TDD Subframe Configuration for Device-to-Device Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In time division duplex (TDD) wireless communication systems, existing technologies face challenges in enabling device-to-device (D2D) communication as UEs require distinct uplink-downlink subframe configurations, which are not compatible with the standard configurations used for communication with base stations.

Innovation Solution

The method involves configuring at least two subframes for D2D communication between UEs, where one subframe is designated as uplink for one UE and downlink for the other, and vice versa, along with specific transmission and reception parameter settings to facilitate D2D data transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If UEs use the same uplink-downlink subframe configuration as in standard TDD communication with base stations, then system compatibility is maintained, but D2D communication between TDD UEs cannot be established because both UEs would transmit uplink simultaneously without dedicated downlink reception opportunities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D communication capabilityVSAvoidsubframe configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the TDD subframe configuration into separate uplink and downlink subframe sets for D2D communication. Each UE is assigned specific subframes for uplink transmission and different subframes for downlink reception, enabling full-duplex D2D communication while maintaining compatibility with standard TDD configurations for base station communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different subframe configurations locally for D2D communication versus standard TDD communication. While the overall TDD configuration remains standard for compatibility, specific subframes are designated with unique uplink-downlink assignments tailored for D2D operations, allowing flexible resource allocation without disrupting the global system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If separate uplink and downlink subframes are configured for D2D communication, then full-duplex communication is enabled, but the configuration becomes incompatible with standard TDD configurations used for base station communication

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D data transmission efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic subframe configuration where the network can flexibly assign uplink and downlink subframes for D2D communication based on traffic demands. The configuration can be adjusted through RRC signaling to match different D2D service requirements while maintaining the standard TDD configuration for base station communication, achieving both high productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the network configures different uplink-downlink subframe assignments for communicating UEs, then D2D communication is enabled, but the number of configuration parameters and signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D communication reliabilityVSAvoidconfiguration parameter count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies specific TDD configuration parameters for D2D communication, particularly the uplink-downlink subframe assignment parameters. By changing these parameters locally for D2D while keeping the overall TDD framework standard, the patent enables reliable D2D communication with minimal impact on system-wide configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2861028B1Method and related communication device for handling communication between time division duplex devices
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 HTC CORP
  • EP2861028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2861028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2861028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of handling communication between time division duplex (TDD) devices for a network in a wireless communication system includes selecting at least two subframes to be used for a device to device (D2D) communication between a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE in the wireless communication system; indicating to the first UE to use a first subframe of the at least two subframes as an uplink subframe for the D2D communication and use a second subframe of the at least two subframes as a downlink subframe for the D2D communication; and indicating to the second UE to use the first subframe of the at least two subframes as a downlink subframe for the D2D communication and use the second subframe of the at least two subframes as an uplink subframe for the D2D communication.