D2D Discovery via Scheduling Assignment Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LTE networks face limitations in network capacity and geographical coverage, especially during high load conditions and when devices are outside network coverage, making it challenging for device-to-device (D2D) communications to efficiently discover and communicate with other devices or services, particularly in public safety scenarios where robust communication is required.
Innovation Solution
A method for facilitating D2D communications by using a scheduling assignment message with an identifier to transmit discovery messages over a shared communications channel, allowing devices to announce or discover the presence of other devices, groups, or services, even when outside network coverage, through a wireless access interface like 3GPP LTE, with options for open or restricted discovery and security measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LTE communication protocols are used for D2D communications, then network infrastructure and base stations are required for coordination, but this reduces the ability to communicate outside network coverage and increases network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the discovery process into two distinct phases: network-assisted discovery (when in coverage) and autonomous discovery (when out of coverage). This segmentation allows the system to adapt its operation mode based on network availability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability by providing different operational paths for different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that automatically switch between network-assisted and autonomous discovery based on whether the device is in network coverage. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be network-dependent when reliable network infrastructure is available, while becoming independent when operating outside coverage areas
2Productivity
If D2D communications require clear one-to-one identification, then direct communication is efficient, but this makes discovery messaging difficult for general presence announcement and service discovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discovery message intermediary mechanism that uses scheduled radio resources and message formats to facilitate presence announcement without requiring direct one-to-one identification. The discovery message acts as an intermediary that allows devices to announce presence and services in a structured way, resolving the contradiction between communication efficiency and discovery complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal discovery message framework that can serve multiple functions: presence announcement, service discovery, and group identification. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by providing a single efficient mechanism that handles various discovery scenarios without requiring separate complex protocols for each case
3Adaptability or versatility
If more resources are allocated for discovery messaging, then device discovery capability improves, but this increases network load and reduces available resources for data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic discovery messaging where devices transmit discovery messages at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient discovery capability at specific moments while leaving network resources available for data transmission during other time periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allocating discovery resources only when needed (during discovery phases) rather than continuously reserving resources. This allows the system to have adequate discovery capability when required while maintaining efficient resource utilization for data transmission during non-discovery periods
Data Source
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AI summary
A communications device and method of communicating using a communications device is disclosed for communicating using a communications device via a wireless access interface. The method comprises transmitting signals representing data in accordance with a device-to-device communication protocol via a shared communication channel of the wireless access interface. The transmitting the signals comprises selecting an identifier which identifies a party and identifies a discovery communication type; transmitting a scheduling assignment message in an scheduling assignment portion of the shared communications channel, wherein the scheduling assignment message comprises the selected identifier for discovery by one or more other communications devices; and transmitting the signals representing the data in a data portion of the shared communications channel in accordance with the scheduling assignment message. Embodiments of the present technique can provide an arrangement for facilitating use of discovery in device-to-device environments.