In-Vehicle Sensor Data Processing via Distributed Collection Apps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Resource-constrained entities face challenges in handling the large upfront and maintenance costs of in-place sensors for data collection, and even well-funded cities struggle with installation and maintenance, while vehicles equipped with sensors can provide opportunities for data collection when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates applications to securely collect data from vehicles based on available sensors, utilizing a model-based approach to optimize hardware usage and prioritize data collection tasks, ensuring privacy and integrating with existing vehicle systems without impacting safety or operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If in-place sensors are deployed for data collection, then data collection capability is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling vehicles to automatically collect and transmit sensor data without requiring manual deployment or maintenance of fixed infrastructure. Vehicles autonomously perform data collection tasks based on received requests, eliminating the need for human-operated fixed sensor installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by using multi-functional vehicles that serve both their primary transportation purpose and secondary data collection functions. The same vehicle fleet that provides mobility services also performs environmental monitoring, street condition detection, and other sensing tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated fixed sensor installations.

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

2Productivity

If vehicle sensors are utilized for data collection, then resource efficiency is improved, but data security and privacy protection become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource efficiencyVSAvoidprivacy exposure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that acts as a mediator between vehicle sensors and external users. This intermediary system processes, validates, and anonymizes data before transmission, ensuring privacy protection while maintaining data utility. The intermediary architecture controls access and filters sensitive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary data elements required for specific tasks while leaving sensitive personal information behind. The system selectively collects and transmits only relevant environmental or operational data, removing or anonymizing personally identifiable information before data leaves the vehicle system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If multiple data collection tasks are assigned to vehicles, then data collection coverage is improved, but vehicle system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection coverageVSAvoidvehicle system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data collection tasks into discrete, manageable request units that can be independently assigned and executed. Each sensor request represents a separate task with specific parameters, allowing the vehicle system to handle multiple segmented tasks without overwhelming complexity. Tasks are divided into collectable data types and processing instructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic task assignment where the vehicle's data collection responsibilities change based on current capabilities, location, and requested tasks. The system dynamically adjusts which sensors are active and what data is collected based on real-time conditions, rather than maintaining fixed complex configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4020356B1Distributed in-vehicle realtime sensor data processing as a service
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 INTEL CORP
  • EP4020356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4020356B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4020356B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and techniques for a distributed in-vehicle realtime sensor data processing as a service are described herein. In an example, a system is adapted to receive a request for sensor data from vehicles. The system may be further adapted to generate an application for collection of the sensor data. The application may have sensor requirements for performing the collection of sensor data. The system may be further adapted to identify a set of vehicles for distribution of the application based on available sensors in each vehicle corresponding to the sensor requirements. The system may be further adapted to transmit the application to the set of vehicles and receive sensor data results from respective instances of the application executing on the set of vehicles. The system may be further adapted to transmit a command to remove the respective instances of the application from the set of vehicles.