Vehicle Data Transfer Scheduling via Movement Profile Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively transferring payload data due to the limitations of public mobile networks, including high costs, low data rates, and unreliable network availability, which are exacerbated by increasing data demands for vehicle computing systems and entertainment systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine suitable scheduling times for wireless data transfer between vehicles by analyzing movement profiles, allowing vehicles to exchange payload data when they are in proximity, thereby reducing reliance on public networks and utilizing peer-to-peer data transfer via transceiver-equipped vehicles or personal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If public mobile networks are used for data transfer, then data exchange can be performed, but data transfer costs increase and data rates remain low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange availabilityVSAvoiddata transfer costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a peer vehicle as an intermediary node to transfer payload data between vehicles. Instead of directly using public mobile networks for all data transfers, the system utilizes vehicles that are already in proximity as intermediate carriers, thereby reducing reliance on expensive public network infrastructure while maintaining reliable data exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates copies of payload data across multiple vehicles in a peer-to-peer network. When one vehicle needs data, it can obtain a copy from another vehicle that already possesses the data, rather than re-downloading from public networks. This copying mechanism reduces overall network usage and transfer costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If public mobile networks are used for data transfer, then data exchange can be performed, but data transfer rates remain low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange availabilityVSAvoiddata transfer rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

By using peer vehicles as intermediaries with direct wireless connections, the system achieves much higher data transfer rates compared to public mobile networks. The intermediary vehicles enable direct peer-to-peer data exchange that bypasses the bandwidth limitations of cellular networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If public mobile networks are used for data transfer, then data exchange can be performed, but network availability cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidnetwork availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables vehicles to serve each other as data sources and transmission nodes. When public networks are unavailable, vehicles can autonomously exchange data directly with nearby peers without requiring external network infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and independent of public network availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of energy

If physical storage devices are used for data transfer, then data exchange can be performed, but manual connection and disconnection are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer costsVSAvoiddata exchange convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical storage devices requiring manual plugging and unplugging) with a wireless communication system. Vehicles use wireless transceivers to exchange data automatically, eliminating the need for physical connections while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Reliability

If complete ECU exchange is performed, then updated data can be obtained, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata update availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of exchanging complete ECUs, the patent segments the data transfer process by exchanging only the specific payload data portions that need updating. This selective data exchange approach reduces system complexity while ensuring that vehicles obtain the necessary updates without requiring full ECU replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3337288B1Method of transferring data between vehicles
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LTD
  • EP3337288B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3337288B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3337288B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for determining a time for scheduling wireless transfer of payload data to a first vehicle from a second vehicle comprising the steps of: a) providing a movement profile for each of said of vehicles; b) comparing said movement profiles; c) dependent on the outcome of step b) determining a one or more suitable scheduling times when said vehicles are likely to be in requisite wireless proximity for said payload data transfer.