Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Networking for Adaptive Urban Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting communication environments involving mobile and static nodes, particularly in networks of autonomous vehicles, as they fail to provide reliable and efficient connectivity and data management.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable network architecture that integrates both static and moving communication nodes, utilizing Mobile Access Points (MAPs) and Fixed Access Points (FAPs) to create a robust, scalable, and secure platform for autonomous vehicle networks, enabling efficient data collection and management through multi-hop communications and adaptive routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current communication networks are used to support autonomous vehicle networks, then existing infrastructure can be leveraged, but reliable and efficient connectivity and data management cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically configurable network architecture where autonomous vehicles can switch between infrastructure-based modes (using existing FAPs) and ad-hoc mesh modes (using MAPs). This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliable connectivity by selecting the most appropriate network mode based on environmental conditions, vehicle density, and infrastructure availability, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication platform that can operate in multiple modes: infrastructure-based communication using fixed access points, ad-hoc mesh networking using mobile access points on vehicles, and hybrid modes combining both. This multi-functionality allows the system to leverage existing infrastructure while also providing reliable connectivity in areas without infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between utilizing existing resources and achieving reliable adaptive connectivity.
2Reliability
If a robust network architecture is implemented for autonomous vehicles, then connectivity reliability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication network into distinct functional components: fixed access points for infrastructure-based communication, mobile access points for ad-hoc networking, route calculation services for path optimization, and data management systems. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining robust reliability through specialized functionality in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as route calculation services and network management entities that mediate between vehicles and the communication infrastructure. These intermediaries handle complex routing decisions, network configuration, and data management tasks, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing complex functions rather than distributing them across all vehicles.
3Productivity
If real-time data collection is enabled in autonomous vehicle networks, then urban scanning efficiency improves, but latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary route calculation and data prioritization mechanisms that prepare communication paths and data handling procedures in advance. By pre-calculating optimal routes for data transmission and prioritizing critical urban scanning data before transmission, the system minimizes processing delays and reduces latency while maintaining high data collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments data collection and transmission into prioritized categories based on urgency and importance. Critical real-time data from urban scanning is separated and transmitted through low-latency pathways, while less time-sensitive data is handled through standard protocols. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high productivity for critical functions while managing overall latency through differentiated handling.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for optimal and adaptive urban scanning using self-organized fleets of autonomous vehicles. A mobile access point (MAP) may obtain, while operating within a communication network comprising one or more mobile access points (MAPs) and one or more fixed access points (FAPs), sensory information relating to an infrastructure utilized by the MAPs. The MAP may store the sensory information, may determine when access to a central entity, configured for managing the infrastructure and/or the communication network, is available via at least one fixed access point (FAP), and when access to the central entity is available, communicate the obtained sensory information. The MAP may include on-board sensors for directly obtaining at least some of the sensory information. The MAP may obtain at least some of the sensory information from fixed sensors deployed within or near the infrastructure. The MAP may comprise an autonomous vehicle (AV).