MEC Translation of DSRC and LTE C-V2X Messages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-access edge computing (MEC) architectures face challenges in providing seamless interoperability between different radio access technologies (RATs) like DSRC and LTE, leading to latency and non-compatibility issues in vehicular communication systems, especially in scenarios where vehicles may only support one protocol.

Innovation Solution

A MEC-based architecture that translates messages between DSRC/ITS-G5 and LTE C-V2X messages by extracting content from one protocol's facilities layer and inserting it into the other, enabling communication between vehicles using different radio access protocols, thereby enhancing vehicular safety and network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If DSRC and LTE C-V2X systems operate independently without translation, then each system maintains its own protocol compatibility, but interoperability between different radio access technologies is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidinteroperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a translation function as an intermediary component that receives messages from one radio access technology (e.g., DSRC) and converts them into the format of another radio access technology (e.g., LTE C-V2X). This mediator enables interoperability between systems that would otherwise be incompatible, allowing vehicles using different protocols to communicate seamlessly while maintaining the integrity of each protocol's native format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If message translation between DSRC and LTE is implemented, then interoperability is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinteroperabilityVSAvoidtranslation function complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The translation function is segmented into distinct modular components: a message reception interface for receiving messages from the first radio access technology, a translation engine for converting message formats between protocols, and a message transmission interface for sending translated messages to the second radio access technology. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by allowing each component to be developed, tested, and maintained independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If traditional cloud computing architecture is used, then centralized processing is achieved, but latency increases for vehicular communications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized processing efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a traditional centralized cloud computing architecture to a multi-dimensional edge computing architecture where translation functions are distributed to the network edge, co-located with radio access networks. This dimensional shift brings processing closer to vehicles, reducing the physical distance data must travel and thereby minimizing latency while maintaining centralized coordination capabilities through the MEC platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3718286B1Multi-access edge computing (MEC) translation of radio access technology messages
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 INTEL CORP
  • EP3718286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718286B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An architecture to allow the translation or conversion of short-range direct communications between devices with different radio access, such as in a V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication context, is disclosed. In an example, a translation process, such as is performed by a mobile / multi-access edge computing (MEC) communication entity, includes: obtaining or accessing, at a translation function, a communication message (e.g., IP message) provided from a first device operating with a first radio access technology (e.g., LTE C-V2X), the message addressed to a second device operating with a second radio access technology (e.g., IEEE 802.11p or DSRC/ITS-G5); converting the communication message, with the translation function, into a format compatible with the second radio access technology; and initiating a transmission of the translated communication message, from the translation function, to the second device using the second radio access technology.