Dual-Buffer Black Box Recorder for AV Sensor Data Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous driving vehicles face challenges in recording and retaining raw sensor data, especially during power losses, as uncompressed data is expensive to store and volatile memory loses data in such events, while existing solutions are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two cyclic buffers, one in volatile memory for raw data and another in non-volatile memory for compressed data, allowing for data retention during power disruptions and efficient storage of recent sensor data, with the ability to flush data into non-volatile storage during events like collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-volatile memory is used to store vehicle sensor data, then data retention during power loss is improved, but storage cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two distinct segments: a volatile memory buffer (first cyclic buffer) for high-speed raw data capture and a non-volatile memory storage (second cyclic buffer) for persistent compressed data retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall cost while ensuring data retention during power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different compression parameters to data stored in non-volatile memory, compressing sensor data to reduce storage requirements and cost. By transforming the data from uncompressed to compressed form while maintaining essential information, the system achieves reliable long-term storage at lower cost.
2Quantity of substance
If volatile memory is used to store raw sensor data, then storage cost is reduced, but data loss occurs during power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression of sensor data and stores the compressed version in non-volatile memory before power loss can occur. This advance preparation ensures that even if power is lost, the compressed data survives and can be decompressed later to recover the original information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the sensor data in compressed form and stores it in non-volatile memory. This copy serves as a backup that persists through power loss events, while the original uncompressed data continues to be stored in volatile memory for immediate access during operation.
3Loss of information
If uncompressed sensor data is stored, then data quality and analysis capability are improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compression parameter from uncompressed to compressed for data stored in non-volatile memory. This parameter change reduces storage requirements by a significant factor while preserving the essential information needed for post-event analysis through lossless or controlled lossy compression techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved black box data recorder for use with autonomous driving vehicles (AVD). In one embodiment, two cyclic buffers are provided to record vehicle sensors data. A first cyclic buffer records raw vehicle sensor data on a volatile memory, while a second cyclic buffer records the same vehicle sensor data, as compressed data, on a non-volatile memory. In a case of a collision or near collision, in one embodiment the buffers are flushed into a non-volatile (NV) storage for retrieval. As long as there is no power interruption, the raw vehicle sensor data will be accessible from the NV storage. If a power interruption occurs, the raw vehicle sensor data held in the volatile memory of the first cyclic buffer will be lost and only the compressed form of the vehicle sensor data from the second cyclic buffer will survive and be accessible.