WO2017099839A1

WO2017099839A1 - Bandwidth overhead reduction for proximity device communications

Info

Publication number: WO2017099839A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/030090
Authority: WO
Inventors: Utsaw KUMAR; Qinghua Li
Original assignee: Intel IP Corp
Current assignee: Intel IP Corp
Priority date: 2015-12-10
Filing date: 2016-04-29
Publication date: 2017-06-15
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-10

Abstract

An apparatus is configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The apparatus includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive a transmission request, measure interferences of one or more Proximity Services (ProSe) linked UEs, provide an enhanced bandwidth grant based on the measured interferences and turn OFF a tone to indicate its transmitter is enabled. The enhanced bandwidth grant includes a permission for transmission and an incompatibility list.

Description

BANDWIDTH OVERHEAD REDUCTION FOR PROXIMITY DEVICE

COMMUNICATIONS

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/265,835, filed December 10, 2015, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to mobile communication, including proximity communications.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Mobile communications, including cellular communications, involve the transfer of data. Generally, a sender or transmitting device transmits a signal over a wide area. The signal is intended for a receiver or receiving device, which receives the transmitted signal. The transmitted signal can include data or other information and thus, the sender and the receiver establish communications.

[0004] Another type of mobile communications involves using multiple devices or peers to transmit data. A sender generates or transmits a signal for a particular device. However, the device may not be within range to pickup or receive the transmitted signal. However, other devices or peers can retransmit the signal such at the signal is retransmitted and eventually received by the intended, particular device.

[0005] However, a substantial amount of overhead and bandwidth is typically needed to retransmit the signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement utilizing a distributed

scheduling and contention management scheme.

[0007] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example or scheme for distributed scheduling and contention management.

[0008] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a priority list (PL) for a UE.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an enhanced grant message provided by a UE. [0010] Fig. 5 is an example scenario of TX-yielding to a TX-yielding pair.

[0011] Fig. 6 is an example scenario of RX-yielding to a RX-yielding pair.

[0012] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of performing distributed scheduling and contention management.

[0013] Fig. 8 illustrates an example Proximity Services (ProSe) network architecture.

[0014] Fig. 9 illustrates example components of a User Equipment (UE) device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustrated structures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As utilized herein, terms "component," "system," "interface," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor (e.g., a

microprocessor, a controller, or other processing device), a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, a computer, a tablet PC, an electronic circuit and/or a mobile phone with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can also be a component. One or more components can reside within a process, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other components can be described herein, in which the term "set" can be interpreted as "one or more."

[0016] Further, these components can execute from various computer readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon such as with a module, for example. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network, such as, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or similar network with other systems via the signal).

[0017] As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, in which the electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware application executed by one or more processors. The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts; the electronic components can include one or more processors therein to execute software and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, the functionality of the electronic components.

[0018] Use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term

"comprising".

[0019] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[0020] One approach for mobile communications is to have a mobile device communicate use a base station to communicate with another device. The devices establish communications via the base station. Thus, the mobile device transmits data to a base station, which transmits the data to the other device. The other device transmits data to the base station, which retransmits the other data to the mobile device.

[0021] Another approach for mobile communications involves peer communications, device to device (D2D) communications, and Proximity Services (ProSe)

communications. For this approach, communication is performed without communicating with a base station. Instead, a mobile device connects and

communicates directly with another mobile device within its proximity.

[0022] D2D and/or ProSe communications can dramatically increase data rates and system throughput by enabling direct communications between mobile devices, such as user equipment (UE). D2D or ProSe communications permit and facilitate proximity based applications and services. One application is D2D or ProSe broadcasting where a first device broadcasts a signal to a group or set of proximate devices. The group of devices can retransmit or rebroadcast the device to another group of devices. Doing so permits large data rates and throughput.

[0023] There is an increased density of UEs or mobile devices, which creates a challenge for scheduling and interference management. Various approaches can be used including using a centralized entity (for e.g., eNodeB), using distributed scheduling and using both centralized and distributed scheduling and interference management.

[0024] Centralized scheduling uses a centralized entity or other device to conduct scheduling and interference management. The centralized entity can include a base station or similar device. Distributed scheduling and interference management involves mobile devices or UEs performing scheduling and interference management. Each device performs the scheduling and management based on itself and neighboring or proximate devices. Also, both centralized and distributed scheduling can be used at the same time.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement 100 utilizing a distributed scheduling and contention management scheme. The arrangement 100, which can also be an apparatus, uses reduced overhead when compared with other approaches for device to device (D2D) and/or Proximity Services (ProSe) broadcasting and the like.

[0026] The arrangement 100 includes a user equipment (UE) 102, a transceiver 106 and a group of UEs 1 10. The UE 1 02 is ProSe enabled and includes its transceiver 106, a storage component 1 18, a controller 104, and a tone 1 20. The storage component 1 18 includes a memory, storage element and the like and is configured to store information for the UE 102. The controller 1 04 is configured to perform various operations associated with the UE 102. The controller 104 can include logic, components, circuitry, one or more processors and the like. The transceiver 106 includes transmitter functionality and receiver functionality. The UE 102 is configured to interact with a group of UEs and devices 1 10. The group 1 10 can include other mobile devices, base stations, evolved Node Bs (eNodeB) and the like. The devices within the group 1 10 can include control logic, storage elements and the like.

