Scheduling Apparatus for D2D Communication Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing D2D communication setup in cellular radio communication systems faces inefficiencies due to the need for beacon signals, which can cause interference and waste resources, especially when devices are not in proximity, leading to unnecessary allocation of communication resources.

Innovation Solution

A scheduling apparatus that utilizes topographical and position information to determine feasibility of direct wireless communication between devices, allocating specific frequency and time resources only when D2D communication is viable, thereby reducing interference and resource wastage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If beacon signals are allocated for D2D communication setup, then device discovery capability is improved, but resource wastage and interference increase when devices are not in proximity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice discovery capabilityVSAvoidresource wastage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary assessment using position information and topographical data before allocating beacon signals. By determining in advance whether devices are in suitable proximity for D2D communication, the system avoids unnecessary beacon signal allocation and resource wastage while maintaining reliable device discovery when D2D is feasible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network node acts as an intermediary that mediates between device discovery requirements and resource efficiency. It uses position information and topographical data as intermediate assessment criteria to determine whether to enable D2D communication, thereby preventing direct interference between beacon signals and cellular communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If orthogonal resources are allocated for beacon signalling, then interference with other communications is reduced, but capacity waste increases when devices are too far apart

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with other communicationsVSAvoidcapacity waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation using position information and topographical data before allocating orthogonal resources for beacon signalling. This advance assessment ensures that orthogonal resources are only allocated when devices are in proximity and D2D communication is feasible, eliminating capacity waste while maintaining interference protection when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If D2D communication is enabled without position verification, then communication availability is improved, but interference with network communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication availabilityVSAvoidinterference with network communication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The network node performs preliminary verification of position information and topographical data before enabling D2D communication. This advance check ensures that D2D is only established when devices are in suitable proximity, maintaining communication availability while preventing interference with network communication by avoiding inappropriate D2D setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from position information and topographical data to dynamically determine whether to enable D2D communication. This feedback mechanism ensures that D2D is activated only when spatial conditions are appropriate, balancing communication availability with interference prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2665326B1Apparatus and method thereof for setting up device-to-device communication
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2665326B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2665326B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2665326B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a scheduling apparatus 109 for a cellular radio communication system 110. The apparatus comprises a processor. The processor is configured for obtaining topographical information concerning a geographical area covered by the communication system, from a database 111 comprising the topographical information. The processor is also configured for obtaining information about a geographical position held by a first wireless communication terminal 101 and a geographical position held by a second wireless communication terminal 102 of the communication system within said area. The processor is also configured for determining, based on the obtained topographical information and on the obtained geographical positions, whether direct wireless communication should be set up between the first wireless communication terminal and the second wireless communication terminal. The processor is also configured for allocating frequency and/or time resources for the direct communication between the terminals if it has been determined that direct wireless communication should be set up.