Optical Sensor Bus Architecture for Low-Latency Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures in machine automation, such as those for self-driving cars and factory automation, face challenges with high latency, low bandwidth, complex cabling, significant electromagnetic interference (EMI), high costs, and insecure data transmission, particularly when handling sensor data like camera and LIDAR data across the network.
Innovation Solution
A machine automation system featuring a controller and sensor bus with a central processing core and multi-medium transmission intranet that implements a dynamic burst-to-broadcast transmission scheme, utilizing optical fiber networks and compliant actuator modules with bi-directional optical sub-assemblies, transimpedance amplifiers, and motor drivers to relay sensor and control data efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If copper cabling systems are used for data transmission, then electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be handled with shielding, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper-based electrical cabling systems with optical fiber transmission networks. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference inherent in copper systems while reducing cabling complexity through simpler connector designs and inherent EMI immunity of optical fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical converters and transimpedance amplifiers as intermediary devices that bridge optical fiber transmission with electrical interfaces. These intermediaries enable EMI-free optical transmission while maintaining compatibility with existing electrical systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If existing network architectures are used for sensor data transmission, then system integration is simplified, but latency is high and bandwidth is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic burst-to-broadcast transmission schemes where the network dynamically switches between unicast burst mode for individual node communication and broadcast mode for system-wide messages. This dynamic adaptation optimizes both latency for time-critical sensor data and bandwidth utilization for control commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control network into hierarchical levels with central optical fiber backbones and distributed subnetworks. This segmentation allows high-speed optical transmission for time-critical data while maintaining simplified integration through standardized interface protocols at each hierarchical level.
3Device complexity
If centralized control architecture is used, then system management is simplified, but communication latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions between centralized management entities and distributed edge controllers. Centralized nodes handle high-level coordination while distributed controllers execute local real-time control, reducing communication latency for time-critical operations while maintaining simplified centralized management for non-time-critical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring control parameters and safety constraints at distributed controllers before real-time operation. This allows distributed nodes to execute control actions locally without continuous centralized communication, reducing latency while maintaining simplified centralized management for parameter updates.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides high-speed performance, simplified software architecture, and secure data transmission, reducing latency and EMI while supporting diverse data types across the network, enabling efficient operation in machine automation applications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more central optical fiber transmission networks directly coupled to the core and one or more subnetworks
Implementation Method 2
compliant actuator modules each including a first fiber optic connector, one or more motors, one or more sensors and a system on chip (SoC)
Data Source
AI summary
A machine automation system for controlling and operating an automated machine. The system includes a controller and sensor bus including a central processing core and a multi-medium transmission intranet for implementing a dynamic burst to broadcast transmission scheme where messages are burst from nodes to the central processing core and broadcast from the central processing core to all of the nodes.