media data to a user equipment even in situations where the user equipment experiences poor radio signal propagation within a long-range wireless communication network. Accordingly, the distribution of media data to the user equipment can continue even in geographical areas with poor radio coverage. The quality of service and user experience is thereby improved since the play out of media content at the user equipment will not be interrupted or be temporarily interrupted for a shorter period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by making reference to the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a scenario enabling collaborative sharing of media data;

Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method enabling collaborative sharing of media data according to an embodiment;

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to another embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating additional, optional steps of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment; Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating additional, optional steps of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to another embodiment;

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for collaborative sharing of media data according to an embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to an embodiment;

Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to another embodiment;

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to a further embodiment; Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating additional, optional steps of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to an embodiment;

Fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for collaborative sharing of media data according to another embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 13 according to an embodiment; Fig. 15 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 13 according to another embodiment;

Fig. 16 schematically illustrates another scenario enabling collaborative sharing of media data;

Fig. 17 is a signal diagram according to an embodiment of collaborative sharing of media data; Fig. 18 is a signal diagram according to another embodiment of collaborative sharing of media data; Fig. 19 is a signal diagram according to a further embodiment of collaborative sharing of media data; Fig. 20 is a schematic block diagram of a data sharing server according to an embodiment; Fig. 21 is a schematic block diagram of a data sharing server according to another embodiment;

Fig. 22 is a schematic block diagram of a data sharing server according to a further embodiment; Fig. 23 is a schematic block diagram of a user equipment according to an embodiment; Fig. 24 is a schematic block diagram of a user equipment according to another embodiment; Fig. 25 is a schematic block diagram of a user equipment according to a further embodiment; Fig. 26 is a schematic block diagram of a target user equipment according to an embodiment;

Fig. 27 is a schematic block diagram of a target user equipment according to another embodiment;

Fig. 28 is a schematic block diagram of a target user equipment according to a further embodiment; Fig. 29 schematically illustrates a distributed and cloud-implemented embodiment of a data sharing server; and

Fig. 30 schematically illustrates implementation of embodiments in the form of computer program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the drawings, the same reference numbers are used for similar or corresponding elements.

The present embodiments enable a current user equipment involved in a media session comprising reception of media content from a media server to still receive and preferably play out media content even when the current user equipment experiences poor radio signal quality within a long-range wireless communication network. This means that even when the current user equipment enters a geographical area of the long-range wireless communication network with poor radio coverage the current user equipment can still receive media data and thereby preferably continue with the play out of the media content. The embodiments achieve this without the need for any extensive pre-caching at the current user equipment. In clear contrast, other user devices, denoted target user equipment herein, are employed as temporary media data storing and distributing devices. This means that the target user equipment receives and temporarily stores media data of the particular media content the current user equipment is receiving during the media session. The target user equipment then transmits the media data to the user equipment using another type of wireless connection than through the long-range wireless communication network, denoted short-range wireless connection herein.

The embodiments thereby provide a collaborative sharing of distributed media data in which user equipment experiencing good or sufficient radio signal quality are employed similar to proxies to distribute the media data to the current user equipment.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method enabling collaborative sharing of media data. The steps of the method shown in Fig. 2 and additional, optional steps shown in Figs. 3-7 are performed in and by a data sharing server.

The method starts in step S1 , which comprises the data sharing server receiving an identifier and position information. The identifier is an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server. The position information received in step S1 represents or indicates a defined position within the media content. The data sharing server then identifies, in step S2, at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The following step S3 comprises the content sharing transmitting respective media data or fetching instructions and set-up instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment identified in step S2. The media data is respective media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information as received in step S1. The fetching instructions are instructions enabling the target user equipment to fetch the respective media data from the media server. Correspondingly, the set-up instructions are instructions enabling the target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit the respective media data to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

Thus, in step S3 the data sharing server transmits the set-up instructions together with either the media data itself or the fetching instructions enabling target user equipment to fetch the media data. The former case (transmitting media data) corresponds to a push situation, whereas the latter case (transmitting fetching instructions) corresponds to a pull situation.

Two different types of wireless connections are thereby involved for media data transfer in the method shown in Fig. 2. Firstly, the current user equipment receives media data of the media content over a long-range wireless communication network. Secondly, the target user equipment(s) use short-range wireless connection(s) to transmit media data of the media content to the user equipment.

In a typical implementation example the long-range wireless communication network is a radio-based communication network, such as a cellular or mobile (phone) network, providing communication services to various user equipment, such as mobile telephones, smartphones, tablets and laptops with communication circuitries. Examples of cellular or mobile networks include 3G mobile networks and Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G mobile networks. The short-range wireless connection(s) between the target user equipment(s) and the current user equipment could be any wireless connection(s) enabling transmission of media data from the target user equipment(s) to the current user equipment. For instance, the short-range wireless connection could be a Bluetooth® connection, an infrared (IR) communication connection, a ZigBee connection, an IEEE 802.15.4 connection, a near field communication (NFC) connection, a 6L0WPAN connection, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) connection, a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) connection, a WirelessHD connection, a WirelessUSB connection, a Z-Wave connection as illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of short-range wireless connections. "Long range" with regard to the wireless communication network implies that two devices, such as a user equipment and a radio base station, also referred to as base station, node B, evolved node B, etc. in the art, involved in a data communication within the long-range wireless communication network do not necessarily have to be physically close to each other in order to communicate therebetween. This is in clear contrast to the short-range wireless connection which requires two communicating devices to be comparatively much closer to each other in order to be within communication range. A typical long- range wireless communication network could provide a communication range of one up to several hundreds of meters, whereas the short-range wireless connection typically has a communication range of one or a few meters, possibly up to several tens of meters. Range of the short-range wireless connection as used herein indicates the communication range at which it is possible conduct media data transmission from one user equipment to another user equipment over or on the short-range wireless connection.

The short-range wireless connection can furthermore preferably be set up as a peer-to-peer or point-to- point wireless connection, preferably without the need for any network infrastructure in terms of radio base stations, network nodes or similar. The long-range wireless communication network in clear contrast typically comprises a network infrastructure with, among others, radio base stations used when two devices communicating with each other. This means that the long-range wireless communication network preferably has a radio access network, whereas no such access network is generally needed to set up and communicate over the short-range wireless connection.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a scenario enabling collaborative sharing of media data. In this scenario, a current user equipment 1 receives media data of a media content from a media server 4 over a long- range wireless communication network represented by a radio base station 6 in the figure. The current user equipment 1 is traveling along the path A-B-E-F-H. The unbroken lines in the figure illustrate paths in which the radio coverage as provided by the radio base station 6 is sufficient to enable transmission of media data from the media server 4. The broken lines correspondingly indicate paths in which the radio coverage is poor. The poor radio coverage would then imply that media data cannot be transmitted at a sufficient rate to match the play out rate of the media data at the current user equipment 1. As a consequence, the buffer of the current user equipment 1 will be depleted and there will be an interruption in the play out of media data. The interruption in play out as the current user equipment passes point B and travels towards point F through point E and also a bit further towards point H until sufficient amount of media data has filled up in the buffer for the play out to resume will be very annoying for the user and cause a low quality of service and user experience. According to an embodiment, a data sharing server 5 receives information of the media content the current user equipment 1 is currently receiving from the media server 4. This information includes the identifier of the media content and the position information representing a position within the media content. The data sharing server 5 also identifies target user equipment(s) 2, 3 that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range connection to the current user equipment 1. In the figure, target user equipment 2, 3 will be within such short range to the current user equipment 1 between at least point E and F. The data sharing server 5 can then transmit media data of the media content requested from the media server 4 to the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 during the travelling from point C to E and from point D to E, respectively. Alternatively, the data sharing server 5 transmits fetching instructions to enable the target user equipment(s) to fetch the media data from the media server 4 during the travelling from point C to E and from point D to E, respectively. The data sharing server 5 additionally transmits set-up instructions to the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 to enable the set-up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1 during the travelling from point E to at least F to thereby transmit the media data received from the data sharing server 5 or fetched from the media server 4 over the short- range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1. This means that the current user equipment 1 will receive media data of the media content from the media server 4 and through the long-range wireless communication network along the paths A-B and F-H and receive media data of the media content from the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 at least along the path E-F. Accordingly, any interruption in play out, if any at all, will be much shorter for the user and the embodiments thereby increase the quality of service and user experience. The media content provided from the media server 4 could be any type of media content. Non-limiting, but illustrative examples, include video content, audio content, audio video content, pictures, Web content, etc. The media content is typically streamed from the media server 4 to the current user equipment 1 over the long-range wireless communication network but could alternatively be delivered using other transmission techniques, such as unicast, multicast, broadcast or downloaded.

