Distributed Ledger Vehicle Routing for Fault Resilient Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rail-bound traffic systems are highly sensitive to external and internal disturbances, leading to delays and manual intervention requirements due to the reliance on a central control system, which is vulnerable to faults and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed ledger system where vehicles directly negotiate transaction agreements with traffic route elements for predicted occupancy periods, eliminating the need for a central intermediary and enhancing the availability and resilience of the network by ensuring transparent and tamper-proof status updates of all route elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central control system is used to manage vehicle movements, then coordination and control can be achieved, but the system becomes highly sensitive to disturbances and requires manual intervention during disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into distributed autonomous vehicles that each independently manage their own movements and negotiate route reservations with route elements. This eliminates the single point of failure in central control systems while maintaining coordination through peer-to-peer communication and blockchain-based consensus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control intelligence from the central authority and embeds it directly into the vehicles and route elements. Each vehicle and route element becomes an autonomous entity capable of independent decision-making, removing the vulnerability associated with centralized control infrastructure.
2Reliability
If fixed signals and cable connections are used for vehicle signaling, then communication can be established, but infrastructure complexity and vulnerability to disturbances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical and electrical signaling infrastructure (fixed signals and cable connections) with wireless communication and blockchain-based data exchange. Vehicles communicate their status and negotiate routes through digital messages recorded on an immutable ledger, eliminating physical infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital replicas of signaling functions through software-based algorithms that run autonomously in each vehicle and route element. These software copies replace physical signaling equipment while providing the same coordination and conflict detection functions through distributed computation.
3Productivity
If a centralized interlocking system is used to assign route elements, then route allocation can be controlled, but operational delays occur during disruptions requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vehicles to autonomously negotiate and reserve route elements directly with the route elements themselves, without requiring manual intervention from centralized control operators. The autonomous negotiation process automatically handles disruptions by allowing vehicles to find alternative routes through direct communication with available route elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary route reservation where vehicles can negotiate and secure future usage of route elements in advance. This proactive approach allows vehicles to plan their movements and secure necessary route elements before conflicts arise, reducing operational delays and the need for reactive manual intervention during disruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for planning or controlling the movements of a plurality of vehicles over a network of routes, the nodes and edges of which are formed by route elements. The control and management of route elements by a central authority is complex and susceptible to faults. The aim of this invention is therefore to provide a method of the type in question which enables a simplification of the technical infrastructure that is to be maintained within the network and improves its availability and thus also the resistance of the network to technical disruptions. This is achieved according to the invention in that any vehicle as an entity represented in a distributed ledger system enters into transaction agreements with the route elements, likewise represented as entities in this distributed ledger system, wherein each transaction agreement of a vehicle with a route element comprises at least one time specification, which defines the period of time for which the route element is occupied by the vehicle.