D2D Identifier Assignment for Network-Controlled Proximity Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current proximity service systems in communication technologies rely on absolute location-based methods, leading to network resource overheads without benefiting the operator, and lack effective control over user equipment discovery and communication.

Innovation Solution

A user equipment registration method and proximity service server that assigns device-to-device (D2D) identifiers, allowing network-side devices to control proximity services by determining eligibility and sending broadcast codes and identifiers for D2D communication, enabling effective discovery and communication management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If absolute location-based proximity service is implemented, then proximity discovery function is provided, but network resource overhead increases and operator obtains no benefit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity discovery functionVSAvoidnetwork resource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables user equipment to autonomously determine proximity based on pre-configured location information and proximity thresholds, eliminating the need for continuous network-based location calculations and reducing network resource consumption while maintaining proximity discovery functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Location information and proximity thresholds are pre-configured in user equipment before actual proximity determination is needed, allowing rapid proximity assessment without real-time network intervention and reducing network overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If user equipment reports location in real time to location server, then proximity discovery is enabled, but network control capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity discovery capabilityVSAvoidnetwork control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the network controlling proximity determination through continuous location reporting, the invention inverts the approach by enabling user equipment to autonomously determine proximity based on pre-configured parameters, while the network retains control by managing the configuration and authorization of these parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If application server implements proximity service, then proximity discovery is provided, but operator benefit is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproximity service functionVSAvoidoperator benefit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a proximity service server as an intermediary between user equipment and the application server, enabling proximity service functionality while allowing the operator to maintain control and derive benefit through centralized management of proximity determination logic and user equipment authorization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2934031B1Registration method for user equipment, proximity service server and mobility management entity
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2934031B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2934031B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2934031B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention provides a user equipment registration method, a proximity service server, and a mobility management entity. The user equipment registration method includes: receiving, by a network side device, a proximity service request sent by a user equipment; assigning a D2D identifier to the user equipment; and sending a proximity service response to the user equipment, where the proximity service response carries the D2D identifier. In this way, the user equipment may announce its existence at a current location by using the D2D identifier, so that another device discovers the user equipment; and the network side device may further effectively control discovery and communication of the user equipment by using the D2D identifier, so that an operator can provide a proximity service that is effectively controlled by a network.