Inter-PLMN D2D Communication Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current LTE technologies are limited in enabling device-to-device communication between terminal devices belonging to different cellular systems, lacking a standardized mechanism for inter-PLMN D2D communication, which is essential for efficient resource allocation and synchronization across multiple carriers.

Innovation Solution

A communication system and method that allows terminal devices from different cellular systems to exchange information and synchronize using a common frequency without requiring new dedicated frequencies, by utilizing existing network resources and optimizing resource pool allocation and carrier scanning processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If device-to-device communication is enabled between terminal devices belonging to different cellular systems (inter-PLMN D2D), then communication versatility and adaptability are improved, but resource allocation complexity and synchronization difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinter-PLMN D2D communication capabilityVSAvoidresource allocation and synchronization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling terminal devices to perform both intra-PLMN and inter-PLMN D2D communication using the same fundamental mechanisms. The base station configures resource pools that can be shared across multiple PLMNs, and terminal devices use unified procedures for discovery, synchronization, and data transmission regardless of PLMN boundaries, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility

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

Solution Approach 2:

The base station acts as an intermediary that coordinates inter-PLMN D2D communication. It configures resource pools, provides system information blocks (SIBs) with D2D parameters, and manages synchronization signals that terminal devices from different PLMNs can utilize. This intermediary role simplifies the complexity by centralizing control functions at the base station rather than requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiation between terminal devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If existing network resources are utilized for inter-PLMN D2D communication without new dedicated frequencies, then resource allocation efficiency is improved, but frequency interference and resource conflict increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency interference and resource conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the available spectrum into separate resource pools for D2D communication. The base station configures specific resource pools (e.g., discovery resource pools, data resource pools) with defined time-frequency resources that are allocated to terminal devices. This segmentation prevents interference by ensuring that D2D transmissions occur in dedicated resource blocks separate from other communications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different resource pool configurations for different geographic areas or cell groups. The base station can configure cell-specific or group-specific resource pools with tailored parameters (such as subframe offsets, resource block allocations) that optimize for local conditions and minimize interference with other PLMNs or services in that specific area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3281471B1Device and method
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3281471B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3281471B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3281471B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a device that acquires resource information indicating a radio resource for use in device-to-device (D2D) communication between a first terminal device belonging to a first public land mobile network (PLMN) and a second terminal device belonging to a second PLMN; and controls D2D communication between the first terminal device and the second terminal device based on the resource information.