Autonomous Vehicle Mesh Networking for Low-Latency Fleet Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated or autonomous vehicles (AVs) face network latency issues due to communication delays between multiple AVs and backend systems, particularly when managing multiple AVs, which hinders fluid operations on public roads and highways.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for managing network connections among AVs, utilizing a backend system that optimizes routes and communication protocols by predicting communication requirements, switching between communication channels, and establishing mesh networks to mitigate network limitations, while dynamically configuring on-board communications systems for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the backend system manages multiple AVs through centralized communication, then fleet coordination capability is improved, but network latency increases causing unacceptable transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized backend communication system into distributed AV2AV communication units. Each AV is equipped with communication systems that can directly exchange data with other AVs, eliminating the need for all communications to route through the backend system. This segmentation reduces transmission delays while maintaining fleet coordination through peer-to-peer data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mesh network intermediaries (other AVs) to facilitate communication between AVs and the backend system. When direct communication with the backend is unavailable or inefficient, AVs can relay data through intermediate AVs in the mesh network, reducing latency compared to direct backend routing while maintaining centralized fleet management capabilities.
2Reliability
If AVs use direct communication with the backend system, then communication reliability is improved, but network latency hinders fluidity in AV operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing mesh network connections between AVs before communication needs arise. AVs maintain ready-to-use communication channels with neighboring AVs, allowing immediate data exchange without waiting for backend system routing decisions, thus improving operational fluidity while maintaining reliability through pre-configured communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling AVs to dynamically switch between direct backend communication and mesh network communication based on real-time conditions. The system can adaptively select the most efficient communication path, using direct backend connections when available for reliable data transmission and mesh network paths when faster local communication is needed, balancing reliability and productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backend system routes all AV communications through a datacenter, then centralized fleet management is improved, but network latency increases causing unacceptable delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling AVs to perform local communication operations through mesh networks without requiring all data to travel to the centralized datacenter. Local fleet management decisions can be made using data exchanged directly between AVs in the region, reducing network latency for local operations while the datacenter maintains overall fleet management coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A backend system for a fleet of autonomous vehicles (AVs) for a given region can store a spectrum heat map indicating network coverage strength for a plurality of network types sourced at base stations located throughout the given region. The backend system can dynamically receive network quality data from the plurality of AVs traveling throughout the given region, and dynamically update the spectrum heat map based on the received network quality data.