Vehicle Data Relay via Intermediary V2V Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy systems are inadequate for handling the high volume and time-sensitive data uploads required by automated vehicle fleets, as they often lack sufficient capacity and coverage for efficient data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first vehicle transmits its data package to a second vehicle within communication range, which then relays it to a central electronic computing device via an access point, utilizing direct communication such as V2V or D2D, and prioritizes data based on time restrictions and upload capacity, ensuring efficient data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is uploaded via mobile network, then coverage is provided, but data transmission speed and volume are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata upload speedVSAvoiddata upload volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second vehicle as an intermediary carrier to receive data packages from the first vehicle via V2V communication and relay them to the central system through wireless LAN access point. This mediator approach enables the first vehicle to upload large volumes of data efficiently by leveraging the second vehicle's proximity to high-speed access points, overcoming the limitations of mobile network bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If legacy systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but data upload capacity and coverage are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata upload capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data upload task across multiple vehicles, where the first vehicle generates data packages and the second vehicle acts as a relay. This segmentation allows the system to handle large data volumes by distributing the upload function across different vehicles, each performing a specific role in the data transmission chain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes vehicles serve multiple functions: they act as both data generators and data carriers. The second vehicle not only performs its primary transportation function but also serves as a mobile data relay station, enabling it to help other vehicles upload data when in proximity to access points, thus providing multi-functionality without requiring dedicated upload infrastructure.

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

3Loss of time

If direct mobile network upload is used, then system operation is simple, but time restrictions for data delivery cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata delivery timeVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the central system evaluate vehicle routes in advance and identify suitable relay vehicles before data upload is needed. The system determines which vehicles will be in proximity to access points during specific time windows, allowing it to proactively assign data relay tasks and ensure timely delivery of time-sensitive data packages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where vehicles report their locations and route information to the central system, which then uses this information to dynamically assign data relay tasks. The central system continuously monitors vehicle positions and adjusts data upload assignments based on real-time feedback, ensuring that data is routed through the most efficient available paths to meet delivery deadlines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4124077A1A method for transmitting a data package from a first vehicle to a central electronic computing device as well as a corresponding central system
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4124077A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4124077A1 patent drawing
  • EP4124077A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for transmitting a data package (2) from a first vehicle (3) to a central electronic computing device (4), the method comprising: - evaluating a route (5) of at least a second vehicle (6); - if the route (5) of the second vehicle (6) leads the second vehicle (6) in a receiving area (7) of an access point (8) and if the first vehicle (3) and the second vehicle (6) meet each other in a transmitting distance (9) for transmitting the data package (2) via a direct communication (10), then transmitting the data package (2) via the direct communication (10) from the first vehicle (3) to the second vehicle (6); and - transmitting the data package (2) from the second vehicle (6) to the central electronic computing device (4) via the access point (8), when the second vehicle (6) is in the receiving area (7) of the access point (8). Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium as well as to a central system (1).