Autonomous Vehicle Path Control Under Radio Spectrum Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited spectral capacity and local radio performance weaknesses of radio access networks restrict the number of autonomous vehicles that can be simultaneously and reliably controlled in industrial sites, where multiple vehicles share paths and intersections, leading to potential collisions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where a stationary control unit connected to a radio access network allocates spectral resources efficiently by determining paths for autonomous vehicles based on available spectral resources and local radio performance, utilizing an adiabatic quantum annealer to minimize resource usage, allowing for real-time control of multiple vehicles and devices within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple autonomous vehicles share paths and intersections in industrial sites, then vehicle operation efficiency is improved, but the risk of collisions increases and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit determines complete paths for autonomous vehicles before they execute them, considering the radio performance characteristics of different path sections. By pre-planning routes that avoid areas with poor radio performance, the system ensures reliable communication and control before vehicles enter potentially problematic zones, preventing collisions through advance coordination.
2Reliability
If spectral resources are allocated to wireless connections of moving vehicles, then communication reliability is improved, but the limited spectral capacity restricts the number of vehicles that can be controlled simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system evaluates radio performance at different locations within the industrial site and assigns vehicles to path sections with appropriate communication characteristics. By matching vehicles to areas with sufficient spectral resources and good radio performance, the system maximizes the number of simultaneously controllable vehicles while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts path assignments and spectral resource allocation based on real-time vehicle positions, radio conditions, and network capacity. This dynamic optimization allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and efficiently utilize available spectral resources to control more vehicles simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous vehicles operate in areas with varying radio performance, then operational flexibility is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates in areas with poor radio performance
Solution Approach 1:
Before assigning paths to vehicles, the control unit performs a preliminary evaluation of radio performance across different path sections. It identifies and avoids areas with poor radio performance, pre-planning routes that ensure reliable communication while still providing operational flexibility through multiple alternative path options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors radio performance conditions and uses this feedback to adjust path assignments in real-time. When communication quality degrades in certain areas, the control unit receives feedback and reroutes vehicles to areas with better radio performance, maintaining reliability while preserving operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes: controlling, by a stationary control unit connected to a radio access network, an autonomous vehicle via a wireless connection of the autonomous vehicle to the radio access network, wherein the autonomous vehicle moves in a predefined path network; allocating, by the radio access network, spectral resources to the wireless connection while the autonomous vehicle is moving; and determining, by the stationary control unit, a path of the autonomous vehicle in the predefined path network depending on the spectral resources used by the wireless connection of the autonomous vehicle while moving along the determined path.