Heuristic Scheduling for Connected Car OTA Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of connected cars on cellular networks leads to a significant increase in data traffic, causing a negative impact on wireless network performance, particularly during peak hours, due to large file downloads that compete for limited bandwidth and interfere with neighboring cells, resulting in decreased throughput and signal quality for other users.
Innovation Solution
A heuristic scheduling algorithm is implemented to optimize the distribution of over-the-air (OTA) files to connected cars by scheduling downloads based on driving patterns and network connection patterns, minimizing the number of cars connected to the same cell and reducing interference, thereby smoothing data flow over the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If OTA file distribution is performed without scheduling for all connected cars, then the update delivery speed and completeness are improved, but the network throughput and signal quality for other users deteriorate due to bandwidth competition and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connected cars into different groups or batches based on their connection patterns and scheduling criteria. Instead of distributing OTA files to all cars simultaneously, the system divides the distribution process into multiple scheduled batches, where each batch is assigned to specific time slots or resource blocks. This segmentation reduces the number of simultaneous downloads, thereby reducing network interference while maintaining overall update delivery progress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adapts to changing network conditions and car connection patterns. The scheduling algorithm continuously monitors network status, interference levels, and car availability, then dynamically adjusts the distribution plan. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize between update delivery speed and network performance in real-time, rather than using a static scheduling approach.
2Productivity
If OTA file distribution is concentrated in a short time period to meet update requirements, then the update completion rate is improved, but the network capacity and performance for other services deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by scheduling OTA file distribution in regular intervals or time slots rather than continuously. The system divides the update distribution process into periodic batches, where each batch is delivered during designated time periods. This periodic approach ensures that network resources are allocated in a structured manner, preventing bandwidth exhaustion while maintaining steady progress toward update completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the distribution process, including time allocation, resource block assignment, and power levels, to optimize both update completion and network capacity preservation. By adjusting these parameters dynamically based on network conditions and update priorities, the system can achieve high update completion rates without permanently depleting available network bandwidth for other services.
3Device complexity
If more connected cars are served by the same cell to improve distribution efficiency, then the scheduling complexity is reduced, but the interference to neighboring cells and overall network performance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the optimization from a single-cell dimension to a multi-cell network dimension. Instead of making scheduling decisions based solely on individual cell load, the system considers interference patterns across multiple neighboring cells simultaneously. This dimensional expansion allows the scheduler to distribute cars across cell boundaries in a way that balances local scheduling simplicity with global interference reduction, achieving both goals through coordinated multi-cell resource allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts and technologies disclosed herein are directed to the optimization of over-the-air (“OTA”) file distribution for connected cars based upon a heuristic scheduling algorithm. A schedule provided by the heuristic scheduling algorithm is designed to distribute OTA data flow to connected cars over the network (geographically) and over a scheduling time horizon (timely), and is capable of reducing the negative impact of OTA file updates on overall wireless network performance. This schedule is created based upon historical statistics associated with connected car driving patterns and simulations of connected car-specific OTA traffic over the network. By leveraging connected cars that connect to different cells at different times based upon driving patterns, the heuristic scheduling algorithm is effective in reducing OTA impact on the network.