DMRS Sequence Selection Using SCI CRC Bits in D2D

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Solution Overview

Problem

In device-to-device (D2D) communication, existing systems face challenges in selecting demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequences that ensure uniqueness without dedicated bits, particularly in V2X deployments where vehicles transmit broadcast information to multiple receivers, and existing methods do not efficiently avoid sequence duplication among UEs.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using bits from the cyclic redundancy check (CRC) field in the sidelink control information (SCI) to indicate DMRS sequences, allowing for sufficient uniqueness among UEs, and mapping different CRC values to distinct DMRS sequences to prevent duplication, thereby enabling efficient DMRS sequence selection for D2D communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods are used to select DMRS sequences in D2D communication, then sequence selection is simplified, but sequence duplication occurs among UEs reducing communication reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDMRS sequence uniquenessVSAvoidsequence selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reuses existing SCI bits (particularly CRC bits) that were originally designed for error checking purposes and gives them an additional function of indicating DMRS sequence selection. This multi-functional use of bits ensures unique DMRS sequences without requiring dedicated sequence indication bits, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding increased complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the interpretation/parameter of existing SCI bits from solely error-checking (CRC function) to also serving as DMRS sequence indicators. By mapping different CRC bit patterns to different DMRS sequences, the system ensures sequence uniqueness without adding new signaling elements, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dedicated bits are added to indicate DMRS sequences, then sequence uniqueness is ensured, but signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDMRS sequence uniquenessVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing SCI bits serve dual purposes: maintaining their original function for error checking while simultaneously encoding DMRS sequence information. This eliminates the need for dedicated sequence indication bits, ensuring uniqueness without increasing signaling overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the function of CRC bits and DMRS sequence indication into a single signaling mechanism. By combining these functions in the SCI, the system avoids separate signaling for sequence selection, thereby preventing additional overhead while ensuring unique sequence assignment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If CRC bits are used to indicate DMRS sequences, then sequence duplication is avoided, but error checking capability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence uniquenessVSAvoiderror checking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses only a subset of the CRC bits (or specific bit positions within CRC) for DMRS sequence indication while preserving the overall CRC structure. This partial use maintains sufficient error checking capability while providing enough distinct patterns to indicate unique sequences, thus balancing both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3504815B1Demodulation reference signal sequence selection in device-to-device communication
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3504815B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504815B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504815B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A transmitting UE in a device-to-device (D2D) communication may identify a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) sequence for a D2D transmission based at least in part on a subset of bits of a sidelink control information (SCI) transmission. The subset of bits of the SCI transmission may be selected such that the bits have sufficient variability to reduce the likelihood that multiple UEs may use the same DMRS sequence. The subset of bits of the SCI transmission may be all or a portion of a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) for the SCI.