Multi-Sensor Module Synchronization for Accurate Vehicle Motion Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor modules fail to synchronize measurement data from multiple sensor devices accurately, leading to temporal deviations in data acquisition and transmission, which affects the accuracy of measurements such as posture information and movement data in applications like vehicle navigation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module design that includes a microcontroller and interface circuits for multiple sensor devices, utilizing an external synchronization signal to synchronize data acquisition and transmission, ensuring that measurement data is fetched and output at a common timing, thereby reducing temporal fluctuations in data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If measurement data is transmitted in data transmission order without considering update timing, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temporal deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having sensor devices update their measurement data at predetermined synchronization timings before transmission. The microcontroller issues read commands at these synchronization points, ensuring all sensor devices have completed their measurement updates and are ready to transmit data simultaneously. This preliminary synchronization of data readiness resolves the temporal deviation issue while maintaining efficient batch transmission.
2Measurement precision
If synchronization signals are input to multiple sensor devices, then measurement precision is improved through synchronized data acquisition, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single external synchronization signal input terminal that serves multiple sensor devices within the module. The microcontroller distributes this single synchronization signal to all sensor devices, eliminating the need for separate synchronization inputs for each device. This multi-functional approach achieves synchronized data acquisition across all sensors while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If data is fetched at synchronization timing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to waiting for synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by establishing regular synchronization intervals where the microcontroller issues read commands to all sensor devices at predetermined timings. This periodic synchronization creates a rhythmic data acquisition pattern, allowing the system to efficiently batch-process measurements at consistent intervals rather than continuously polling each sensor, thus reducing overall time loss while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module includes a first sensor device that outputs first measurement data from a first measurement circuit receiving a signal from a first sensor element and performing a measurement process, a second sensor device that outputs a second measurement circuit receiving a signal from a second sensor element and performing a measurement process, and a microcontroller that receives the first measurement data and the second measurement data, in which the first sensor device includes a first terminal that is used for input of an external synchronization signal or a synchronization signal which is a signal based on the external synchronization signal, and input or output of a communication signal, and the second sensor device includes a second terminal that is used for input of the synchronization signal, and input or output of the communication signal.