Vehicle Network Mobile Access Points for Moving Things Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks are inadequate for supporting communication environments involving moving networks, particularly those with complex arrays of both moving and static nodes, such as the Internet of Moving Things, as they struggle to provide efficient connectivity and data collection from sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication network architecture that utilizes vehicle network mobile access points (VANs) to create a robust, scalable, and secure platform for connecting mobile and static devices, enabling efficient data collection and processing through a vehicular mesh network, with features like adaptive rate control, self-healing capabilities, and multi-network on-board units (OBUs) that can operate as Wi-Fi hotspots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current communication networks are used to support moving networks with complex arrays of moving and static nodes, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but efficient connectivity and data collection cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple mobile access points (MAPs) distributed across moving vehicles, each independently managing local connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex moving networks by dividing the overall connectivity task into manageable local segments, improving both reliability and data collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile access points act as intermediaries between sensor systems in moving vehicles and the stationary communication infrastructure. These MAPs collect data locally and relay it through the network, enabling efficient data gathering from distributed sensors while maintaining connectivity reliability through multiple communication paths
2Productivity
If mobile access points are deployed in vehicles to enable efficient data collection, then data gathering capability is improved, but network complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The network topology is designed to be dynamic, automatically adapting as vehicles move and enter or leave the monitoring area. Mobile access points dynamically establish and terminate connections based on their position and communication needs, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance without manual reconfiguration, thus improving data gathering while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile access points implement self-configuration and self-management capabilities, automatically joining the network when entering the service area and transmitting data when available. This self-service approach reduces the need for complex centralized management, improving data gathering capability while keeping network complexity manageable through autonomous node behavior
3Loss of information
If mobile access points continuously collect and transmit sensor data, then data collection completeness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data collection and transmission occur periodically when mobile access points are within communication range of the network, rather than continuously. This periodic operation ensures data is captured at regular intervals maintaining completeness, while avoiding constant transmission reduces energy consumption significantly
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous data collection capability through multiple mobile access points moving through the area, ensuring that data gathering is ongoing even though individual nodes operate intermittently. This distributed continuous approach preserves data completeness while allowing individual nodes to conserve energy by sleeping when out of range
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for optimizing data gathering in a network of moving things. As non-limiting examples, various aspects of this disclosure provide systems and methods for operating sensor systems and collecting data from sensor systems in a network resource-efficient manner.