Dynamic Peer Discovery Channel Allocation for Wireless Congestion

Solution Overview

Problem

Peer to peer wireless communication systems face inefficiencies due to rigid peer discovery implementations that are either overwhelmed during high congestion or underutilized during low congestion, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and increased collision risks.

Innovation Solution

A method where wireless devices in an ad hoc network dynamically adjust their use of peer discovery channels based on congestion levels, using either a full or fractional channel, and broadcast control information via pilot signals to optimize resource usage and reduce collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid peer discovery implementation is designed to accommodate a large number of users, then it performs well during high congestion times, but it is inefficient during low congestion times with many potential slots going unused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeer discovery reliabilityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic peer discovery resource allocation where wireless devices adjust their discovery resource usage based on real-time congestion level monitoring. Devices transition between using full discovery channels and fractional portions (1/2, 1/4) dynamically, allowing the system to adapt resource utilization to actual network conditions rather than following a rigid fixed allocation scheme

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of discovery resource allocation from fixed to variable. Devices monitor congestion levels and adjust their resource usage parameters dynamically - switching between full channel usage during low congestion and fractional usage during high congestion, thereby optimizing both reliability and efficiency across different network states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a rigid peer discovery implementation is designed to accommodate a small number of users, then it performs well during low congestion times, but it is overwhelmed during high congestion times with users unable to obtain a slot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilization efficiencyVSAvoidpeer discovery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic peer discovery resource allocation where wireless devices adjust their discovery resource usage based on real-time congestion level monitoring. Devices transition between using full discovery channels and fractional portions (1/2, 1/4) dynamically, allowing the system to adapt resource utilization to actual network conditions rather than following a rigid fixed allocation scheme

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the peer discovery channel into fractional portions (1/2, 1/4, etc.) that devices can use dynamically. This segmentation allows the system to divide the discovery resources into smaller allocable units, enabling fine-grained control over resource allocation and allowing multiple devices to share channels during high congestion while maintaining efficiency during low congestion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If devices use full peer discovery channels frequently, then situational awareness is maintained, but collision risk increases and air link resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesituational awarenessVSAvoidcollision risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of discovery resource allocation from fixed to variable. Devices monitor congestion levels and adjust their resource usage parameters dynamically - switching between full channel usage during low congestion and fractional usage during high congestion, thereby optimizing both reliability and efficiency across different network states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where devices monitor congestion levels on peer discovery channels and use this information to adjust their resource allocation decisions. This closed-loop control allows devices to respond to changing network conditions, reducing collisions during high congestion while maintaining situational awareness through appropriate discovery transmissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9185598B2Methods and apparatus for controlling channel utilization

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for determining a portion of a channel, e.g., a peer discovery channel, to use in a communications network, e.g., an ad hoc peer to peer network, are described. In the communication network, the channel includes a recurring set of time/frequency resources. A device monitors the congestion level and decides to use a whole channel or a fraction of a channel (e.g., ½. ¼) as a function of the congestion level. The device may change the fraction of the channel it occupies as the congestion level changes. The device broadcasts control information indicating the fraction of the channel it occupies. The device may be a mobile wireless terminal.