Heavy-Duty Vehicle Communication System Logical Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle communication systems, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles, face limitations in flexibility and security when enabling communication between a main controller and add-on modules, such as trailers or superstructures, over Controller Area Network (CAN), which restricts data transfer and information security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a vehicle communication system that establishes a separate logical network segment for each add-on module to communicate with the main controller, optionally using an Application Program Interface (API) for secure and controlled data access, and incorporating an in-vehicle application controller to host applications without interference, with communication links being either wired or wireless.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate logical network segment is established for each add-on module, then communication security and flexibility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication network into separate logical network segments, with each add-on module assigned its own dedicated segment. This segmentation isolates communication channels, preventing unauthorized access between modules while maintaining secure connection to the main controller, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and complexity through structured network architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an application controller as an intermediary component that manages communication between add-on modules and the main controller. This intermediary handles authentication, data routing, and security protocols, reducing the burden on individual modules while maintaining high security standards, thus resolving the complexity-security trade-off
2Reliability
If an API is implemented for secure data access, then information security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an API that enables add-on modules to autonomously access authorized data and functions through standardized interfaces. The API handles authentication and permission verification automatically, allowing modules to serve themselves without manual intervention while maintaining strict security controls, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor applications are hosted in the same controller, then adaptability is improved, but system stability worsens due to potential interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application hosting environment within the controller, creating isolated execution contexts for each vendor's application. This segmentation allows multiple applications to run concurrently without interfering with each other, maintaining system stability while supporting diverse vendor solutions, thus resolving the adaptability-stability contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different security and execution parameters to each application based on its specific requirements and trust level. Each application receives customized access permissions and resource allocation, allowing the system to accommodate diverse vendor applications with varying needs while maintaining overall system stability through localized quality control
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle communication system for enabling communication between a main controller of a heavy-duty vehicle and one or more add-on module(s) arranged to be connected to the heavy-duty vehicle. The vehicle communication system comprises a logical network segment arranged for communication between each add-on module and the main controller thereby enabling each add-on module to communicate with the main controller over a separate logical network segment.