In an alternative embodiment, the method of Fig. 2 comprises the data sharing server receiving, in step S1 , an identifier and position information. The identifier is an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server. The position information received in step S1 represents or indicates a defined position within the media content. The data sharing server then identifies, in step S2, at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The following step S3 comprises the data sharing server transmitting respective media data or fetching instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment identified in step S2. The media data is respective media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information as received in step S1. The fetching instructions are instructions enabling the target user equipment to fetch the respective media data from the media server. Step S3 also comprises the data sharing server transmitting, to the current user equipment, setup instructions enabling the current user equipment to set up short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one user equipment to receive the respective media data from the at least user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

In this alternative embodiment, the set-up instructions are sent to the current user equipment, whereas the media data or the fetching instructions are sent to the at least one target user equipment identified in step S2.

In a further alternative, the data sharing server transmits set-up instructions to both the current user equipment and to the at least one target user equipment. In an embodiment, step S1 of Fig. 2 comprises the data sharing server receiving the identifier of the media content and position information representing a current position within the media content. In this embodiment, the media data could be in the form of a streamed media data. In such a case, the position information could indicate a current position within the media data stream. This may be in the form of an offset from a start of the media data stream. The offset then points to the current position within the media data stream. Alternatively, a frame or picture number, such as picture order count value, could be used to indicate a current position and frame within the media data stream. In the case of downloading, the position information could represent a data packet number representing a current position within media content delivered in the form of multiple data packets. Other ways of signaling a position within a media content could alternatively be used according to the embodiments.

The current position could indicate the position within the media content when the user equipment enters or is about to enter the geographical area with poor radio coverage, such as corresponding to the position within the media content when the user equipment 1 arrives at point B in Fig. 1. Thus, the current user equipment 1 could, when reaching the poor radio coverage area, transmit the identifier of the media content and the position information representing the current position within the media content to the data sharing server 5.

The current user equipment 1 could identify the poor radio coverage area based on radio signal measurements or estimations, either performed by the current user equipment 1 itself or based on measurement data received from the radio base station 6. For instance, the current user equipment 1 could identify the border of the poor radio coverage area when a measured signal quality is below a threshold value for at least a defined period of time or during at least a defined number of consecutive measurement occasions. Also indirect techniques could be used to detect entry into the geographical area with poor radio coverage. For instance, information of current bit rate used in the transmission of the media data from the media server 4 to the current user equipment 1 could be used. Another example is the buffer level or status in the current user equipment 1. Thus, if the bit rate or the buffer level falls below a defined threshold for at least a defined period of time or during at least a defined number of consecutive measurement occasions then this could be an indication of the presence of the poor radio coverage.

In an embodiment, step S1 of Fig. 2 comprises the data sharing server receiving the identifier of the media content and the position information transmitted from the user equipment based on a notification of a risk of the current user equipment entering a geographical area within the long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

In this embodiment, the user equipment will be notified when it enters or is about to enter the poor radio coverage area. The user equipment could then provide the identifier and the position information and transmit them to the data sharing server.

A technology for identifying and informing a user equipment of a risk of entering a geographical area with poor radio signal propagation is described below. Briefly, a user equipment is identified based on an estimated position of the user equipment 1 within a cell served by a radio base station 6 in a long- range wireless communication network and based on propagation information defining a geographical area within the cell experiencing persistent poor radio signal propagation. A notice informing the user equipment 1 or a user of the user equipment 1 of the persistent poor radio signal propagation is generated and transmitted to the user equipment 1. Persistent poor radio signal propagation implies that the poor radio signal propagation and thereby the poor radio coverage is persistent and thereby present during an extended period of time. There may be temporary fluctuations in radio signal propagation within a cell such as due to local interference from other user equipment, etc. Such temporary fluctuations are transient and thereby non-persistent. The persistent poor radio signal propagation implies that the geographical area defined by the propagation information experiences poor radio signal propagation for at least an extended period of time such as at least several hours, several days or longer, or even permanently. Examples of persistent but non- permanent causes of poor radio signal propagation could be update or maintenance of the radio base station or of the communication and/or processing circuitry therein, problems or failure of the radio base station of the communication and/or processing circuitry therein. Examples of persistent and permanent causes of poor radio signal propagation could be presence of static obstacles or landscape obstacles within the cell.

The propagation information is preferably generated based on quality data and/or feedback data collected from user equipment previously present within the cell, quality data provided by the radio base station 6 itself and/or from neighboring radio base stations, and/or manually input quality data. This type of input data is then processed in a statistical method in order to provide information of persistent radio signal propagation situation throughout the cell. In particular, the input data is used to identify any geographical area within the cell that is reported or measured to experience persistent poor radio signal propagation.

The propagation information is preferably a type of statistical information. This means that the propagation information is generated and updated based on quality data and/or feedback data from multiple sources, such as multiple user equipment 1 , 2, 3 and/or radio base stations 6. The propagation information is thereby obtained by statistically processing this quality data and/or feedback data. The statistical processing could range from an averaging of signal strength or signal propagation data recorded or measured for substantially the same position within the cell. Also weighted combinations of such signal strength or signal propagation data could be used with different weights depending on, for instance, the time of signal strength or propagation measurement or the source of the quality data.

The notice generated and transmitted to the user equipment 1 could be in the form of a notice comprising informative data for the user of the user equipment 1. The notice could then, for instance, be in the form of a push notification, short messaging service (SMS) notice or a multimedia messaging service (MMS) notice comprising information of the persistent poor radio signal propagation. The user could then manually take action to transmit the identifier of the media content and the position information to the data sharing server 5.

Alternatively, the notice comprises trigger instructions triggering the user equipment 1 to take an action to compensate for the persistent poor radio signal propagation. This action is to automatically transmit the identifier of the media content and the position information to the data sharing server 5.

As an alternative, the position information could alternatively or in addition be sent by the media server 4 since it knows when the connection to the user equipment 1 drops due to the poor radio coverage.

In an embodiment, step S2 of Fig. 2 comprises the data sharing server identifying the at least one target user equipment based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment.

For instance, the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 could provide information of their intended route to the data sharing server 5. This could be in the case of uploading information of a selected route from a route planner application or program run in the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 or from a separate route planner. Alternatively, the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 could periodically, or at selected points in time, provide information of its current position to the data sharing server 5. The data sharing server 5 could then estimate the route of the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 based on this information defining multiple respective positions for the user equipment 1 , 2, 3. Instead of providing information of the route or information enabling the data sharing server 5 to estimate the route, the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 could simply provide information of its current position. This is in particular the case when the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 is traveling along a road. It could then be possible for the data sharing server 5 to estimate the route by having access to map information defining the location of the road along which the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 is traveling.

The data sharing server 5 thereby identifies and selects at least one suitable target user equipment 2, 3, based on the estimation of the route and/or current position of the current user equipment and based on the corresponding estimation of the route and/or current position of other user equipment(s) that could be selected as suitable target user equipment 2, 3. In particular the data sharing server 5 preferably identifies the at least one target user equipment 2, 3 that will be within the range of the short- range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1 for a sufficient period of time to enable setting-up the short-range wireless connection and transmitting the respective media data over the short-range wireless connection.

The estimated routes and/or current positions are thereby used by the data sharing server 5 in order to identify user equipment 2, 3 that will be sufficient close to the current user equipment 1 , i.e. within the range of the short-range wireless connection, for a sufficient long period of time, to enable setting-up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1 and transmitting the media data received from the data sharing server 5 or fetched from the media server 4 over the short-range wireless connection. This means that user equipment that will be traveling too far from the estimated route of the current user equipment 1 and/or only be within the range of the short-range wireless connection for a very short period of time are not suitable as target user equipment and are therefore not identified or selected in step S2 of Fig. 2.

The estimation of the route and/or the current position of a user equipment 1 , 2, 3 could be obtained from the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 itself, such as from a route planner application or program running in the user equipment 1 , 2, 3. Alternatively, the user has access to a separate route planner that could provide information of the route either directly to the data sharing server 5 or through the user equipment 1 , 2, 3. A further variant is to obtain the estimation of the route and/or current position from a network node of the long-range wireless communication network, such as from the radio base station 6.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S1 in Fig. 2. A next step S10 comprises the data sharing server requesting the respective media data from the media server based on the identifier and the position information. The method then continues to step S3 in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, step S3 comprises the data sharing server transmitting the respective media data and the set-up instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment.

In this embodiment, the data sharing server 5 thereby requests the media data from the media server 4 and provides the media data to the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 for further transmission to the current user equipment 1 over the short-range communication connection(s). This thereby corresponds to a push situation in which the data sharing server 5 "pushes" the media data and the set-up instructions to the target user equipment(s) 2, 3. The identifier enables the data sharing server 5 to identify the relevant media content at the media server 4. The position information is then used to identify the particular media data of the media content to request. The amount of media data that is requested could be based on various input parameters. A first such input parameter is the estimated amount of time during which the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 will experience sufficient radio coverage within the long-range wireless communication network in order to receive media data, i.e. up to about point E in Fig. 1. A second input parameter is the estimated period of time during which the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 will be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1 , i.e. from about point E to at least point F in Fig. 1. This means that if more than one target user equipment 2, 3 is identified in step S2 in Fig. 2, the amount of data requested from the media server 4 could be different for different target user equipment 2, 3, such as depending on their respective estimated route and/or current position.

