Prioritized Synchronization Signal Monitoring in D2D Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In device-to-device (D2D) communication networks, wireless devices face challenges in efficiently monitoring synchronization signals from multiple sources due to limited processing capacity, leading to increased complexity, power consumption, and coverage loss as the number of monitored sync signals grows.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to detect and prioritize synchronization sources based on signal strength and type, allowing devices to select a subset of sources for monitoring, thereby reducing the number of signals tracked and minimizing coverage loss by focusing on higher priority signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless devices monitor all synchronization signals from multiple sources, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of synchronization signals into multiple groups based on their sources (e.g., different base stations, different frequency layers). The device then selectively monitors signals from different groups at different times or with different priorities, rather than monitoring all signals simultaneously with equal importance. This segmentation reduces processing complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy through diversified monitoring strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic monitoring where the device adjusts which synchronization signals to monitor based on current network conditions, signal quality measurements, and priority levels. The monitoring configuration changes dynamically - for example, switching between monitoring signals from different frequency layers or different base stations depending on which provides better synchronization quality at that moment.
2Reliability
If wireless devices monitor all synchronization signals from multiple sources, then synchronization reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring by selecting and monitoring only a subset of available synchronization signals based on their priority levels and current quality metrics. Instead of exhaustively monitoring all possible signals, the device performs partial monitoring on the most relevant signals (e.g., from serving cell or high-priority neighboring cells), achieving sufficient synchronization reliability with reduced power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes monitoring parameters dynamically - adjusting the number of signals to monitor, the monitoring interval, and the priority thresholds based on network conditions. When synchronization quality is good, the device may reduce monitoring intensity to save power; when quality degrades or network conditions change, the device increases monitoring effort to maintain reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If wireless devices monitor synchronization signals from multiple frequency layers, then coverage is improved, but the number of required monitored signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments synchronization signal monitoring across different frequency layers by assigning different priorities or monitoring schedules to signals on different layers. Instead of monitoring all signals on all layers simultaneously, the device segments the monitoring task - for example, monitoring signals on the primary frequency layer continuously while monitoring signals on secondary layers less frequently or only when needed for handover decisions.
4Measurement precision
If wireless devices monitor more synchronization signals, then synchronization timing accuracy is improved, but processing capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the monitoring quality and intensity for different synchronization signal sources. Instead of uniformly monitoring all signals with the same processing effort, the device applies higher quality monitoring (more frequent measurements, more precise timing extraction) to signals from critical sources (serving cell, high-priority neighbors) while using lighter monitoring for less critical signals. This local differentiation maintains timing accuracy for essential signals while reducing overall processing requirements.
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a wireless device detects a plurality of synchronization sources. The synchronization sources include one or more network nodes and one or more device-to-device (D2D) wireless devices. The wireless device selects, based on priority, up to a maximum number (M) of the detected synchronization sources for inclusion in a monitored set that the wireless device tracks in order to maintain at least synchronization timing. In certain embodiments, the priority is determined at least in part according to prioritization rules received from a network node.