UE Relay Signaling for Out-of-Coverage D2D Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems, particularly in LTE technology, face challenges in efficiently supporting device-to-device (D2D) communication and relay signaling between user equipment (UE) and the network, especially in areas outside network coverage, where devices need to access the network while engaging in D2D communication.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method for relay signaling between a UE and a network, where a UE within coverage can act as a relay node for D2D groups outside coverage, by transmitting specific messages to request resources and allocate wireless resources for D2D communication, enabling data transmission between D2D groups and the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If D2D communication is implemented outside network coverage, then device autonomy and communication capability are improved, but network access and resource management capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveD2D communication capabilityVSAvoidnetwork access capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a relay UE as an intermediary between out-of-coverage D2D groups and the network. The relay UE maintains connection with the network and forwards data and control signals between the network and remote D2D groups, enabling network access without direct coverage while preserving network management capabilities through the intermediary node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If relay nodes are introduced to extend network coverage, then network access capability is improved, but system complexity and resource management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork access capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables relay UEs to self-select and self-configure based on their own network connection status and D2D communication capabilities. The relay UE autonomously establishes relay connections and manages resource allocation for D2D groups without requiring complex centralized relay management, reducing system complexity while maintaining network access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple messages are exchanged for relay setup, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but signaling overhead and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation accuracyVSAvoidrelay setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary resource allocation where the network pre-allocates resources for potential relay connections before actual D2D communication begins. The network configures resource pools and parameters in advance, so when a relay UE is selected, the resource allocation is already prepared, reducing the number of back-and-forth signaling messages required during actual relay setup while maintaining accurate resource allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3257324B1Relay signaling between UE and network
Publication Date: 2018.09.26 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3257324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3257324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3257324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer-readable medium for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The UE may transmit a message that includes a relay status of the UE. The relay status may indicate whether the UE intends to function as a relay node between a base station and at least one D2D destination. The UE may receive a DCI message based on the relay status of the UE. The DCI message may indicate resources allocated to the UE based on the relay status of the UE. The UE may transmit data on the resources allocated to the UE based on the relay status of the UE.