D2D Subframe Alignment Using Timing Advance to Reduce Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently configuring resources for device-to-device (D2D) communication, particularly in managing communication relationships with eNodeB (eNB) to minimize interference and optimize resource usage.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves determining the subframe boundaries for D2D operation by considering timing advance (TA) values and using predetermined offsets to align or adjust the resource allocation between D2D and eNB-UE links, allowing for efficient resource assignment and minimization of interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If D2D communication resources are allocated independently without considering eNB communication timing, then D2D communication can be established quickly, but interference with eNB-UE links increases and resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D communication establishment speedVSAvoidInterference with eNB-UE links
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges D2D communication resource allocation with eNB communication timing by aligning subframe boundaries. The D2D subframe boundaries are determined based on uplink timing advance (TA) values, causing D2D communication to occur in coordination with eNB uplink transmissions. This merging reduces interference between D2D and eNB-UE links while improving overall resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If D2D subframe boundaries are aligned with eNB subframe boundaries, then resource allocation simplicity improves, but interference management capability deteriorates due to timing advance variations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveResource allocation complexityVSAvoidInterference from timing advance variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating D2D subframe boundary alignment based on individual UE timing advance (TA) values. Each UE's D2D subframe boundaries are locally adjusted according to its specific TA value received from the eNB, rather than using a uniform alignment for all UEs. This localized approach maintains simplicity while accounting for timing variations to reduce interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If timing advance values are used to adjust D2D subframe boundaries, then interference with eNB-UE links is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional timing calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInterference with eNB-UE linksVSAvoidTiming calculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the eNB provide timing advance (TA) values to UEs, which then autonomously determine their own D2D subframe boundaries based on these TA values. The UE independently calculates and applies the timing adjustment without requiring complex centralized coordination or additional signaling for each D2D connection. This self-service approach reduces interference while keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2947792B1Method for performing communication between terminals and apparatus therefor
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2947792B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2947792B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2947792B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for enabling a first terminal to communicate with a second terminal. Specifically, the method includes the steps of: receiving from a base station the format information of a first sub-frame for directly communicating with a second terminal; and assigning a signal for direct communication between the terminals to the first sub-frame according to the format information, wherein the format information contains the information concerning the resource region assigned with the signal for the direct communication between the terminals in the first sub-frame if a part of the first sub-frame overlaps a subsequent second sub-frame.