Base Station Mediator for V2X Communication Range Extension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication technologies, such as DSRC and cellular V2V/V2X, face challenges with limited communication range and inconsistent coverage, particularly in rural and underground areas, making it difficult to support a wide range of applications for autonomous vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A wireless communication system that includes a radio access network with mobile edge computers (MECs) and base stations capable of capturing and processing information from vehicles using V2X technologies, and then transmitting system information to vehicles using cellular technologies, thereby extending communication range and improving coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If V2X communication technologies (DSRC, cellular V2V/V2X) are used, then vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is enabled, but communication range is limited and coverage is inconsistent in rural and underground areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces base stations as intermediary nodes that receive V2X communications from vehicles and relay them to other vehicles or infrastructure. This mediator approach extends the effective communication range beyond the limited direct V2X range, particularly benefiting rural and underground areas where direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication is unreliable or unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a network infrastructure dimension to the V2X communication system. Instead of relying solely on direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication in a two-dimensional space, the system incorporates base stations and networks that operate in an additional dimensional layer, enabling indirect communication paths and significantly expanding coverage area.
2Speed
If direct V2V communication is used between vehicles, then communication latency is low and response time is fast, but communication range is limited to line-of-sight distance
Solution Approach 1:
Base stations serve as mediators that receive communications from vehicles and forward them to distant vehicles or infrastructure. This allows the system to maintain the speed benefits of direct V2V communication for local interactions while extending the effective range through the intermediary base station network.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into direct V2V communication for short-range, high-speed interactions and base station-mediated communication for long-range exchanges. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function while working together to provide both speed and extended range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication technologies (DSRC, cellular, D2D) are integrated, then system versatility and application support are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base station is designed as a universal node that can handle multiple communication technologies (DSRC, cellular V2V/V2X, D2D) through a single infrastructure component. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to support diverse applications while managing complexity at the network level rather than requiring each vehicle to independently manage all communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station acts as an intermediary that abstracts and manages the complexity of multiple communication technologies. By centralizing the handling of different protocols at the base station level, the system achieves high versatility without proportionally increasing the complexity burden on individual vehicles.
4Reliability
If V2X communication is used in rural and underground areas, then autonomous vehicle operation is enabled, but cellular coverage is not always available
Solution Approach 1:
In areas where cellular coverage is unavailable, the system uses base stations equipped with V2X capabilities as intermediaries to enable autonomous vehicle operation. These base stations create localized communication zones that allow vehicles to exchange information and operate autonomously even in the absence of broader cellular network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system dynamically adapts to environmental conditions by switching between cellular-based communication in covered areas and V2X-based communication through base stations in uncovered areas. This dynamic behavior allows autonomous operation to maintain reliability across diverse environmental conditions including rural and underground locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device adapted for communicating in a communication system can include a receiver, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiver can receive (e.g., capture, sniff) information from one or more wireless devices (e.g., vehicles) using a first communication technology (e.g., V2X technologies). The processor can process the received information to generate system information associated with the communication system. The transmitter can transmit the system information to one or more wireless devices using a second communication technology (e.g., LTE) different from the first communication technology.