D2D Resource Allocation via Group Head Autonomy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio communication systems face inefficiencies in resource allocation for device-to-device (D2D) communications, particularly due to the need for extensive signaling between base stations and user equipment, which introduces delays and resource requirements, making adaptive configuration of timeslot configurations challenging.

Innovation Solution

The system designates user equipment as pairs or groups with a designated head to autonomously allocate orthogonal network resources based on buffer status reports, link quality measurements, and quality of service levels, allowing for adaptive time domain duplexing mode operations without direct intervention from the base station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If base station centrally controls resource allocation for D2D communications, then resource allocation reliability is improved, but signaling delays and base station processing burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation reliabilityVSAvoidsignaling delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource allocation control function by designating specific user equipment as pair heads or group heads who autonomously allocate resources within their respective pairs or groups. This distributes the centralized control burden to edge devices, reducing signaling delays while maintaining reliable resource allocation through structured hierarchical management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pair head or group head acts as an intermediary between the base station and other user equipment in the D2D communication. The intermediary receives resource allocations from the base station and autonomously distributes them to other devices, eliminating the need for continuous base station intervention and reducing signaling overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If extensive signaling is used for resource allocation, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but resource overhead and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by enabling pair heads and group heads to make resource allocation decisions based on local conditions such as buffer status reports, link quality measurements, and quality of service requirements of specific device pairs. This localized decision-making maintains allocation accuracy without requiring global system-wide signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Designated user equipment (pair heads/group heads) perform self-service by autonomously allocating resources to other devices in their group based on local information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous base station intervention and complex centralized scheduling, reducing system complexity while maintaining allocation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If adaptive timeslot configuration is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but signaling requirements and configuration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic timeslot configuration where pair heads and group heads can adaptively adjust resource allocation based on real-time conditions including buffer status, link quality, and QoS requirements. This dynamic adaptation improves resource allocation efficiency by matching resources to actual communication needs without requiring complex pre-configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service for adaptive configuration by allowing pair heads and group heads to autonomously adjust timeslot configurations based on local measurements and reports. This eliminates the need for complex base station-controlled reconfiguration signaling, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2384598B1Apparatus and method ofscheduling resources for device-to-device communications
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2384598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2384598B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2384598B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An approach is provided for scheduling resources for device-to-device communications. A resource of a network is granted to a group designated for device-to-device communications. The group then determines how the resource allocation is utilized to support the communication session and allocates the resource among the user equipment within the group independently of the base station. Further, a user equipment pair in the group determines transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) timeslot configuration to allow TDD mode operations, and further configure the modulation and coding for the device-to-device connection, and error control scheme for the pair via control signaling independently from the group.