Redundant Remote Vehicle Control for Unstable Wireless Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telematics systems for autonomous vehicle navigation face challenges due to unstable 3G/4G wireless communication networks, particularly in rural and suburban areas, and lack of redundant architectures, which can lead to incorrect control commands and potential hacking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vehicle monitoring and control system using redundant communication protocols such as LTE, Wi-Fi, and DSRC, where control commands are verified by comparing multiple copies received through different protocols, ensuring execution only when copies match and rejecting commands that differ, and utilizing GPS and battery modules for robust positioning and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If 3G/4G wireless communication networks are used for remote vehicle control, then real-time control capability is improved, but network stability deteriorates in rural and suburban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by switching between different communication protocols (LTE, Wi-Fi, DSRC) based on network conditions. When LTE signal strength falls below a threshold, the system transitions to alternative protocols, thereby adapting to varying network environments and maintaining control reliability in rural and suburban areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic protocol selection and switching mechanisms that adapt to real-time network conditions. The control unit continuously monitors signal quality and automatically switches between communication protocols, transforming a static single-protocol system into a dynamic multi-protocol system that maintains stability across different geographic locations
2Reliability
If redundant communication protocols are implemented, then command integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control command transmission into multiple independent copies sent through different communication protocols. Each protocol carries the same control command as a separate copy, allowing the receiving system to verify integrity by comparing copies from multiple sources without requiring complex integrated verification mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of control commands and transmits them through different communication protocols (LTE, Wi-Fi, DSRC). The receiving vehicle compares these copies to verify integrity, using simple copy-comparison logic rather than complex verification algorithms, thereby maintaining command integrity while limiting complexity growth
3Reliability
If multiple communication protocols are used for command verification, then security against hacking is improved, but communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending identical control command copies through multiple protocols simultaneously or in rapid succession before execution is needed. This allows verification to begin in advance, and the system can quickly compare copies and execute verified commands without time-critical delays during actual vehicle control operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a pragmatic verification approach where it sends multiple command copies but only requires a simple majority match for execution. Rather than exhaustively verifying every possible attack vector, the system performs sufficient verification to detect obvious hacking attempts while maintaining acceptable verification timing for real-time control
Data Source
AI summary
Described are devices, systems and methods for real-time remote control of vehicles with high redundancy. In some embodiments, two copies of at least one control command are received using two different wireless communication protocols, and are compared. The at least one control command is executed when the two copies are in agreement, but is rejected when the two copies differ. In other embodiments, additional wireless communication protocols may exist to provide a redundant mode of communication when one of the two different wireless communication protocols are unavailable. In yet other embodiments, redundant GPS units may be used to determine availability of any of the communication protocols, and relevant control commands may be downloaded in advance to circumvent a lack of coverage.