In an embodiment, step S10 comprises requesting, from the media server, respective encrypted media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position. The respective encrypted media data can be decrypted by the current user equipment but not by the at least one target user equipment.

In this embodiment, the media data is thereby encrypted and the current user equipment 1 , but not the target user equipment 2, 3, has access to information, such as decryption key, enabling the current user equipment 1 to decrypt the encrypted media data. This embodiment thereby achieves data security so that even if the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 temporarily store(s) the media data prior to transmission to the current user equipment 1 , the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 cannot decrypt and thereby play out or otherwise use the media data. In an embodiment, step S3 of Fig. 2 comprises the data sharing server transmitting ia) the respective media data or ib) the fetching instructions, iia) an identifier of the current user equipment and iib) the set-up instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment.

The identifier of the current user equipment 1 thereby enables the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 to identify the current user equipment 1 to which it should set up the short-range wireless connection to transmit the received media data (variant ia)) or transmit the fetched media data (variant ib)).

Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S2 or S3 in Fig. 2. A next step S20 comprises the data sharing server transmitting, to the current user equipment, set-up instructions enabling the current user equipment to set up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment. The method then continues to step S3 or ends. The set-up instructions transmitted to the current user equipment 1 in step S20 typically substantially correspond to the set-up instructions that are transmitted to the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 in step S3 in Fig. 2. Thus, the set-up instructions include the information that is necessary to identify (unless a separate identifier of a user equipment is transmitted as well) the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 to communication with and necessary to identify the communication protocol or technique to use when setting up the short-range wireless connection.

In an embodiment, step S20 comprises the data sharing server transmitting a respective identifier of each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment and the set-up instructions to the current user equipment.

The identifier(s) of the target user equipment(s) 2, 3 thereby enable(s) the current user equipment 1 to identify the target user equipment(s) 2, 3, to which it should set up the short-range wireless connection to receive media data. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S2 in Fig 2, which in this embodiment comprises the data sharing server identifying multiple, i.e. at least two, user equipment that will at least temporarily be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The method then continues to step S30. Step S30 comprises the data sharing server selecting, for each target user equipment of the multiple target user equipment, the respective media data of the media content based on the identifier and the position information. The respective media data selected for each one of the multiple target user equipment are different to the respective media data selected for the other of the multiple target user equipment. In this embodiment, different target user equipment 2, 3 receive or fetch different media data of the media content. For instance, a first target user equipment 2 could receive, from the data sharing server, or fetch, from the media server 4, media data corresponding to pictures or frames nos. n to n+k whereas a second target user equipment 2 receives or fetches media data corresponding to pictures or frames nos. n+k+1 to n+k+m, wherein k, m, n are integer numbers. In an alternative embodiment, redundancy can be used in the media data selection so that at least a portion of the media data selected for a first target user equipment 2 in step S30 is the same as the media data selected for a second target user equipment 3. This situation increases the chances that the current user equipment 1 will successfully receive all media data even if the short-range wireless connection to one of the target user equipment 2, 3 should be broken or be too weak to transmit all media data from the target user equipment 2, 3 to the current user equipment 1. This, though, comes at the cost of being able to distribute less amount of data to the current user equipment 1 from the target user equipment 2, 3 as compared to the embodiment described above in connection to Fig. 5.

In an embodiment, step S30 comprises the data sharing server selecting the respective media data of the media content based on the identifier and the position information and based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment.

In this approach, the data sharing server 5 can select the most appropriate media data for each respective target user equipment 2, 3 based on the estimated route and/or current position of the target user equipment 2, 3 relative to the estimated route and/or current position of the current user equipment 1. For instance, the data sharing server 5 could determine, based on the estimated routes and/or current positions, that one of the target user equipment 3 is likely to first be within the range of the short-range wireless communication connection to the current user equipment 1 and then another target user equipment 2 comes within the short range with the current user equipment 1. In such a case, the media data selected for the one of the target user equipment 3 could be a first portion of the media content following the position indicated by the position information, such as corresponding to pictures frames nos. n to n+k. The media data selected for the other of the target user equipment 2 could then correspond to a following portion of the media content, such as corresponding to pictures or frames nos. n+k+1 to n+k+m, wherein k, m, n represent integer numbers. In this case, the media data is selected in step S30 based on the order at which target user equipment 2, 3 will be within the short range of the current user equipment 1.

In an alternative or additional approach, the data sharing server 5 can select the amount of media data of the media content for the target user equipment 2, 3 based on estimated routes and/or current positions. Thus, the estimated routes and/or current positions could be used to estimate a respective period of time during which each target user equipment 2, 3 is within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1. Typically, the longer period of time a target user equipment 2, 3 is within the short range to the current user equipment 1 the larger amount of media data is selected in step S30 for that target user equipment 2, 3. Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating additional, optional steps of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S2 in Fig. 2. A next step S40 comprises the data sharing server selecting a target speed of travel for at least one of the current user equipment and the at least one target user equipment based on an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of the at least one target user equipment. A following step S41 comprises the data sharing server transmitting, to the at least one of the current user equipment and the at least one target user equipment, a notification defining the target speed of travel selected to extend a period of time during which the at least one target user equipment is within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The method then continues to step S3 in Fig. 2.

In this embodiment, the data sharing server 5 uses estimations of routes and/or multiple past time- stamped positions in order to select a suitable target speed of travel for the current user equipment 1 and/or one or all of the target user equipment 2, 3. The target speed of travel is thereby selected to extend the period of time during which the current user equipment 1 and the one or all of the target user equipment 2, 3 is within the range of the short-range wireless connection. This in turn implies that the period of time during which a target user equipment 2, 3 can forward media data to the current user equipment 1 over the short-range wireless connection is extended.

The multiple past time-stamped positions of a user equipment 1 , 2, 3 can be used by the data sharing server 5 in order to estimate a route and/or current speed of travel of the user equipment 1 , 2, 3. These multiple past time-stamped positions could be used instead of or as a complement to the estimation of the route for the user equipment 1 , 2, 3 in step S40.

Time-stamped implies that the position information preferably comprises or is associated with time information representing the time at which the position was determined or estimated.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating additional, optional steps of the method shown in Fig. 2 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S2 in Fig. 2. A next step S50 comprises the data sharing server identifying a suitable route for the current user equipment based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment. The following step S51 comprises the data sharing server transmitting information of the suitable route to the current user equipment. The method then continues to step S3 in Fig. 2.

In the scenario as shown in Fig. 1 at least one target user equipment 2, 3 will travel substantially along the same path as the current user equipment 1 and be at least temporarily within the range of the short- range wireless connection to the user equipment 1. This means that there is no need to redirect the current user equipment 1 in order to be within the range of the target user equipment 2, 3 and thereby enable reception media data through the target user equipment 2, 3.

Fig. 16 illustrates another scenario in which the current user equipment 1 is planned to travel along the path A-B-E-F-H. In this example, no target user equipment will be within the range of the short-range wireless connection during the path (B-E-F) with poor radio coverage, i.e. during the path when the delivery of media data from the media server 4 through the long-range wireless network and radio base station 6 to the current user equipment 1 is likely to fail. However, there is a potential target user equipment 2 nearby that is traveling along the path l-J-K-L. This means that if the current user equipment 1 is redirected to instead travel along the path A-B-J-K-F-H the current user equipment 1 will be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the potential target user equipment 2 at least during the path between points J and K.

The data sharing server 5 can thereby use information of the current positions and/or estimations of the route of the current user equipment 1 and nearby target user equipment 2 in order to identify an alternative and suitable route for the current user equipment 1 that allows the current user equipment 1 to be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to a target user equipment 2 during at least a portion of a path of travel experiencing poor radio coverage for the long-range wireless communication network. The user of the current user equipment 1 can then select whether to take the alternative path (A-B-J-K-F-H) to thereby continue to receive media data of the media content or continue with the previous path (A-B-E-F-H) and thereby running a risk of not receiving any more media data of the media content at least until reaching the point F.

