Sensor Data Simulation Timing for Low-Latency Control Unit Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating and inputting sensor data into control units or networks suffer from latency issues, as the sensor data is often stored and transmitted at the end of computation cycles, leading to outdated data being used for processing.
Innovation Solution
A method for low-latency generation and input of sensor data involves computing environmental data sets at a simulation frequency, associating each set with a point in time, and gradually reducing the time interval between data completion and transmission, with a configurable risk buffer to ensure up-to-date data is provided to processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sensor data is stored and transmitted at the end of computation cycles, then the system maintains a stable computation rhythm, but the data latency increases and becomes outdated for processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by computing and storing sensor data in an output memory as soon as it is generated during the computation cycle, rather than waiting until the end. This allows the data to be ready for immediate transmission, reducing latency while maintaining the stable computation rhythm. The output memory acts as a buffer that prepares data in advance for the next processing stage.
2Reliability
If the time interval between data completion and transmission is reduced, then data freshness is improved, but the risk of data loss or transmission errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a configurable risk buffer parameter that determines the minimum time interval between data completion and transmission. This buffer protects against data loss or transmission errors by ensuring that data remains in the output memory for a sufficient duration, while still allowing the time interval to be reduced to maintain data freshness. The risk buffer acts as a safety margin that prevents harmful effects.
3Speed
If sensor data is generated at a higher sampling frequency, then data up-to-dateness is improved, but the computational load and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the data generation and transmission processes into distinct stages with different frequencies. The sensor data is generated at a high sampling frequency to ensure up-to-dateness, but the transmission to the control unit occurs at a lower frequency determined by the computation cycle. The output memory segments the data stream, allowing high-rate generation to be decoupled from lower-rate transmission, thus reducing processing complexity while maintaining data quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for low-latency generation and input of sensor data for control units or control unit networks includes: computing, by a simulator system or device, environmental data sets at a simulation frequency using an environment model of a virtual environment scene, wherein each environmental data set is associated with a respective point in time in an overall simulation time at which point in time the respective environment data set is available for further processing; and executing, by the simulator system or device or by at least one additional system or device, at least one sensor simulation model, wherein the at least one sensor simulation model generates sensor data sets at a sampling frequency, based on the environmental data sets, for further processing by at least one control unit, wherein each sensor data set is associated with a respective start time and respective time of completion in the overall simulation time.