Multi-Sensor Data Synchronization Using Sensor-Specific Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-precision map acquisition requires synchronization of data from multiple sensors like IMUs, GPS, and cameras, but inherent delays in image data acquisition make it challenging to achieve synchronization within the necessary millisecond threshold.
Innovation Solution
A data synchronization system with a receiving module, instruction generating module, and sending module that sends instructions to sensors with specific delays to ensure they start data acquisition and send data within preset thresholds, minimizing time differences and overcoming inherent delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data acquisition is started simultaneously for multiple sensors, then the acquisition process is simple, but the time difference between sensors exceeds the 1 millisecond threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and sets delay values for each sensor before data acquisition begins. The central control unit determines the specific delay time for each sensor based on its data acquisition speed, and pre-configures these delays in the synchronization instruction. This preliminary action ensures that when sensors start acquisition at different times, they will complete their data collection within the required time threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the delay parameter for each sensor based on its specific characteristics. The central control unit calculates delay values by considering each sensor's data acquisition speed and sets these as specific parameters in the synchronization instruction. This parameter adjustment allows fast sensors to wait and slow sensors to start earlier, achieving synchronized completion without changing the sensors themselves.
2Measurement precision
If delay values are set for each sensor to achieve synchronization, then synchronization accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control unit as an intermediary that manages the synchronization process. This central unit calculates delay values, generates synchronization instructions, and coordinates all sensors. By centralizing the control function, the system avoids the complexity of peer-to-peer synchronization mechanisms while achieving precise synchronization through a single point of coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The central control unit performs multiple functions: it calculates delay values for each sensor, generates the synchronization instruction with embedded delay parameters, transmits instructions to all sensors, and receives completed data. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate components for each task, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors with different data acquisition speeds are used, then the system is more adaptable to different sensor types, but achieving synchronization within the time threshold becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts to different sensor types by calculating specific delay parameters based on each sensor's data acquisition speed. The central control unit determines the delay value for each sensor individually, allowing fast sensors to have longer delays and slow sensors to have shorter or zero delays. This parameter-based adaptation maintains synchronization accuracy while supporting diverse sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system is dynamic in that it can adjust delay values according to the specific characteristics of connected sensors. Rather than being fixed to a specific sensor configuration, the system calculates optimal delay values based on actual sensor performance, making it adaptable to different sensor types while maintaining the 1 millisecond synchronization threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses Systems and methods for a data synchronization. The system may include a receiving module, an instruction generating module and a sending module. The receiving module may be configured to receive the first instruction. The first instruction may be used to instruct the start of data acquisition of the system. In response to receiving the first instruction, the instruction generating module may be configured to generate a second instruction. The second instruction may be used to trigger at least two sensors to acquire data. The sending module may be configured to send second instruction to at least two sensors respectively based on the first delay. The first delay causes the time difference between at least two sensors starting to acquire data less than the first preset threshold.