Wireless Device Discovery via Periodic Time State Cycling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy wireless discovery methods result in increased power consumption and network congestion due to constant device probing and lack of control over query/response cycles, especially in crowded environments.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where devices wake up and perform wireless discovery at specific times and frequencies, cycling through all possible combinations to limit the number of devices actively searching, thereby reducing power usage and message exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wireless devices perform constant discovery (listening or probing), then new wireless devices are discovered almost instantly, but power consumption increases and network congestion develops rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic discovery intervals where devices alternate between active discovery periods and sleep periods. During active periods, devices perform listening or probing; during sleep periods, devices conserve power by remaining inactive. This periodic pattern maintains discovery capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to constant discovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of discovery parameters based on network conditions. Devices can modify their discovery interval, listening duration, and probing frequency according to detected network congestion levels and power availability, optimizing the balance between discovery speed and power consumption in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If wireless devices perform constant discovery (listening or probing), then new wireless devices are discovered almost instantly, but network congestion develops rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery speedVSAvoidmessage exchange volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic discovery intervals with controlled active periods, the patent limits the total number of discovery messages transmitted across the network. The scheduled nature of these periodic actions prevents message flooding and reduces overall network congestion while maintaining acceptable discovery performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by having devices perform discovery only during designated active periods rather than continuously. This partial engagement in discovery activities reduces the total message exchange volume while still achieving necessary discovery objectives for most devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If devices wake up and perform discovery at specific times and frequencies cycling through combinations, then power efficiency is enhanced and network congestion is reduced, but discovery time may increase

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having devices pre-schedule their discovery intervals and select time/frequency combinations in advance. Devices prepare their discovery schedules based on predicted network conditions and power availability, allowing them to execute efficient periodic discovery without real-time decision delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where devices monitor network conditions, power levels, and discovery success rates to adjust their periodic discovery parameters. This feedback loop allows the system to optimize the balance between power efficiency and discovery time based on actual operating conditions rather than fixed schedules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2810491B1Method and apparatus for discovering a wireless device in a wireless network
Publication Date: 2018.07.18 MARVELL WORLD TRADE LTD
  • EP2810491B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2810491B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP2810491B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2VI

AI summary

A method for synchronizing the discovery of wireless services or applications in a wireless network using a recurring time interval T in which wireless devices within the wireless network can be in one of a predetermined plurality of time states. The method includes selecting a time state from amongst the plurality of time states, performing discovery by a first wireless device supporting a given service or application once during the recurring time interval T at the selected time state, and repeating the above steps in successive ones of the recurring time interval T until all of the predetermined plurality of time states have been selected.