Vehicle Network Configuration for Time Sensitive Data Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for vehicles face complexity and cost issues due to the use of multiple communication networks, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of failure, particularly in the timely delivery of critical data, and existing scheduling methods are cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic configuration system for network drivers and switches 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 manage IEEE 802.1Qbv compliant switches and classify data flows dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple communication networks are used to ensure timely delivery of critical data, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments data traffic into different priority levels (time-critical, non-time-critical) and allocates different network resources accordingly. This allows a single network infrastructure to handle multiple types of traffic with different requirements, eliminating the need for separate physical networks for each traffic type while ensuring time-critical data receives priority handling through QoS mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different service qualities to different data flows within the same network. Time-critical data receives guaranteed bandwidth and low-latency treatment through priority queuing and reservation mechanisms, while non-time-critical data uses best-effort service, allowing the network to optimize performance for critical applications without sacrificing overall system capacity.
2Reliability
If multiple communication networks are used to separate critical and non-critical communications, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single communication network universal by enabling it to handle both time-critical and non-time-critical traffic simultaneously through QoS mechanisms. The network infrastructure serves multiple functions - providing both guaranteed service for safety-critical communications and best-effort service for other traffic - eliminating the need for separate network infrastructures and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate critical and non-critical communication networks into a single unified network infrastructure. By combining these networks and using logical separation through QoS policies rather than physical separation, the system reduces hardware costs, simplifies installation, and lowers maintenance requirements while maintaining the reliability needed for safe vehicle operation.
3Speed
If offline scheduling is used to manage time-sensitive network traffic, then time-sensitive communication is improved, but device complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network devices to automatically perform scheduling functions using standardized protocols and built-in QoS capabilities. Instead of requiring complex external offline scheduling systems, each network device can independently make scheduling decisions based on local conditions and predefined policies, reducing the need for centralized control and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to dynamically adjust network behavior based on traffic conditions. QoS parameters such as priority levels, bandwidth allocations, and latency thresholds can be modified in real-time to accommodate changing requirements, allowing the network to adapt to different scenarios without requiring complete re-scheduling or complex manual configuration.
Data Source
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.