Mobile Machine Networking with Multi-Domain Routing Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges in establishing and maintaining electronic communications between mobile machines in agricultural and construction operations due to environmental obstacles and adverse conditions, which hinder effective coordination and data sharing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for networking mobile machines using a resilient communications structure with persistent, transient, and announcement domains, along with decentralized data storage and management, ensuring redundant communication channels and synchronized data pools across machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If machines operate in large fields with obstacles and adverse environmental conditions, then the working capability and coverage area are improved, but the reliability of electronic communications deteriorates due to obstacles such as trees, hills and buildings blocking signals
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication channels (first communication channel and second communication channel) that operate on different frequencies or protocols. This segmentation allows the system to bypass obstacles by switching between channels, maintaining communication reliability across large operational areas with environmental obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters such as frequency, power level, and modulation scheme based on environmental conditions and obstacle detection. When obstacles block the primary communication path, the system adjusts parameters to maintain signal integrity, enabling reliable communication across varying terrain and adverse conditions.
2Length of moving object
If machines operate at large distances from each other in extensive fields, then the operational flexibility and coverage are improved, but the communication range and coordination capability deteriorate when distance exceeds communication range
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary communication nodes including satellite communication and cellular networks as mediators when direct machine-to-machine communication exceeds range. These intermediaries relay data between machines at large distances, maintaining communication continuity and coordination capability across extensive operational areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from ground-based radio frequency communication to satellite-based communication, adding a dimensional aspect to the communication infrastructure. This allows machines to maintain communication links over large distances by utilizing orbital satellites as communication bridges, effectively extending the operational distance beyond line-of-sight limitations.
3Device complexity
If a single communication channel is used between machines, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when environmental conditions disrupt the communication channel
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into multiple independent channels with different technical characteristics (frequency, protocol, modulation). This segmentation provides redundancy so that when one channel is disrupted by environmental conditions, other channels remain operational, maintaining communication resilience without requiring overly complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple communication channels and establishes fallback protocols before environmental disruptions occur. When disruption is detected, the system automatically switches to pre-prepared alternative channels, providing cushioning against communication failures without requiring complex real-time decision-making infrastructure.
4Productivity
If real-time data sharing is implemented across all machines, then the coordination efficiency is improved, but the data management complexity and synchronization difficulty increase in decentralized environments
Solution Approach 1:
Each machine is equipped with autonomous capabilities to receive, process, and act on shared data without requiring centralized management. Machines independently synchronize their data pools by comparing and exchanging information with neighboring machines, reducing data management complexity while maintaining real-time coordination efficiency across the fleet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where machines report their operational status, data pool synchronization state, and communication quality to the network. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of data exchange rates and synchronization protocols, maintaining coordination efficiency while managing data complexity through adaptive control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plurality of mobile machines each includes an onboard communications and control system configured to communicate with each of the other machines using a persistent domain for communicating persistent data, using a transient domain for communicating transient data, and using an announcement domain for communicating announcement data. Each of the onboard communications and control systems includes a routing service to route data via one of the persistent communications domain, the transient communications domain and the announcement communications domain depending on the nature of the data. The routing service only routes data via the persistent communications domain and the transient communications domain to other machines that are part of the same work group.