Decentralized Multi-Sensor Synchronization via Autonomous Clock Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-sensor systems for vehicles require central control units for time synchronization, leading to complex data flow, susceptibility to errors, and limitations in scalability and robustness against signal failures.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized multi-sensor system where each sensor unit has an internal clock and control unit, allowing for autonomous synchronization and measurement time adjustment using a synchronization signal, eliminating the need for a central control unit and enabling efficient, robust, and scalable time synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central control unit is used for time synchronization, then synchronization can be managed centrally, but the data flow becomes complex and the system is more susceptible to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized synchronization function into decentralized autonomous control units, each sensor unit operating independently with its own control logic. This segmentation eliminates the complex centralized data flow while maintaining synchronization reliability through distributed decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor unit autonomously adjusts its own measurement times based on received synchronization signals without requiring centralized control. The system serves itself through autonomous adaptation, reducing the complexity of centralized management while maintaining reliable synchronization
2Adaptability or versatility
If a central control unit manages synchronization, then coordination can be maintained, but the system has limitations in scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The modular architecture with independent sensor units allows seamless scalability. Each unit operates autonomously, so adding or removing sensors does not require complex hardware modifications to centralized control infrastructure, enabling easy system expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The decentralized control mechanism creates a universal system architecture where each sensor unit can function independently. This universality allows the system to scale dynamically without requiring specialized hardware modifications, as each unit follows the same autonomous protocol
3Reliability
If synchronization signals are transmitted centrally, then coordination can be maintained, but the system is less robust against signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synchronization function across multiple independent sensor units, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized control. Each unit can independently receive and process synchronization signals, providing redundancy and robustness against signal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous control units are designed with built-in resilience to handle signal loss scenarios. Each unit can maintain operation and synchronization capability even when signals are lost, providing beforehand cushioning against failures in the communication infrastructure
4Speed
If correction is calculated and transmitted centrally, then synchronization can be maintained, but the correction process is slower
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor unit autonomously calculates and applies its own time corrections based on received synchronization signals, eliminating the need for centralized correction calculation and transmission. This self-service approach significantly speeds up the correction process while simplifying the control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the correction calculation function from the centralized control unit and places it within each individual sensor unit. This extraction eliminates the transmission bottleneck for correction data, enabling immediate local adjustment and faster synchronization response
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-sensor system consisting of at least two sensor units (102, 112, 122, 132), in which the sensors (104, 114, 124, 134) can be actuated at predetermined target times on the basis of internal clocks (103, 113, 123, 133) which are arranged in a decentralized manner in the sensor units (102, 112, 122, 132) in order to record data. The triggering of the sensor measurements and the assignment of the measurement data to the corresponding measurement times is thus carried out in a decentralized manner in the sensor units (102, 112, 122, 132). In order for all measurement times to be based on a common time, the individual sensor units (102, 112, 22, 132) of the multi-sensor system can be synchronized by means of a synchronization signal.