Vehicle Sensor Bridge With Local Command Generation Over Ethernet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor control systems in automotive and industrial networks face issues with increased network traffic, latency, and power consumption due to remote processor-generated control commands over Ethernet networks, which can lead to congestion and inefficient response times.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a local processor within a sensor bridge to generate control commands independently from a remote processor, reducing the need for remote control commands over the Ethernet network, and utilizing Energy-Efficient Ethernet protocols to manage power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If control commands are generated by a remote processor and sent over the Ethernet network, then centralized control is achieved, but network traffic increases and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two segments: a remote processor that handles high-level decision-making and a local processor in the sensor bridge that handles real-time control commands. This segmentation allows centralized oversight while enabling local rapid response, thus reducing latency without completely abandoning centralized control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The local processor in the sensor bridge acts as an intermediary between the remote processor and the sensor. It receives auxiliary data from the sensor, generates control commands locally, and only communicates with the remote processor when necessary (e.g., to report status or receive high-level instructions). This intermediary role eliminates the need for every control command to traverse the Ethernet network, reducing traffic and latency.
2Ease of operation
If control commands are sent over the Ethernet network from a remote processor, then remote monitoring and control is achieved, but network congestion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the real-time control command generation function from the remote processor and places it in the local processor. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous bidirectional communication for routine control operations, significantly reducing Ethernet network traffic and preventing congestion while preserving remote monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor bridge's local processor serves itself by autonomously generating control commands based on auxiliary data from the sensor. It only needs to communicate with the remote processor for status reporting or exceptional cases, making the system self-sufficient for routine operations and reducing network dependency.
3Ease of operation
If the Ethernet transceiver receiver remains active to receive commands, then real-time remote control is enabled, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet transceiver receiver operates periodically rather than continuously. It activates to receive commands or status requests from the remote processor, then enters a low-power state. This periodic operation is sufficient because the local processor handles real-time control autonomously, reducing the need for constant communication and enabling energy-saving cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling an imaging sensor in a vehicle includes an Ethernet transceiver, a sensor interface and a local processor. The Ethernet transceiver is configured to communicate over an in-vehicle Ethernet network with a remote processor. The sensor interface is configured to communicate with the imaging sensor. The local processor that is local to the apparatus and remotely located from the remote processor is configured to receive from the imaging sensor, via the sensor interface, image data and auxiliary data related to the image data, to send at least the image data to the remote processor via the Ethernet transceiver, to generate locally, based on the auxiliary data, and independently from the remote processor, control commands to control an operational aspect of the imaging sensor, and to send the control commands to the imaging sensor via the sensor interface.