[0027] The tone 1 20 is configured to indicate whether the UE's transmitter or transceiver 106 is enabled for transmission, also referred to as a bandwidth grant. If the tone 120 is turned ON or enabled, the transmitter 106 is disabled or in the process of being disabled and the UE should not be used for transmission by other UEs. If the tone 120 is turned OFF or disabled, the transmitter 106 is operating and available for transmission by other UEs.

[0028] The UE 1 02 is also configured to use a tone, referred to as a data to transmit tone, to indicate that is has data to transmit. The tone 120 can be used or another, different tone can be used.

[0029] The UE 102 is configured to generate transmission requests, receive transmission requests and receive transmissions. The UE 1 02 is also configured to receive bandwidth grants, receive enhanced bandwidth grants, detect neighboring enhanced bandwidth grants, provide enhanced bandwidth grands and provide tentative grants.

[0030] The UE 102 has a plurality of device to device (D2D) links or pairs already established with the group of UEs 1 10. The D2D links include Proximity Based

Services (ProSe) links that have established ProSe Direct connections there between. A D2D link includes two peer devices, such as UEs, that have an established connection there between. For a D2D link, one of the peer devices is a transmitting device or UE and the other is a receiving device or UE. A transmitting device is a device that has data to send. A receiving device/UE is a device that receives the data from the transmitting device. In one example, both of the peer devices are transmitting and receiving devices.

[0031] A transmission request for the UE 102 is initiated/generated at a beginning or start of a contention period and the data to transmit tone is turned ON. An iteration is defined as a single transmit request followed by n enhanced bandwidth grants, where n = 1 , 2, 3, ... The enhanced bandwidth grants include additional information to facilitate scheduling decisions. The additional information can include incompatibility lists.

[0032] As the number of iterations n gets higher, the number of D2D links that get scheduled for transmission increases, which yields higher throughput.

[0033] It is noted that other approaches require a distinct transmit request and grant for each iteration. [0034] The UE 102 is configured to create a list of transmitters or UEs that the UE 102 can hear the transmission requests from. The list of transmitters includes D2D links with the UE 102 and are referred to as a priority list (PL) and include the group of UEs 1 1 0. In one example, the PL can be generated by the UE 102 listening and

accumulating a list of D2D transmitters they can sense power from.

[0035] Each UE that receives the transmission request checks for interference from scheduled higher priority links to check if the signal to interference ration (SIR) is high enough to grant its own transmitter. If the SIR is high enough, each receiver checks the compatibility of unscheduled lower priority transmitters in its PL and identifies incompatible transmitters in a grant message. In a last iteration, a tentative grant is used. If a receiver is not yielding to a higher priority link, than it tentatively grants its transmitter during the last iteration, irrespective of its position in the PL. The final decision to transmit is taken by the transmitter after listening to the superposition of all the bandwidth grants.

[0036] The UE 102 is also configured to receive and respond to transmission requests from other UEs. For a received transmission request, the UE 102 checks for receiver yielding and transmission yielding The receiver checks for two conditions. A first condition is RX-yielding. The receiver checks if any higher priority UE is causing substantial interference to its own receiver/transceiver by checking a SIR against a predefined or selected threshold. Since the UE cannot turn OFF a higher priority UE to make its own reception possible, it decides to yield to the higher priority transmission.

[0037] A second condition is TX-yielding. If the UE 102 does not RX-yield, the receiver checks for lower priority transmissions causing substantial interference by checking a SIR against a pre-defined or selected threshold. These transmissions are lower in priority so the UE 102 is able to cause or attempt to cause the interfering transmissions to shut down.

[0038] Thus, the UE 1 02 is configured to turn off or disable its transmitter 1 06 for transmitting when it is RX yielding or another receiving UE is turning it off because the UE 102 appears in a higher priority receiving UE's incompatibility list. If the UE 102 turns off or disables its transmitter 106, the tone 120 is turned ON.

[0039] It is appreciated that the components of the arrangement 100 and/or UE 102 can be in the same device and/or included in separate devices, such as with radio access network (RAN) and cellular radio access network (C-RAN) embodiments. [0040] Additionally, it is appreciated that the group 1 10 and/or the arrangement 100 can include one or more additional UE devices configured similarly to the UE 102.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example or scheme 200 for distributed scheduling and contention management. The diagram is provided for illustrative purposes and it is appreciated that other examples are contemplated.

[0042] The diagram depicts time increasing along an x-axis. Subsequent grants or iterations of grants are shown numbered from 1 to N.

