Vehicle Communication Token Switching for Signal Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular communication systems, such as telematics and satellite digital audio receiver (SDAR) modules, face reliability issues when vehicles are parked in areas with inadequate cell phone network coverage, leading to unreliable remote vehicle control functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method where both telematics and SDAR modules are coupled to a vehicle data bus, with a software token determining which module handles communication based on signal strength, switching between cell phone and satellite networks to ensure reliable data communication with a remote call center during vehicle inactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the telematics module is placed in sleep mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates when cell phone network coverage is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two communication modules (telematics and SDAR) with different network dependencies into a single vehicle system. The telematics module uses cell phone networks while the SDAR module uses satellite networks, allowing the system to merge both communication paths for enhanced reliability during vehicle inactivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the active communication parameter by switching between telematics and SDAR modules based on signal strength measurements. When cell phone signal falls below a threshold, the system transitions to using the SDAR module via token transfer, adapting to changing environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If the telematics module periodically wakes up to check for messages, then communication functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wake-up checks for the module holding the communication token. The module wakes up at predetermined intervals to check for incoming messages, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic action maintains communication functionality while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a software token mechanism that enables self-service communication management. The module possessing the token autonomously determines when to wake up and check for messages based on the current budget and signal conditions, without requiring continuous external control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle is equipped with both telematics and SDAR modules, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software token as an intermediary mechanism to manage communication between the telematics and SDAR modules. The token acts as a mediator that transfers control and current budget between modules based on signal strength, simplifying the management of dual-module complexity through a standardized handoff protocol.
4Reliability
If the module checks signal strength before communication, then communication reliability is improved, but additional power is consumed for signal monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary signal strength checking before initiating communication or waking from sleep mode. The module possessing the token determines available signal strength in advance to verify adequate conditions for reliable data communication, preventing wasted power expenditure on communications that would fail.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote call center utilizes both cell phone and satellite communication networks to transmit data messages to a vehicle equipped with both a telematics module and a SDAR module. The telematics module and the SDAR module are both coupled to a vehicle data bus, and a software communication token containing a current budget is assigned to a selected module in response to a vehicle turn-off event. The module possessing the communication token determines the available signal strength on its respective communication network. If the available signal strength is adequate for reliable data communication with the call center, the module retains possession of the token and periodically wakes-up to check for incoming messages from the call center. If the available signal strength is inadequate, the module possessing the token passes the token to the other module, after which that module periodically wakes-up to check for incoming messages from the call center.