Base Station D2D Resource Configuration for Partial Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in controlling resources for Device-to-Device (D2D) communication, particularly in determining the appropriate time-frequency resources for D2D Scheduling Assignment (SA) and D2D data transmission, especially in scenarios with partial network coverage.

Innovation Solution

A base station transmits resource configuration information to User Equipment (UE), including a transmission pattern index, SA time window information, and data time window information, carried by Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, to allocate and indicate resources for D2D SA and D2D data transmission, allowing the UE to determine the specific resources for transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If D2D communication is implemented without base station resource control, then communication autonomy and battery life are improved, but resource allocation efficiency and network management capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments resource allocation into two parts: base station provides resource pools and configuration parameters, while UE autonomously selects specific resources from these pools. This segmentation allows UE to operate independently (saving battery) while base station maintains overall resource management (ensuring efficiency).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables UE to autonomously select resources from pre-configured pools without continuous base station scheduling. The UE self-manages resource selection based on local conditions, reducing signaling overhead and base station processing load while extending battery life through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If base station controls all D2D resources, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but signaling overhead and base station processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidbase station processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the detailed resource selection function from the base station and relocates it to the UE. The base station only provides resource pools and parameters, while UE performs actual resource selection. This extraction reduces base station processing complexity while maintaining allocation efficiency through structured resource pools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary resource pool configuration by the base station before D2D communication occurs. Resource pools are pre-defined with specific parameters and structures, so when UE needs to communicate, it can directly select from these pre-prepared options without requiring real-time base station intervention, reducing processing load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If D2D UEs operate without network coverage, then communication autonomy is improved, but resource coordination and interference management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication autonomyVSAvoidresource coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs resource pools with universal parameters that work in both networked and standalone modes. The same resource pool structure and selection mechanisms are used whether UE is connected to base station or operating autonomously, providing adaptability while maintaining coordination through standardized resource structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows resource pool parameters to be dynamically adjusted based on coverage conditions. When in network coverage, parameters are configured by base station; when out of coverage, UE uses default or pre-configured parameters. This parameter adaptation enables reliable operation across different deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3169123B1Base station, user equipment and associated methods
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 SHARP KK
  • EP3169123B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3169123B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method in a base station. The method comprises: transmitting resource configuration information to a User Equipment (UE). The resource configuration information comprises: a transmission pattern index indicating an index of a transmission pattern candidate to be used by the UE for Device-to-Device (D2D) data transmission within a D2D data time window in a set of all transmission pattern candidates; Scheduling Assignment (SA) time window information indicating a size of a SA time window to be used by the UE for D2D SA transmission; and data time window information indicating a size of a data time window to be used by the UE for D2D data transmission.