D2D Path Prioritization for E911 Service Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing D2D communication solutions do not effectively consider path computation with multiple criteria and lack support for E911 emergency services in areas without 3GPP wireless services.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for determining a communication path in a wireless network that prioritizes discovered devices based on connectivity to a base station and signal strength, and includes mechanisms for establishing D2D connections and E911 emergency service support by sending connection requests through intermediate devices with base station connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If D2D communication is used to extend wireless coverage, then coverage area is improved, but path computation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidpath computation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the path computation task by dividing the network into base station coverage areas and D2D extension areas. Devices are categorized into those with base station connectivity and those without, allowing independent handling of path computation for each segment. This segmentation reduces overall computational complexity by breaking down the complex multi-hop D2D path problem into manageable local discovery and connection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing discovery lists at each device that contain information about nearby devices and their base station connectivity status. This pre-computed information is stored and updated periodically, so when path computation is needed, the device can quickly reference existing discovery lists rather than performing exhaustive real-time searches, significantly reducing path computation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple criteria are used for path determination, then communication reliability is improved, but path computation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpath computation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different priorities to different path criteria based on local conditions. Devices with base station connectivity are given higher priority in the discovery lists, while signal strength and battery level become more important criteria for devices without base station access. This localized prioritization allows the system to consider multiple criteria without uniformly applying complex evaluation rules everywhere, reducing overall computation time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes evaluation parameters based on network conditions and device states. The discovery list prioritization adjusts parameters such as base station connectivity status, signal strength thresholds, and battery level requirements according to current network topology and device capabilities. This adaptive parameter adjustment enables reliable path selection while minimizing computation time by focusing evaluation on the most relevant parameters for each specific situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If D2D infrastructure is used for E911 service, then emergency service coverage is improved, but service complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency service coverageVSAvoidservice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses base stations as intermediaries to simplify E911 service delivery over D2D infrastructure. When an emergency call is initiated, the system automatically routes the call through intermediate devices that have base station connectivity, which then forward the call to the appropriate emergency service. This intermediary approach allows E911 service to extend into D2D coverage areas without requiring complex direct peer-to-peer emergency service protocols between all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where devices automatically maintain discovery lists and prioritize connections without requiring manual configuration or complex service management. For E911, devices autonomously identify suitable relay paths through their discovery lists and establish connections without operator intervention. This self-service capability reduces service complexity by eliminating the need for manual path setup and management while extending emergency service coverage into D2D areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3459286B1Wireless service extension using d2d and method to determine communication path and emergency service
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3459286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3459286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3459286B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and devices for determining a communication path from a source wireless device to a destination device in a wireless communication network are provided. According to one aspect, a method includes discovering, at the source wireless device, wireless devices within communication range of the source wireless device. The method also includes determining, at the source wireless device, for each discovered wireless device, one of whether the discovered wireless device is the destination device and whether the discovered wireless device has wireless connectivity to a wireless base station. The method further includes including each discovered wireless device in a discovered wireless device list, and prioritize the list of discovered wireless devices.