Push-Pull Discovery Relay for Wireless Device Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in network resource utilization and battery life due to excessive transmission of discovery broadcasts by wireless devices attempting to establish relay connections, particularly in areas with limited coverage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a push-pull discovery method where a first wireless device transmits a search signal if it fails to detect periodic discovery broadcasts from other devices with suitable energy metrics, allowing a third device with different energy metrics to provide a discovery broadcast and act as a relay, reducing unnecessary transmissions and improving network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all wireless devices transmit discovery broadcasts periodically to enable relay connection establishment, then relay connection reliability is improved, but network resource utilization deteriorates and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating discovery broadcast behavior based on device characteristics. Devices with sufficient battery resources transmit periodic discovery broadcasts, while devices with limited battery resources transmit only when triggered by search signals. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing energy consumption for each device according to its specific conditions while maintaining overall relay connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing discovery broadcast transmission behavior to change based on device state and network conditions. A device can transition between periodic transmission mode and on-demand transmission mode depending on battery status and network requirements. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by balancing reliability and energy consumption according to real-time conditions.
2Reliability
If wireless devices with limited battery resources transmit periodic discovery broadcasts, then relay discovery capability is improved, but battery life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having devices with limited battery resources transmit discovery broadcasts only partially (on-demand) rather than periodically. These devices transmit discovery broadcasts only when triggered by search signals from other devices, providing just enough discovery capability to enable relay connections when needed, while preserving battery life. This resolves the contradiction by providing minimal sufficient action rather than continuous action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing devices to automatically determine their transmission behavior based on their battery status. Devices with limited battery resources self-adjust to on-demand transmission mode without requiring external configuration, thereby preserving battery life while maintaining necessary relay discovery capability. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction autonomously.
3Reliability
If a first wireless device fails to detect discovery broadcasts from devices with optimal energy metrics, then network coverage is limited, but pushing search signals to find alternative relays increases network traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing search signals as a mediator between devices that fail to detect periodic discovery broadcasts and alternative relay devices. When a device cannot detect regular broadcasts, it transmits a search signal that triggers nearby devices to respond with their discovery broadcasts. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling relay discovery in limited coverage areas while minimizing unnecessary network traffic through targeted rather than broadcast-based search.
Data Source
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AI summary
User equipments (UEs) may transmit periodic discovery broadcasts to enable another UE to establish a relay connection to a network. When the UEs transmit respective discovery broadcasts, the discovery broadcasts may cause excessive utilization of network or battery resources. In some aspects, described herein, a first UE, based at least in part on failing to receive a periodic discovery broadcast, may transmit a search signal. A second UE may refrain from transmitting periodic discovery broadcasts based at least in part on a first energy metric not satisfying a first energy metric threshold, but may transmit a discovery broadcast as a response to the search signal based at least in part on a second energy metric satisfying a second energy metric threshold, thereby enabling the first UE to establish a connection to a base station using the second UE as a relay.