Sidelink Communication Node Groups with Timing Reference Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sidelink communication technologies fail to ensure aligned transmission timing between nodes and cannot obtain transmission timing differences, which hampers effective positioning and group formation in wireless communication networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for establishing a group of anchor nodes, where one node serves as a timing reference and others as non-timing references, enabling measurement and adjustment of transmission timing differences to facilitate accurate positioning and group formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sidelink communication is implemented without timing alignment mechanisms, then communication flexibility is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments nodes into timing reference nodes and non-timing reference nodes within groups. Timing reference nodes maintain synchronized transmission timing while non-timing reference nodes operate independently, allowing positioning measurements to be performed on segments of the network that require timing alignment without constraining the entire network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different timing characteristics to different nodes based on their roles. Timing reference nodes within each group maintain aligned transmission timing for accurate positioning measurements, while non-timing reference nodes can operate with independent timing. This local differentiation of timing quality enables positioning accuracy where needed while preserving overall communication flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If transmission timing alignment is enforced across all nodes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the network into multiple groups, each with its own timing reference node. Within each group, timing alignment is enforced only among nodes that need to perform positioning measurements, while other groups can operate independently. This segmentation limits the complexity of timing management to local groups rather than requiring global coordination across all nodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Timing reference nodes act as intermediaries that facilitate positioning measurements within their groups. These intermediary nodes maintain the timing alignment necessary for accurate positioning while non-timing reference nodes can operate independently, reducing the overall system complexity by distributing the timing coordination function to specific intermediary nodes rather than requiring all nodes to participate in global timing synchronization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If group-based timing reference structure is implemented, then positioning capability is improved, but communication protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protocol implements group-based timing references by segmenting nodes into groups with designated timing reference nodes. This segmentation allows positioning capabilities to be enhanced within groups while the communication protocol complexity is contained to group-level operations rather than requiring complex node-to-node coordination across the entire network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The timing reference node structure provides multi-functionality: timing reference nodes serve both as regular communication nodes and as positioning reference points for their groups. This universality allows the same node structure to fulfill both communication and positioning functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated positioning infrastructure and thereby limiting protocol complexity

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

Data Source

PatentEP4402966B1System and method for establishing group of communication nodes and obtaining transmission time difference
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 ZTE CORP
  • EP4402966B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4402966B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4402966B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Embodiments of a system, device and method for providing group-related information are disclosed. In some embodiments, a first wireless communication device sends, to one or more second communication devices via a sidelink communication, a message including first information and second information. In some embodiments, the first information is related to the first wireless communication device, and the second information is related to the one or more second wireless communication devices. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication device is configured to serve as a timing reference node of a group, while the one or more second wireless communication devices are each configured to serve as a non-timing reference node of the group.