Distributed Device-to-Device Synchronization Signal Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional synchronization methods in wireless communication systems, particularly in device-to-device networks, result in high power consumption for user equipment (UEs), which can be prohibitive due to battery dependence, and may impact receiver performance if the rate of synchronization signal transmission is reduced.
Innovation Solution
A method where UEs scan for synchronization signals, identify and select a synchronization frame and slot for transmitting their own synchronization signals, potentially using random selection or energy level analysis to minimize interference and power usage, allowing for device-to-device synchronization without relying on base station resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are transmitted frequently, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization signal transmission at reduced rates (e.g., every 5ms or 10ms instead of continuous transmission). UEs transmit synchronization signals periodically within synchronization frames containing multiple slots, allowing receivers to maintain accurate time and frequency synchronization while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the synchronization frame into multiple slots (e.g., 10 slots per frame) and allows different UEs to transmit synchronization signals in different slots. This segmentation enables distributed synchronization where multiple UEs share the synchronization function, reducing individual power consumption while maintaining overall system synchronization accuracy.
2Use of energy by moving object
If synchronization signal transmission rate is reduced, then power consumption decreases, but receiver performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables UEs to autonomously select synchronization frames and slots for transmission based on local conditions and detected signals from other UEs. This self-organizing approach allows the network to maintain synchronization reliability without centralized control, ensuring receiver performance is maintained even at reduced transmission rates through adaptive resource selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time-domain dimension by organizing synchronization signals into synchronization frames with multiple slots. This temporal structure allows receivers to accumulate synchronization information across multiple slots and frames, maintaining synchronization accuracy and receiver performance even when transmission rate is reduced, through temporal diversity and integration.
3Extent of automation
If UEs transmit synchronization signals autonomously, then base station involvement is reduced, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameters for autonomous synchronization including synchronization frame period (e.g., 5ms or 10ms), number of slots per frame (e.g., 10 slots), and transmission power levels. These standardized parameter changes provide a structured framework that reduces the complexity of autonomous resource allocation while enabling base station-independent operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are described for synchronizing a user equipment (UE) in a device-to-device communications network. The UE may scan for a synchronization signal transmitted from another UE in the network. A synchronization frame including a plurality of slots to use may be identified based at least in part on a result of the scanning. The identified synchronization frame may be analyzed to select a slot to use from the plurality of slots of the synchronization frame. A synchronization signal may be transmitted using the identified synchronization frame and the selected slot.