NR Sidelink Coordination for Hidden Terminal Resource Conflicts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cellular networks face limitations in data rate and support for proximity services, and existing UE communication mechanisms in NR sidelink systems struggle with hidden and exposed terminal issues, leading to inefficient resource allocation and potential conflicts.

Innovation Solution

Implementing inter-UE coordination methods, including UE-A and UE-B communication, to provide assistance information for resource selection and conflict detection, using Logical Channel Prioritization (LCP) procedures and coordination information transmission via resource sets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional base station-centric cellular network is used, then network coverage and control are maintained, but data rate and support for proximity services are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network communication function into two parts: traditional base station-centric communication for coverage and control, and device-to-device (D2D) communication for high data rate services and proximity services. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the benefits of traditional networks while enabling direct device communication to achieve higher productivity without requiring complete architectural overhaul.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal communication framework that supports both traditional cellular network operations and D2D communication modes within the same network infrastructure. The system can dynamically switch between or combine these modes based on service requirements, making the network architecture multi-functional and adaptable to different service scenarios without increasing overall complexity.

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

2Productivity

If D2D communication is implemented, then data rate and proximity service support improve, but resource allocation conflicts and hidden terminal issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidresource allocation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices participating in D2D communication report channel conditions, resource usage status, and detection results to the network. This feedback enables the network to monitor and manage D2D resources dynamically, resolve conflicts, and adjust resource allocation to maintain reliability while achieving high data rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having devices perform sensing and detection procedures before initiating D2D communication or resource selection. Devices sense the channel conditions and detect potential conflicts in advance, allowing them to select resources that minimize conflicts and avoid hidden terminal issues before they occur, thereby ensuring reliable resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If resource sensing and selection procedures are used, then resource conflicts are reduced, but communication latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial sensing and selection procedures where devices perform sensing only for critical resources or in specific scenarios rather than exhaustive sensing for all resources. This partial action approach reduces the time required for resource selection while still maintaining sufficient reliability by focusing sensing efforts on the most important resource allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having devices pre-select and reserve resources in advance for anticipated D2D communications. By performing resource selection and reservation before actual data transmission is needed, the system reduces communication latency during actual data transfer while maintaining resource allocation reliability through the preliminary planning phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4476993B1Device to device communication
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 ZTE CORP
  • EP4476993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4476993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4476993B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method, device and computer program product for wireless communication are provided. A method includes: determining, by a first wireless communication terminal, a resource set in a resource pool; and performing, by the first wireless communication terminal, a Logical Channel Prioritization, LCP, procedure to allow coordination information to be transmitted to a second wireless communication terminal via the resource set; wherein the coordination information is transmitted to allow the second wireless communication terminal to perform a sidelink transmission with the first wireless communication terminal.