Beam-Based Communication Routing for Multi-Lane Vehicle Platoons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inter-vehicle communication techniques for platoon management do not effectively handle complete connectivity of vehicles in multiple lanes, limiting data flow and connectivity to vehicles traveling in different directions.
Innovation Solution
A method for beam-based communication among network nodes involving detection of nodes for communication, generating distance-based mappings, and transmitting content via determined communication paths using beam-based techniques, with dynamic switching to maintain connectivity during vehicle overtaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If platoon management techniques are used for inter-vehicle communication, then communication among vehicles in a single lane is established, but complete connectivity of vehicles in multiple lanes is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication task into multiple stages: direct beam-based communication for nearby vehicles, and multi-hop relay communication for distant vehicles. The network nodes are segmented into different roles (source, relay, destination) based on their position and capability, allowing the system to handle both single-lane and multi-lane scenarios effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate relay nodes that act as mediators to forward communications between vehicles that cannot establish direct beam-based links. These relay nodes enable indirect communication paths, ensuring complete connectivity even when direct line-of-sight is blocked or distance is too great, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Productivity
If beam-based communication is used for direct links, then communication efficiency is improved, but connectivity is limited to vehicles within direct beam range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous communication by establishing multi-hop relay paths where each hop maintains efficient beam-based communication. The relay nodes continuously forward data packets, creating an unbroken chain of efficient communications that extends the overall communication range while maintaining high efficiency throughout the entire path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional direct beam communication to three-dimensional multi-hop communication by adding the temporal dimension of relay forwarding. Data packets traverse multiple spatial nodes over time, creating communication paths that extend beyond the limitations of direct beam range while maintaining the efficiency of beam-based at each hop.
3Ease of operation
If communication paths are fixed for platoon management, then simple wave blocking handling is achieved, but data flow in multiple lanes and different directions is not supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication path selection where relay nodes are selected based on real-time vehicle positions, beam availability, and traffic conditions. The communication topology dynamically adapts as vehicles enter and exit lanes, overtake, or change positions, maintaining ease of operation through automated dynamic routing while supporting multi-directional connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication framework that handles both single-lane platoon scenarios and multi-lane multi-directional scenarios using the same beam-based relay mechanism. The system universally applies the same principles of beam establishment, relay selection, and path routing regardless of the specific traffic pattern, achieving adaptability without sacrificing operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of beam-based communication amongst a plurality of network nodes comprises detecting, by a subject node, a presence of a first set of nodes for beam-based communication, and receiving a list of a second set of nodes from at least a first node of the first set of nodes. Further, the method includes identifying at least a second node in the second set of nodes that is not detectable for beam-based communication by the subject node. The method comprises generating a distance-based mapping including distance information relating to the first set of nodes and the second node, from the subject node. Further, the method comprises transmitting, via beam-based communication by the subject node, content to a destination node based on a communication path determined using the distance-based mapping, the destination node being a node of one of the first set of nodes and the at least second node.