D2D Discovery Resource Allocation Feedback Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In device-to-device (D2D) communication within LTE-advanced cellular networks, the challenge lies in managing D2D discovery resource allocation efficiently to minimize collision rates while optimizing radio resource usage and UE power consumption, especially when idle-mode UEs are involved, as existing methods lack awareness of resource usage status.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves transmitting measurement configuration information to D2D capable user terminals regarding D2D discovery resource usage status, enabling them to report usage status back to the network, which then adjusts resource allocation accordingly, incorporating mechanisms for under-utilized and over-utilized report triggering, timing, and interval configuration to optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If D2D discovery resources are allocated to idle-mode UEs, then device coverage and discovery capability are improved, but resource collision rate increases and resource usage efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D discovery capabilityVSAvoidresource usage efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where UEs report D2D discovery resource usage status to the eNB. The eNB receives reports indicating whether resources are under-utilized or over-utilized, and adjusts resource allocation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic optimization of resource allocation to balance discovery capability with resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the eNB can adjust D2D discovery resource pools based on real-time usage reports. The resource allocation is not static but adapts to changing network conditions and UE density, allowing the system to optimize between providing coverage for idle-mode UEs and preventing resource waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If D2D discovery resources are allocated to ensure coverage for idle-mode UEs, then device accessibility is improved, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice accessibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables UEs to autonomously monitor and report their own resource usage status to the eNB. Each UE that has successfully performed D2D discovery sends a report indicating resource utilization. This self-service approach distributes the measurement and reporting burden across multiple UEs rather than requiring centralized monitoring, reducing overall signaling overhead while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements selective reporting where only UEs that have actually used D2D discovery resources send reports to the eNB. Not all UEs need to report, only those with relevant usage information. This partial action approach reduces signaling overhead compared to requiring all UEs to report their status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If D2D discovery resources are statically allocated, then resource allocation simplicity is maintained, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to lack of awareness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation managementVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static resource allocation into a dynamic system through feedback loops. UEs monitor resource usage and report status to the eNB, which then adjusts resource pool configurations. This feedback mechanism provides the necessary information for efficient resource utilization without significantly increasing system complexity, as the reporting is based on simple usage status indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3063984B1Device-to-device discovery resource allocation in communications
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP3063984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3063984B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3063984B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method for device-to-device communication comprises receiving (102), in a D2D-capable user terminal (202) from a network apparatus (201), measurement configuration information regarding a D2D discovery resource usage status. The user terminal (202) performs (102), based on the received measurement configuration information, a corresponding measurement to determine the usage status of D2D discovery resources. The user terminal (202) transmits (105), to the network apparatus (201), a report (105) on the measurement performed (102) in the user terminal (202), the report (105) indicating the usage status of D2D discovery resources, in order the network apparatus (201) to be able to adjust (106) D2D discovery resource allocation based on the report (105).