[0043] The scheduling scheme involves a transmission request by a UE, such as the UE 102. The transmission request is sent to a first group of neighboring or proximate devices, including other UEs. In a first iteration, an enhanced bandwidth grant 1 is received, which indicates that a link, D2D, and/or ProSe based link with another UE has granted bandwidth to retransmit or handle the transmission request. In a second iteration, a second enhanced bandwidth grant 2 is received, which indicates that a second D2D link has granted bandwidth to transmit or handle the transmission request. In an 7th iteration, an 7th enhanced bandwidth grant n is received. As shown above, the enhanced bandwidth grant includes an inherent or implicit permission to use the transmitter of the responding UE.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a priority list (PL) 300 for a UE. The PL 300 is provided as an example for illustrative purposes. It is appreciated that other PLs and variations thereof are contemplated. The PL 300 is generated by a UE, such as the UE 102.

[0045] The PL 300 includes a list of links or D2D links shown in decreasing priority. The PL 300 includes receivers 1 , 3, 4, 6, 10 and 1 1 . A receiver is a UE that receives a transmission request from another UE. The receiver checks for two conditions. A first condition is RX-yielding. The receiver checks if any higher priority receiver is causing substantial interference to its own receiver/transceiver by checking a SIR against a predefined or selected threshold. Since the receiver cannot turn OFF a higher priority receiver to make its own reception possible, it decides to yield to the higher priority transmission.

[0046] A second condition is TX-yielding. If the receiver does not RX-yield, the receiver checks for lower priority transmissions causing substantial interference by checking a SIR against a pre-defined or selected threshold. These transmissions are lower in priority so the receiver is able to cause the interfering transmissions to shut down. [0047] Referring to the PL 300, the receiver 6 expects link 1 to send its enhanced bandwidth grant in a first iteration. The link 1 is in the first slot, which is at the highest priority. Similarly, the receiver 6 also expects link 3 to send its enhanced bandwidth grant in a second iteration. The link 3 is in the second slot. Continuing, the receiver 6 expects link 4 to send its enhanced bandwidth grant in a third iteration. The link 4 is in the third slot.

[0048] The distributed scheduling scheme includes a number of factors or goals that improve scheduling and mitigate contention. These factors attempt to reduce or eliminate situations where yielding D2D links yield to already yielding D2D links and one or more of the factors are considered by UEs and/or UE control circuitry.

[0049] A first factor or goal is that a D2D link should not TX-yield to a TX-yielding link. The decision to yield is made at the receiver, not the transmitter. This reduces the number of iterations and overhead to schedule eligible D2D links.

[0050] A second factor or goal is that a D2D link should not RX-yield to a RX-yielding pair.

[0051] A third factor or goal is that a D2D link should not TX-yield to a RX-yielding pair.

[0052] A fourth factor or goal is that a D2D link should not RX-yield to a TX-yielding pair. The transmission of enhanced bandwidth grants is at full power so other receivers can overhear transmissions and avoid yielding to an already yielding D2D link.

[0053] A fifth factor or goal is to resolve yielding cases as quickly as possible and schedule as many D2D links as possible. The scheduling scheme includes a tentative grant to facilitate performance for low numbers of iterations, such as iterations where n < 3.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an enhanced grant message 400 provided by a UE. The message is 400 provided as an example and identifies D2D links, including Proximity Based Services (ProSe) links, that are disabled. The message 400 can be used with the arrangement 100, described above.

[0055] The grant message 400 identifies a plurality of D2D links from 1 to N. Each link has an associated tone that is used for transmission in two cases.

[0056] A first case is that the receiver for that particular link checks the RX-yielding SIR condition and finds that higher priority links are causing too much interference. Thus, transmission from its transmitter would be poor or insufficient. If the transmission from its transmitter would be poor, the link's associated tone is disabled. [0057] A second case is where a higher priority link wants to shut down or disable a particular link L because the transmission from the link L is causing substantial interference to the higher priority link. This results in a failure of the TX-yielding condition check.

[0058] Fig. 5 is an example scenario 500 of TX-yielding to a TX-yielding pair. The scenario 500 is provided for illustrative purposes. It is appreciated that other examples and variations are contemplated.

[0059] The scenario 500 includes three UEs or links and their associated receivers and transmitters. The links include D2D links, Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) links and the like. A first UE is shown as 501 , a second UE is shown as 502 and a third UE is shown at 503. The UEs 501 , 502 and 503 are requested to send enhanced bandwidth grants in time slots or iterations 1 , 2 and 3, respectively. The UE D2D/ProSe links are shown with decreasing priority.

[0060] It is also noted that there are device to device (D2D) links shown. A first link exists where the first UE 501 is a receiving UE and the second UE 502 is a transmitting UE. A second link is shown where the second UE 502 is a receiving UE and the third UE 503 is a transmitting UE.

[0061] In this example, a transmission request has been generated and a PL or list of links is iteratively evaluated for bandwidth grants. Tx2 is causing substantial interference to Rx1 . Additionally, Tx3 is causing substantial interference to Rx2. The second UE 502 and its transmitter Tx2 will TX-yield to the first UE 501 . Additionally, the third UE 503 and its transmitter Tx3 will TX-yield to the second UE 502, due to the interference to the Rx2.

