Network Device Discovery Patterns for D2D and AP2AP Links

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face limitations in device discovery, particularly in scenarios with multiple network nodes and varying communication links, such as device-to-device (D2D) and access point-to-access point (AP2AP) links, where existing techniques only allow a limited number of nodes/communication links, and there is a need for a more generic arrangement to accommodate an arbitrary number of devices and communication needs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for controlling device discovery in a network by assigning resources and providing multiple discovery patterns of transmission and reception phases, allowing for bi-directional and mono-directional communication, with a hierarchy-based grouping of devices to enable efficient device discovery in tree-type network topologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discovery patterns are provided to accommodate arbitrary number of devices and various communication needs, then the adaptability and versatility of the discovery system is improved, but the device complexity and resource management overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediscovery system adaptabilityVSAvoiddiscovery pattern management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The discovery system is segmented into multiple discovery patterns, each designed for specific communication scenarios (D2D, AP2AP, hierarchical topologies). This segmentation allows the system to handle different device counts and communication needs through specialized patterns rather than a single complex mechanism, resolving the contradiction by making complexity manageable through structured division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discovery patterns are designed with universal applicability across various communication scenarios. A single pattern framework can accommodate D2D communications, AP2AP links, and hierarchical topologies, allowing the system to achieve versatility without proportionally increasing complexity. The patterns serve multiple functions depending on configuration and deployment context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If discovery resources are assigned for comprehensive bi-directional and mono-directional communication, then the communication capability among network nodes is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The discovery patterns enable dynamic resource allocation where devices can switch between transmission and reception phases based on their specific communication needs. Devices engage in discovery activities only when necessary rather than continuously, allowing comprehensive communication capability while managing energy consumption through dynamic, on-demand operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Discovery communications are structured as periodic transmission and reception phases rather than continuous operations. This periodic structure allows devices to enter low-power states between discovery phases, achieving comprehensive bi-directional and mono-directional communication capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If a hierarchy-based grouping of devices is implemented for efficient device discovery, then the productivity of device discovery process is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice discovery efficiencyVSAvoidhierarchy management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device network is segmented into hierarchical groups and sub-groups, organizing devices into structured tiers. This segmentation improves discovery productivity by limiting search spaces within each group rather than requiring global discovery across all devices. The hierarchical structure manages complexity by creating manageable, localized discovery domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The discovery system adds a hierarchical dimension to device organization, transforming a flat one-dimensional device list into a multi-dimensional hierarchical structure. This dimensional change improves productivity by enabling parallel discovery operations across multiple hierarchical levels simultaneously, while the structured hierarchy manages complexity through organized layers rather than unstructured growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11611862B2Discovery in a communication system

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 HMD GLOBAL

AI summary

Discovery of devices in a network of devices comprises assigning resources for the discovery, and providing accordingly at least two discovery patterns of transmission and reception phases for the devices in the network for communication of information between the devices. A device can transmit or receive information in accordance with a dedicated discovery pattern of transmission and reception phases allocated from a set of different discovery patterns.