The information transmitted by the data sharing server 5 to the current user equipment 1 is preferably presented as an alternative route in the route planner application or program of the current user equipment 1 or forwarded using a wireless or wired connection from the current user equipment 1 to a separate route planner of the user.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for collaborative sharing of media data. The steps of the method shown in Fig. 8 and the additional, optional steps as shown in Figs. 9-12 are preferably performed in or by the so-called current user equipment. The method starts in step S60, which comprises a user equipment transmitting, to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The following step S61 comprises the user equipment receiving set-up instructions for setting up short- range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment from the data sharing server. The user equipment then sets up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment in step S62. The following step comprises the user equipment receiving respective media data of the media content from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

Thus, the user equipment 1 is receiving, during a media session, media data of a media content from the media server 4 over a long-range wireless communication network represented by the radio base station 6 in Fig. 1. Steps S60-S63 enable the user equipment 1 to continue receiving media data of the media content even when entering a geographical area where the long-range wireless communication network provides poor radio coverage. This poor radio coverage would otherwise result in not receiving sufficient media data to prevent depleting the buffer of the user equipment 1 , thereby causing an interruption in the play out of the media content. However, the embodiments solve this by receiving setup instructions to set up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment 2, 3 and then receive media data of the media content from the at least one target user equipment 2, 3 over the short-range wireless connection(s). The at least one target user equipment 2, 3 thereby temporarily takes over the responsibility from the radio base station 6 in terms of distributing media data to the user equipment 1. Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to an embodiment. This additional step S70 comprises the user equipment reporting an estimation of a route and/or current position to the data sharing server. The method then continues to step S60 in Fig. 8. The estimation of the route and/or current position of the user equipment 1 can then be used by the data sharing server 5 as previously described herein in order to identify and select suitable target user equipment 2, 3, select the respective media data each such target user equipment 2, 3 should distribute to the user equipment 1 , select suitable speed of travel and/or redirecting the current user equipment 1.

In an embodiment, step S60 of Fig. 8 comprises the user equipment transmitting the i) the identifier of the media content and ii) the position information to the data sharing server upon detection of a risk of entering a geographical area within the long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

Thus, a trigger of performing the steps shown in Fig. 8 could be the detection of the risk of entering such a poor radio coverage area. This detection could be based on reception of a notice informing the user equipment 1 or a user of the user equipment 1 of the persistent poor radio signal propagation as previously described herein.

In an embodiment, step S61 comprises the user equipment receiving a respective identifier of the at least one target user equipment and the set-up instructions from the data sharing server. In this embodiment, step S62 preferably comprises the user equipment setting up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the least one target user equipment based on the respective identifier(s) of the at least one target user equipment and the set-up instructions.

The identifier(s) thereby allow the user equipment 1 to identify the target user equipment 2, 3, to which the short-range wireless connection(s) should be set up.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S63 in Fig. 8. A next step S80 comprises the user equipment reassembling the respective media data received from the at least one target user equipment in correct play-out order.

This means that the user equipment 1 reassembles the media data received from the target user equipment 2,3 in correct order to decode and preferably play out the media data in correct order. This reassembling is preferably performed based on information included in the respective media data, such as frame or picture number (POC values), information included in headers of data packets carrying the media data, such as data packet numbers, etc.

Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S60 or S61 in Fig. 8. A next step S90 comprises the user equipment receiving a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by the data sharing server to extend a period of time during which the at least one target user equipment is within a range of the short-range wireless connection. The method then continues to step S61 or S62 of Fig. 8. In this embodiment, the user equipment 1 has preferably reported, to the data sharing server 5, an estimation of its route and/or multiple past positions taken at different times during the travel. The data sharing server 5 can then use this reported information together with corresponding information from the at least one target user equipment 2, 3 in order to select a suitable target speed for the current user equipment 1 in order to extend the period of time during which media data can be distributed to the current user equipment 1 from the at least one target user equipment 2, 3 over the short-range wireless connection(s).

Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating additional, optional steps of the method shown in Fig. 8 according to an embodiment. The method continues from step S60 in Fig. 8. A next step S100 comprises the user equipment receiving information of a suitable route identified by the data sharing server based on an estimation of a current route and/or current position of the user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment. The suitable route at least temporarily brings the at least one target user equipment within a range of the short-range wireless connection to the user equipment. The following step S101 comprises the user equipment transmitting a confirmation of selection of the suitable route to the data sharing server to trigger the data sharing server to transmit the set-up instructions in step S61 of Fig. 8.

This embodiment thereby corresponds to the scenario as exemplified in Fig. 16 and as previously described herein. The user equipment 1 thereby preferably reports its estimate route and/or current position to the data sharing server 5, which then identifies a user equipment 2 that could be a target user equipment 2 if the user equipment 1 selects another route along which the other user equipment 2 is travelling. If the user accepts the route, information of which is received in step S100, the user equipment 1 preferably transmits a confirmation to the data sharing server 5 to thereby inform the data sharing server 5 of the redirection of the user equipment 1 to be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the target user equipment 2.

Fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for collaborative sharing of media data. The steps of the method shown in Fig. 13 and the additional, optional steps as shown in Figs. 14-15 are preferably performed in or by the so-called target user equipment. The method starts in step S110, which comprises a target user equipment receiving, from a data sharing server, ia) media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network or ib) fetching instructions for fetching, from the media server, the media data and ii) set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The following step S11 comprises the target user equipment temporarily storing the media data in a memory. The target user equipment sets up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment in step S112. Finally, the target user equipment transmits the media data temporarily stored in the memory to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

The target user equipment 2, 3 thereby receives set-up instructions for setting up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment 1 in step S110. The target user equipment 2, 3 additionally receives media data (push-based variant) or fetching instructions allowing the target user equipment 2, 3 to fetch the media data from the media server 4 (pull-based variant). In either case, the received or fetched media data is temporarily stored in a memory of the target user equipment 2, 3. Once the media data has been transmitted to the current user equipment 1 in step S113 the media data is preferably removed from the memory in the target user equipment 2, 3. The reason being that the media data is only intended for the current user equipment 1 and not the target user equipment 2, 3. The target user equipment 2, 3 is merely employed as temporary storage and distribution device for the media data and the current user equipment 1.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 13 according to an embodiment. The method starts in step S120, which comprises the target user equipment reporting an estimation of a route and/or current position to the data sharing server.

The reported estimation of the route and/or current position can then be used by the data sharing server as previously described herein, for instance, when identifying and selecting suitable target user equipment, selecting suitable speed of travel, redirecting the current user equipment and/or selecting the particular media data of the media content different target user equipment should distribute to the current user equipment. The method then continues to step S110 in Fig. 13.

In an embodiment, step S110 comprises the target user equipment receiving ia) the media data or ib) the fetching instructions, iia) an identifier of the current user equipment and iib) the set-up instructions from the data sharing server.

The identifier of the current user equipment 1 is preferably employed by the target user equipment 2, 3 in order to identify the particular user equipment 1 , to which it should set up the short-range wireless connection in step S112.

In an embodiment, step S110 comprises the target user equipment receiving ia) encrypted media data of the media content or ib) the fetching instruction for fetching the encrypted media data from the media server and ii) the set-up instructions from the data sharing server. The encrypted media data can only be decrypted by the current user equipment.

Thus, the media data received from the data sharing server 5 or fetched from the media server 4 and temporarily stored in the memory of the target user equipment 2, 3 is preferably encrypted. Furthermore, the encrypted media data can be decrypted by the current user equipment 1 but not by the target user equipment 2, 3. This means that even if the target user equipment 2, 3 temporarily stores encrypted media data of the media content it cannot decrypt and thereby play out or otherwise use the media data besides transmitting it in step S113 to the current user equipment 1.

Fig. 15 is a flow chart illustrating an additional, optional step of the method shown in Fig. 13 according to an embodiment, the method continues from step S110 or S111 in Fig. 13. A next step S130 comprises the target user equipment receiving a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by the data sharing server to extend the period of time during which the current user equipment is within a range of the short-range wireless connection. The method then continues to step S111 or S112 of Fig. 813

In this embodiment, the target user equipment 2, 3 has preferably reported, to the data sharing server 5, an estimation of its route and/or multiple past positions taken at different times during the travel. The data sharing server 5 can then use this reported information together with corresponding information from the current user equipment 1 in order to select a suitable target speed for the target user equipment 2, 3 in order to extend the period of time during which media data can be distributed to the current user equipment 1 from the target user equipment 2, 3 over the short-range wireless connection(s). Fig. 17 is a signal diagram according to an embodiment of collaborative sharing of media data. In Fig. 17 and the signal diagram of Figs. 18 and 19, C-UE denotes current user equipment and T-UE denotes target user equipment.

In Fig. 17, media data of the media content is transmitted from the media server over the long-range wireless communication network to the current user equipment during the ongoing communication session. In an embodiment, the user equipment report information of their routes to the data sharing server, or information of their current positions. Alternatively, the data sharing server could obtain this information from other sources as described, herein such as estimated by a network entity within the long-range wireless communication network.

