Adaptive Access Point Scanning for Vehicular Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicular environments, the process of discovering and selecting suitable wireless access points for communication is time-consuming and inefficient, often resulting in missed opportunities due to the vehicle moving out of range or the access point's inadequate quality, especially in scenarios like traveling on roads with numerous access points.

Innovation Solution

A system that proactively scans for access points at optimized rates based on historical data and environmental characteristics, prioritizing access points with high quality service and adapting between access point and ad hoc network connections based on request requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system scans for access points continuously to ensure availability, then the accessibility of communication is improved, but the time consumed for discovery increases and may exceed the window of opportunity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of communicationVSAvoidtime consumed for discovery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by scanning for access points in advance before the vehicle reaches locations where communication is needed. Historical data about access point locations and characteristics is collected and stored beforehand, allowing the system to make informed decisions about which access points to connect to without needing to scan continuously in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from historical scanning data and quality measurements to optimize future scanning behavior. By analyzing which access points provided good service in the past and under what conditions, the system adjusts its scanning strategy to focus on high-quality access points, reducing unnecessary scanning time while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the system tests multiple access points before use to ensure quality, then the quality of communication is improved, but the time available for use is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of communicationVSAvoidtime available for use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs quality testing and evaluation of access points in advance, during historical scanning periods, rather than testing them just before use. This preliminary evaluation includes measuring bandwidth, signal strength, and reliability metrics, storing the results for later reference when selecting access points for actual communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy or model of access point characteristics based on historical measurements. Instead of physically testing each access point in real-time, the system uses stored profiles and characteristics of access points to make informed selection decisions, effectively copying the evaluation process into the historical data domain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Speed

If the system scans at high rates to locate access points quickly, then the speed of discovery is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of discoveryVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts scanning rates based on current conditions, historical data, and vehicle location. Instead of maintaining a constant high scanning rate, the system varies the rate according to factors such as vehicle speed, previously identified access point locations, and current signal conditions, optimizing the balance between discovery speed and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes scanning parameters such as frequency and intensity based on historical data about access point distribution and vehicle movement patterns. By analyzing past scanning results and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system achieves efficient discovery without unnecessary energy expenditure from overly aggressive scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the system prioritizes scanning for access points over ad hoc networks, then the availability of infrastructure-based communication is improved, but the flexibility for alternative communication modes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of infrastructure-based communicationVSAvoidflexibility for alternative communication modes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary scanning for both access points and ad hoc networks, collecting historical data about the availability and characteristics of both communication modes. This advance preparation allows the system to make informed decisions about which mode to use based on current conditions, ensuring both infrastructure-based and alternative communication options are considered without needing to prioritize one over the other in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9185678B2System and method for matching capabilities of access points with those required by an application

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A system and method uses a communication request and/or historical data collected by one or more devices to identify whether to fulfill the request using ad hoc networking or access points. If an access point is determined to be used, the system and method attempts to identify those access points that can best fulfill the request and then attempts to use such access points to fulfill the request.