Autonomous Vehicle Communication Using OWC and QoS Handoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies for autonomous vehicles face challenges with high data transmission costs, bandwidth constraints, and latency issues, particularly due to non-line of sight communications and outdoor environment challenges, which affect the reliability and continuity of real-time services.
Innovation Solution
A heterogeneous roadside infrastructure is employed to enhance vehicle communication, utilizing optical wireless communication (OWC) for increased data throughput and reduced complexity, along with a quality of service system to manage network interruptions and a dynamic network reconfiguration system for adaptive bandwidth allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 5G wireless communication channels are used for high data bandwidth transmission, then data throughput is improved, but communication costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into multiple types (cellular towers, Wi-Fi access points, satellite systems) that can be selectively used based on service requirements and cost considerations, allowing the system to avoid always using expensive 5G channels when lower-cost alternatives suffice
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by switching between different wireless communication types based on real-time conditions, service priorities, and cost factors, optimizing the balance between throughput and cost
2Loss of energy
If Wi-Fi and WiGig technologies are used for data communication, then communication costs are reduced, but bandwidth is significantly constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic bandwidth allocation and communication protocol selection that adapts to real-time network conditions, allowing the system to switch from cost-effective lower-bandwidth options to higher-bandwidth options when needed and affordable
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to support multiple wireless communication technologies (5G, Wi-Fi, WiGig, satellite) within a single unified platform, enabling it to leverage the strengths of each protocol for different services and conditions
3Area of stationary object
If non-line of sight communications are used in outdoor environments, then communication coverage is extended, but performance is reduced due to environmental challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple intermediary communication infrastructure elements (relay towers, satellite systems, mesh network nodes) that facilitate communication in non-line-of-sight conditions by bouncing or routing signals around obstacles, maintaining both coverage and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite communication architecture that combines multiple communication technologies and transmission methods, leveraging the strengths of each to overcome the weaknesses of individual systems in challenging outdoor environments
4Productivity
If autonomous vehicles continuously upload and download large amounts of data, then service functionality is enhanced, but network latency and interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-fetching and caching data that autonomous vehicles are likely to need based on their location, route, and service requirements, reducing the need for real-time data requests and minimizing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous data transmission by implementing robust connection management, predictive data loading, and seamless handoff between different communication infrastructure elements, maintaining uninterrupted service functionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides seamless access to real-time services, reduces communication costs, and enhances the reliability of autonomous vehicle operations by improving data throughput and managing network latency and interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing optical wireless communication (OWC) for increased data throughput
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein presents various technical solutions for the technical problems facing autonomous vehicles (e.g., fully autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles). To address technical problems facing wireless communication cost and latency, a heterogeneous roadside infrastructure can be used to improve the ability for a vehicle to communicate with a data source. To address technical problems facing interruption of vehicle services due to an abrupt loss of connection, a quality of service system provides the ability to determine and share quality of service information, such as location-based information, maps, interference data, and other quality of service information. To address technical problems facing high volume data upload and download between autonomous vehicles and cloud-based data services, optical wireless communication (OWC) provides increased data throughput and reduced complexity and may be beneficial for short-range high-mobility wireless communications.