Autonomous Vehicle Teleoperation Under Variable Network Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for remotely monitoring and controlling autonomous vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing data transmission based on network quality, leading to potential delays and inefficiencies in communication, especially in areas with poor connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A computer system dynamically adjusts the type and complexity of data transmitted between itself and autonomous vehicles based on the network connection's quality, sending detailed data in high-bandwidth conditions and simpler data in low-bandwidth conditions, ensuring timely and reliable communication for safe and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detailed data is transmitted continuously between the computer system and autonomous vehicles, then monitoring precision and control accuracy are improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases and transmission delays occur in low-bandwidth conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data transmission by adjusting the level of detail in transmitted data based on current network conditions. The system transitions between different data transmission modes (detailed vs. summarized) in response to changing bandwidth availability, allowing optimal balance between monitoring precision and network resource consumption at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data detail level based on network bandwidth conditions. When bandwidth is high, detailed telemetry data is transmitted for precise monitoring. When bandwidth is low, summarized or essential-only data is transmitted, dynamically adjusting the data representation parameters to match available network capacity
2Reliability
If comprehensive vehicle telemetry data is collected and transmitted, then system reliability is improved, but transmission time increases in low-bandwidth network conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary subset of telemetry data based on current needs and network conditions. Rather than always transmitting complete comprehensive data, the system selects essential data elements for transmission, achieving sufficient reliability without the time penalty of transmitting full data sets in constrained conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which telemetry parameters are transmitted based on real-time network conditions and operational requirements. Critical safety-related data is prioritized for transmission regardless of bandwidth, while non-critical data transmission is adjusted or deferred, maintaining system reliability while minimizing transmission delays
3Extent of automation
If the system maintains continuous communication with autonomous vehicles, then operational control is improved, but network resource consumption increases in areas with poor connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication cycles with variable intervals based on network conditions and operational context. Instead of continuous communication that would deplete network resources in poor connectivity areas, the system uses periodic updates adjusted to available bandwidth, maintaining remote control capability while conserving network resources through time-based scheduling of data exchanges
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous vehicles perform self-assessment of their operational status and selectively request communication only when necessary or when network conditions permit. The vehicles autonomously determine which data needs transmission and when to initiate communication, reducing unnecessary network resource consumption while maintaining essential remote control capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system can control the operation of one or more autonomous vehicles. For example, a computer system can deploy autonomous vehicles to one or more locations or regions, assign transportation tasks to each of the autonomous vehicles, provide navigation instructions to each of the autonomous vehicles, assign maintenance tasks to each of the autonomous vehicles, and/or assign other tasks to each of the autonomous vehicles. Further, a computer system can be used the monitor the operation of autonomous vehicles. For example, a computer system can collect information from each of the autonomous vehicles, process the collected information, and present the information to one or more users such that the users can keep informed regarding the operation of the autonomous vehicles.