D2D Base Pattern Selection for Network-Independent LTE Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE communication systems are limited by requiring network coverage, which hampers public safety applications such as police, firefighters, and paramedics who need communication tools that function independently of network availability.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for device-to-device (D2D) communication in LTE systems, where a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) determines and selects a base pattern for D2D communication independently of a network, with pre-defined durations and transmission opportunities, allowing for efficient data packet transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LTE communication requires network coverage, then communication reliability is improved, but adaptability to public safety scenarios is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to public safety scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication system into two operational modes: network-dependent mode for normal operation and network-independent D2D mode for public safety scenarios. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through network coverage while adapting to scenarios where network coverage is unavailable, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that allows the communication system to transition between network-dependent and network-independent operations based on availability. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain reliability when network is available while becoming adaptable when network coverage is lost, particularly for public safety applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If D2D communication operates independently of network, then adaptability to public safety scenarios is improved, but resource allocation efficiency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence from network coverageVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring base patterns with predefined transmission opportunities, durations, and resource allocations before D2D communication begins. These base patterns include predetermined parameters such as transmission timing, resource blocks, and power levels, allowing devices to independently manage resources without network intervention while maintaining efficient allocation through advance planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If base patterns have pre-defined duration with transmission opportunities, then resource allocation is optimized, but flexibility in transmission timing is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility in transmission timing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing the selection of different base patterns with varying durations and transmission opportunity structures. While each individual base pattern has predefined characteristics for efficient resource allocation, the system can dynamically select among multiple base patterns with different timing characteristics, thereby maintaining flexibility in transmission timing while preserving resource allocation efficiency through structured patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3731589B1Methods and apparatus for determining device-to-device transmission patterns
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 INTERDIGITAL PATENT HOLDINGS INC
  • EP3731589B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3731589B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3731589B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Embodiments include methods and apparatuses for the design, construction and selection of base patterns and associated control signaling for direct device-to-device (D2D) communication, independent of a network. An embodiment includes the selection and transmission, by a wireless transmit and receive unit (WTRU), of base patterns in a scheduling period when the number of medium access control (MAC) protocol data units (PDUs) is larger than the number of MAC PDUs that a family of pre-determined base patterns can support. An embodiment may include the selection and transmission, by a WTRU, of base patterns in a scheduling period when the number of MAC PDUs is smaller than the number of MAC PDUs that a family of pre-determined base patterns can support. In addition, embodiments may include the selection, by a WTRU, of a base pattern or base patterns to minimize interference with other communications and to use resources efficiently.