Adaptive Network Slicing for Vehicle Modem Repurposing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face communication service disruptions due to modem or network failures, which can lead to unavailability of critical services when existing network slicing strategies fail to adapt and prioritize connectivity effectively.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that dynamically repurposes modems and network slices based on priority, switching from secondary to primary services when primary modems or networks fail, ensuring continuous connectivity by reallocating resources to maintain critical services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network slicing is implemented with dedicated modems for different services, then service specialization and reliability are improved, but device complexity and resource inflexibility worsen when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements modem repurposing where a second modem predesignated for non-critical services can be dynamically reassigned to provide critical communication services when the primary modem fails. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware resource to serve different service types based on real-time needs, resolving the contradiction between dedicated service reliability and failure-response flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts modem assignments based on service criticality and modem operational status. The processor continuously monitors service priorities and modem availability, repurposing modems in real-time to maintain critical services. This dynamic resource allocation transforms static modem assignments into adaptive configurations, improving reliability without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If modems are predesignated for specific service types, then service optimization is improved, but adaptability to failures and changing conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining predesignation for service optimization, the system enables each modem to potentially perform multiple service types. The second modem can switch from its predesignated non-critical services to critical services when needed, combining the benefits of initial specialization with operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric service priority structure where critical services have higher priority than non-critical services. This asymmetry drives the repurposing mechanism, allowing the system to optimize critical service delivery by reallocating resources from lower-priority uses when failures occur.
3Reliability
If critical services are prioritized over non-critical services, then service reliability is improved, but resource allocation flexibility for non-critical services worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts resource allocation based on service criticality and actual service needs. When critical services require support, the processor repurposes the second modem from non-critical to critical services. When critical services are satisfied, the system can reallocate resources back to non-critical services, maintaining flexibility while ensuring critical service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching modem assignments between different service types. This parameter change allows the same physical resource (the second modem) to be allocated to different logical functions based on current service priorities and operational conditions, resolving the contradiction between critical service reliability and overall resource flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor configured to determine that a first modem, predesignated to provide first communication services, is unable to provide the first communication services. The processor is also configured to determine that the first communication services have priority over second communication services, provided by a second modem predesignated to provide the second communication services. Further, the processor is configured to cease second communication services on the second modem and repurpose the second modem to provide the first communication services, responsive to the priority determination.