Vehicle Information System Connectivity Fallback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern information systems in passenger vehicles often display empty fields, error messages, or incorrect information when connectivity to the wayside server is interrupted, failing to provide reliable and up-to-date information to passengers and crew.
Innovation Solution
A system with a communication interface, data storage, and data gathering means, including sensors and a processor, that detects server connectivity and provides information from cached data or onboard sensors when connectivity is lost, ensuring relevant data is displayed based on current vehicle location and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the information system relies on data from the wayside server, then the information displayed is up-to-date, but the system fails to provide meaningful information when connectivity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by caching data from the wayside server before connectivity is lost. The processor stores journey information, schedule data, and other relevant information in local memory while connected, so that this data is immediately available when the connection is interrupted, preventing information loss without requiring real-time connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - the local caching memory and processor - that mediates between the wayside server and the display system. When the server is unavailable, this intermediary provides fallback data from cache, ensuring continuous information supply. The processor intelligently switches between live data and cached data based on connection status.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the information system displays cached data when disconnected, then information continuity is maintained, but the information may become outdated or inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor current journey parameters such as vehicle location, speed, and stop status. This feedback is compared against the cached journey plan, and the display is dynamically adjusted to reflect actual current conditions. For example, if the vehicle is delayed, the sensor data updates the estimated arrival times in the display even when using cached route information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cached data to dynamic sensor-based information. Rather than displaying fixed cached journey plans, the processor continuously updates the display with real-time sensor data about vehicle position, speed, and operational status, making the information adaptive and current even during disconnection.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses sensors to track current vehicle status, then information accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using existing vehicle sensors for multiple purposes. The same sensors that monitor vehicle operation for control purposes are also utilized to update passenger information displays. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensing systems, reducing overall complexity while maintaining information accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the journey information processing function with the vehicle's existing control and monitoring systems. The processor that manages vehicle operations also handles information display updates, and the sensor network serves both control and information purposes. This consolidation reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures continuous and accurate information display by combining cached data with real-time data from onboard sensors, reducing reliance on outdated information and maintaining passenger and crew awareness during connectivity disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The data gathering means comprises at least one sensor arranged to sense wheel pulses, and the processor is configured to determine a current speed and/or a current location on the basis of the wheel pulses
Implementation Method 2
the data gathering means comprises a Global Positioning System receiver arranged to determine a current location of said vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a system for providing information to an information system in a vehicle, comprising: a communication interface (210) to communicate with a server (299) residing outside the vehicle (200); data storage means (220) to temporarily store data received from the server via the communication interface; data gathering means (230) to obtain information about a current situation or event independently of the server; an information system (100) to provide information services to crew and/or passengers or to control systems of the vehicle; and a processor (240). The processor is configured to: detect whether the communication interface is operational, if the communication interface is operational, provide data received from the communication interface to the information system; otherwise, provide data retrieved from the data storage means and adapted on the basis of information obtained from the data gathering means to the information system.