Vehicle Data Transfer Scheduling via Route Window Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicular mobile data services face challenges due to frequent movement in and out of range of wireless networks, leading to data loss and incomplete transfers, especially when relying on local Wi-Fi signals which have limited range and availability.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines the availability of wireless networks along a vehicle's route and schedules data transfers during periods when the vehicle is within range of usable networks, utilizing a persistent cellular connection as a primary sub-flow to maintain data transfer continuity even if secondary sub-flows like Wi-Fi are interrupted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If local Wi-Fi network is used for data transfer, then data transfer speed and efficiency are improved, but the drivable range is severely limited and data loss occurs due to frequent signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddata transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by determining wireless network availability along the vehicle route in advance, identifying route windows where networks are available, and scheduling data transfers before the vehicle actually reaches those locations. This proactive scheduling ensures data transfers are initiated at optimal times while maintaining reliability through advance planning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of network selection by dynamically switching between different wireless network types (Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.) based on availability and suitability. It evaluates multiple network parameters including signal strength, data transfer constraints, and route compatibility to select the most appropriate network for each transfer, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If local Wi-Fi network is used for data transfer, then data transfer speed is improved, but data loss and incomplete transfers occur due to vehicle movement in and out of range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system schedules data transfers in advance during identified route windows when the vehicle is projected to be within range of usable networks. By performing the scheduling action before actual data transfer begins, the system ensures optimal timing is selected, maximizing transfer speed while minimizing the risk of data loss due to vehicle movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous data transfer capability by establishing persistent connections and scheduling transfers across multiple route windows if necessary. This ensures uninterrupted data flow even as the vehicle moves between different network coverage areas, preventing data loss while maintaining high transfer speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If vehicle moves at normal speeds, then drivability and usability are improved, but wireless network connectivity is frequently lost due to moving in and out of range

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle drivabilityVSAvoidnetwork connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines wireless network availability along the entire vehicle route in advance, identifying future route windows where networks will be available. This preliminary assessment allows the system to plan data transfers around the vehicle's normal movement pattern, maintaining connectivity reliability without restricting drivability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the data transfer schedule based on the vehicle's movement and network availability. It identifies route windows along the dynamic path and adjusts transfer timing accordingly, allowing the vehicle to maintain normal speeds and drivability while ensuring data transfers occur during periods of optimal connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If vehicle stays close to access point, then Wi-Fi signal stability is improved, but drivable range is severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoiddrivable range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of network availability along the vehicle's route, identifying route windows where usable networks will be available in the future. This allows data transfers to be scheduled at optimal points along the route, ensuring signal stability without requiring the vehicle to remain close to a single access point, thereby preserving full drivable range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10743331B2Method and apparatus for vehicle to cloud network traffic scheduling
Publication Date: 2020.08.11 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10743331B2 patent drawing
  • US10743331B2 patent drawing
  • US10743331B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system includes a processor configured to receive a data transfer request including a data transfer constraint. The processor is also configured to receive a vehicle route. The processor is further configured to determine wireless network availability along the route based on known wireless network locations. Additionally, the processor is configured to determine a route window where wireless network availability indicates that a wireless network is available that meets the data transfer constraint and schedule data transfer to occur during the route window.