Adaptive Resource Allocation for Cellular and D2D Communications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing resource allocation for simultaneous operation of cellular and device-to-device (D2D) communications, particularly in scenarios where both connections need to be maintained actively, such as in public safety use cases, due to limitations in power management and frequency band usage.

Innovation Solution

The system detects when a mode change is required and selects between two modes: one where cellular and D2D communications are separated in time, and another where they occur simultaneously, optimizing resource allocation based on transmission power thresholds and signaling flows to reduce energy consumption and ensure continuous connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If cellular and D2D communications are separated in time, then power consumption is reduced, but transmission range and communication efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidtransmission range
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between time-separated mode and simultaneous mode based on real-time conditions such as power availability, channel quality, and communication requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between power consumption and transmission range by selecting the appropriate operational mode rather than being constrained to a fixed approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of communication mode (time-separated vs simultaneous) based on detected conditions. When power thresholds are met and channel conditions are favorable, the system transitions to simultaneous operation to maximize transmission range, otherwise it uses time-separated operation to conserve power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If cellular and D2D communications occur simultaneously, then transmission range and communication efficiency are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the apparatus detects power consumption levels, channel conditions, and communication requirements, then uses this information to determine whether simultaneous operation is feasible. This feedback loop ensures that simultaneous transmission occurs only when conditions support it, preventing excessive power consumption while maintaining transmission range benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode switching is implemented, then adaptability to different communication scenarios is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to communication scenariosVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the communication operation into distinct modes (time-separated mode and simultaneous mode), each optimized for specific scenarios. This segmentation simplifies the decision-making process by providing clear operational categories rather than requiring continuous optimization, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic mode switching based on detected conditions such as power thresholds and channel quality. This dynamic approach enables adaptability to different communication scenarios without requiring complex real-time optimization algorithms, as the system transitions between predefined modes based on simple detection criteria

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If time-separated operation is used, then power management is simplified, but communication continuity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower management complexityVSAvoidcommunication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between time-separated operation and simultaneous operation based on communication continuity requirements. When continuous communication is critical and power conditions permit, the system switches to simultaneous mode to maintain communication continuity, otherwise it uses time-separated mode for simplified power management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3017639B1Adaptive resource allocation for simultaneous operation of cellular and device to device communications
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3017639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3017639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3017639B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: detect that a mode change is required; and in response to the detection that a mode change is required, select a mode for resource allocation, wherein the mode is selected based on a command received by the apparatus or the mode is selected from a plurality of modes which comprises a first mode and a second mode, and wherein in the first mode the cellular communication and device to device communication are separated in time, and in the second mode the cellular communication and device to device communication take place simultaneously.