Device Discovery Using Selective Resource Information Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current device-to-device (D2D) discovery in wireless communication systems faces challenges in efficiently determining available resources for proximity services, particularly in supporting inter-cell, inter-frequency, and inter-PLMN operations, leading to inefficient resource allocation and increased power consumption, especially in dense and heterogeneous network deployments.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining the type of device discovery to be used for proximity services, which includes signaling information based on whether additional resource information is provided, allowing for flexible control of inter-cell, inter-frequency, and inter-PLMN discovery, using a combination of access stratum and non-access stratum layer interactions to optimize resource usage and reduce unnecessary signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If neighboring cell resource pool information is provided in System Information Blocks (SIB) of a serving cell, then device discovery capability is improved, but system loading and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice discovery capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the provision of neighboring cell resource pool information from the general SIB broadcasting mechanism. Instead of providing this information to all UEs through SIB, the invention selectively provides resource pool information only to UEs that actually need it for D2D discovery, thereby reducing unnecessary system loading and power consumption while maintaining discovery capability for those who require it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables UEs to self-determine whether they need neighboring cell resource pool information based on their specific D2D discovery requirements. UEs autonomously request and receive resource pool information only when necessary, rather than passively receiving all information through SIB broadcasting, thus reducing overall system power consumption and loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If UEs read neighbouring cell SIBs to obtain resource pool information, then device discovery support is improved, but unnecessary system loading increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinter-cell discovery supportVSAvoidsystem loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the serving cell as an intermediary that provides neighboring cell resource pool information to UEs. Instead of UEs directly reading neighboring cell SIBs, the serving cell acts as a mediator that collects and distributes this information selectively, thereby reducing the direct loading on neighboring cells and simplifying the discovery process for UEs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables UEs to obtain neighboring cell resource pool information in advance through their serving cell, before actually needing to perform inter-cell discovery. This preliminary provision of information reduces the need for UEs to repeatedly read neighboring cell SIBs during operation, thereby reducing overall system loading and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If D2D discovery monitors multiple cells and frequencies, then discovery coverage is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscovery coverageVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation of D2D discovery monitoring behavior based on UE state and requirements. UEs dynamically adjust their monitoring activities across different cells and frequencies based on their current RRC state, service requirements, and channel conditions, thereby maintaining broad discovery coverage while minimizing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary monitoring in all states and locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource pool information provision from a static, universal approach to a dynamic, selective approach. By providing resource pool information only when and where needed (based on UE state, location, and service requirements), the system maintains comprehensive discovery coverage while significantly reducing the power consumption associated with continuous multi-cell, multi-frequency monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11265937B2Device discovery in a device to device communication using two types of discovery

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

Method and apparatus for device discovery are disclosed. In the method a type of device discovery to be used by a device for proximity services involving at least one another device is determined, wherein the available types of discovery comprise at least a first type discovery where additional resource information is provided for the device and a second type discovery where no additional resource information is provided. The method further comprises signalling Information based on the determined type of device discovery.