Vehicle Communication Range Estimation Using Environmental Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-to-vehicle (C2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (C2I) communication systems face challenges in accurately determining the communication range, which is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of driving safety and driver assistance systems, due to environmental factors such as geographic characteristics, weather, and dynamic changes in the surroundings, leading to inconsistent communication performance.
Innovation Solution
A method to estimate the communication range by analyzing environmental conditions using a combination of sensors and digital maps, adjusting transmission power and sensitivity based on the vehicle's position, and categorizing environments into classes to predict and display the expected range, ensuring continuous system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the communication range is extended to improve system functionality, then the reliability of C2X communication is improved, but the accuracy of range determination deteriorates due to environmental variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the expected communication range based on environmental conditions (location data, digital maps, surroundings) before actual communication occurs. This allows the system to proactively adjust transmission parameters and prepare appropriate measures, rather than reacting to communication failures after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the transmission power and communication parameters based on the determined expected range and actual environmental conditions. The transmission power is adjusted in real-time to match the required communication range, allowing the system to maintain reliable communication across varying environmental conditions while using only the necessary power level.
2Reliability
If transmission power is increased to extend communication range, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the transmission power parameter dynamically based on the determined expected communication range and actual environmental conditions. Instead of using a fixed high transmission power level, the system adjusts the power parameter to match the minimum required for reliable communication in the current environment, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
3Reliability
If environmental monitoring and range prediction systems are added to improve communication reliability, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing multi-functional components (GPS receiver, digital map database, surroundings sensors) that serve multiple purposes. The location determination system used for navigation also provides location data for communication range determination. The digital map serves both navigation and environmental characterization functions. This approach enhances communication reliability without adding dedicated specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing infrastructure and sensors to determine communication range, rather than requiring external specialized measurement equipment. The vehicle's own location data, digital map access, and surroundings sensors are leveraged to characterize the environment and predict communication range, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of communication range determination, providing timely warnings and optimizing system performance by accounting for environmental influences, thereby maintaining reliable C2X communication even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the range of the radio waves or electromagnetic waves of a different wavelength range used for communication
Implementation Method 2
The condition of the environment determines the attenuation of the radio waves used for communication or waves of another part of the spectrum and thus their range. This phenomenon is also known as free space attenuation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the communication of a vehicle (22, 26) with another vehicle (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30) or with an infrastructure device which has a defined range depending on the current position of the vehicle. In order to ensure a reliable functioning of the communication, the range of communication to be expected is inter alia derived from a surroundings property (12, 14) which depends on the current position of the vehicle (22, 26). The invention further relates to a corresponding communication device.