[0062] The link for first UE 501 gets scheduled and its bandwidth grant lights up the tone of the link for the second UE 502. Thus, the link for the second UE 502 is shut down in a first iteration. The link for the third UE 503 is scheduled, which is suitable. The third link is scheduled because the Rx3 employs a tentative grant.

[0063] For a second iteration, it is assumed that the enhanced bandwidth grant was performed at full power and that the Rx3 heard that transmission and is informed that the UE 502 is being shut down. Thus, the third UE 503 can proceed with its enhanced bandwidth grant transmission in a second time slot or the second iteration. This enhanced bandwidth grant in the second time slot for the third UE 503 can shut down or disable other lower priority receivers (not shown), which may be causing interference to Rx3. If the third UE 503 does not receive the enhanced bandwidth grant from the first UE 501 or is not otherwise aware of the grant, the third UE 503 does not provide a grant during the second iteration or time slot and waits for a subsequent iteration. In this example, the third UE 503 would provide an enhanced bandwidth grant in a third iteration.

[0064] In other approaches, the link for the third UE 503 would be turned off and not be granted due to the interference of the Tx3 on the Rx2.

[0065] Fig. 6 is an example scenario 600 of RX-yielding to a RX-yielding pair. The scenario 600 is provided for illustrative purposes. It is appreciated that other examples and variations are contemplated.

[0066] The scenario 600 includes three UEs or links and their associated receivers and transmitters. A first UE is shown as 601 , a second UE is shown as 602 and a third UE is shown at 603. The UEs or links 601 , 602 and 603 are to send enhanced bandwidth grants in time slots or iterations 1 , 2 and 3, respectively. The UE D2D links are shown with decreasing priority.

[0067] Tx1 is causing substantial interference to Rx2 and Tx2 is causing substantial interference to Rx3. Thus, the second UE 602 will RX-yield, without receiving additional information.

[0068] In a first iteration, the UE 601 sends an enhanced bandwidth grant in time slot or iteration 1 , whereas the second UE 602 and the third UE 603 provide tentative grants. The first UE 601 does not light up any tones because all the links are

acceptable. However, the second UE 602 will turn OFF its own transmitter, Tx2 and the third UE 602 will turn OFF its transmitter, Tx3 because both RX-yield.

[0069] In a second iteration, the second UE 602 and the third UE 603 again turn off their transmitters.

[0070] In a third iteration, the third UE 603 heard that the second UE 602 turned OFF its transmitter. As a result, the third UE 603 turns ON its transmitter and sends an enhanced bandwidth grant. The bandwidth grant includes information about which other lower priority transmissions to shut down.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 700 of performing distributed scheduling and contention management. The method 700 performs a scheme for distributed scheduling and contention management for device to device (D2D) and/or Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) communications.

[0072] The method 700 begins at block 702, wherein a group of device to device (D2D) and/or ProSe links are formed. Each link includes a pair of mobile devices or UEs that have established peer to peer communications. Each link also has an associated or assigned priority.

[0073] A transmitting mobile device generates a transmission request for D2D/ProSe communications at block 704. An example of a suitable mobile device is the UE 102 shown above.

[0074] A receiving mobile device receives the transmission request at block 706. An example of a suitable receiving mobile device is the UE 102, shown above.

[0075] The receiving mobile device generates a priority list of detected mobile devices at block 708. The mobile devices can include UEs. Each of the mobile devices have an assigned priority. Additionally, each of the mobile devices can also have a link established with the receiving mobile device. An example priority list is shown above with regard to Fig. 3.

[0076] The receiving mobile device measures transmitter and receiver interferences for the mobile devices on the priority list at block 710. In one example, the control unit/circuitry 1 04 is configured to measure the interferences.

[0077] The receiving mobile device detects one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from the mobile devices in the priority list at block 712.

[0078] The receiving mobile device generates an enhanced bandwidth grant at block 714 according to the measured transmitter and receiver interferences and the detected one or more enhanced bandwidth grants. The enhanced bandwidth grant can include an indication of whether the transmitter of the receiving mobile device is enabled or disabled for the transmission request. The enhanced bandwidth grant can also include a list of incompatible links or mobile devices based on the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

[0079] While the methods described within this disclosure are illustrated in and described herein as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the description herein. Further, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases. [0080] Embodiments describe herein can be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. Fig. 8 illustrates a Proximity Services (ProSe) network architecture 800 for one embodiment.

[0081] A first User Equipment (UE) 802 is ProSe enabled and is configured to exchange ProSe control information with between other ProSe enabled UEs and has procedures for open and restricted ProSe Direct Discovery of other ProSe enabled UEs.

[0082] The first UE 802 is also configured to establish ProSe Direct Communication with other ProSe enabled UEs. The ProSe Direct communication is a communication between two or more UEs in proximity that are ProSe enabled, by utilizing user plane transmission with E-UTRA technology via a path not traversing another netework node.

[0083] The first UE 802 can also be configured to include ProSe-enabled Public Safety functions including procedures for one-to-many ProSe Direct Communication and procedures for one-to-one ProSe Direct Communication.

