Asynchronous Bandwidth Allocation in Direct Mode Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Broadband communication protocols do not enable direct mode operation between terminals, leading to restricted range and inefficient use of radio resources in both broadband and narrowband networks, as they lack dedicated frequencies for direct mode communication, resulting in high resource loss and collision management issues.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically allocating radio resources in a shared band communication system, allowing terminals to access additional resources without a base station, using a frame structure with contention words to manage priority and resource usage, enabling asynchronous bandwidth allocation and variable capacity utilization without disturbing other groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If broadband communication protocols are used, then communication range and data rate are improved, but direct mode operation between terminals is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoiddirect mode operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a broadband communication protocol that can operate in multiple modes: both infrastructure mode (with base station) and direct mode (without base station). The same protocol framework handles both synchronized communication through base station and asynchronous communication between terminals, making the system versatile across different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the communication system to dynamically switch between synchronized and asynchronous modes. Terminals can transition between infrastructure mode and direct mode operation based on network availability and communication requirements, with the protocol adapting its synchronization and resource allocation mechanisms accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If narrowband communication protocols with dedicated frequencies for direct mode are used, then direct mode operation is enabled, but radio resource loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect mode operation capabilityVSAvoidradio resource loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the broadband radio resources universal by enabling them to serve both infrastructure mode and direct mode communication needs. The same frequency bands and resource blocks used for base station communication can also be utilized for terminal-to-terminal direct mode operation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated frequencies and reducing overall radio resource loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the resource allocation mechanisms for infrastructure mode and direct mode into a unified framework. Resource blocks, time slots, and frequency channels that would traditionally be dedicated to base station communication are now shared and dynamically allocated for both modes, combining their functions into a single efficient resource management system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If narrowband communication protocols without dedicated frequencies for direct mode are used, then radio resource loss is reduced, but direct mode operation becomes inefficient due to collision management issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio resource lossVSAvoideffective communication rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the asynchronous direct mode communication, where terminals monitor channel conditions, detect collisions, and adjust their transmission parameters accordingly. This feedback enables terminals to dynamically adapt to channel occupancy and minimize collisions while maintaining efficient resource utilization without dedicated frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing reservation mechanisms and scheduling protocols before actual data transmission in direct mode. Terminals can reserve resources or coordinate transmission times in advance, preventing collisions before they occur and maintaining high effective communication rates without requiring dedicated frequencies or complex collision detection protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2792171B1A method for asynchronously allocating a bandwidth, and an electronic communication device implementing this method
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP2792171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2792171B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2792171B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

Radio resources are dynamically allocated in a shared band communication system operating in direct mode (DMO). The communication system includes terminals organized in groups. Each group is allocated a resource from a number of resources available within the communication system. This process includes allocating to the group at least one other further resource from the number of resources until an attempted access to the further resource from the group to which the further resource had been allocated has been detected.