The current user equipment preferably reports the identifier of the media content together with the position information indicated as an offset defining a defined position within the media content. This report is preferably triggered by the notification of the current user equipment of a risk of entering a geographical area within the long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

The data sharing server uses the reported routes in order to identify one or more suitable target user equipment. In this embodiment, the data sharing server uses the reported identifier and offset in order to request and receive media data of the media content from the media server (push-based variant). The media data is then transmitted to the selected target user equipment together with set-up instructions. The target user equipment temporarily stores the received media data in its memory. The current user equipment preferably also receives such set-up instructions from the data sharing server in order to set up short-range wireless connection(s) to the target user equipment(s). The respective target user equipment then sets up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment and transmits the media data to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection. If multiple target user equipment are selected by the data sharing server they could sequentially set up connections and transmit media data to the current user equipment one-by-one, or set up connections and transmit media data in parallel, i.e. simultaneously or at least partly overlapping in time. The approach taken depends on when the target user equipment will be within the short range to the current user equipment and the capability of the current user equipment to handle multiple parallel short-range wireless connections.

Once the current user equipment is receiving media data from the target user equipment it reassembles the media data in correct order in order to decode and preferably play out the media data.

The target user equipment preferably removes the media data from its memory once it has been transmitted to the current user equipment.

Fig. 18 illustrates a signal diagram during a pull-based variant. In this embodiment, the data sharing server does not request the media data from the media server. In clear contrast it transmits fetching instructions to the target user equipment to request and receive the media data from the media server. Hence, in this embodiment the target user equipment receives set-up instructions and information needed in order to set up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment and fetching instructions and information needed in order to request respective media data of the media content from the media server.

The following signaling is substantially the same as in Fig. 17.

It is possible to combine the push-based variant of Fig. 17 with the pull-based variant of Fig. 18 when the data sharing server selects more than one target user equipment. In such a case, the push-based variant of Fig. 17 could be applied for at least one target user equipment, whereas the pull-based variant of Fig. 18 could be applied for at least one other target user equipment.

Fig. 19 is a signal diagram illustrating an embodiment of redirecting the current user equipment. In this embodiment, the data sharing server determines, based on the reported routes, that no user equipment could be employed as target user equipment if the current user equipment continues to travel along its reported route. However, if the current user equipment is instead redirected to a new route a user equipment is available to be used as target user equipment. The data sharing server then transmits information of the new route to the current user equipment. If the user accepts the new route, it confirms the selection of the new route to the data sharing server. The following signaling is then substantially the same as shown in Fig. 17. This embodiment can of course be applied to a pull-based variant as shown in Fig. 18. The embodiments thereby provide a collaborative way of caching media data between user equipment. The user equipment employ short-range connectivity in order to transfer the media data between them in areas where wide area or long-range connectivity is not sufficient.

The user equipment 2, 3 selected and used in the embodiments may have users subscribing to a service at the data sharing server 5 as content provider. This service may be able to receive media data from other user equipment in areas where a long-range wireless communication network provides poor radio coverage. However, the service also involves the employment of the user equipment as a temporary storage and distribution device when helping other users subscribing to the service. In another scenario, some users could be paid by the content provider to grant the use of their user equipment as target user equipment, i.e. as a temporary storage and distribution device.

A further variant is to use user equipment arranged in, for instance, rental cars, taxis, public transports, etc. as target user equipment, i.e. as a temporary storage and distribution device. The owner(s) of these types of vehicles could then have an agreement with content provider.

Another aspect of the embodiments relates to a data sharing server. The data sharing server is configured to receive i) an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The data sharing server is also configured to identify at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short- range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The data sharing server is further configured to transmit, to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment, ia) respective media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information or ib) fetching instructions enabling the target user equipment to fetch the respective media data from the media server and ii) set-up instructions enabling the target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit the respective media data to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection. In an alternative aspect, the data sharing server is configured to receive i) an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The data sharing server is also configured to identify at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The data sharing server is further configured to transmit, to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment, ia) respective media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information or ib) fetching instructions enabling the target user equipment to fetch the respective media data from the media server. The data sharing server is additionally configured to transmit, to the current user equipment, set-up instructions enabling the current user equipment to set up short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment to receive the respective media data from the at least one target user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to receive i) the identifier and ii) position information representing a current position within the media content. In a particular embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to receive i) the identifier and ii) the position information from the current user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to receive i) the identifier and ii) the position information transmitted from the current user equipment based on a notification of a risk of the current user equipment entering a geographical area within the long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to identify the at least one target user equipment based on an estimation of a route and/current position of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to identify the at least one target user equipment that will be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment for a sufficient period of time to enable setting-up the short-range wireless connection and transmitting the respective media data over the short-range wireless connection.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to request the respective media data from the media server. The data sharing server is also configured, in this embodiment, to transmit, to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment, ia) the respective media data and ii) the set-up instructions.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to request, from the media server, respective encrypted media data of the media content selected based on the identifier and the position information. The respective encrypted media data can be decrypted by the current user equipment but not by the least one target user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to transmit ia) the respective media data or ib) the fetching instructions, iia) an identifier of the current user equipment and iib) the set-up instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to transmit, to the current user equipment, setup instructions enabling the current user equipment to set up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to transmit, to the user equipment, a respective identifier of each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment and the set-up instructions enabling the current user equipment to set up the short-range wireless connection(s).

In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to identify multiple user equipment that will at least temporarily be within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The data sharing server is also configured, in this embodiment, to select, for each target user equipment of the multiple target user equipment, the respective media data of the media content based on the identifier and the position information. The respective media data selected for each one of the multiple target user equipment is different from the respective media data selected for the other of the multiple target user equipment. In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to select the respective media data of the media content based on the identifier and the position information and based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment. In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to select a target speed of travel for at least one of the current user equipment and the at least one target user equipment based on an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of the at least one target user equipment. The data sharing server is also configured, in this embodiment, to transmit to the at least one of the current user equipment and the at least one target user equipment, a notification defining the target speed of travel selected to extend a period of time during which the at least one target user equipment is within the range of the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. In an embodiment, the data sharing server is configured to identify a suitable route for the current user equipment based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of the current user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment. The data sharing server is also configured, in this embodiment, to transmit information of the suitable route to the current user equipment.

A further aspect of the embodiments relates to a user equipment configured to transmit, to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The user equipment is also configured to receive, from the data sharing server, set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment. The user equipment is further configured to set up the short-range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment. The user equipment is additionally configured to receive respective media data of the media content from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to report an estimation of a route and/or current position to the data sharing server.

In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to transmit i) the identifier and ii) the position information to the data sharing server upon detection of a risk of entering a geographical area within the long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to receive a respective identifier of the at least one target user equipment and set-up instructions for setting up the short-range wireless connection(s) from the data sharing server. The user equipment is also configured, in this embodiment, to set up the short- range wireless connection(s) to the at least one target user equipment based on the respective identifier(s) of the at least one target user equipment and the set-up instructions. In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to reassemble the respective media data received from the at least one target user equipment in correct play-out order.

In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to receive a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by the data sharing server to extend a period of time during which the at least one target user equipment is within a range of the short-range wireless connection.

In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to receive information of a suitable route identified by the data sharing server based on an estimation of a current route and/or current position of the user equipment and an estimation of a route and/or current position of the at least one target user equipment. The suitable route at least temporarily brings the at least one target user equipment within a range of the short-range wireless connection to the user equipment. The user equipment is also configured, in this embodiment, to transmit a confirmation of the suitable route to the data sharing server to trigger the data sharing server to transmit the set-up instructions. Yet another aspect of the embodiments relates to a user equipment configured to receive, from a data sharing server, ia) media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network or ib) fetching instructions for fetching, from the media server, the media data and ii) set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The user equipment is also configured to temporarily store the media data in a memory. The user equipment is further configured to set up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment. The user equipment is additionally configured to transmit the media data temporarily stored in the memory to the current user equipment over the short- range wireless connection. In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to report an estimation of a route and/or current position to the data sharing server.

In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to receive ia) the media data or ib) the fetching instructions, iia) an identifier of the current user equipment and iib) the set-up instructions from the data sharing server. The user equipment is also configured, in this embodiment, to set up the short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment based on the identifier of the current user equipment and the set-up instructions. In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to receive ia) encrypted media data of the media content or ib) fetching instructions for fetching the encrypted media data from the media server and ii) the set-up instructions from the data sharing server. The encrypted media data can only be decrypted by the current user equipment, and thereby preferably not by the user equipment. In an embodiment, the user equipment is configured to receive a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by the data sharing server to extend a period of time during which the current user is within range of the short-range wireless connection.

It will be appreciated that the methods and devices described herein can be combined and re-arranged in a variety of ways.

For example, embodiments may be implemented in hardware, or in software for execution by suitable processing circuitry, or a combination thereof. The steps, functions, procedures, modules and/or blocks described herein may be implemented in hardware using any conventional technology, such as discrete circuit or integrated circuit technology, including both general-purpose electronic circuitry and application-specific circuitry.

