D2D Session Connectivity via Location Database and Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current device-to-device (D2D) communication sessions in wireless-enabled environments face challenges such as devices being unaware of capable communication partners, delays in session setup, and unsuccessful sessions due to signal interference or proximity issues, despite devices being in range.

Innovation Solution

A client node maintains a database with location and ID information of other nodes, updates this information, and initiates D2D sessions by sending test messages to determine viable communication ranges, allowing for direct communication without network intervention, using MIMO, CoMP, IC, and relaying configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If device-to-device sessions are performed without network routing, then network congestion is reduced, but devices are unaware of capable communication partners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork throughputVSAvoiddevice location information
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The SSUF acts as an intermediary that maintains location information databases and assists devices in finding communication partners. It broadcasts availability information and receives page messages to facilitate D2D connections without requiring continuous network routing of data traffic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Devices autonomously initiate D2D sessions by sending page messages to the SSUF with their identification and desired target device identification. The SSUF then broadcasts page messages to request desired devices to listen, enabling devices to self-manage connection initiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If SSUF administers inter-device communication channels, then interference is managed, but session setup delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidsession setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The SSUF pre-maintains location information databases and broadcasts inter-device communication channel availability information within a cell before sessions are needed. This preliminary preparation enables faster session establishment when devices need to connect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where devices send page messages to the SSUF requesting connection assistance, and the SSUF responds by broadcasting page messages to request desired devices to listen. This structured feedback loop streamlines the session setup process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If devices rely on proximity for D2D sessions, then direct communication is enabled, but sessions fail due to signal interference or shadowing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect device communicationVSAvoidsession success rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The SSUF serves as a mediator that manages interference and monitors communication conditions. It administers inter-device communication channels to manage interference, using its centralized position to coordinate channel usage and reduce signal interference and shadowing effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2679036B1Inter-device session connectivity enhancement
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2679036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2679036B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2679036B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Devices and methods are provided for managing device-to-device (D2D) communications session in a wireless-enabled communication environment. A first client node comprises a database containing location and ID information associated with a plurality of second client nodes. The location information in the database is updated as individual second client nodes change their location. As the location information is updated, it is processed by the first client node to determine the distance between it and an individual second client node. If the distance between the first client node and the individual second client node is within a viable D2D communications range, then the user of the first client node is notified that a D2D communications session can be initiate with the individual second client node.