On-Demand Peer Discovery in P2P Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing peer discovery methods in P2P networks are inefficient for applications requiring lower latency, as they involve periodic broadcasts of peer presence, which consume power and time-frequency resources without ensuring timely discovery.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an on-demand peer discovery method where devices send transmission requests indicating whether they are unicast or multicast requests, allowing for targeted and resource-efficient peer discovery signal responses, using orthogonal pilot sequences to differentiate between request types and optimize resource allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If background discovery with periodic broadcasts is used, then power consumption and time-frequency resource usage are reduced, but discovery latency increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddiscovery latency
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic background discovery broadcasts at a slow rate (e.g., once every 20 seconds) to conserve power and resources, while introducing on-demand discovery requests that can be sent immediately when needed. This combines the energy efficiency of periodic action with the low latency of event-driven communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains background discovery broadcasts as a preliminary mechanism that continuously updates peer presence information. When a discovery request is needed, this preliminary background information is already available, enabling faster response times without requiring continuous active monitoring by all peers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If background discovery with periodic broadcasts is used, then resource usage is reduced, but discovery efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime-frequency resource usageVSAvoiddiscovery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the discovery mechanism based on system conditions. Background discovery operates periodically to minimize resource usage, while on-demand discovery requests are dynamically generated when actual discovery needs arise. The system transitions between these two modes based on whether a discovery event is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of discovery from fixed periodic intervals to variable on-demand timing. Background discovery uses a long interval (e.g., 20 seconds) to save resources, while on-demand discovery uses immediate transmission when needed, effectively changing the time parameter based on system state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If unicast discovery requests are used, then resource utilization improves, but collision probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidcollision probability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary that receives discovery requests from user equipment and coordinates the discovery process. The base station manages resource allocation and timing, mediating between multiple UEs to prevent collisions while maintaining efficient resource utilization through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the base station receives discovery requests and provides responses coordinating resource allocation. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust resource assignment based on current load conditions, reducing collision probability while maintaining high resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3050333B1On-demand, request-response based discovery in peer-to-peer networks
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3050333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3050333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3050333B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. In one configuration, the apparatus sends a transmission requesting a peer discovery signal and indicating whether the transmission includes a unicast request or a multicast request. In addition, the apparatus receives at least one peer discovery signal response based on the transmission. In another configuration, the apparatus receives a transmission requesting a peer discovery signal and indicating whether the transmission includes a unicast request or a multicast request. In addition, the apparatus sends a peer discovery signal response in response to the received transmission and on resources determined based on the indication whether the transmission includes a unicast request or a multicast request.