D2D Operation Control via Network System Information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly LTE, lack a clear method for starting or stopping device-to-device (D2D) operations, which is essential for enabling direct communication between proximate user equipment (UEs) and is crucial for public safety networks that require stringent reliability and security, especially when cellular coverage is unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A method for starting or stopping a D2D operation in a wireless communication system based on system information received from the network, allowing user equipment (UEs) to initiate or terminate D2D operations according to specific instructions, thereby enabling efficient and controlled direct communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If D2D operation is enabled for direct communication between UEs, then communication reliability and security are improved, but system complexity and resource management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network (eNB) acts as an intermediary that controls and manages D2D operations. The network sends system information to UEs indicating whether D2D operation should be started or stopped, thereby maintaining communication reliability while the network manages the complexity rather than individual UEs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where UEs monitor system information from the network regarding D2D operation status. This feedback loop allows the network to control D2D operations dynamically, ensuring reliability while managing system complexity through centralized decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If D2D operation is started for direct communication, then energy consumption is reduced and resource utilization is improved, but control and management difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidcontrol and management
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network serves as an intermediary that simplifies control and management of D2D operations. By sending clear system information indicators to UEs about whether to start or stop D2D operations, the network makes the operation simple for UEs while maintaining centralized control for efficient resource utilization and energy management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If D2D operation is enabled without clear start/stop methods, then direct communication flexibility is improved, but operational control and reliability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect communication flexibilityVSAvoidoperational control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic control of D2D operations through system information that can be updated in real-time. The network can dynamically start or stop D2D operations by modifying system information, providing both flexibility for direct communication and reliable operational control through adaptive management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If system information is used to control D2D operations, then operational control and reliability are improved, but information transmission overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoidinformation transmission overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal system information blocks that serve multiple functions. The same system information structure is used for both traditional cellular control and D2D operation control, thereby improving operational control while minimizing additional information transmission overhead by reusing existing communication channels and formats

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

Data Source

PatentEP3028525B1Method and apparatus for starting or stopping device-to-device operation in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3028525B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3028525B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3028525B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A method and apparatus for starting or stopping a device-to-device (D2D) operation in a wireless communication system is provided. A user equipment (UE) supporting proximity services (ProSe) receives system information which indicates starting or stopping a D2D operation from a network, and starts or stops the D2D operation according to the system information. The system information may include a D2D start/end time which indicates when the D2D operation is started or stopped.