Terminal Communication Mode Switching via Network Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems lack flexibility as terminal devices cannot switch between different communication modes, such as Uu interface, direct-connection interface controlled by the network, and direct-connection interface controlled by the terminal, limiting system efficiency in scenarios like V2X communication.

Innovation Solution

A method for switching communication modes is introduced, where a terminal device receives indication information from a network device to switch between Uu interface, direct-connection interface controlled by the network, and direct-connection interface controlled by the terminal, using reconfiguration or release signaling to maintain or release control connections, and resource occupancy information to determine optimal mode changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a terminal device communicates in one communication mode, then the communication is stable and reliable, but the flexibility of the communication system is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidcommunication mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic communication mode switching by enabling terminal devices to transition between multiple communication modes (Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3) based on real-time network conditions and service requirements. The network device sends indication information to trigger mode switches, allowing the system to adapt dynamically rather than being static in one mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication mode parameter of the terminal device from a fixed state to a variable state. By modifying the communication mode parameter based on network conditions and service types, the system achieves both stability (when mode is fixed for a duration) and flexibility (when mode can be changed).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a terminal device switches communication modes frequently, then the flexibility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the complexity of communication control increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication mode flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network device serves as an intermediary that manages communication mode switching. It sends indication information to terminal devices to trigger mode changes, thereby centralizing the control logic and reducing the complexity burden on individual terminal devices. The network device coordinates the switching process based on overall system conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where terminal devices report resource occupancy information and service requirements to the network device. The network device uses this feedback to determine appropriate mode switching decisions, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through information feedback rather than open-loop frequent switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a terminal device uses direct-connection interface controlled by terminal device, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the reliability of network control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidnetwork control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the degree of terminal autonomy in direct-connection communication based on network conditions. In Mode 2, the terminal has partial autonomy with network control, while in Mode 3, the terminal has full autonomy. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between efficiency and control reliability based on real-time requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the direct-connection communication into different modes with varying levels of network control. Mode 2 represents segmented control where the network manages certain aspects while the terminal handles others, and Mode 3 represents complete terminal autonomy. This segmentation allows flexible trade-offs between efficiency and control reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11178729B2Method for switching communication mode, and terminal device and network device
Publication Date: 2021.11.16 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US11178729B2 patent drawing
  • US11178729B2 patent drawing
  • US11178729B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for switching a communication mode includes: a terminal device receives first indication information sent by a network device, used for instructing the terminal device to switch from a current communication mode to a target communication mode, the current communication mode and the target communication mode are any two of a first communication mode, a second communication mode, and a third communication mode, the first communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication is performed via a Uu interface, the second communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication is performed via a direct-connection interface and controlled by the network device, and the third communication mode is a communication mode in which the communication is performed via a direct-connection interface and controlled by the terminal device; and the terminal device switches a communication mode according to the first indication information.