Sensor Bus Burst-Broadcast Network for Low-Latency Machine Automation
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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, high costs, and unsecured data transmission, particularly when handling sensor data like camera and LIDAR data across networks.
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 root and leaf nodes with acknowledgment engines for efficient data transmission and retransmission mechanisms to ensure reliable message delivery across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional network architectures are used for machine automation, then system integration is achieved, but latency is high and bandwidth is low
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple transmission mediums (optical fiber, copper, wireless) with different performance characteristics, allowing critical data to use high-speed optical paths while less time-sensitive data uses other mediums. This segmentation enables parallel transmission paths that reduce overall latency.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical fiber serves as an intermediary medium between nodes, replacing direct electrical connections. The optical intermediary enables much higher data transmission speeds and lower latency compared to traditional electrical networks, while the system maintains compatibility with existing electrical interfaces through optical-electrical conversion at node boundaries.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If copper cabling systems are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but electromagnetic interference is significant and shielding is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through copper cables with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference entirely since optical signals are immune to EMI, while maintaining the same topological connectivity and interface functionality that copper systems provided.
3Productivity
If traditional network protocols are used, then compatibility is maintained, but throughput is insufficient for high-speed sensor data
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic protocol selection and adaptive transmission modes that adjust to data type and urgency. Critical sensor data receives prioritized handling with optimized transmission parameters, while less time-sensitive data uses standard protocols. This dynamic adaptation enables the network to achieve high throughput for speed-critical applications while maintaining broad protocol compatibility for other data types.
4Ease of operation
If complex cabling systems are deployed, then connectivity is achieved, but the system is difficult to debug and monitor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms including real-time transmission monitoring, error rate reporting, and performance metrics collection at each node. This feedback enables automated diagnostics and simplifies troubleshooting by providing visibility into network status without requiring physical inspection of complex cabling infrastructure. The feedback system tracks transmission quality across all mediums, making it easy to identify and resolve issues.
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.