D2D Resource Selection for Out-of-Network Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current D2D communication technologies in LTE networks are limited in out-of-network coverage scenarios, requiring devices to stop ProSe operations when unable to detect their location, which can be critical in public safety situations and lead to interference with other networks, especially in areas without GNSS coverage.

Innovation Solution

A wireless device is pre-configured to obtain two sets of D2D resources, one for licensed and one for unlicensed carriers, allowing it to continue D2D operations based on its location detection, ensuring continuous communication even when out of network coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the UE stops ProSe operation when in unlicensed areas or without GNSS coverage, then interference with other networks is prevented, but ProSe communication reliability deteriorates in critical situations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProSe communication reliabilityVSAvoidInterference with other networks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource configuration into two distinct sets: a first set of resources for use when the UE determines it is in a licensed area, and a second set of resources for use when the UE determines it is in an unlicensed area or cannot determine its location. This segmentation allows the UE to selectively use appropriate resources based on environmental conditions, thereby maintaining ProSe communication reliability while preventing interference with other networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the network configure the UE with both sets of D2D resources before the UE enters out-of-coverage scenarios. The UE stores these pre-configured resources and can immediately switch to the appropriate set based on location determination results, ensuring continuous ProSe operation without interruption or interference issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the UE uses preconfigured resources in out-of-network coverage, then ProSe operation continuity is improved, but interference with WAN/cellular networks may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProSe operation continuityVSAvoidInterference with WAN/cellular networks
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the resource configuration location-dependent. The UE determines its location status (licensed area vs. unlicensed area or unknown location) and selectively applies different resource sets accordingly. This local adaptation ensures that ProSe operation continues without interruption while preventing interference with WAN/cellular networks in appropriate geographic zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters (specifically the resource set being used) based on the UE's determined location. When the UE determines it is in a licensed area, it uses the first set of resources; when it determines it is in an unlicensed area or cannot determine location, it uses the second set of resources. This parameter change based on location conditions maintains operation continuity while preventing network interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the UE is required to stop ProSe operation when location cannot be determined, then network interference is prevented, but public safety communication reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePublic safety communication reliabilityVSAvoidNetwork interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resource usage based on location determination capability. Instead of a blanket stop of ProSe operation when location cannot be determined, the system provides a dedicated second set of resources specifically for use in unlicensed areas or when location determination fails. This segmentation allows public safety communications to continue reliably while using appropriate resources that prevent network interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the second set of pre-configured resources) that enables ProSe operation to continue in scenarios where location determination fails. These intermediary resources serve as a bridge, allowing critical communications to proceed without interruption while maintaining protection against network interference through proper resource isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3360380B1Device to device operation in out of network coverage
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3360380B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3360380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3360380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for device-to-device, D2D, operation in out-of-network coverage, ONC scenarios. More particularly the disclosure pertains to a method performed in a wireless device, for obtaining resources for D2D operation in ONC. The method comprises obtaining S1 a first set of resources for D2D operation in ONC on at least one licensed carrier and obtaining S2 a second set of resources for D2D operation in ONC on at least one un-licensed carrier. The method further comprises selecting S3 one of the first and second sets of resources for D2D operation in ONC, based on information relating to a location of the wireless device. The disclosure further relates to methods in a network node for providing information about the sets of resources to a wireless device and to corresponding devices and computer programs.