Onboard Communication Path Selection for Load and Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing onboard communication systems do not effectively utilize multiple transmission paths, leading to inefficiencies in communication load and reliability, especially in onboard networks that require diverse communication information handling.

Innovation Solution

An onboard apparatus and communication system that selectively use different types of transmission paths (e.g., Ethernet and CAN protocols) based on the content of communication information, allowing the control unit to choose the most suitable path for transmission, thereby optimizing communication load and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple communication lines are used for transmission, then communication load is reduced, but transmission paths are not effectively utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication loadVSAvoideffective utilization of transmission paths
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns different qualities/functions to different transmission paths based on their characteristics. The first transmission path (e.g., CAN bus) is optimized for normal communication operations, while the second transmission path (e.g., Ethernet) is designated for abnormal or high-priority communication. This local differentiation allows each path to be used most effectively for its intended purpose, resolving the contradiction between reducing communication load and effectively utilizing transmission paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between transmission paths based on the communication state. During normal operations, communication occurs through the first transmission path. When an abnormal state is detected (such as communication failure or high-priority messages), the system automatically transitions to use the second transmission path. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal utilization of available transmission resources while maintaining reduced communication load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If transmission path selection is based on communication information content, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is pre-configured with knowledge of multiple transmission paths and their characteristics before actual communication occurs. The system establishes the framework for path selection in advance, defining which paths are available and under what conditions they should be used. This preliminary setup simplifies the actual decision-making process during communication, as the control unit only needs to check predefined conditions rather than analyze all possible transmission options in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the communication system by selecting different transmission paths based on communication information content. When specific conditions are met (such as abnormal communication states or particular message types), the control unit switches from using the first transmission path to the second transmission path. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain high reliability through context-aware path selection while avoiding excessive complexity by changing only the necessary transmission parameter rather than redesigning the entire communication architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11936493B2Onboard apparatus, onboard communication system, and communication control method
Publication Date: 2024.03.19 AUTONETWORKS TECH LTD
  • US11936493B2 patent drawing
  • US11936493B2 patent drawing
  • US11936493B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an onboard apparatus configured to connect to an other onboard apparatus via a first transmission path and a second transmission path, which are transmission paths of different types, the onboard apparatus comprising a control unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit communication information to the other onboard apparatus, wherein the control unit, depending on contents of the communication information, selects at least one from among the first transmission path and the second transmission path as the transmission path to use to transmit the communication information and causes the transmission unit to transmit the communication information via a selected transmission path.