Particular examples include one or more suitably configured digital signal processors and other known electronic circuits, e.g. discrete logic gates interconnected to perform a specialized function, or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

Fig. 20 illustrates a particular hardware implementation of a data sharing server 500 according to an embodiment. The data sharing server 500 comprises a receiver 501 configured receive i) the identifier of the media content and ii) the position information from the current user equipment. The data sharing server 500 also comprises a user equipment identifier 502 configured to identify the at least one target user equipment. The data sharing server 500 further comprises a transmitter 503 configured to transmit ia) the respective media data or ib) the fetching instructions and ii) the set-up instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment. In an embodiment, the receiver 501 is connected to the transmitter 503 in order to forward the identifier and position information thereto to be included in ib) the fetching instructions or to be used when requesting the media data from the media server. The user equipment identifier 502 is preferably also connected to the transmitter 503 in order to provide information of the identified at least one target user equipment to the transmitter 503.

Fig. 23 is a corresponding hardware implementation of a user equipment 100 according to an embodiment. The user equipment 100 comprises a transmitter 101 configured to transmit i) the identifier of the media content and ii) the position information to the data sharing server. The user equipment 100 also comprises a receiver 102 configured to receive the set-up instructions and receive the respective media data. The user equipment 100 further comprises a connection unit 103 configured to set up the short-range wireless connection(s). The receiver 102 is preferably connected to the connection unit 103 in order to forward the received set-up instructions thereto. The transmitter 101 is optionally connected to the connection unit 103.

Fig. 26 is a hardware implementation of a user equipment 200 according to another embodiment. The user equipment 200 comprises a receiver 201 configured to receive ia) the media data or ib) the fetching instructions and ii) the set-up instructions from the data sharing server. The user equipment 200 also comprises a data storing unit 202 configured to temporarily store the media data in a memory 205. The user equipment 200 further comprises a connection unit 203 configured to set up the short- range wireless connection. The user equipment 200 additionally comprises a transmitter 204 configured to transmit the media data temporarily stored in the memory 204 to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

The receiver 201 is preferably connected to the data storing unit 202 in order to forward the media data thereto and to the connection unit 203 in order to forward the set-up instructions thereto. The data storing unit 202 is preferably connected to the memory 205 in order to temporarily store media data therein and retrieve media data therefrom. The connection unit 203 is preferably connected to the transmitter 204 in order to enable setting up the short-range wireless connection. Alternatively, at least some of the steps, functions, procedures, modules and/or blocks described herein may be implemented in software such as a computer program for execution by suitable processing circuitry such as one or more processors or processing units. Examples of processing circuitry includes, but is not limited to, one or more microprocessors, one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), video acceleration hardware, and/or any suitable programmable logic circuitry such as one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), or one or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). It should also be understood that it may be possible to re-use the general processing capabilities of any conventional device, unit, system or arrangement in which the proposed technology is implemented. It may also be possible to re-use existing software, e.g. by reprogramming of the existing software or by adding new software components. In a particular example, the data sharing server 510, see Fig. 21 , comprises a processor 511 and a memory 512 comprising instructions executable by the processor 511. The processor 511 is operative to input i) the identifier of the media content and ii) the position information. The processor 511 is also operative to identify the at least one target user equipment. The processor 511 is further operative to output for transmission of ia) the respective media data or ib) the fetching instructions and ii) the set-up instructions to each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server 510 also comprises, in addition to the processor 511 and the memory 512, a receiver 513 and a transmitter 514 as shown in Fig. 21. The optional receiver 513 is configured to receive i) the identifier of the media content and ii) the position information and the optional transmitter 514 is configured to transmit ia) the respective media data or ib) the fetching instructions and ii) the set-up instructions to each target user equipment.

Fig. 24 illustrates a corresponding example of a user equipment 110 comprising a processor 111 and a memory 112 comprising instructions executable by the processor 111. The processor 111 is operative to output i) the identifier of the media content and ii) the position information for transmission to the data sharing server. The processor 111 is also operative to input the set-up instructions and input the respective media data. The processor 111 is further operative to set up the short-range wireless connection(s). In an embodiment, the user equipment 110 also comprises, in addition to the processor 111 and the memory 112, a receiver 113 and a transmitter 114 as shown in Fig. 24. The optional receiver 113 is configured to receive the set-up instructions and the respective media data. The optional transmitter 114 is configured to transmit the identifier of the media content and the position information.

5

Fig. 27 illustrates another example of a user equipment 210 comprising a processor 211 and a memory 212 comprising instructions executable by the processor 211. The processor 211 is operative to input ia) the media data or ib) the fetching instructions and ii) the set-up instructions received from the data sharing server. The processor 211 is also operative to temporarily store the media data in the memory 10 212. The processor 211 is further operative to set up the short-range wireless connection. The processor 211 is additionally operative to retrieve the media data from the memory 212 for transmission to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

In an embodiment, the user equipment 210 also comprises, in addition to the processor 211 and the 15 memory 212, a receiver 213 and a transmitter 214 as shown in Fig. 27. The optional receiver 213 is configured to receive ia) the media data or ib) the fetching instructions and ii) the set-up instructions. The optional transmitter 214 is configured to transmit the media data retrieved from the memory 212.

With reference to Figs. 21 , 24 and 27, in a particular embodiment, the processor 111 , 211 , 511 is 20 operative, when executing the instructions stored in the memory 112, 212, 512, to perform the above- described operations. The processor 111 , 211 , 511 is thereby interconnected to the memory 112, 212, 512 to enable normal software execution.

Fig. 30 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a device 400 comprising a processor 25 410, an associated memory 420 and a communication circuitry 430.

In this particular example, at least some of the steps, functions, procedures, modules and/or blocks described herein are implemented in a computer program 440, which is loaded into the memory 420 for execution by processing circuitry including one or more processors 410. The processor 410 and 30 memory 420 are interconnected to each other to enable normal software execution. A communication circuitry 430 is also interconnected to the processor 410 and/or the memory 420 to enable wireless communication with external entities. The term 'processor' should be interpreted in a general sense as any system or device capable of executing program code or computer program instructions to perform a particular processing, determining or computing task. The processing circuitry including one or more processors is thus configured to perform, when executing the computer program, well-defined processing tasks such as those described herein.

The processing circuitry does not have to be dedicated to only execute the above-described steps, functions, procedure and/or blocks, but may also execute other tasks.

In an embodiment, the computer program 440 comprises instructions, which when executed by the processor 410, cause the processor 410 to identify at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to a current user equipment receiving media content transmitted over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server. The processor 410 is also caused to generate set-up instructions enabling each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit, to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection, respective media data of the media content selected based on an identifier of the media content and position information representing a defined position within the media content.

In another embodiment, the computer program 440 comprises instructions, which when executed by the processor 410, cause the processor 410 to provide, for transmission to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The processor 410 is also caused to set up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up short- range wireless connection(s) received from the data sharing server. The processor 410 is further caused to store, in an associated memory 420, respective media data of the media content received from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

In a further embodiment, the computer program 440 comprises instructions, which when executed by the processor 410, cause the processor 410 to temporarily store, in an associated memory 420, media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network. The media data is received from a data sharing server or fetched from the media server using fetching instructions received from the data sharing server. The processor 420 is also caused to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment based on the set-up instructions received from the data sharing server. The processor 420 is further caused to retrieve, from the associated memory 420, the media data temporarily stored in the associated memory 5 420 for transmission to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

The proposed technology also provides a carrier 450 comprising the computer program 440. The carrier 450 is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium 10 450.

By way of example, the software or computer program 440 may be realized as a computer program product, which is normally carried or stored on a computer-readable medium 450, preferably nonvolatile computer-readable storage medium 450. The computer-readable medium 450 may include one

15 or more removable or non-removable memory devices including, but not limited to a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), a Blue-ray disc, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory, a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) storage device, a flash memory, a magnetic tape, or any other conventional memory device. The computer program 440 may thus be loaded into the operating memory 420 of a computer or equivalent processing device,

20 represented by the device 400 in Fig. 30, for execution by the processor 410 thereof.

The flow diagram or diagrams presented herein may therefore be regarded as a computer flow diagram or diagrams, when performed by one or more processors. A corresponding entity may be defined as a group of function modules, where each step performed by the processor corresponds to a function 25 module. In this case, the function modules are implemented as a computer program running on the processor. Hence, the device may alternatively be defined as a group of function modules, where the function modules are implemented as a computer program running on at least one processor.

Examples of such function modules are illustrated in Figs. 22, 25 and 28 illustrating schematic block 30 diagrams of a data sharing server 520 and user equipment 120, 220 with function modules, respectively.

The data sharing server 520 of Fig. 22 comprises a user equipment identifier 521 for identifying at least one target user equipment that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to a current user equipment receiving media content transmitted over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server. The data sharing server 520 also comprises an instruction generator 522 for generating set-up instructions enabling each target user equipment of the at least one target user equipment to set up a short-range wireless connection to the current user equipment to transmit, to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection, respective media data of the media content selected based on an identifier of the media content and position information representing a defined position within the media content.

