Sidelink Resource Allocation for 5G Wearable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, particularly in 5G NR Things networks, there is a challenge in enabling efficient data exchange and synchronization among a large number of mobile and wearable devices operating in close proximity, especially when some devices are not connected to a network, requiring effective methods for sidelink communication and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method where network User Equipment (nUE) and wearable User Equipment (wUE) use Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals over a multicarrier channel, with a time-frequency grid for resource allocation, allowing for sidelink communication through transmitter and receiver resource acquisition and sounding channels, and dynamic allocation of subframes as either downlink or uplink for data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices communicate using traditional network connection methods, then network coverage and centralized control are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase for devices operating in close proximity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication system into two distinct modes: network-connected communication (Xu-d interface) and direct sidelink communication (Xu-s interface). This segmentation allows devices to operate in close proximity using simplified direct communication protocols when network connection is unnecessary, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable network coverage for devices that require centralized control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal communication framework where User Equipment can perform both traditional network communication and direct sidelink communication. The UE is designed with multi-functionality to support both Xu-d and Xu-s interfaces, allowing seamless operation in different scenarios without requiring separate device types

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

2Productivity

If a large number of devices communicate in close proximity using sidelink, then communication efficiency is improved, but resource allocation and synchronization complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control channel as an intermediary mechanism in sidelink communication. This control channel carries resource allocation information, synchronization signals, and coordination data between devices. By using this intermediary, devices can efficiently manage resources and maintain synchronization without requiring complex peer-to-peer negotiation protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by having devices perform resource acquisition and sounding channel operations before actual data transmission. This preliminary phase establishes resource allocations, synchronizes timing, and identifies available channels in advance, enabling efficient sidelink communication without real-time coordination complexity during data transfer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If devices operate independently without network connection, then autonomy and energy consumption are improved, but coordination and synchronization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsynchronization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service operation through sidelink communication where devices autonomously manage their own communication resources, perform local resource allocation, and maintain synchronization without network assistance. This self-service capability allows devices to operate independently with reduced energy consumption while maintaining basic coordination functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms in sidelink communication through acknowledgment channels and resource allocation responses. Devices provide feedback about received signals, resource availability, and synchronization status to peers, enabling autonomous coordination and maintaining synchronization capability without network connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11082950B2User equipment (UE) and method of sidelink data communication in fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) things networks
Publication Date: 2021.08.03 APPLE INC
  • US11082950B2 patent drawing
  • US11082950B2 patent drawing
  • US11082950B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of a network User Equipment (nUE), wearable User Equipment (wUE), and methods for sidelink communication are generally described herein. The nUE may transmit a control channel that allocates a subframe as either a downlink subframe or an uplink subframe for a sidelink communication between the nUE and a wearable User Equipment (wUE). When the control channel allocates the subframe as a downlink subframe, the nUE may contend for access to channel resources. The contention may include transmission of a transmitter resources acquisition and sounding (TAS) channel in a physical resource block (PRB) and an attempted detection of a receiver resources acquisition and sounding (RAS) channel from the wUE in the PRB. When the control channel allocates the subframe as an uplink subframe, the wUE may contend for access to the channel resources.