Vehicle Network Allocation Using Driving-Aware Bandwidth Priorities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network allocation methods in vehicles fail to adapt dynamically to complex driving environments, user preferences, and fluctuating network conditions, leading to inefficient resource use and suboptimal user experience, particularly affecting safety-critical systems and infotainment applications.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using an adaptive allocation model that considers network demand, supply, usage, driving operational data, user preferences, and safety rules to intelligently distribute network resources among various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static prioritization rules are used to allocate network resources, then safety-related functions are guaranteed to maintain their required level of service, but network resources are used inefficiently and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice level of safety-related functionsVSAvoidnetwork resource efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic allocation of network resources that adapts to changing driving situations, network conditions, and application requirements. The system transitions from static prioritization to dynamic adjustment, allowing non-critical applications to receive resources when safety functions do not require maximum network supply, thereby improving overall resource efficiency while maintaining safety guarantees.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes allocation parameters based on multiple inputs including driving situation, network supply conditions, and application requirements. By adjusting allocation parameters dynamically rather than using fixed priorities, the system optimizes network resource distribution to balance safety requirements with user experience and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If bandwidth allocation protocols like WFQ are used to distribute network resources fairly, then resource distribution becomes more balanced, but the system cannot cope with complex situational restrictions in modern vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork resource distribution fairnessVSAvoidability to handle vehicle-specific restrictions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary allocation system that sits between the network supply and applications, translating general fairness requirements into vehicle-specific allocation decisions. This intermediary layer incorporates knowledge of driving automation requirements, safety restrictions, and contextual factors to mediate resource distribution appropriately for each situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The allocation system is designed to handle multiple types of applications and restrictions simultaneously, providing a universal solution that works for infotainment, navigation, driving automation, and safety-critical functions. The system adapts its behavior based on the specific requirements of each application type and the current driving context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If network resources are allocated to infotainment applications, then user experience improves, but critical functions for driving automation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experience for infotainmentVSAvoidperformance of driving automation functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts network resource allocation based on the actual needs of driving automation functions. When these functions require high network supply for safety-critical operations, infotainment applications automatically receive reduced allocation. When safety functions operate within normal parameters, infotainment applications can utilize available network resources, improving user experience without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The allocation system continuously monitors the performance and network requirements of driving automation functions, using this feedback to adjust resource allocation in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that infotainment applications do not receive resources when they would interfere with safety-critical operations, while still allowing enjoyable user experiences when safety requirements are satisfied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4651418A1Method for allocating network supply in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4651418A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4651418A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4651418A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for allocating network supply in a vehicle comprises the following steps: determining a network demand for a plurality of network applications of the vehicle; determining a network supply of at least one network module of the vehicle; generating an allocation scheme for the plurality of network applications based on an allocation model, the allocation model receiving the network demand, the network supply and driving operational data of the vehicle as input, the driving operational data comprising at least data from one or more driving automation system features of the vehicle; and allocating the network supply to the plurality of network applications in accordance with the allocation scheme.