Vehicular Positioning via DSRC Round-Trip Time in Mesh Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks are inadequate in supporting complex environments with both moving and static nodes, such as the Internet of moving things, due to limitations in flexibility, scalability, and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A communication network architecture that is dynamically configurable, utilizing multi-network on-board units (OBUs) equipped with various networking interfaces, which form a mesh of communication links with fixed access points and other vehicles, enabling robust, scalable, and energy-efficient connectivity anywhere and anytime, while adapting to different environments and requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current communication networks are used to support moving and static nodes, then basic connectivity is provided, but flexibility, scalability, and efficiency are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic network configuration where OBUs can dynamically join and leave the mesh network as vehicles move in and out of range. The routing paths are dynamically updated based on current network topology, and communication interfaces are dynamically selected based on available connections. This dynamic behavior enables the network to adapt flexibly to changing conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a mesh network of communication links is formed among OBUs and access points, then connectivity and scalability are improved, but network complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidnetwork structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh network operates autonomously with OBUs automatically discovering available communication links, selecting optimal routing paths, and managing their own connectivity. Each OBU independently determines the best communication interface to use based on current network conditions, eliminating the need for centralized control and reducing overall network management complexity while maintaining high connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If GPS correction services are provided through the communication network, then positioning accuracy is improved, but network dependency and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference vehicles as intermediary nodes that carry and transmit GPS correction data through the mesh network to other OBUs. These reference vehicles act as mobile reference stations, enabling accurate positioning without requiring direct connection to fixed infrastructure. The correction data is propagated through multiple hops in the mesh network, providing GPS enhancement services while maintaining network independence and reducing infrastructure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides reliable, adaptable, and energy-efficient connectivity for both mobile and static nodes, enhancing system resilience, reducing latency, and optimizing resource utilization, thereby supporting a wide range of smart city and logistics applications.

Implementation Method 1

equipped with radio frequency (RF) interfaces that provide vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

positioning based on the round-trip time of DSRC messages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10045161B2Systems and methods for vehicular positioning based on the round-trip time of DSRC messages in a network of moving things
Publication Date: 2018.08.07 VENIAM INC

AI summary

Communication network architectures, systems and methods for supporting a network of mobile nodes. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide communication network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a dynamically configurable communication network comprising a complex array of both static and moving communication nodes (e.g., the Internet of moving things). More specifically, systems and methods for vehicular positioning based on the round-trip time of DSRC messages in a network of moving things.