Wireless Vehicle Communication Master-Slave Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems require complex and expensive in-vehicle networks with multiple communication units to manage communication effectively, leading to increased complexity and cost, and there is a need for a more efficient method to distribute data within vehicles for intelligent traffic systems.

Innovation Solution

A wireless vehicle communication system that employs a master unit and multiple slave units, utilizing a second communication mode for in-vehicle data distribution, allowing for reduced power consumption and adaptive frequency selection to minimize interference and ensure reliable communication between V2X units, eliminating the need for wired connections and reducing system complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired Ethernet connections are used to link communication units within the vehicle, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required transceivers, cables, and voltage management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired Ethernet connection system with a wireless communication system. The master and slave communication units communicate wirelessly using radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical cables, transceivers, and associated voltage management circuits, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication units are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate in wired Ethernet mode when connected and in wireless mode when not connected. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to adapt to different communication scenarios, reducing the need for dedicated wired infrastructure

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

2Reliability

If multiple V2X communication units are deployed with sufficient spatial separation, then communication performance is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidnumber of units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a master-slave architecture where one unit acts as a master and another as a slave. The slave unit receives signals from external sources and relays them to the master unit, which processes and distributes the information. This intermediary relationship allows effective communication with fewer units while maintaining performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple communication units into a coordinated master-slave system. Instead of requiring multiple independent units with full functionality, the system merges capabilities where the slave unit handles signal reception and the master unit handles processing and distribution, reducing the total number of units needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If adaptive power control is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to power management circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power control where the transmit power of communication units is adjusted based on communication conditions. The system can switch between different power levels or operational modes depending on signal quality, distance, and traffic conditions, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining communication effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as transmit power level, modulation scheme, and coding rate based on communication conditions. By adapting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves energy efficiency without requiring complex dedicated power management hardware, using software-based control instead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3457663B1System and method for dynamically distributing information in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 NXP BV
  • EP3457663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3457663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3457663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless vehicle communication system (500, 600) includes a vehicle (200) having a plurality of wireless communication units (220, 240, 260) located in or attached to the vehicle (200). The plurality of wireless communication units is configured to operate in a first communication mode of operation that wirelessly transfers data to a communication unit located in a vicinity of the vehicle (200). The plurality of wireless communication units (220, 240, 260) is additionally configured to operate in a second communication mode of operation that wirelessly transfers data to at least one other of the plurality of communication units (220, 240, 260) located in or attached to the vehicle (200).