Inter-Cell D2D Synchronization via Cell-Specific Resource Pools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless networks face challenges in synchronizing device-to-device (D2D) communication across cells in asynchronous networks, particularly for inter-cell D2D discovery and communication, where receiver UEs struggle to obtain timing information for receiving D2D signals, and resource pool configuration is complex, especially when coexisting with wide-area networks.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a D2D UE transmitting a D2D Sync Signal (D2DSS) and Physical D2D Sync Channel (PD2DSCH) to synchronize with other UEs, with resource pools configured to support D2D communication, allowing UEs to select resources for transmission and reception, and using synchronization signals to manage timing across cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If D2D communication is implemented in asynchronous networks across cells, then network flexibility and coverage are improved, but synchronization complexity and timing coordination deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidsynchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the D2D communication system into cell-specific resource pools, where each cell maintains independent resource allocation and synchronization. This allows asynchronous operation across cells while managing synchronization complexity through localized resource management rather than global coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cell-specific synchronization signals and resource pool configurations as intermediaries that facilitate timing coordination between cells without requiring direct synchronization. These intermediaries enable asynchronous D2D communication while maintaining network-wide coherence through structured resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If resource pool configuration is optimized for D2D communication, then D2D discovery and communication performance are improved, but resource allocation complexity and interference management deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D communication performanceVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring cell-specific resource pools with tailored parameters for each cell's D2D communication needs. This allows optimization of D2D performance in each local cell while managing resource allocation complexity through decentralized, cell-autonomous configuration rather than centralized global management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates equipotentiality by establishing standardized resource pool configuration frameworks across cells, where each cell follows the same structural principles for resource allocation. This reduces interference management complexity through consistent resource patterns while maintaining local optimization for D2D performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Area of stationary object

If D2D communication operates independently without infrastructure, then network coverage and accessibility are improved, but timing synchronization and resource coordination deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidtiming synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring cell-specific resource pools and synchronization parameters before D2D communication begins. This allows UEs to establish timing synchronization based on predetermined resource allocations, improving reliability of timing coordination while maintaining independent D2D operation for extended coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing UEs to autonomously select resources from cell-specific resource pools and perform synchronization based on configured parameters without continuous infrastructure assistance. This maintains timing synchronization reliability through self-organizing mechanisms while extending network coverage to areas without infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3709741B1Methods and apparatus for inter-cell device-to-device communication and discovery
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3709741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709741B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3709741B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method includes detecting a device to device (D2D) synchronization signal of a neighbor base station, transmitted from at least one other UE associated with the neighbor base station through a transceiver, determining at least one UE receive (RX) resource pool configured by the neighbor base station based on the D2D synchronization signal of the neighbor base station, and monitoring a D2D discovery or communication signal transmitted from the at least one other UE according to the at least one UE RX resource pool through the transceiver. A method includes determining at least one UE RX resource pool for at least one device associated with a base station, each UE RX resource pool comprising a repetition of a Scheduling Assignment (SA) pool and a data pool with a scheduling cycle, the SA pool comprising a SA bitmap, and the data pool comprising at least one repeated data bitmap.