Vehicle Data Reporting via Local Wireless Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected vehicles face challenges in reporting data to the cloud when there is poor or no cellular coverage, leading to delayed or incomplete information for users and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor to determine when a cellular connection is unavailable and sends vehicle data to a local wireless device, which can then transmit the data to the cloud via cellular or Wi-Fi when a connection becomes available, ensuring data delivery even in areas with limited cellular signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle modem uses cellular connectivity to send data to the cloud, then data can be transmitted to remote servers, but data transmission fails or is delayed when cellular signal is poor or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local wireless device (smartphone, tablet, or portable hotspot) as an intermediary to relay data between the vehicle modem and the cloud server. When cellular signal is unavailable, the vehicle modem transmits data locally to this intermediary device, which then forwards the data to the remote server when connectivity is available, thereby maintaining transmission reliability without requiring the vehicle itself to have direct cellular coverage.
2Loss of information
If the system waits for cellular connection availability to transmit data, then data accuracy is maintained, but data reporting is delayed when in poor coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by transmitting data to the local wireless device in advance when the vehicle is still in areas with adequate cellular coverage. The local device receives and buffers the data before the vehicle enters poor coverage zones, ensuring that data reporting continues without interruption or delay even when the vehicle modem cannot directly connect to the cloud.
3Productivity
If the vehicle modem attempts to send data in areas with poor cellular signal, then data reporting is maintained, but transmission fails or requires multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The local wireless device serves as a reliable intermediary that guarantees data transmission success. When the vehicle modem cannot directly reach the cloud due to poor signal, it successfully transmits data to the local device using alternative communication methods (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or local Wi-Fi), ensuring that data reporting productivity is maintained without transmission failures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor configured to send data, for transmission to a remote computer, to a local wireless device in communication with a vehicle computer including the processor, the sending responsive to a determination that a remote cellular connection cannot be established via a vehicle modem, and the data including an instruction for the device to transmit the data to the remote computer.