[0084] A second User Equipment (UE) 804 is ProSe enabled and is configured to exchange ProSe control information with between other ProSe enabled UEs and has procedures for open and restricted ProSe Direct Discovery of other ProSe enabled UEs.

[0085] The second UE 804 is also configured to establish ProSe Direct

Communication with other ProSe enabled UEs, including the first UE 802. The ProSe Direct communication is a communication between two or more UEs in proximity that are ProSe enabled, by utilizing user plane transmission with E-UTRA technology via a path not traversing another netework node.

[0086] The second UE 804 can also be configured to include ProSe-enabled Public Safety functions including procedures for one-to-many ProSe Direct Communication and procedures for one-to-one ProSe Direct Communication.

[0087] In this example, the second UE 804 and the first UE 802 are connected via a reference point or interface, such as a PC5 reference point. The PC5 is a reference point or interface between ProSe enabled Ues and is used for control, user plane for ProSe Direct Discovery, ProSe Direct Communication and ProSe UE-to-network relay.

[0088] The architecture 800 includes a ProSe Application server 806 configured to interact with the first UE 802, the second UE 804 and other ProSe enabled UEs.

Additionally, the ProSe Application server 806 is configured to support storage of identifications (IDs) including ProSe User IDs, ProSe Function IDs, ProSe Discovery UE IDs, metadata and the like. The ProSe Application server 806 is also configured to map Application Layer User IDs and evolved packet core (EPC) ProSe User IDs. [0089] An Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 808 is also included in the arrangement 800 to facilitate communications. It is appreciated that another network, such as a Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) can be used to facilitate communications. The E- UTRAN 808 can include other network components, such as evolved Node Bs

(eNodeBs) and the like.

[0090] The ProSe Direct Discovery of the ProSe enabled UEs permits discovery and identification of other ProSe enabled UEs that are in its proximity using the E-UTRAN 808 or Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN). Once identified, ProSe Direct

Communication can be established between two or more ProSe enabled UEs that are in direct communication range using the E-UTRAN 808 or a WLAN.

[0091] It is appreciated that the architecture 800 is provided for illustrative purposes and that the architecture 800 can include other components not shown.

[0092] Embodiments described herein can be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. FIG. 9 illustrates, for one embodiment, example components of a User Equipment (UE) device 900. In some embodiments, the UE device 900 (e.g., the wireless communication device) can include application circuitry 902, baseband circuitry 904, Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 906, front-end module (FEM) circuitry 908 and one or more antennas 910, coupled together at least as shown.

[0093] The application circuitry 902 can include one or more application processors. For example, the application circuitry 902 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The processor(s) can include any combination of general-purpose processors and dedicated processors (e.g., graphics processors, application processors, etc.). The processors can be coupled with and/or can include memory/storage and can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory/storage to enable various applications and/or operating systems to run on the system.

[0094] The baseband circuitry 904 can include circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core or multi-core processors. The baseband circuitry 904 can include one or more baseband processors and/or control logic to process baseband signals received from a receive signal path of the RF circuitry 906 and to generate baseband signals for a transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 906. Baseband processing circuity 904 can interface with the application circuitry 902 for generation and processing of the baseband signals and for controlling operations of the RF circuitry 906. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 904 can include a second generation (2G) baseband processor 904a, third generation (3G) baseband processor 904b, fourth generation (4G) baseband processor 904c, and/or other baseband processor(s) 904d for other existing generations, generations in development or to be developed in the future (e.g., fifth generation (5G), 6G, etc.). The baseband circuitry 904 (e.g., one or more of baseband processors 904a-d) can handle various radio control functions that enable communication with one or more radio networks via the RF circuitry 906. The radio control functions can include, but are not limited to, signal modulation/demodulation, encoding/decoding, radio frequency shifting, etc. In some embodiments, modulation/demodulation circuitry of the baseband circuitry 904 can include Fast-Fourier Transform (FFT), precoding, and/or constellation

mapping/demapping functionality. In some embodiments, encoding/decoding circuitry of the baseband circuitry 904 can include convolution, tail-biting convolution, turbo, Viterbi, and/or Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) encoder/decoder functionality.

Embodiments of modulation/demodulation and encoder/decoder functionality are not limited to these examples and can include other suitable functionality in other embodiments.

[0095] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 904 can include elements of a protocol stack such as, for example, elements of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) protocol including, for example, physical (PHY), media access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and/or radio resource control (RRC) elements. A central processing unit (CPU) 904e of the baseband circuitry 904 can be configured to run elements of the protocol stack for signaling of the PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP and/or RRC layers. In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry can include one or more audio digital signal processor(s) (DSP) 904f. The audio DSP(s) 904f can be include elements for compression/decompression and echo cancellation and can include other suitable processing elements in other embodiments. Components of the baseband circuitry can be suitably combined in a single chip, a single chipset, or disposed on a same circuit board in some embodiments. In some embodiments, some or all of the constituent components of the baseband circuitry 904 and the application circuitry 902 can be implemented together such as, for example, on a system on a chip (SOC). [0096] In some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 904 can provide for

communication compatible with one or more radio technologies. For example, in some embodiments, the baseband circuitry 904 can support communication with an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN) and/or other wireless metropolitan area networks (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN). Embodiments in which the baseband circuitry 904 is configured to support radio communications of more than one wireless protocol can be referred to as multi-mode baseband circuitry.

