Vehicle Control Unit Data Transmission via Dynamic Channel Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle control unit networking using cable-based bus technologies incurs high costs and additional installation space requirements due to the need for shielding, which is not efficient for high data rate communications between control units.
Innovation Solution
A method for transmitting data elements between vehicle control units using multiple communication channels, where the first control unit determines a communication channel indicator to assess available resources and priority, and assigns communication channels based on vehicle applications to efficiently transmit data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable-based bus technologies are used for networking control units, then connection reliability is improved, but installation space requirement and cost increase due to shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cable-based mechanical connections with wireless communication channels (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) to transmit data between control units. This substitution eliminates the need for physical cables and shielding, thereby reducing installation space requirements while maintaining communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-functional communication channels that can operate in both wired and wireless modes. The system can dynamically select between different communication technologies (CAN bus, LIN bus, WiFi, Bluetooth) based on availability and requirements, providing universal connectivity without requiring dedicated shielded cables for each communication type.
2Speed
If cable-based bus technologies are used for high data rate transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic channel selection where the system continuously monitors the status of multiple communication channels (wired and wireless) and dynamically assigns the most suitable channel for data transmission based on current conditions. This allows the system to adapt to changing environments and maintain high data rates without requiring complex pre-installed cable infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes transmission parameters such as data rate, modulation scheme, and channel selection based on real-time conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system can achieve high data rates over wireless channels when needed, eliminating the requirement for expensive high-speed cable infrastructure in all scenarios.
3Reliability
If multiple communication channels are assigned for data transmission, then transmission robustness is improved, but channel assignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where control units autonomously monitor communication channel status, detect failures, and reassign data transmission to alternative channels without external intervention. This self-diagnosis and self-reconfiguration capability provides transmission robustness while keeping the control logic relatively simple and distributed across individual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where communication status information is continuously monitored and fed back to the control units. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts channel assignment decisions to maintain robust transmission, simplifying the overall control logic through reactive rather than proactive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method transmits a data element between control units of a vehicle that are coupled via at least two communication channels. The first control unit determines a communication channel indicator of a first channel that is representative of available transmission resources. The first control unit receives a data element from a data source. The priority of the data element is ascertained depending on an associated vehicle application. If the communication channel indicator indicates that the available transmission resources of the first channel are insufficient for transmission of the data element and the priority of the data element is less than a predefined priority threshold value, then storing the data element in a temporary memory of the first control unit for a predefined time interval. In a different case, the data element is transmitted from the first control unit to the second control unit via assigned communication channel(s).