In an embodiment, the data sharing server 520 also comprises an input and output (I/O) unit 523 for inputting the identifier of the media content and the position information and for outputting the set-up instructions.

The user equipment 120 of Fig. 25 comprises a data provider 121 for providing, for transmission to a data sharing server, i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within the media content. The user equipment 120 also comprise a connection unit 122 for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) received from the data sharing server. The user equipment 120 further comprises a data storing unit 123 for storing, in an associated memory 124, respective media data of the media content received from the at least one target user equipment over the short-range wireless connection(s).

The associated memory 124 may comprise at least one buffer for storing decoded pictures or frames obtained by decoding the respective media data received from the at least one target user equipment.

The user equipment 120 preferably also comprises an I/O unit 125 for outputting the identifier of the media content and the position information and for inputting the set-up instructions and the respective media data. The user equipment 220 of Fig. 28 comprises a data storing unit 221 for temporarily storing, in an associated memory 224, media data of a media content transmitted from a media server to a current user equipment over a long-range wireless communication network. The media data is received from a data sharing server or fetched from the media server using fetching instructions received from the data sharing server. The user equipment 220 also comprises a connection unit 222 for setting up a short- range wireless connection to the current user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection received from the data sharing server. The user equipment 220 further comprises a data retrieving unit 223 for retrieving, from the associated memory 224, the media data temporarily stored in the associated memory 224 for transmission to the current user equipment over the short-range wireless connection.

The user equipment 220 preferably also comprises an I/O unit 225 for inputting the media data, the setup instructions and the optional fetching instructions and for outputting the media data. The user equipment of the embodiments, such as shown in any of Figs. 23 to 28, can be any mobile or portable user equipment capable of conducting communication services with a long-range wireless communication network and set-up short-range wireless connections with other user equipment. The user equipment may be in the form of a mobile telephone, a smart phone, a tablet, or a laptop as illustrative but non-limiting examples.

The data sharing server of the embodiments, such as shown in any of Figs. 20 to 22 could be a server implemented in or connected to the long-range wireless communication network. The data sharing server may accordingly be connected to or comprised within a radio base station, traditionally denoted network node, base station, radio base station, NodeB, eNodeB or general communication access point in the art.

The data sharing server may be implemented at a single physical location or could be distributed among multiple locations or sites. An example of such a distributed implementation is shown in Fig. 29, which illustrates a cloud-based implementation of the data sharing server 10. In this distributed implementation, the functions of the data sharing server 10 are distributed among different network nodes or network devices present in or connected to a wired and/or wireless communication network, represented by the could in Fig. 29. This means that the user equipment identifier 11 and the instruction generator 12 of the data sharing server 10 could be implemented at different physical devices in or connected to the communication network. It is indeed possible to distribute the processing and functionality of the user identifier 11 and/or the instruction generator 12 among multiple such network devices or nodes. The figure also illustrates the optional I/O unit 13 or a transceiver (TRX) 13 as illustrative examples of functionality for conducting communication with user equipment. The embodiments described above are to be understood as a few illustrative examples of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, different part solutions in the different embodiments can be combined in other configurations, where technically possible. The scope of the present invention is, however, defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method enabling collaborative sharing of media data, said method comprising:

a data sharing server (5) receiving (S1) i) an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment (1) over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4) and ii) position information representing a defined position within said media content;

said data sharing server (5) identifying (S2) at least one target user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1); and

said data sharing server (5) transmitting (S3), to each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3), ia) respective media data of said media content selected based on said identifier and said position information or ib) fetching instructions enabling said target user equipment (2, 3) to fetch said respective media data from said media server (4) and ii) set-up instructions enabling said target user equipment (2, 3) to set up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1) to transmit said respective media data to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said data sharing server (5) identifying (S2) said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) comprises said data sharing server (5) identifying (S2) said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising said data sharing server (5) transmitting (S20), to said current user equipment (1), set-up instructions enabling said current user equipment (1) to set up said short-range wireless connection(s) to said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

4. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said data sharing server (5) identifying (S2) at least one target user equipment (2, 3) comprises said data sharing server (5) identifying (S2) multiple user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within said range of said short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1), said method further comprising said data sharing server (5) selecting (S30), for each target user equipment (2, 3) of said multiple target user equipment (2, 3), said respective media data of said media content based on said identifier and said position information, wherein said respective media data selected for each one of said multiple target user equipment (2, 3) being different from said respective media data selected for the other of said multiple target user equipment (2, 3).

5. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 4, further comprising said data sharing server (5) selecting (S30) said respective media data of said media content based on said identifier and said position information and based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

6. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

said data sharing server (5) selecting (S40) a target speed of travel for at least one of said current user equipment (1) and said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) based on an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and

said data sharing server (5) transmitting (S41), to said at least one of said current user equipment (1) and said at least one target user equipment (2, 3), a notification defining said target speed of travel selected to extend a period of time during which said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) is within said range of said short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1).

7. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

said data sharing server (5) identifying (S50) a suitable route for said current user equipment (1) based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and

said data sharing server (5) transmitting (S51) information of said suitable route to said current user equipment (1).

8. A method for collaborative sharing of media data, said method comprising:

a user equipment (1) transmitting (S60), to a data sharing server (5), i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4) during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within said media content;

said user equipment (1) receiving (S61) set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment (2, 3) from said data sharing server (5); said user equipment (1) setting up (S62) said short-range wireless connection(s) to said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and

said user equipment (1) receiving (S63) respective media data of said media content from said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) over said short-range wireless connection(s).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said user equipment (1) transmitting (S60) i) said identifier and ii) said position information comprises said user equipment (1) transmitting (S60) i) said identifier and ii) said position information to said data sharing server (5) upon detection of a risk of entering a geographical area within said long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising said user equipment (1 ) receiving (S90) a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by said data sharing server (5) to extend a period of time during which said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) is within a range of said short- range wireless connection.

11. The method according to any of the claims 8 to 10, further comprising:

said user equipment (1) receiving (S100) information of a suitable route identified by said data sharing server (5) based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3), wherein said suitable route at least temporarily brings said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) within a range of said short-range wireless connection to said user equipment (1); and

said user equipment (1) transmitting (S101) a confirmation of selection of said suitable route to said data sharing server (5) to trigger said data sharing server (5) to transmit said set-up instructions.

12. A method for collaborative sharing of media data, said method comprising:

a target user equipment (2, 3) receiving (S110), from a data sharing server (5), ia) media data of a media content transmitted from a media server (4) to a current user equipment (1) over a long-range wireless communication network or ib) fetching instructions for fetching, from said media server (4), said media data and ii) set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1);

said target user equipment (2, 3) temporarily storing (S 111 ) said media data in a memory;

said target user equipment (2, 3) setting up (S112) said short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1); and said target user equipment (2, 3) transmitting (S113) said media data temporarily stored in said memory to said current user equipment (1 ) over said short-range wireless connection.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said target user equipment (2, 3) receiving (S110) ia) said media data or ib) said fetching instructions and ii) said set-up instructions comprises said target user equipment (2, 3) receiving (S110) ia) encrypted media data of said media content or ib) said fetching instructions for fetching said encrypted media data from said media server (4) and ii) said setup instructions from said data sharing server (5), wherein said encrypted media data can only be decrypted by said current user equipment (1).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising said target user equipment (2, 3) receiving (S130) a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by said data sharing server (5) to extend a period of time during which said current user equipment (1) is within a range of said short- range wireless connection.

15. A data sharing server (5, 500, 510), wherein

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to receive i) an identifier of a media content transmitted to a current user equipment (1) over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4) and ii) position information representing a defined position within said media content; said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to identify at least one target user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1); and

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to transmit, to each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3), ia) respective media data of said media content selected based on said identifier and said position information or ib) fetching instructions enabling said target user equipment (2, 3) to fetch said respective media data from said media server (4) and ii) setup instructions enabling said target user equipment (2, 3) to set up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1) to transmit said respective media data to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection.

16. The data sharing server according to claim 15, wherein said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to receive i) said identifier and ii) said position information transmitted from said current user equipment (1) based on a notification of a risk of said current user equipment (1) entering a geographical area within said long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

17. The data sharing server according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said data sharing server (5, 500, 5 510) is configured to identify said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

18. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 17, wherein

0 said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to request said respective media data from said media server (4) selected based on said identifier and said position information; and

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to transmit ia) said respective media data and ii) said set-up instructions to each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

5

19. The data sharing server according to claim 18, wherein said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to request, from said media server (4), respective encrypted media data of said media content selected based on said identifier and said position information, wherein said respective encrypted media data can be decrypted by said current user equipment (1) but not by said at least one0 target user equipment (2, 3).

20. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 19, wherein said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to transmit, to said current user equipment (1), set-up instructions enabling said current user equipment (1) to set up said short-range wireless connection(s) to said at5 least one target user equipment (2, 3).

21. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 20, wherein

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to identify multiple user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within said range of said short-range wireless connection to said current user0 equipment (1); and

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to select, for each target user equipment (2, 3) of said multiple target user equipment (2, 3), said respective media data of said media content based on said identifier and said position information, wherein said respective media data selected for each one of said multiple target user equipment (2, 3) being different from said respective media data selected for the other of said multiple target user equipment (2, 3).

22. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 21 , wherein said data sharing 5 server (5, 500, 510) is configured to select said respective media data of said media content based on said identifier and said position information and based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

10 23. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 22, wherein

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to select a target speed of travel for at least one of said current user equipment (1) and said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) based on an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of said current user equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or multiple past time-stamped positions of said at least one target user

15 equipment (2, 3); and

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to transmit, to said at least one of said current user equipment (1) and said at least one target user equipment (2, 3), a notification defining said target speed of travel selected to extend a period of time during which said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) is within said range of said short-range wireless connection to said current user

20 equipment (1).

24. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 23, wherein

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to identify a suitable route for said current user equipment (1) based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said current user 25 equipment (1) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and

said data sharing server (5, 500, 510) is configured to transmit information of said suitable route to said current user equipment (1).

30 25. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 24, further comprising:

a receiver (501) configured to receive i) said identifier of said media content and ii) said position information from said current user equipment (1);

a user equipment identifier (502) configured to identify said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and a transmitter (503) configured to transmit ia) said respective media data or ib) said fetching instructions and ii) said set-up instructions to each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

5 26. The data sharing server according to any of the claims 15 to 24, further comprising:

a processor (511); and

a memory (512) comprising instructions executable by said processor (511), wherein

said processor (511) is operative to input i) said identifier of said media content and ii) said position information;

10 said processor (511) is operative to identify said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and said processor (511) is operative to output for transmission of ia) said respective media data or ib) said fetching instructions and ii) said set-up instructions to each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3).

15 27. A data sharing server (520) comprising:

a user equipment identifier (521) for identifying at least one target user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to a current user equipment (1) receiving media content transmitted over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4);

20 an instruction generator (522) for generating set-up instructions enabling each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) to set up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1) to transmit, to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection, respective media data of said media content selected based on an identifier of said media content and position information representing a defined position within said

25 media content.

28. A user equipment (1 , 100, 110), wherein

said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to transmit, to a data sharing server (5), i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media 30 server (4) during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within said media content;

said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to receive, from said data sharing server (5), setup instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment (2, 3); said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to set up said short-range wireless connection(s) to said at least one target user equipment (2, 3); and

said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to receive respective media data of said media content from said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) over said short-range wireless connection(s).

29. The user equipment according to claim 28, wherein said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to transmit i) said identifier and ii) said position information to said data sharing server (5) upon detection of a risk of entering a geographical area within said long-range wireless communication network with poor radio signal propagation.

30. The user equipment according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to receive a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by said data sharing server (5) to extend a period of time during which said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) is within a range of said short-range wireless connection.

31. The user equipment according to any of the claims 28 to 30, wherein

said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to receive information of a suitable route identified by said data sharing server (5) based on an estimation of a route and/or current position of said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) and an estimation of a route and/or current position of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3), wherein said suitable route at least temporarily brings said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) within a range of said short-range wireless connection to said user equipment (1 , 100, 110); and

said user equipment (1 , 100, 110) is configured to transmit a confirmation of selection of said suitable route to said data sharing server (5) to trigger said data sharing server (5) to transmit said setup instructions.

32. The user equipment according to any of the claims 28 to 31 , further comprising:

a transmitter (101) configured to transmit i) said identifier of said media content and ii) said position information to said data sharing server (5);

a receiver (102) configured to receive said set-up instructions and receive said respective media data; and

a connection unit (103) configured to set up said short-range wireless connection(s).

33. The user equipment according to any of the claims 28 to 31 , further comprising: a processor (111); and

a memory (112) comprising instructions executable by said processor (111), wherein said processor (111) is operative to output i) said identifier of said media content and ii) said 5 position information for transmission to said data sharing server (5);

said processor (111 ) is operative to input said set-up instructions and input said respective media data; and

said processor (111 ) is operative to set up said short-range wireless connection(s).

10 34. A user equipment (120) comprising:

a data provider (121 ) for providing, for transmission to a data sharing server (5), i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4) during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within said media content;

15 a connection unit (122) for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment (2, 3) based on set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) received from said data sharing server (5); and

a data storing unit (123) for storing, in an associated memory (124), respective media data of said media content received from said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) over said short-range

20 wireless connection(s).

35. A user equipment (2, 200, 210), wherein

said user equipment (2, 200, 201) is configured to receive, from a data sharing server (5), ia) media data of a media content transmitted from a media server (4) to a current user equipment (1) over 25 a long-range wireless communication network or ib) fetching instructions for fetching, from said media server (4), said media data and ii) set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1);

said user equipment (2, 200, 201) is configured to temporarily store said media data in a memory;

30 said user equipment (2, 200, 201) is configured to set up said short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment (1); and

said user equipment (2, 200, 201) is configured to transmit said media data temporarily stored in said memory to said current user equipment (1 ) over said short-range wireless connection.

36. The user equipment according to claim 35, wherein said user equipment (2, 200, 201) is configured to receive ia) encrypted media data of said media content or ib) said fetching instructions for fetching said encrypted media data from said media server (4) and ii) said set-up instructions from said data sharing server (5), wherein said encrypted media data can only be decrypted by said current user

5 equipment (1).

37. The user equipment according to claim 35 or 36, said user equipment (2, 200, 201) is configured to receive a notification defining a target speed of travel selected by said data sharing server (5) to extend a period of time during which said current user equipment (1) is within a range of said short-

10 range wireless connection.

38. The user equipment according to any of the claims 35 to 37, further comprising:

a receiver (201) configured to receive ia) said media data or ib) said fetching instructions and ii) said set-up instructions from said data sharing server (5);

15 a data storing unit (202) configured to temporarily store said media data in a memory (205); a connection unit (203) configured to set up said short-range wireless connection; and a transmitter (204) configured to transmit said media data temporarily stored in said memory (205) to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection.

20 39. The user equipment according to any of the claims 35 to 37, further comprising:

a processor (211); and

a memory (212) comprising instructions executable by said processor (211), wherein said processor (211) is operative to input ia) said media data or ib) said fetching instructions and ii) said set-up instructions from said data sharing server (5);

25 said processor (211) is operative to temporarily store said media data in said memory (212); said processor (211) is operative to set up said short-range wireless connection; and

said processor (211) is operative to retrieve said media data from said memory (212) for transmission to said current user equipment (1 ) over said short-range wireless connection.

30 40. A user equipment (220) comprising:

a data storing unit (221) for temporarily storing, in an associated memory (224), media data of a media content transmitted from a media server (4) to a current user equipment (1) over a long-range wireless communication network, said media data is received from a data sharing server (5) or fetched from said media server (4) using fetching instructions received from said data sharing server (5); a connection unit (222) for setting up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection received from said data sharing server (4); and

a data retrieving unit (223) for retrieving, from said associated memory (224), said media data 5 temporarily stored in said associated memory (224) for transmission to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection.

41. A computer program (440) comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor (410), cause said processor (410) to

10 identify at least one target user equipment (2, 3) that will at least temporarily be within a range of a short-range wireless connection to a current user equipment (1) receiving media content transmitted over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4); and

generate set-up instructions enabling each target user equipment (2, 3) of said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) to set up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment

15 (1) to transmit, to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection, respective media data of said media content selected based on an identifier of said media content and position information representing a defined position within said media content.

42. A computer program (440) comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor (410), 20 cause said processor (410) to

provide, for transmission to a data sharing server (5), i) an identifier of a media content received over a long-range wireless communication network from a media server (4) during an ongoing media session and ii) position information representing a defined position within said media content;

set up short-range wireless connection(s) to at least one target user equipment (2, 3) based on 25 set-up instructions for setting up short-range wireless connection(s) received from said data sharing server (5); and

store, in an associated memory (420), respective media data of said media content received from said at least one target user equipment (2, 3) over said short-range wireless connection(s).

30 43. A computer program (440) comprising instructions, which when executed by a processor (410), cause said processor (410) to

temporarily store, in an associated memory (420), media data of a media content transmitted from a media server (4) to a current user equipment (1) over a long-range wireless communication network, said media data is received from a data sharing server (5) or fetched from said media server (4) using fetching instructions received from said data sharing server (5);

set up a short-range wireless connection to said current user equipment based on set-up instructions for setting up a short-range wireless connection received from said data sharing server (4); and

retrieve, from said associated memory (420), said media data temporarily stored in said associated memory (224) for transmission to said current user equipment (1) over said short-range wireless connection.

44. A carrier (450) comprising a computer program (440) according to any of the claims 41 to 43, wherein said carrier (450) is one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.