D2D Signal Structure with CSMA Scheduling and Adaptive Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In-band device-to-device (D2D) communications in LTE networks face challenges in synchronization, resource allocation, and interference management due to varying transmission powers and complex channel conditions, particularly in scenarios involving multiple eNBs and diverse D2D devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a signal structure with optimized resource elements, reduced reference signal density, and distributed scheduling using carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) with advanced power control mechanisms to manage interference and ensure efficient D2D communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If reference signal density is reduced to optimize resource elements, then resource utilization improves, but signal detection precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidsignal detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating reference signal density across different spatial locations and user equipment. Instead of uniform reference signal distribution, the system optimizes reference signal placement locally based on channel conditions, user mobility, and interference patterns, thereby maintaining detection precision where needed while reducing overall resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic reference signal adjustment where the density and placement of reference signals are adaptively changed based on real-time channel conditions, user mobility patterns, and traffic demands. This allows the system to optimize resource utilization dynamically while maintaining sufficient signal detection precision when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If distributed scheduling using CSMA is implemented to reduce control overhead, then system complexity decreases, but synchronization precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol overheadVSAvoidsynchronization precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces synchronization signals and reference signals as intermediary elements that mediate between distributed CSMA scheduling and precise timing synchronization. These intermediary signals enable UEs to achieve accurate time and frequency synchronization with the network and with each other, even in a distributed scheduling environment without centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where UEs measure synchronization quality and channel conditions, then adjust their transmission timing and power accordingly. This feedback loop maintains synchronization precision in the distributed CSMA system by allowing each UE to adapt to changing conditions and maintain accurate timing alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If adaptive power control is used to manage interference, then interference management improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing power control only when and where interference issues arise, rather than continuously adjusting power for all transmissions. The system monitors interference levels and activates adaptive power control selectively, thereby managing interference effectively while avoiding unnecessary power consumption during low-interference conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes power parameters adaptively based on measured interference levels, channel conditions, and QoS requirements. By dynamically adjusting transmission power as a variable parameter rather than using fixed power levels, the system achieves effective interference management while optimizing power consumption to match actual network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If in-band D2D communications are implemented to increase spatial reuse, then throughput improves, but interference management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial reuseVSAvoidinterference management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the in-band spectrum into dedicated D2D resource pools that are separated from traditional cellular uplink/downlink resources. This segmentation allows D2D communications to operate in designated frequency-time resources, increasing spatial reuse while simplifying interference management by isolating D2D transmissions from cellular traffic and enabling targeted interference control measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3696994B1Multi-access scheme and signal structure for d2d communications
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 APPLE INC
  • EP3696994B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3696994B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3696994B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A signal structure for use in D2D communications is described. In one embodiment, a preamble for automatic gain control at the receiver end is included in the transmitted signal. Techniques for scheduling D2D transmissions using carrier sensing multiple access (CSMA) and a power control schemes for interference management are also described.