Mobile Relay Station Mode Switching for Vehicle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile relay stations mounted on vehicles do not adapt their relay operations effectively based on the vehicle's traveling state or access mode, leading to inefficient communication relay functions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile relay station equipped with an antenna system capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves inside and outside the vehicle, and a wireless control station that can switch between two relay modes based on predetermined control information, adjusting operations according to the vehicle's movement, access mode, and charging status to optimize communication relay functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile relay station uses a fixed relay mode for all situations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the communication efficiency and adaptability to different vehicle states deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelay operation adaptabilityVSAvoidmode switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic relay mode switching by enabling the mobile relay station to automatically transition between first relay mode (vehicle interior communication) and second relay mode (exterior communication) based on real-time vehicle state detection, thereby achieving adaptive relay operations that match different operational scenarios without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the mobile relay station continuously monitors vehicle state information (such as charging status, movement state) and uses this feedback to automatically determine and switch between appropriate relay modes, ensuring optimal communication performance aligned with current vehicle conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the mobile relay station switches between relay modes frequently to adapt to vehicle state changes, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the reliability of communication connection deteriorates due to switching instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication relay efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting vehicle state changes in advance and proactively switching relay modes before communication degradation occurs. The system monitors vehicle state parameters and performs mode switching based on predetermined conditions, preventing communication inefficiency rather than reacting to it after it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining readiness for mode switching through continuous vehicle state monitoring and having pre-configured relay modes available. This preparation ensures smooth transitions without communication interruptions or instability when switching between first and second relay modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the mobile relay station operates in first relay mode for vehicle interior communication, then the ease of operation for passengers is improved, but the interference with neighboring stations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger communication convenienceVSAvoidradio wave interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication function into separate relay modes based on spatial location. The first relay mode is specifically extracted for vehicle interior communication needs, while the second relay mode handles exterior communication, allowing each mode to be optimized for its specific purpose with appropriate interference management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile relay station acts as an intermediary that manages radio wave transmission between different zones. By controlling which relay mode is active based on vehicle state, the system mediates between interior communication needs and exterior interference concerns, switching to second relay mode when exterior communication is needed to reduce interior interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12261674B2Mobile relay station, mobile communication system, and control method of mobile relay station

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a mobile relay station mounted on a vehicle, including: an antenna system capable of transmitting and receiving radio waves both inside and outside the vehicle; and a wireless control station capable of controlling directivity of the antenna system and having a function of switching between a first relay mode and a second relay mode described below, wherein the wireless control station switches the first and second relay modes on or off based on predetermined control information. First relay mode: mode for relaying communication between a wireless communication device outside the vehicle and a wireless communication device inside the vehicle. Second relay mode: mode for relaying communication between a wireless communication device outside the vehicle and another wireless communication device outside the vehicle.