Vehicle Data Distribution System with Dynamic Bearer Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle data distribution systems operate independently and are limited to specific times and states, lacking the ability to seamlessly integrate with multiple networks and adapt bearer selection based on dynamic conditions.

Innovation Solution

An on-board information distribution device that connects to various external and internal networks via multiple bearers, using a bearer selector engine to dynamically choose the best bearer for data transmission and reception based on vehicle state, user preferences, and data characteristics, with selection rules guiding the choice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent data distribution systems are used for different data types, then data delivery coverage is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple independent data distribution systems into a single unified system that can handle different data types (entertainment, operational, safety-critical) through a common architecture. The on-board data distribution device integrates multiple bearers and networks, eliminating the need for separate independent systems while maintaining comprehensive data delivery coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified data distribution system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single platform. It can deliver entertainment data, operational data, and safety-critical data using the same infrastructure, making the system universal and multi-functional rather than requiring specialized separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If fixed bearers are used for data transmission, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different vehicle states and networks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidbearer selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic bearer selection where the chosen transmission path changes based on current vehicle state, network availability, and data characteristics. The bearer selector engine continuously evaluates conditions and switches between different bearers (satellite, terrestrial, Wi-Fi) as needed, making the system adaptive rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes transmission parameters dynamically by selecting different bearers based on varying conditions. When vehicle state or network conditions change, the system adjusts its transmission approach by switching to an appropriate bearer, effectively changing the operational parameters to match current requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If data transfer is limited to specific time periods and vehicle states, then network resource usage is optimized, but data delivery timeliness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource efficiencyVSAvoiddata delivery delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines when and how to transfer data based on current conditions rather than following fixed time schedules or state restrictions. The bearer selector engine evaluates real-time vehicle state and network availability to decide the optimal moment for data transfer, eliminating arbitrary restrictions while maintaining resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from vehicle state sensors and network status information to make real-time decisions about data transfer. By continuously monitoring current conditions and responding to them, the system achieves timely data delivery without wasting network resources, as transfer decisions are based on actual rather than predetermined conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If manual data loading is used when vehicle is docked, then data accuracy is ensured, but operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata loading accuracyVSAvoiddata transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic data transfer without requiring manual intervention. The on-board data distribution device autonomously initiates and manages data loading and uploading operations based on predetermined rules and current conditions, making the system self-serving rather than dependent on manual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system is pre-configured with rules and parameters that automatically guide data transfer operations. By having transfer criteria and bearer selection rules established in advance, the system can execute accurate and efficient data transfers automatically without manual intervention, combining pre-planning with automated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Reliability

If separate systems are used for satellite and air-to-ground communications, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges satellite communication capabilities and air-to-ground communication capabilities into a single unified communication system. The on-board data distribution device integrates multiple network interfaces and bearers, allowing it to access both satellite and terrestrial networks through one system rather than requiring separate independent communication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified communication system is designed to perform multiple communication functions through a single platform. It can connect to satellite networks, terrestrial networks, and Wi-Fi networks using the same infrastructure, making the system universal and multi-functional while maintaining reliable communication across different network types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3651380B1Vehicle data distribution system
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION LLC
  • EP3651380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3651380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3651380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Techniques for delivering data or information onto a vehicle and for delivering data off of a vehicle include a data distribution system having multiple interfaces that are fixedly connected to the vehicle, and that provide access to multiple types of data bearers connected to external networks. A bearer selector engine may select a particular data bearer for delivery of data based an a set of selection criteria, which may be indicated in a set of selection rules on-board the vehicle. The selection criteria may be based an bearer characteristics, data characteristics, vehicle operating state and/or other current conditions, priority, a feature or ser - vice, and/or user preference. Using one or more on-board networks, data may be generated by an on-board originating device and routed for external delivery, or external data may be delivered to an on-board destination device. Data delivery may occur while the vehicle is en route.