Vehicle Communication Management via Neighboring Device Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, especially in accident situations, may face communication failures with external systems or emergency services due to damaged components, necessitating an alternative method to relay critical information.
Innovation Solution
A communication management system within the vehicle identifies nearby devices or systems to relay emergency information, using sensors and cameras to gather data and request neighboring vehicles or infrastructure to forward this information to emergency services, even if primary communication channels are compromised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle uses primary communication channels (vehicle systems) to communicate with external systems, then communication reliability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to communication failure when the vehicle is in an accident
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a intermediary communication approach where a second vehicle or external system acts as a mediator to relay emergency information. When the first vehicle's communication system is compromised, the second vehicle receives emergency data from sensors and cameras of the first vehicle and forwards it to emergency services, thus bypassing the damaged communication channel while maintaining reliable emergency communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-vehicle communication dimension to a multi-vehicle or vehicle-external system communication dimension. By enabling communication through neighboring vehicles or infrastructure systems, the patent adds spatial and functional dimensions to the communication architecture, allowing emergency information to reach external systems even when the primary vehicle communication path is blocked.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle relies on its own communication systems, then direct communication is achieved, but communication fails when vehicle systems are damaged in an accident
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preparing alternative communication pathways before accidents occur. The system continuously monitors communication system status and pre-identifies neighboring vehicles or external systems as backup communication relays. When communication system failure is detected post-accident, the pre-established alternative pathways enable immediate switch to backup communication channels without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes communication parameters by switching from direct vehicle-to-emergency service communication to indirect vehicle-to-neighboring vehicle-to-emergency service communication. This parameter change in communication topology allows the system to adapt to damaged communication hardware while maintaining communication availability for emergency information transmission.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses alternative communication mechanisms through neighboring devices, then communication availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling neighboring vehicles or external systems to autonomously perform the communication relay function. Instead of requiring complex coordination systems, the second vehicle automatically receives emergency information from the first vehicle and independently forwards it to emergency services. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high communication availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Example vehicle communication management systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a communication management system determines whether a vehicle can communicate with an external system. If the vehicle is unable to communicate with the external system, the communication management system identifies a neighboring device that can communicate with the external system and communicates vehicle information to the neighboring device. The communication management system also requests the neighboring device to communicate the information, and other details from the neighboring device's perspective, to the external system.