Transfer Station for Secure Autonomous Vehicle Data Offload
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently transferring large volumes of autonomous vehicle sensor data from vehicles to remote data storage servers without causing vehicle downtime or risking damage to computer systems during manual data transfer processes.
Innovation Solution
A transfer station equipped with bays and a computing system that automatically decrypts, authenticates, and transfers removable storage devices containing sensor data to a remote data storage server, using a master key for decryption and topic-based data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless transfer is used to transfer sensor data from vehicle to remote system, then data transfer can be performed without physical removal, but the significant amount of time required for transfer causes vehicle downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data transfer process by using multiple removable storage devices that can be independently transferred between vehicle and remote system. Each storage device handles a portion of the total data, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall transfer time compared to transferring one large dataset sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable storage devices serve as intermediaries between the vehicle's computer system and the remote data storage system. This intermediary approach enables rapid data extraction from the vehicle and efficient upload to remote servers, avoiding the time-consuming direct wireless transfer while protecting the vehicle's computer system.
2Productivity
If manual data transfer process is used where operator removes computer system, then data can be transferred to remote system, but operator risks accidentally damaging vehicle's computer system
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary removable storage devices containing sensor data from the vehicle's computer system, rather than removing the entire computer system. This selective extraction maintains the reliability of the vehicle's computer system while enabling efficient data transfer through the removed storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of sensor data on removable storage devices that can be transferred independently from the original vehicle computer system. This copying approach allows data transfer without moving the original computer system, eliminating the risk of accidental damage while maintaining data integrity.
3Productivity
If entire computer system is removed from vehicle for data upload, then all sensor data can be transferred, but process requires significant technical knowledge and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the removable storage devices from the vehicle's computer system, leaving the main computer system in place. This selective extraction simplifies the transfer process by requiring minimal technical knowledge for removal and reconnection, while still enabling complete data transfer through the extracted storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data transfer where the removable storage devices can be easily removed and reinserted without requiring deep technical knowledge of the vehicle's computer system architecture. The standardized interfaces and automated recognition processes allow operators to perform transfers with minimal training.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer station for receiving a plurality of removable storage devices storing autonomous vehicle sensor data and transferring the data to a remote data storage server includes a plurality of bays and a computing system. Each bay includes a port, and can receive a removable storage device. The computing system includes memory storing an authentication and decryption engine, a physical server node, and a processor in communication with the memory, physical server node, and each port of each bay. The processer decrypts a removable storage device upon connection to a port, authenticates the removable storage device upon decryption, and transfers the autonomous vehicle sensor data stored on the removable storage device to a remote data storage server upon authentication, each of which can be performed automatically. A method of transferring autonomous vehicle sensor data stored on a removable storage device to a remote data storage server is also provided.