Dynamic Mesh Network for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting communication environments involving mobile and static nodes, particularly in networks of autonomous vehicles, as they fail to provide reliable and efficient connectivity and data management.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically configurable network architecture that incorporates Mobile Access Points (MAPs) and Fixed Access Points (FAPs) using a combination of long-range communication protocols like 802.11p and short-range protocols like Wi-Fi, enabling vehicles to act as Wi-Fi hotspots and forming a mesh network for enhanced connectivity and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current communication networks are used to support mobile and static nodes in autonomous vehicle networks, then basic connectivity is provided, but reliable and efficient connectivity and data management are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically configurable network architecture where vehicles can switch between infrastructure mode (connecting to FAPs) and ad-hoc mode (forming peer-to-peer mesh networks). This dynamic adaptability allows the network to maintain reliable connectivity regardless of infrastructure availability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability by making the network structure flexible rather than fixed
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles are equipped with dual communication capabilities (802.11p for long-range and Wi-Fi for short-range) and can function both as network nodes and as access points. This multi-functionality enables the same vehicle to provide connectivity services in different roles, enhancing both reliability through redundant paths and adaptability through versatile operational modes
2Productivity
If a mesh network with MAPs and FAPs is implemented, then connectivity and data collection are enhanced, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into distinct functional components: FAPs providing infrastructure connectivity, MAPs providing mobile hotspot services, and vehicles acting as dual-mode nodes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as a unified system, managing complexity through modular functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary entities including a network controller that manages MAP/FAP coordination and a data marketplace that mediates data exchange between vehicles. These intermediaries simplify the overall system by centralizing complex management functions, allowing individual vehicles to operate with simpler local logic while benefiting from coordinated network-wide optimization
3Reliability
If long-range protocols like 802.11p and short-range protocols like Wi-Fi are combined, then connectivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communication protocols based on real-time conditions: 802.11p is used when infrastructure FAPs are available and require long-range communication, while Wi-Fi is used for short-range MAP communications or ad-hoc vehicle-to-vehicle messaging. This dynamic protocol selection ensures reliable communication through appropriate protocol choice while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary long-range transmissions when short-range suffices
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles periodically scan for available FAPs and MAPs rather than maintaining continuous long-range 802.11p connections. This periodic discovery approach allows the vehicle to switch to lower-power short-range Wi-Fi communications when suitable access points are found, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability through periodic re-scanning when needed
Data Source
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 autonomous vehicle network architectures, systems, and methods for supporting a dynamically configurable network of autonomous vehicles comprising a complex array of both static and moving communication nodes, including for the data-driven and distributed interoperability between nodes to increase context and location awareness in a network of moving things, such as, for example, a network of autonomous vehicles.