Communication Device Protocol Switching for Autonomous Vehicles

Solution Overview

Problem

Communication disruption occurs when switching between different communication protocols in multi-SIM and eSIM devices, particularly in real-time data transmission and reception scenarios, such as in autonomous driving vehicles, leading to inconvenience and potential safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A communication device with a first communication unit using a first protocol and a second communication unit capable of switching between a second and third protocol, along with a scheduled position acquisition unit, storage unit for communication environment information, and a specifying unit to identify switchable positions, allowing seamless protocol switching without disrupting communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If communication protocol switching is performed in multi-SIM and eSIM devices, then communication line utilization is improved, but communication disruption occurs during switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication line utilizationVSAvoidcommunication continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring scheduled positions through which the moving body is to pass, storing communication environment information in advance, and specifying switchable positions before actual protocol switching occurs. This allows the system to prepare switching sequences ahead of time, ensuring seamless transitions without communication disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism by using a specifying unit that identifies switchable positions based on stored communication environment information and scheduled positions. This intermediary layer coordinates the switching between first, second, and third communication protocols, ensuring that transitions occur at optimal moments without disrupting ongoing communications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If protocol switching is performed without advance planning, then device complexity is reduced, but communication disruption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching control complexityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring scheduled positions through which the moving body is to pass, storing communication environment information in advance, and specifying switchable positions before actual protocol switching occurs. This allows the system to prepare switching sequences ahead of time, ensuring seamless transitions without communication disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms by storing communication environment information associated with position information and using this stored information to specify switchable positions. The system continuously monitors the moving body's position against pre-stored communication environment data, enabling intelligent decision-making for protocol switching without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If communication environment information is stored and processed, then switching accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching position accuracyVSAvoidinformation storage and processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by storing communication environment information specifically associated with position information for scheduled positions. Rather than maintaining comprehensive global communication data, the system stores and processes only the relevant local information needed for switching decisions at specific positions, reducing overall complexity while maintaining switching accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring scheduled positions through which the moving body is to pass, storing communication environment information in advance, and specifying switchable positions before actual protocol switching occurs. This allows the system to prepare switching sequences ahead of time, ensuring seamless transitions without communication disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12107942B2Communication device for continuous communication with another communication device during switch of communication protocol

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A communication device includes: a first communication unit, a second communication unit, a scheduled position acquisition unit, a specifying unit, and a switching unit that is configured to switch, at a switchable position, a communication protocol of the second communication unit from the second communication protocol, which is currently being used, to the third communication protocol. The first communication unit is further configured to perform communication using the first communication protocol while the switching unit is switching the communication protocol of the second communication unit.