[0097] RF circuitry 906 can enable communication with wireless networks

using modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. In various embodiments, the RF circuitry 906 can include switches, filters, amplifiers, etc. to facilitate the communication with the wireless network. RF circuitry 906 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 908 and provide baseband signals to the baseband circuitry 904. RF circuitry 906 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry to up- convert baseband signals provided by the baseband circuitry 904 and provide RF output signals to the FEM circuitry 908 for transmission.

[0098] In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 906 can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the RF circuitry 906 can include mixer circuitry 906a, amplifier circuitry 906b and filter circuitry 906c. The transmit signal path of the RF circuitry 906 can include filter circuitry 906c and mixer circuitry 906a. RF circuitry 906 can also include synthesizer circuitry 906d for synthesizing a frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path and the transmit signal path. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path can be configured to down-convert RF signals received from the FEM circuitry 908 based on the synthesized frequency provided by synthesizer circuitry 906d. The amplifier circuitry 906b can be configured to amplify the down-converted signals and the filter circuitry 906c can be a low-pass filter (LPF) or band-pass filter (BPF) configured to remove unwanted signals from the down-converted signals to generate output baseband signals. Output baseband signals can be provided to the baseband circuitry 904 for further processing. In some embodiments, the output baseband signals can be zero- frequency baseband signals, although this is not a requirement. In some embodiments, mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path can comprise passive mixers, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. [0099] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 906a of the transmit signal path can be configured to up-convert input baseband signals based on the synthesized frequency provided by the synthesizer circuitry 906d to generate RF output signals for the FEM circuitry 908. The baseband signals can be provided by the baseband circuitry 904 and can be filtered by filter circuitry 906c. The filter circuitry 906c can include a low-pass filter (LPF), although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00100] In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 906a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for quadrature downconversion and/or upconversion respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 906a of the transmit signal path can include two or more mixers and can be arranged for image rejection (e.g., Hartley image rejection). In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 906a can be arranged for direct downconversion and/or direct upconversion, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer circuitry 906a of the receive signal path and the mixer circuitry 906a of the transmit signal path can be configured for super-heterodyne operation.

[00101 ] In some embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be analog baseband signals, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. In some alternate embodiments, the output baseband signals and the input baseband signals can be digital baseband signals. In these alternate embodiments, the RF circuitry 906 can include analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuitry and the baseband circuitry 904 can include a digital baseband interface to communicate with the RF circuitry 906.

[00102] In some dual-mode embodiments, a separate radio IC circuitry can be provided for processing signals for each spectrum, although the scope of the

embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[00103] In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 906d can be a fractional-N synthesizer or a fractional N/N+8 synthesizer, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect as other types of frequency synthesizers can be suitable. For example, synthesizer circuitry 906d can be a delta-sigma synthesizer, a frequency multiplier, or a synthesizer comprising a phase-locked loop with a frequency divider.

[00104] The synthesizer circuitry 906d can be configured to synthesize an output frequency for use by the mixer circuitry 906a of the RF circuitry 906 based on a frequency input and a divider control input. In some embodiments, the synthesizer circuitry 906d can be a fractional N/N+8 synthesizer.

[00105] In some embodiments, frequency input can be provided by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO), although that is not a requirement. Divider control input can be provided by either the baseband circuitry 904 or the applications processor 902 depending on the desired output frequency. In some embodiments, a divider control input (e.g., N) can be determined from a look-up table based on a channel indicated by the applications processor 902.

[00106] Synthesizer circuitry 906d of the RF circuitry 906 can include a divider, a delay-locked loop (DLL), a multiplexer and a phase accumulator. In some

embodiments, the divider can be a dual modulus divider (DMD) and the phase accumulator can be a digital phase accumulator (DPA). In some embodiments, the DMD can be configured to divide the input signal by either N or N+8 (e.g., based on a carry out) to provide a fractional division ratio. In some example embodiments, the DLL can include a set of cascaded, tunable, delay elements, a phase detector, a charge pump and a D-type flip-flop. In these embodiments, the delay elements can be configured to break a VCO period up into Nd equal packets of phase, where Nd is the number of delay elements in the delay line. In this way, the DLL provides negative feedback to help ensure that the total delay through the delay line is one VCO cycle.

[00107] In some embodiments, synthesizer circuitry 906d can be configured to generate a carrier frequency as the output frequency, while in other embodiments, the output frequency can be a multiple of the carrier frequency (e.g., twice the carrier frequency, four times the carrier frequency) and used in conjunction with quadrature generator and divider circuitry to generate multiple signals at the carrier frequency with multiple different phases with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the output frequency can be a LO frequency (f|_o)- In some embodiments, the RF circuitry 906 can include an IQ/polar converter.

