Autonomous Vehicle Modem Orchestration for ECU Traffic Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face performance issues due to temporary poor modem conditions, increased traffic, and simultaneous access by multiple ECUs, leading to inefficient data routing and resource flooding.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a System on a Chip (SoC) for dynamic control and orchestration between electronic control units (ECUs) and modems, evaluating signal performance, identifying priority and demand, and controlling instructions to optimize communication and prioritize critical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If ECUs are assigned to a particular modem at all times, then data routing is simplified and device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability deteriorates when modem conditions are poor or traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ECU-modem pairing where the assignment is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors modem performance metrics and reassigns ECUs to different modems as conditions change, transforming the static assignment into a dynamic adaptive system that resolves the contradiction between routing simplicity and communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by monitoring modem conditions and performance metrics, then using this information to make intelligent routing decisions. The feedback loop allows the system to detect when a modem is experiencing poor conditions or high traffic and redirect ECUs accordingly, maintaining reliability without requiring complex manual configuration.
2Productivity
If multiple ECUs access the same modem simultaneously, then network resource utilization is improved, but performance deteriorates due to traffic congestion and resource flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively assigning ECUs to modems based on current capacity and demand, rather than allowing all ECUs to access all modems simultaneously. This controlled partial access prevents congestion while still achieving good resource utilization by matching ECUs to appropriate modems based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of ECU-modem assignment dynamically based on performance metrics and traffic conditions. By adjusting which ECUs are assigned to which modems based on changing parameters like signal quality, load, and priority requirements, the system optimizes both resource utilization and transmission performance without congestion.
3Ease of operation
If all data is transmitted with equal priority, then ease of operation is improved, but critical data transmission reliability deteriorates due to resource flooding with low-priority data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different ECUs and their data streams. Instead of uniform treatment, the system gives specific quality characteristics (priority levels) to specific ECUs based on their function and data criticality, ensuring that critical data receives preferential treatment while maintaining simple operation through automated priority management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary priority management layer between the ECUs and the physical transmission medium. This intermediary assigns priority levels and manages resource allocation based on ECU importance and data criticality, preventing low-priority data from flooding resources while maintaining ease of operation through automated mediation rather than manual control.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods for dynamic orchestration of modems in an autonomous vehicle, which can include an SoC determining performance parameters from a plurality of modems and controlling communication of data between ECUs and the modems. Some methods described also include an SoC acting as a forwarding daemon, communicating with a switch, and or providing configuration data. Systems and computer program products are also provided.