Autonomous Vehicle Relay Control for Range-Limited Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) have limited travel range due to battery limitations, necessitating multiple AVs for tasks, which requires effective coordination but is hindered by unreliable cellular networks, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling AVs using System Information Blocks (SIB) and Master Information Blocks (MIB) for wireless communication, allowing AVs to coordinate and relay payloads without relying on continuous network registration, utilizing device-to-device communication and modified system information messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple AVs are used to extend travel range, then delivery distance is improved, but coordination complexity increases due to unreliable cellular networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a relay AV as an intermediary component that bridges communication gaps between AVs in remote areas. The relay AV receives system information blocks from cellular networks and forwards them to other AVs via device-to-device communication, enabling coordination without direct network access for all vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into multiple layers: cellular network infrastructure, relay AVs that intercept and process system information blocks, and AVs that receive coordinated delivery instructions. This segmentation allows each component to perform specialized functions, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If cellular network registration is required for AV communication, then communication reliability is improved, but network availability worsens in remote areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts communication methods based on network availability. When cellular networks are unavailable, AVs automatically switch to device-to-device communication using intercepted system information blocks, eliminating the requirement for continuous network registration while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Relay AVs perform preliminary actions by intercepting and caching system information blocks before other AVs need them. This preliminary capture of communication data allows AVs in remote areas to receive coordination information without requiring active network registration at the moment of need.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AVs use standard cellular communication protocols, then network compatibility is improved, but communication efficiency worsens without network registration
Solution Approach 1:
System information blocks are designed with universal functionality, serving both as standard cellular network communication vehicles and as direct coordination messages between AVs. This multi-functionality allows the same data structure to operate efficiently in both registered and unregistered communication modes, maintaining compatibility while improving efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method of controlling Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) for delivering a payload (120) to an intended delivery location (130-2) comprising the steps of: identifying a first AV (110-1) for retrieving a payload from a first location (130-1); determining a second location (140-1) to which the first AV is capable of travelling with the payload from the first location; instructing the first AV to retrieve the payload from the first location and to deliver the payload to the second location; communicating a wireless communication (160) requesting assistance from another AV to deliver the payload from the second location, wherein the wireless communication is in the form of a system information message; in response to the wireless communication, identifying a second AV (110-2) for retrieving the payload from the second location; and instructing the second AV to retrieve the payload from the second location and to deliver the payload to the intended delivery location (140-3).