[00108] FEM circuitry 908 can include a receive signal path which can include circuitry configured to operate on RF signals received from one or more antennas 980, amplify the received signals and provide the amplified versions of the received signals to the RF circuitry 906 for further processing. FEM circuitry 908 can also include a transmit signal path which can include circuitry configured to amplify signals for transmission provided by the RF circuitry 906 for transmission by one or more of the one or more antennas 910. [00109] In some embodiments, the FEM circuitry 908 can include a TX/RX switch to switch between transmit mode and receive mode operation. The FEM circuitry can include a receive signal path and a transmit signal path. The receive signal path of the FEM circuitry can include a low-noise amplifier (LNA) to amplify received RF signals and provide the amplified received RF signals as an output (e.g., to the RF circuitry 906). The transmit signal path of the FEM circuitry 908 can include a power amplifier (PA) to amplify input RF signals (e.g., provided by RF circuitry 906), and one or more filters to generate RF signals for subsequent transmission (e.g., by one or more of the one or more antennas 980.

[001 10] In some embodiments, the UE device 900 can include additional elements such as, for example, memory/storage, display, camera, sensor, and/or input/output (I/O) interface.

[001 11 ] Examples herein can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including executable instructions that, when performed by a machine (e.g., a processor with memory or the like) cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described.

[001 12] Example 1 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The apparatus includes control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive a transmission request from a sending UE, measure interferences of one or more Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) UEs, provide an enhanced bandwidth grant to the sending UE via an interface based on the measured interferences and turn OFF a tone to indicate its transmitter is enabled. The enhanced bandwidth grant includes permission for its transmitter for transmission and an incompatibility list.

[001 13] Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example 1 , including or omitting optional elements, where the incompatibility list indicates one or more lower priority UEs causing interference above a threshold value based on the measured interferences.

[001 14] Example 3 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -2, including or omitting optional elements, where the incompatibility list indicates one or more lower priority UEs have measured interferences greater than a threshold value.

[001 15] Example 4 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -3, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to generate a priority list (PL) that includes the one or more Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) links. [00116] Example 5 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -4, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is further configured to detect power levels of one or more receiving UEs to generate the PL.

[00117] Example 6 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -5, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to yield to a higher priority D2D UE based on the measured interferences.

[00118] Example 7 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -6, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuity is configured to generate a signal to interference ratio (SIR) for each of the one or more ProSe UEs based on the measured interferences.

[00119] Example 8 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -7, including or omitting optional elements, where a single tone is assigned to each of the one or more UEs to indicate whether an associated link is disabled for transmission.

[00120] Example 9 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -8, including or omitting optional elements, where the single tone is turned ON to indicate an associated UE has its transmitter disabled.

[00121 ] Example 10 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -9, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to turn the tone ON to indicate that the UE has data to send.

[00122] Example 1 1 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -1 0, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuity is configured to transmit data from a sending UE according to the transmission request.

[00123] Example 12 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -1 1 , including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is configured to turn a second tone ON to indicate a transmission request.

[00124] Example 13 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 1 -1 2, including or omitting optional elements, where the interface used to provide the enhanced bandwidth grant is a PCT interface.

[00125] Example 14 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The apparatus includes a transmitting UE having control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to set a transmit tone ON, generate a transmission request, wherein the transmission request includes a channel and is for Proximity- Based Services (ProSe) communication, and iteratively receive one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from a group of ProSe enabled UEs. [00126] Example 15 includes the subject matter of Examples 13, including or omitting optional elements, where a first enhanced bandwidth grant of the one or more enhanced bandwidth grants includes an implicit transmitter grant and an incompatibility list.

[00127] Example 16 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 13-14, including or omitting optional elements, where a UE of the group of UEs is configured to provide a tentative grant based on a signal to interference ratio (SIR).

[00128] Example 17 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 13-15, including or omitting optional elements, where the group of UEs each have an associated tone to indicate if its transmitter is disabled.

[00129] Example 18 is direct to one or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more user equipment (UEs) to generate a transmission request for Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) communication at a transmitting UE, receive the transmission request at a receiving UE, generate a priority list (PL) of detected ProSe enabled UEs, wherein each of the detected UEs has an assigned priority, measure transmitter and receiver interferences for the priority list, detect one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from the priority list, disable one or more UEs of the PL and lighting up their disable tones, and generate an enhanced bandwidth grant for the receiving UE according to the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

[00130] Example 19 includes the subject matter of Example 18, including or omitting optional elements, where the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more UEs to form a group of ProSe links associated with the transmitting UE, wherein each link of the group has an assigned priority.

[00131 ] Example 20 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 18-19, including or omitting optional elements, where the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more UEs to generate an incompatibility list of UEs based on the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

[00132] Example 21 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 18-20, including or omitting optional elements, where the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more UEs to generate one or more tentative grants based on signal to interference ratios (SIRs).

[00133] Example 22 includes the subject matter of any of Examples 18-21 , including or omitting optional elements, where the instructions, when executed, further cause the one or more UEs to disable its transmitter and light up its disable tone upon being deemed incompatible by a higher priority UE of the detected UEs.

