D2D Mode Selection via Link Quality Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cellular network modes require double radio resources for device communication, leading to inefficient resource utilization, whereas device-to-device (D2D) modes can optimize resource allocation, but face challenges in selecting the most suitable mode based on link quality and network constraints.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining a suitable D2D mode by measuring link qualities and considering constraints such as power values, network state, and multi-antenna processing capabilities to select from reusing shared, dedicated, or cellular modes, ensuring optimal resource allocation and interference management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cellular mode is used for device communication, then resource control and interference control are simplified, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to requiring double radio resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource controlVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode selection between cellular mode and D2D mode based on real-time link quality measurements and network conditions. The system transitions from a static resource allocation approach to a dynamic one where the communication mode adapts to current channel conditions, allowing the network to switch between centralized control (cellular mode) and direct communication (D2D mode) to optimize both ease of operation and resource utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing multiple D2D resource allocation modes (reusing downlink, reusing uplink, dedicated downlink, dedicated uplink) and selecting among them based on measured link qualities. This parameter change enables the system to adjust resource allocation strategies dynamically, improving resource utilization while maintaining interference control through measured link quality metrics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If D2D mode is used for device communication, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but mode selection complexity increases due to multiple resource allocation options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidmode selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where link quality is measured for different resource allocation modes and this measurement information is used to determine the suitable D2D mode. The system continuously monitors link qualities and uses this feedback to select the optimal mode, transforming a complex selection problem into a measured and evaluated decision process that reduces selection complexity while maintaining high resource utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces link quality measurement as an intermediary that mediates between the multiple D2D resource allocation options and the final mode selection. Instead of directly comparing complex mode options, the system uses link quality metrics as an intermediate criterion to evaluate and select the suitable mode, simplifying the decision-making process while optimizing resource utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If link quality measurement is performed for mode selection, then mode selection accuracy is improved, but measurement and determination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial measurement by focusing link quality measurements only on the specific resource allocation modes that are relevant for D2D communication, rather than measuring all possible communication parameters. This partial action approach improves mode selection accuracy for D2D modes while limiting measurement complexity to only the necessary link quality metrics needed for D2D mode determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2417825B1Apparatus and method for mode selection for device-to-device communications
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2417825B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2417825B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2417825B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed that comprises measuring a first link quality of a first link based at least in part on a firs power value; measuring a second link quality of a second link based at least in part on a second power value; and determining a suitable device-to-device (D2D) mode for a D2D connection based at least in part on the first link quality, the second link quality, and one or more D2D user equipment (UE) constraints.