Vehicle Multi-Network Architecture for Congestion-Aware Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle networks often experience congestion, leading to reduced performance in communication with remote computing devices, resulting in suboptimal data transmission and potential safety concerns during autonomous vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive multi-network architecture that allows vehicles to connect to multiple networks, prioritize data transmission based on network parameters, and anticipate network availability by using multiple modems and predictive algorithms to optimize data transmission across different wireless networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vehicle connects to a single network, then the device complexity is reduced, but the network reliability deteriorates due to congestion and potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication function by implementing multiple independent modems (first modem for cellular network, second modem for Wi-Fi network) that operate separately but are coordinated by a network manager. This segmentation allows the system to maintain connectivity through multiple independent channels, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple network interfaces (cellular and Wi-Fi modems) into a unified communication system managed by a network manager component. This merging allows the vehicle to leverage both networks simultaneously or switch between them, achieving improved reliability while presenting a single integrated interface to the vehicle systems.
2Productivity
If the vehicle transmits all vehicle data over a single congested network, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity of data transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transmission load by routing different types of vehicle data through different modems based on network conditions and data priority. The network manager divides the total data stream into portions suitable for each network type, enabling parallel transmission that increases overall productivity while managing complexity through intelligent data classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes transmission parameters (data rate, packet size, protocol selection) based on the specific network conditions of each available network. The network manager adjusts these parameters in real-time to optimize transmission efficiency for each network type, improving productivity while adapting to varying network environments.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses multiple networks with multiple modems, then the network reliability improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network selection and power management where the network manager continuously monitors network conditions, data transmission requirements, and energy levels. The system dynamically activates or deactivates specific modems based on current needs, adjusting power consumption in real-time while maintaining communication reliability when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The network manager autonomously manages power distribution to multiple modems by monitoring their individual power consumption patterns and transmission needs. The system self-adjusts power allocation, turning off underutilized modems and concentrating power on active networks, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining communication availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle can connect to multiple networks and can determine network parameters (e.g., available bandwidth, latency, signal strength, etc.) associated with the multiple networks. Additionally, the vehicle can access network map data associated with the multiple networks. As the vehicle traverses an environment, the vehicle can collect sensor data of the environment and/or vehicle data (e.g., vehicle pose, diagnostic data, etc.). Based on the network parameters and the network map data, the vehicle can optimize the use of the networks determine portions of the sensor data and/or vehicle data to transmit via the one or more of the multiple networks.