AV Network Connection Scheduling via Spectrum Heat Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) face unacceptable transmission delays due to network latency when communicating with backend systems and each other, particularly in managing multiple AVs, which hinders their operational fluidity on public roads and highways.
Innovation Solution
A backend system dynamically configures AVs' communication systems to switch between multiple channels and establish mesh networks, using network resource maps to optimize routes based on latency, cost, and availability, ensuring reliable communication by prioritizing data transmission over optimal channels and establishing mesh networks in areas with limited connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AVs communicate continuously with backend systems and other AVs, then operational coordination and fleet management are improved, but network latency causes unacceptable transmission delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing mesh networks and configuring communication channels before AVs enter areas with limited connectivity. The backend system predicts communication requirements and pre-configures optimal routes and channels, so that when AVs need to communicate, the pathway is already prepared, reducing transmission delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including mesh networks that act as intermediate communication pathways between AVs and backend systems. These mesh networks serve as mediators that relay data when direct communication channels are unavailable or experience high latency, ensuring reliable transmission without excessive delays.
2Productivity
If the backend system manages multiple AVs simultaneously, then fleet utilization and transportation efficiency are improved, but network latency hinders operational fluidity
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent channels and mesh network paths. Instead of relying on a single centralized communication pathway that creates bottlenecks when managing multiple AVs, the system divides communication into separate segments including direct channels, mesh network paths, and prioritized data streams, allowing parallel communication without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The backend system continuously monitors network conditions and dynamically adjusts communication channels, mesh network topologies, and data prioritization based on current fleet status and network latency conditions, optimizing performance as the fleet operates.
3Loss of time
If communication channels are optimized for speed, then transmission latency is reduced, but reliability in areas with limited connectivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes communication parameters dynamically based on environmental conditions. When in areas with excellent connectivity, the system uses high-speed direct channels with optimized parameters for speed. When entering areas with limited connectivity, parameters are changed to utilize mesh network paths with different transmission characteristics, balancing speed and reliability based on current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different communication qualities are applied to different spatial locations and conditions. High-speed direct communication channels are used in areas with strong network infrastructure, while mesh network paths with enhanced reliability features are activated in areas with limited connectivity. Each location receives the appropriate communication quality for its specific conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing network connections for AVs can store a spectrum heat map that indicates network coverage strength for networks throughout a given region. The system can identify a travel route for a selected AV. Using the spectrum heat map, the system can determine a connection schedule for the selected AV. The connection schedule can indicate location points along the travel route at which the selected AV is to switch from previous network connections to succeeding network connections. The system may then transmit the connection schedule to the selected AV to enable the selected AV to switch network connections at the location points along the travel route.