Sensor Data Routing with Static Configuration and Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data transfer architectures in automotive systems face challenges in reliability and startup time during the initialization phase, requiring enhancements to improve these aspects.

Innovation Solution

A data processing system comprising a sensor data acquisition circuit, a server circuit, and associated memories for storing configuration data, which configures the system using static configurations and pre-defined data routing, with features like PCI Express implementation, failure detection, and redundant server circuits for enhanced reliability and fast startup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional data transfer architectures are used, then cost is reduced, but startup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring data routing paths and storing configuration data in memories before system startup. The static configuration approach pre-establishes data flow routes between sensors, data acquisition circuits, and processing units, eliminating the need for dynamic enumeration during startup. This allows the system to bypass lengthy initialization sequences and immediately begin data transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional data transfer architectures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing redundant server circuits and pre-configuring alternative data routing paths. When a failure is detected in the primary data path, the system can immediately switch to pre-established backup routes without interruption to data transfer operations. Configuration data stored in memories enables rapid reconfiguration to alternative paths, ensuring continuous reliable operation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the health and status of data transfer paths. When failures or anomalies are detected, the system uses this feedback information to dynamically switch to alternative pre-configured routing paths stored in memory, maintaining reliable data transfer despite component failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If static configuration is implemented, then startup time is reduced, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup timeVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines static pre-configured paths with dynamic adaptability through failure detection and recovery mechanisms. While the primary data routing paths are statically configured for fast startup, the system incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to detect failures and switch to alternative pre-configured paths. This hybrid approach maintains the speed benefits of static configuration while adding the flexibility needed to handle runtime conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11409538B2Data processing system and method for configuring and operating a data processing system
Publication Date: 2022.08.09 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US11409538B2 patent drawing
  • US11409538B2 patent drawing
  • US11409538B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data processing system includes a sensor data acquisition circuit configured to acquire sensor data from at least one sensor and a server circuit configured to receive the sensor data from the sensor data acquisition circuit and to forward the sensor data to a processing unit. The sensor data transmission path from the sensor data acquisition circuit to the server circuits might be setup as a static configuration. Any physical connection issue between the sensor data acquisition circuits and the server circuits would force the system to pre-defined data routing configurations.