Controller Timing Coordination for Memory Blackout Data Loss Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles face data loss during memory blackout events, which can occur due to temporary unavailability of computer readable memory, leading to potential loss of critical sensor data.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a controller operably coupled to sensors and memory devices, which coordinates memory blackout events and data transmissions to prevent data loss by determining data transfer rates and timing of memory blackouts, allowing for buffer storage during memory unavailability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If memory blackout events occur during data transmission, then memory calibration or retraining can be performed, but data loss occurs during the blackout period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvememory reliabilityVSAvoiddata loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the timing of memory blackout events in advance and coordinates sensor data transmission to occur outside these blackout periods. By performing preliminary scheduling of data transfers around known blackout windows, the system ensures data is written to memory when it is available, preventing data loss while still allowing necessary memory calibration events to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary between the sensor and memory device, managing the timing of data transmissions. It receives data from the sensor, determines appropriate timing based on memory availability, and schedules writes to occur during non-blackout periods. This intermediary coordination resolves the conflict between memory calibration needs and data transmission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If buffer memory size is increased to store data during blackouts, then data loss is prevented, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata loss preventionVSAvoidbuffer memory size

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on large buffer memory to hold data during blackouts, the system performs preliminary determination of blackout timing and schedules data transmissions to avoid these periods entirely. This approach prevents data loss through intelligent timing rather than through increased storage capacity, reducing the need for large buffer memory units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the timing parameter of data transmissions based on memory availability conditions. By dynamically adjusting when data is written to memory based on the determined blackout event timing, the system adapts the transmission schedule to match memory availability, preventing data loss without requiring additional buffer capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12141083B1Control calibration timing to avoid memory write blackout period

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 WAYMO LLC

AI summary

One example system for preventing data loss during memory blackout events comprises a memory device, a sensor, and a controller operably coupled to the memory device and the sensor. The controller is configured to perform one or more operations that coordinate at least one memory blackout event of the memory device and at least one data transmission of the sensor.