Automotive Sensor Integration for Synchronized Multi-Sensor Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles face challenges in synchronizing object detection across sensors disposed at different positions, leading to difficulties in identifying objects accurately due to varying sensing periods and output data formats.
Innovation Solution
An automotive sensor integration module that includes a plurality of sensors such as optical cameras, infrared cameras, radars, and lidars mounted on a circuit board, featuring an interface unit to convert detection data into a unified format and a signal processing unit to synchronize output based on the sensing period of one sensor, ensuring simultaneous data output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If sensors are disposed at different positions to detect objects outside the vehicle, then the coverage area for object detection is improved, but the synchronization of detection data between sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments detection data from multiple sensors (camera, lidar, radar) mounted at different positions, processing each sensor's data independently through dedicated interface units before integration. This allows each sensor to operate independently at its optimal position while maintaining synchronized output through the signal processing unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interface unit and signal processing unit as intermediary components between the sensors and the central processing system. These intermediaries buffer, convert, and synchronize detection data from sensors at different positions, resolving the timing mismatch caused by spatial separation while preserving the expanded detection coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors with different sensing periods and output data formats are used to improve detection capabilities, then the versatility of the detection system is improved, but the complexity of data integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple sensor types (camera, lidar, radar) with different sensing periods and data formats. It converts all sensor outputs into a unified data format, allowing the system to integrate diverse detection capabilities without increasing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of data format from sensor-specific formats to a unified standard format through the interface unit. This parameter transformation allows sensors with different native formats and sensing periods to be integrated seamlessly, maintaining versatility while simplifying data integration.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are synchronized to output detection data at the same timing, then the accuracy of object identification is improved, but the flexibility in sensor selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing unit dynamically adjusts the output timing of detection data from different sensors to achieve synchronization. Instead of requiring sensors to operate at fixed identical rates, the system dynamically buffers and releases data at coordinated times, maintaining identification accuracy while preserving flexibility in sensor selection and sensing periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive sensor integration module including a plurality of sensors which differ in at least one of a sensing period or an output data format, an interface unit configured to receive pieces of detection data outputted from the plurality of sensors and convert the received detection data into a predetermined data format, and a signal processing unit configured to simultaneously output pieces of converted detection data from the interface unit on the basis of the sensing period of one among the plurality of sensors.