Vehicle Network Configuration Module Segregating Time-Sensitive Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle control systems face complexity and cost issues due to the use of multiple communication networks, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of communication failures, especially in time-sensitive applications, as they often require manual configuration and are prone to errors and redundancy.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic network configuration system that allows for the segregation of time-sensitive and non-time-sensitive data without requiring changes to existing application code, using a network configuration module to configure network drivers and switches, enabling seamless integration with off-the-shelf equipment compliant with IEEE 802.1Qbv standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple communication networks are used in vehicle control systems, then reliability of communication is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments communication traffic into time-sensitive and non-time-sensitive categories, allowing different handling mechanisms for each type. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high reliability for critical communications while simplifying the overall network management structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network configuration module as an intermediary that automatically manages network settings and traffic routing. This mediator handles the complexity of multiple networks internally, presenting a simplified interface to applications while maintaining reliable communication across different network types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration is used for communication networks, then adaptability to specific requirements is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The network configuration module implements self-service by automatically detecting network conditions, selecting appropriate communication paths, and configuring parameters without user intervention. This maintains adaptability to varying requirements while eliminating manual configuration burdens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network parameters and establishing communication protocols in advance based on detected conditions. This allows the system to adapt to different scenarios automatically without requiring operators to manually adjust settings during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication networks are implemented, then coverage of communication requirements is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication coverageVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network configuration module dynamically adjusts communication parameters and switches between different networks based on real-time conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to cover various communication requirements while minimizing configuration time through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes communication parameters automatically based on detected network conditions and requirements. By dynamically adjusting parameters such as transmission priority, protocol selection, and path routing, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without manual reconfiguration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If manual configuration and monitoring are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication monitoring precisionVSAvoidsystem setup productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The network configuration module implements continuous feedback monitoring of communication quality and network conditions. This automated feedback system maintains measurement precision for monitoring while eliminating the need for manual intervention, thereby improving overall system setup productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of communication parameters based on detected conditions. This self-service capability maintains precise monitoring of communication quality while eliminating time-consuming manual configuration and monitoring tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230379385A1Vehicle control system
Publication Date: 2023.11.23 TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS LLC
  • US20230379385A1 patent drawing
  • US20230379385A1 patent drawing
  • US20230379385A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle control system includes a controller configured to control communication between or among plural vehicle devices that control movement of a single vehicle system or a multi-vehicle system via a network that communicatively couples the vehicle devices. The controller also is configured to control the communication using a data distribution service (DDS) and with the network operating as a time sensitive network (TSN). The controller is configured to direct a first set of the vehicle devices to communicate using time sensitive communications, a different, second set of the vehicle devices to communicate using best effort communications, and a different, third set of the vehicle devices to communicate using rate constrained communications.