Adaptive Cellular Network for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting complex arrays of both moving and static nodes, such as in autonomous vehicle networks, due to limitations in flexibility and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A communication network platform that integrates multiple communication technologies and is adaptable to real-time context, using mobile access points like OBUs to provide flexible and resilient connectivity, enabling vehicles to act as Wi-Fi hotspots and forming mesh networks with fixed access points for enhanced coverage and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current communication networks are used to support moving and static nodes, then basic connectivity is provided, but flexibility and robustness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts communication pathways based on real-time context, allowing the network to flexibly reconfigure as nodes move or become unavailable. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the network both flexible in response to changes and robust through continuous path optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as pathway selection, transmission mode, and access point usage based on environmental conditions. This allows the network to maintain robustness while adapting to varying flexibility requirements through parameter optimization
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication technologies are integrated, then adaptability and coverage are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple communication technologies (cellular, Wi-Fi, mesh networking) into a universal platform that can operate across diverse environments. This multi-functionality approach allows a single system to handle various communication protocols and scenarios, improving adaptability while managing complexity through unified architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary components and protocols to bridge different communication technologies. This mediator layer abstracts the complexity of multiple technologies while providing seamless adaptability, resolving the contradiction by hiding complexity from end users while maintaining versatile functionality
3Area of stationary object
If mobile access points are used to provide connectivity, then network coverage and flexibility are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile access points operate periodically rather than continuously, activating only when needed to provide coverage in specific areas. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate network coverage by strategically deploying access points based on real-time network needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides enhanced coverage locally where needed rather than uniformly across all areas. Mobile access points are deployed to specific locations with high demand, optimizing energy usage by concentrating coverage resources where they provide maximum value while minimizing overall power consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for integrating and exploiting the availability of multiple communication technologies in a network of moving things, for example including a network of autonomous vehicles. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide for the flexible utilization of one or more communication pathways available to nodes in a vehicle network based, at least in part, on real-time context.