Vehicle Data Network Criticality-Based Traffic Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional on-board networks in vehicles, such as CAN and LIN, are bandwidth-limited and cannot handle the increased data traffic generated by autonomous driving functions, leading to potential failures in critical situations like urban environments with many bicycles and surrounding vehicles, where intense network traffic can hinder the nominal operation of autonomous driving functions.

Innovation Solution

A data network management system that determines the criticality level of network traffic and adapts data flows by using an adapted flow configuration table to prioritize critical functions over non-essential ones, allowing bandwidth allocation based on predefined criticality levels, and switches between different network interfaces like Ethernet, CAN, and LIN to ensure reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If Ethernet networks are used to increase bandwidth for autonomous driving functions, then data transmission capacity is improved, but network complexity increases due to coexistence with traditional networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network is segmented into multiple interfaces (first interface and second interface) with different criticality levels. Critical traffic is routed through the first interface while non-critical traffic uses the second interface, allowing the system to handle high data volumes without overwhelming the entire network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically determines criticality levels based on real-time network conditions and traffic characteristics. The criticality determination unit adapts the routing decisions according to the current state, allowing the network to flexibly respond to changing demands while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If all data flows are transmitted without restriction to maintain nominal operation, then service availability is improved, but network congestion increases under intense traffic conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidnetwork throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different quality levels are applied to different data flows based on their criticality. Critical flows receive prioritized handling with guaranteed bandwidth through the first interface, while non-critical flows are subjected to rate limiting or suppression through the second interface, ensuring service availability for essential functions while managing overall network throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transmission parameters of data flows based on determined criticality levels. This includes modifying bandwidth allocation, priority queues, and routing decisions dynamically, allowing the network to maintain reliability for critical services while optimizing overall productivity under varying traffic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If non-critical data flows are suppressed to reduce network traffic, then bandwidth availability for critical functions is improved, but service functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth availabilityVSAvoidservice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suppression of non-critical flows is dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors network conditions and adjusts the level of suppression accordingly, ensuring that bandwidth is released for critical functions only when necessary, while maintaining service functionality under normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the impact of flow suppression on service functionality. This allows the network to adapt its suppression strategy based on actual service performance, ensuring that bandwidth reallocation does not unnecessarily degrade user experience or service quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4205362B1Prioritized data flow network embedded in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4205362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4205362B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a data network installed on board a vehicle, said network comprising a first (ECU1) and at least one second equipment (ECU2, ECU3, ECU4) connected by at least one data link, said equipments (ECU1, ECU2, ECU3, ECU4) being able to transmit a plurality of data streams (F1, …, F10), characterized in that: - The first equipment (ECU1) is configured to determine a level of criticality according to network monitoring data and to transmit said level of criticality to said second equipment (ECU2, ECU3, ECU4), - The second equipment (ECU2, ECU3, ECU4) being configured to load, in response to receiving said level of criticality, a predefined stream configuration table, associated with said level of criticality, said table indicating which data streams are transmitted by said second equipment (ECU2, ECU3, ECU4).