Autonomous Vehicle Sensor Gateway for Redundant Ethernet Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of managing and maintaining various sensors and devices in autonomous vehicles, which use different data formats and transmission protocols, leads to a difficult-to-manage assortment of cables and connections, and hinders the implementation of redundant computing systems due to susceptibility to vibration and failure.
Innovation Solution
A safety gateway system that acts as a communication intermediary between sensors and the computer system, using a single Ethernet connection and configuration files to standardize communication, allowing for dynamic definition of data channels and formats, and enabling redundant data paths to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different communication protocols and connection types are used for various sensors, then each sensor can communicate its data in its native format, but the system becomes difficult to manage with many cables and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal Ethernet-based communication infrastructure that can handle multiple sensor types and protocols through software configuration rather than physical connectivity variations. The system uses a single Ethernet connector type that can carry data from sensors using different protocols (CAN, LIN, serial, etc.) by translating them through a unified gateway layer, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cables and connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication gateway or protocol translator layer that sits between the diverse sensor ecosystem and the central processing unit. This intermediary converts various sensor protocols into a unified Ethernet communication format, allowing sensors to maintain their native communication methods while presenting a standardized interface to the main system, thereby reducing cable complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional wired connections are used for sensor data transmission, then reliable data transfer can be achieved, but the connections are susceptible to vibration and failure in autonomous driving environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wired connections with Ethernet-based electrical/optical communication systems that are more resistant to vibration. By using standardized Ethernet connectors and cables designed for automotive environments, the system reduces mechanical stress points and connection failures while maintaining reliable data transmission through robust protocol error handling and retransmission mechanisms.
3Reliability
If redundant computing systems are implemented for safety, then system reliability improves, but the wiring and connection problems are exacerbated with multiple computing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication infrastructure for redundant computing systems into a single unified Ethernet network. Instead of creating separate wiring harnesses for each computing unit, the system uses shared Ethernet switches and common communication pathways with protocol-based redundancy management, allowing multiple computing systems to access sensor data through a consolidated network infrastructure rather than duplicated physical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for a computer system to operate an autonomous vehicle via a safety gateway which aggregates the input data streams from the variety of sensors over different communication protocols and provides an abstracted mechanism to issue torque, brake, steering and any other vehicle specific commands.