Autonomous Vehicle Mesh Network via Mobile Access Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting communication environments involving mobile and static nodes, particularly failing to effectively communicate among and with autonomous vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically configurable network of autonomous vehicles that incorporates a combination of fixed and mobile communication nodes, utilizing a Mobile Access Point (MAP) with long-range communication protocols like 802.11p to connect vehicles to both cellular networks and other vehicles, forming a mesh of communication links with Fixed Access Points (FAPs) connected to wired infrastructure, enabling robust and scalable connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current communication networks are used to support autonomous vehicles, then existing infrastructure can be leveraged, but the networks are inadequate for mobile and static nodes and fail to enable effective communication among autonomous vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple types of nodes (autonomous vehicles, mobile access points, fixed access points) that can independently function and communicate. Each node type handles specific communication tasks, allowing the system to adapt to different scenarios while maintaining reliable communication through specialized sub-networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network dynamically configures communication paths and node roles based on real-time conditions. Autonomous vehicles can switch between different communication modes (direct V2V, through MAP, through FAP) depending on their location, speed, and network conditions, making the system adaptable while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If autonomous vehicles use cellular networks for communication, then wide coverage is available, but traffic becomes congested and energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple communication technologies (cellular, Wi-Fi, direct short-range communication) into a unified network architecture. Autonomous vehicles can combine different communication paths to achieve wide coverage while minimizing energy consumption by using the most efficient available channel for each transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Mobile access points act as intermediaries between autonomous vehicles and the cellular network. MAPs receive data from vehicles using energy-efficient short-range communication, then relay it through cellular networks, reducing the energy burden on moving vehicles while maintaining wide coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If autonomous vehicles form a mesh network with direct connections, then communication speed increases, but network complexity and device requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidnetwork device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the network have different communication qualities optimized for their specific functions. Direct V2V connections provide high-speed communication for nearby vehicles, while MAP and FAP nodes provide structured routing for longer distances. Each node type has simplified requirements tailored to its local function, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If autonomous vehicles operate independently without network coordination, then system simplicity is maintained, but optimization of fleet operations and city services is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidfleet operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network enables autonomous vehicles to self-organize and self-optimize through distributed intelligence. Vehicles automatically discover each other, establish communication paths, and coordinate their operations without centralized control. This maintains system simplicity while enabling sophisticated fleet optimization through emergent collective behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10405215B2Self-organized fleets of autonomous vehicles to optimize future mobility and city services

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 NEXAR LTD

AI summary

Communication network architectures, systems and methods for supporting a network of mobile nodes. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide autonomous vehicle network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a dynamically configurable network of autonomous vehicles comprising a complex array of both static and moving communication nodes. In particular, systems and methods for operating self-organized fleets of autonomous vehicles.