Dynamic Sensor Architecture for Runtime Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional algorithms and systems for vehicle sensor control are hard-coded and static, unable to dynamically adapt or optimize connections between data providers and processors, especially in automotive engineering, leading to inefficiencies and lack of fail-safety in sensor data gathering.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically providing sensor control logic in vehicles, allowing selection of control instructions at runtime based on available sensors and connection rules, enabling flexible sensor data processing and adaptation to changing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hard-coded sensor control algorithms are used, then system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to changing conditions or optimize sensor connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptation of sensor control logicVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sensor control logic that can be selected at runtime based on available sensors and connection rules. The control unit dynamically determines which sensors to activate and how to connect them, transforming the static hard-coded system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing vehicle conditions and sensor availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the sensor control logic into separate selectable control instructions stored in memory. Each control instruction represents a different sensor configuration or connection pattern. This segmentation allows the system to choose appropriate segments (control instructions) based on current conditions, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex restructured system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If static sensor connections are used, then system reliability is maintained through fixed configurations, but the system cannot optimize sensor data gathering when sensors fail or become unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefail-safety of sensor data gatheringVSAvoiddynamic optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors sensor availability and operational status, using this feedback information to dynamically select appropriate control instructions. When sensors fail or become unavailable, the system receives feedback about the changed conditions and adapts by selecting alternative sensor connections from stored control instructions, maintaining reliability through adaptive reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-stores multiple control instructions in memory that represent different sensor configurations and connection patterns. These pre-prepared control instructions act as a cushion or backup, allowing the system to quickly switch to alternative configurations when sensors fail, thereby maintaining operational reliability without requiring complex real-time decision-making during failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Measurement precision

If more sensors are activated to improve data quality, then measurement precision increases, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle information accuracyVSAvoidsensor operation energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by selectively activating only the necessary subset of sensors required for current measurement tasks. Instead of continuously operating all available sensors, the control unit dynamically selects and activates only those sensors needed for the current vehicle information requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision through targeted sensor activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3270568B1Dynamic sensor architecture
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3270568B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3270568B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3270568B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed towards a method for dynamically providing a sensor control logic in a vehicle and towards a respective device. Furthermore, an arrangement comprising the device is suggested as well as a computer program providing instructions implementing the suggested method. Accordingly, the suggested teaching allows a dynamic adaption of control logic even at runtime.