Network Unit Queue Management for Seamless Channel Handover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks face challenges in maintaining data integrity and throughput, especially in wireless communication between moving vehicles, where frequent changes in transmission quality and communication partners lead to data packet loss and duplication.

Innovation Solution

A network unit with a processor, memory, and communication module that splits data streams into different queues and channels, determines a transfer command based on channel deterioration, and shifts data packets to maintain sequence and prevent loss, allowing seamless handover between communication channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data packets are sent through multiple communication channels simultaneously, then data transmission reliability is improved, but data packet duplication occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata packet duplication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting potential future degradation of the second communication channel before it actually fails, and proactively determining a transfer command to move data packets from the second queue to the first queue. This preventive approach ensures seamless handover without packet loss or duplication, as the transition is initiated while the second channel is still functional but showing signs of deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a queue management system with transfer commands. The queue acts as an intermediary buffer between the data source and the communication channels, allowing controlled transfer of data packets between channels. This intermediary structure enables reliable channel switching without direct packet duplication, as packets are moved through the queue rather than being simultaneously transmitted on multiple channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If data packets are moved between queues based on channel quality, then data packet loss is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata packet loss preventionVSAvoidqueue management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data stream into separate queues (first queue and second queue) corresponding to different communication channels. This segmentation allows independent management of packets for each channel, enabling selective transfer based on channel quality without managing complex interdependencies. The segmented queue structure simplifies the overall management complexity while maintaining reliable packet loss prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If handover between communication channels is performed frequently, then communication quality is maintained, but data transmission stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoiddata transmission stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the quality of communication channels and using this information to determine when to issue transfer commands. The feedback mechanism allows the system to make informed decisions about channel switching, maintaining communication quality while avoiding unnecessary frequent handovers. The transfer command is generated based on actual channel degradation detection, ensuring stable transmission by only switching when truly necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3611887B1First network unit of a communication network
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3611887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3611887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3611887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for operating a first network unit (202) is provided, comprising: moving at least a part of second data packets from a second queue to a first queue depending on a determined transfer command and sending the first data packets and the second data packets via the first communication channel towards the second network unit (204).