General Motors, one of the world's largest automakers, has filed a patent for a continuous updating routing system. Using blockchain technology, the system integrates car sensor data to create a reliable map for driverless cars. The patent case shows that one of the advantages of such a system is the distribution of the map production process and the possibility of participation of several vehicles to cooperate in a single map, and therefore blockchain technology has been used in this system.
According to the text of this "patent case", which was registered on October 1, 2018 and published on April 2, 2020, continuous updating of current map information is possible only at great expense. One reason for this is the use of specialized vehicles to create and update routing maps, but access to such facilities is limited to only a few specific parts of the world. The solution provided by General Motors distributes the map information update process to a large number of private vehicles. This means that by driving daily, information about the car's surroundings can be collected through sensors. This information is compared simultaneously and instantaneously with a difference identifier that analyzes existing maps. Any differences are transferred to a blockchain network that has all the data on the map. If other vehicles report a similar change, the change will be approved as a "selected transaction." According to the case file, the network is maintained by vehicles and mining nodes located in data centers.
The system was most likely developed for General Motors' "Super Cruise" option, which offers a semi-automatic driving experience for some of the company's luxury models. Unlike competitors such as Tesla, the system relies heavily on navigation maps, so it can only be used on "supported" roads. Distributing the process of "creating and changing maps" between cars can speed up General Motors' efforts to cover most of the US roads. This invention file shows that one of the advantages of such a system is the distribution of the production process of the map and the possibility of participation of several vehicles to cooperate in a single map, and therefore blockchain technology has been used in this system.
Blockchain and the automotive industry
General Motors is one of the most active car manufacturers in the field of blockchain. In October 2019, the company was one of five automakers operating to test a "blockchain-based payment and identification system" for vehicles. The GM also invested in a blockchain startup in June to counter fraud in car finance. In December 2018, General Motors also filed a patent for a "blockchain-based communication system" that would allow various companies to communicate with driverless vehicles.
