Dynamic Time Slot Assignment for Intra-Vehicular Wireless Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive network architectures face issues with reliability, long communication delays, limited modularity, and scalability due to hierarchical wired communication systems, and the unpredictability and interference challenges of wireless communication in automotive networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic time slot assignment method in wireless intra-vehicular networks, where time slots are allocated based on operational characteristics such as function, application, or signal quality, allowing for flexible and robust communication across multiple frequency channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hierarchical wired communication systems are used, then reliability is improved, but communication delays increase and modularity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication network into multiple independent sub-networks, each operating on different frequency channels. This allows parallel communication across multiple channels, reducing end-to-end communication delays while maintaining reliability through redundancy. Gateway nodes are eliminated at intermediate levels, allowing direct peer-to-peer communication between ECUs on different channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new dimension of communication by utilizing multiple frequency channels simultaneously. Instead of sequential communication through hierarchical gateways, ECUs can communicate in parallel across different frequency dimensions, significantly reducing communication delays while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If hierarchical wired communication systems are used, then reliability is improved, but scalability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidscalability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel assignment where ECUs can be dynamically assigned to different frequency channels based on their communication needs. This dynamic allocation allows the system to scale flexibly as new ECUs are added or communication requirements change, while maintaining reliability through redundant path options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the communication parameter from fixed hierarchical routing to dynamic frequency channel selection. ECUs can switch between different frequency channels based on traffic load and communication priorities, enabling the system to scale adaptively while maintaining reliable communication through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication is used, then flexibility is improved, but interference between signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wireless communication spectrum into multiple frequency channels, allowing simultaneous transmissions without interference. Each ECU or sub-network operates on a dedicated frequency channel, eliminating signal collision and interference while maintaining the flexibility of wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing within each frequency channel, where transmission slots are periodically assigned to different ECUs or sub-networks. This structured periodic access pattern prevents signal interference while maintaining flexible wireless communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Reliability

If more frequency channels are used, then communication robustness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication robustnessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic channel allocation where ECUs activate only the frequency channels they need for their specific communication requirements. This dynamic activation reduces overall power consumption compared to continuously monitoring all channels, while maintaining communication robustness through selective multi-channel usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the parameter of channel activation based on communication needs. ECUs can dynamically adjust which frequency channels are active, switching between single-channel and multi-channel modes based on traffic requirements, thereby balancing robustness and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8737345B2Dynamic function slot assignment in intra-vehicular wireless networks

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A wireless transmission method includes providing a commanding node and a plurality of sub-networks. Each of the sub-networks includes at least one responding node. Corresponding ones of a plurality of time slots are assigned to individual ones of the sub-networks based on at least one operational characteristic of the sub-networks. The time slots are disposed within a plurality of frequency channels. Communication is conducted between the commanding node and the sub-networks within the assigned time slots of the sub-networks.