Dynamic Sensor Priority Arbitration for Multi-Bus Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In information processing systems with multiple sensors connected, existing technologies face challenges in dynamically adjusting priority based on changing situations, leading to difficulties in effectively transferring sensor information in real-time, especially when some sensors fail or are affected by weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a priority arbitration mechanism using multiple buses to dynamically determine and adjust communication priorities based on sensor conditions, allowing for flexible prioritization of sensor information processing and ensuring robustness by switching access to the most suitable bus according to the current sensor state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fixed priority order is used for bus arbitration, then device compatibility and system stability are improved, but real-time responsiveness to changing sensor conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidreal-time processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic priority assignment where the arbitration priority of each sensor is not fixed but changes based on real-time detection results. The priority determination unit dynamically adjusts priorities according to the current operational context, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions while maintaining stable bus arbitration through structured priority management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are connected to share bus resources, then system versatility and sensor integration are improved, but information transfer reliability under varying conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integration capabilityVSAvoidinformation transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different priority levels to different sensors based on their specific operational requirements and current state. Each sensor receives a priority level tailored to its current importance, allowing critical sensors to maintain reliable communication while less critical sensors use shared bus resources efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If priority is predetermined based on device information, then arbitration simplicity and system ease of operation are improved, but adaptability to changing sensor states and conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearbitration simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to sensor states
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the priority determination unit continuously monitors sensor detection results and operational conditions, then adjusts arbitration priorities accordingly. This feedback loop maintains arbitration simplicity through automated priority management while adapting to changing sensor states without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3168750B1Information processing system
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYST LTD
  • EP3168750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3168750B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3168750B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To process sensor information positively in an information processor to which plural sensors are connected. An information processing system including plural sensors, plural buses respectively connected to the plural sensors, an arbitration unit performing arbitration of the plural buses and a priority determination unit determining the priority of each of the plural sensors, in which the arbitration unit performs arbitration of the plural buses in accordance with the determination result of the priority determination unit.