Route Planning Using Wireless Connectivity Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle occupants face unreliable wireless communication connectivity while traveling due to varying network coverage and signal strength, making it difficult to maintain connections for important events like calls or video conferences.
Innovation Solution
A route planning apparatus that uses a communications network database to plan routes ensuring connectivity by estimating when and where connections may be lost, dynamically changing the route to maintain network access and displaying network parameters to help users choose optimal routes with reliable coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a route is selected based on traditional navigation criteria (shortest distance or time), then the route efficiency is optimized, but the wireless communication connectivity reliability deteriorates due to varying network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The routing algorithm dynamically adjusts the route based on real-time and historical connectivity data. Instead of using static routes, the system continuously evaluates multiple route options and selects the one that maintains wireless connectivity above a specified threshold, adapting to changing network conditions and vehicle position
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the routing parameters by incorporating connectivity metrics (signal strength, network availability) as additional constraints alongside traditional distance and time parameters. The algorithm optimizes routes based on multiple parameters including connectivity reliability, allowing users to specify minimum connectivity requirements
2Reliability
If the route is dynamically changed to maintain connectivity, then the wireless communication reliability is improved, but the route complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing connectivity data in a communications network database before route planning. Historical connectivity measurements are collected and stored in advance, allowing the routing algorithm to query pre-processed data rather than performing complex real-time calculations during navigation
Solution Approach 2:
A communications network database acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's position data and the routing algorithm. The database stores and processes connectivity information, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between the navigation system and network conditions
3Measurement precision
If connectivity data is collected and processed in real-time, then the accuracy of connectivity prediction is improved, but the data processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Connectivity measurements are collected and stored in advance during normal vehicle operation, building up a historical database of network conditions. This preliminary data collection allows the system to make accurate predictions without requiring intensive real-time processing when route planning is needed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of planning a route (R) to a destination (14). A map database (9) defines a road network; and a communications network database (10) defines one or more network parameter for a wireless communication network. The method uses a routing algorithm to plan a route (R) to the destination (14) using the communications network database (10) to estimate connectivity to the wireless communication network along one or more routes generated using the map database (9). The present disclosure also relates to a route planning apparatus (1).