Autonomous Vehicle Map Update Propagation via Ad Hoc Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in efficiently propagating map changes between vehicles without burdening Wide Area Networks, as updates can consume significant bandwidth and degrade network performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing peer-to-peer communication between autonomous vehicles to share map changes via ad hoc links, reducing the reliance on central server communications and minimizing bandwidth usage by classifying and propagating map label and transient changes directly between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If map database updates are propagated through central servers using Wide Area Networks, then all vehicles can receive comprehensive map changes, but network bandwidth is consumed and network performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments map update propagation into two pathways: critical map changes are propagated through central servers to all vehicles, while non-critical changes are shared peer-to-peer between vehicles. This segmentation reduces overall network bandwidth consumption by distributing the propagation load and eliminating redundant transmissions through the central server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges central server propagation and peer-to-peer vehicle communication into a hybrid architecture. Vehicles can receive map changes from either the central server or directly from other vehicles, combining the reliability of centralized distribution with the efficiency of decentralized sharing to reduce total bandwidth usage.
2Ease of operation
If all map changes are propagated through central servers, then centralized control is maintained, but network load increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control architecture into centralized and decentralized components. The central server maintains control over critical map changes and vehicle authentication, while peer-to-peer sharing handles non-critical updates. This segmentation reduces network load by eliminating redundant central server transmissions for non-critical changes.
3Loss of energy
If peer-to-peer communication is used for all map changes, then bandwidth usage is reduced, but reliability and timeliness of critical updates may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality standards to different types of map changes. Critical map changes (e.g., new roads, closed lanes) are propagated through the reliable central server channel with high priority, while non-critical changes (e.g., transient traffic conditions) are shared via peer-to-peer communication. This local quality differentiation ensures timely delivery of critical updates while maintaining bandwidth efficiency for non-critical data.
4Loss of information
If map updates are frequently propagated to keep databases current, then data freshness is improved, but network bandwidth is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments map data into critical and non-critical categories with different propagation frequencies. Critical map changes are propagated immediately through the central server to maintain data freshness, while non-critical changes are shared selectively between vehicles based on proximity and relevance, reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining acceptable data freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial propagation for non-critical map changes, where only vehicles in proximity to the detecting vehicle receive the update, rather than propagating to all vehicles in the fleet. This partial action maintains data freshness for relevant vehicles while significantly reducing total bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides for establish a direct ad hoc communication link between a first vehicle and a second vehicle for exchanging the map changes. The present technology provides an efficient propagation of map changes, which can be large data files, while keeping the use of such changes under the control of a central authority.