Off-board Database Bridge for Vehicle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles equipped with different communication systems face challenges in direct communication, leading to potential risks when they cannot exchange messages effectively, especially when one vehicle may not have the necessary software, protocol, or circuitry to communicate using the same system as another vehicle, or when the signal strength is insufficient for direct communication.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a communication link between vehicles through an off-board database that acts as a bridge, allowing vehicles to communicate using different communication systems by relaying messages and signals between them via the database, which can manage and respond to various protocols and circuitry configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If vehicles use different communication systems, then each vehicle can use its own optimized communication protocol, but direct communication between vehicles becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication system compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that translates between different communication protocols. This mediator enables vehicles using different communication systems (e.g., CAN bus, LIN bus, Ethernet) to exchange messages by converting protocols, thereby maintaining both adaptability to various vehicle systems and reliable communication between them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If vehicles communicate directly, then communication speed is fast, but signal strength becomes insufficient over distance or through obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsignal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication path into multiple hops through intermediate nodes (such as infrastructure-based communication systems). Instead of requiring direct long-range communication between vehicles, messages are transmitted through a series of shorter segments via infrastructure elements, maintaining signal strength while enabling communication over extended distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If vehicles are equipped with multiple communication systems, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication protocol supportVSAvoidsoftware and circuitry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal communication interface layer that can handle multiple communication protocols through a single standardized architecture. This multi-functional interface allows the vehicle to communicate with different external systems using various protocols without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each protocol, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11140532B2Communication system

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECH CORP

AI summary

A method and a communication system includes establishing a communication link between a first vehicle and an off-board database. The first vehicle and the off-board database are communicatively linked via a first communication system. A message from a second vehicle may be received via the off-board database. The second vehicle and the off-board database are communicatively coupled via a second communication system. A response may be communicated from the first vehicle to the second vehicle via the off-board database.