[00134] Example 23 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The apparatus includes a means for generating a transmission request for Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) communication at a transmitting UE, a means for receiving the transmission request at a receiving UE, a means for generating a priority list (PL) of detected UEs, wherein each of the detected UEs has an assigned priority, a means for measuring transmitter and receiver interferences for the priority list, a means for detecting one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from the priority list, a means for disabling one or more UEs of the PL and lighting their disable tones, and a means for generating an enhanced bandwidth grant for the receiving UE according to the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

[00135] Example 24 includes the subject matter of Example 23, including or omitting optional elements, where the apparatus further includes a means for generating an incompatibility list of UEs based on the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

[00136] Example 25 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE). The apparatus includes a control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive a transmission request at a receiving UE for Proximity-Based Services (ProSe), generate a priority list (PL) of detected ProSe enabled UEs, wherein each of the detected UEs has an assigned priority, measure transmitter and receiver interferences for the priority list, detect one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from the priority list, disable one or more UEs of the PL and lighting up their disable tones, and generate an enhanced bandwidth grant for the receiving UE according to the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

[00137] Example 26 includes the subject matter of Example 25, including or omitting optional elements, where the control circuitry is further configured to form a group of device to device ProSe links associated with a transmitting UE, wherein each link of the group has an assigned priority.

[00138] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize. [00139] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

[00140] In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components or structures (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An apparatus configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:

control circuitry configured to

receive a transmission request from a sending UE;

measure interferences of one or more Proximity-Based Services (ProSe)

UEs;

provide an enhanced bandwidth grant to the sending UE via an interface based on the measured interferences, wherein the enhanced bandwidth grant includes permission for its transmitter for transmission and an incompatibility list; and

turn OFF a tone to indicate its transmitter is enabled.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the incompatibility list indicates one or more lower priority UEs causing interference above a threshold value based on the measured interferences.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the incompatibility list indicates one or more lower priority UEs have measured interferences greater than a threshold value.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is configured to generate a priority list (PL) that includes one or more Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) links.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to detect power levels of one or more receiving UEs to generate the PL.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the control circuitry is configured to yield to a higher priority ProSe UE based on the measured interferences.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the control circuity is configured to generate a signal to interference ratio (SIR) for each of the one or more ProSe UEs based on the measured interferences.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, where a single tone is assigned to each of the one or more UEs to indicate whether an associated link is disabled for transmission.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the single tone is turned ON to indicate an associated UE has its transmitter disabled.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the control circuitry is configured to turn the tone ON to indicate that the UE has data to send.

1 1 . The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, further comprising a transceiver configured to transmit data from the sending UE according to the transmission request.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the control circuitry is configured to turn a second tone ON to indicate a transmission request.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the interface used to provide the enhanced bandwidth grant is a PC5 interface.

14. An apparatus configured to be employed within one or more user equipment (UEs), the apparatus comprising:

a transmitting UE having control circuitry configured to:

set a transmit tone ON;

generate a transmission request, wherein the transmission request includes a channel and is for Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) communication; and iteratively receive one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from a group of ProSe enabled UEs.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein a first enhanced bandwidth grant of the one or more enhanced bandwidth grants includes an implicit transmitter grant and an incompatibility list.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a UE of the group of UEs is configured to provide a tentative grant based on a signal to interference ratio (SIR).

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 14-15, wherein the group of UEs each have an associated tone to indicate if its transmitter is disabled.

18. One or more computer-readable media having instructions that, when executed, cause one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

generate a transmission request for Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) communication at a transmitting UE;

receive the transmission request at a receiving UE;

generate a priority list (PL) of detected ProSe enabled UEs, wherein each of the detected UEs has an assigned priority;

measure transmitter and receiver interferences for the priority list;

detect one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from the priority list;

disable one or more UEs of the PL and lighting up their disable tones; and generate an enhanced bandwidth grant for the receiving UE according to the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

19. The computer-readable media of claim 18, comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

form a group of ProSe links associated with the transmitting UE, wherein each link of the group has an assigned priority.

20. The computer-readable media of claim 18, comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

generate an incompatibility list of UEs based on the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

21 . The computer-readable media of claim 18, comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more user equipment (UEs) to: generate one or more tentative grants based on signal to interference ratios

(SIRs).

22. The computer-readable media of claim 21 , comprising one or more computer- readable media having instructions that, when executed, further cause the one or more user equipment (UEs) to:

disable its transmitter and light up its disable tone upon being deemed incompatible by a higher priority UE of the detected UEs.

23. An apparatus configured to be employed within a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising:

a means for generating a transmission request for Proximity-Based Services (ProSe) communication at a transmitting UE;

a means for receiving the transmission request at a receiving UE;

a means for generating a priority list (PL) of detected ProSe enabled UEs, wherein each of the detected UEs has an assigned priority;

a means for measuring transmitter and receiver interferences for the priority list; a means for detecting one or more enhanced bandwidth grants from the priority list;

a means for disabling one or more UEs of the PL and lighting their disable tones; and

a means for generating an enhanced bandwidth grant for the receiving UE according to the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising:

a means for generating an incompatibility list of UEs based on the measured transmitter and receiver interferences.