Operator-Assisted D2D Discovery for Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Device-to-device (D2D) communication discovery processes in wireless networks are resource-intensive and power-consuming, especially for multi-radio devices, due to random polling and interference issues, leading to prolonged discovery times and increased bandwidth and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Operator-network-assisted D2D discovery, where the operator network facilitates device discovery by transmitting a device discovery message, allowing wireless devices to discover each other efficiently through a proposed discovery period, reducing the need for simultaneous listening and transmission, and leveraging existing authentication to conserve resources and improve efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If random polling is used for D2D discovery, then devices can discover each other, but power consumption and resource usage increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery success rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operator network acts as an intermediary that coordinates D2D discovery by providing discovery references and scheduling information to devices. This mediator approach eliminates the need for devices to perform random polling, significantly reducing their power consumption while maintaining reliable discovery through network-coordinated communication during scheduled discovery periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If devices simultaneously listen and transmit during discovery, then peer pairing can occur, but interference increases and discovery time prolongs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery speedVSAvoidinterference
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic discovery periods where devices alternate between listening and transmitting phases according to network-scheduled timing. During each discovery period, devices follow a coordinated pattern that prevents simultaneous transmission and listening, eliminating interference while maintaining efficient peer pairing through structured periodic communication cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If manual authentication is performed for D2D communication, then security is maintained, but operation complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service authentication where devices automatically perform mutual authentication using credentials and security parameters provided by the operator network. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual user intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining security through automated verification of device identities and communication rights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If devices use multiple radios for simultaneous communication, then communication capability improves, but power consumption and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments communication operations by separating transmission and listening functions across different time intervals within structured discovery periods. This segmentation allows multi-radio devices to maintain their communication capabilities while reducing power consumption by activating radios only when needed for specific communication phases, rather than keeping all radios continuously active.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3582524B1Operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 APPLE INC
  • EP3582524B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3582524B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3582524B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for operator-assisted device-to-device (D2D) discovery is disclosed, which method may be executed as instructions on a machine, where the instructions are included on at least one computer readable medium. The method can include a transmission station in an operator network receiving a request for data service from a requesting wireless device. The transmission station can identify a serving wireless device to provide the data service for the requesting wireless device. The transmission station can transmit a device discovery message to the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The device discovery message provides a device discovery period for communication via an ad-hoc, D2D network between the requesting wireless device and the serving wireless device. The ad-hoc, D2D network provides for device-to-device communication.