Sensor Synchronization System for Autonomous Vehicle Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional machine vision cameras in autonomous vehicles operate asynchronously, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in constructing real-time 3D sensor images, especially at high speeds, due to discrepancies in sensor data timing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor synchronization system that uses a local clock signal synchronized with an external timing signal to generate phase-offset sensor pulses, ensuring time-synchronized data capture across multiple sensors, allowing for precise timing determination and combination of sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors operate asynchronously to capture data independently, then each sensor can capture data at its own optimal rate, but the timing discrepancies between sensors lead to inaccuracies in constructing real-time 3D sensor images
Solution Approach 1:
A synchronization controller acts as an intermediary between the clock signal and sensors, generating trigger signals that coordinate data capture across all sensors. This mediator ensures precise timing alignment without requiring direct complex inter-sensor communication, resolving the timing accuracy issue while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or manual synchronization methods with an electronic clock signal-based timing system. The clock signal generates precise trigger signals that automatically synchronize sensor operation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms and improving timing accuracy through electronic precision
2Reliability
If sensors capture data at different times, then each sensor operates independently with simpler control, but the resulting 3D sensor images suffer from optical distortions and inaccuracies especially at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization by generating all trigger signals from a unified clock source before data capture begins. This pre-coordination ensures that all sensors capture data at precisely aligned time points, guaranteeing 3D image accuracy while the automated trigger mechanism maintains processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the timing control of multiple sensors into a single unified clock signal system. By combining all sensor triggers under one clock source, the system ensures simultaneous data capture across sensors, improving 3D image reliability while reducing the overall complexity of coordinated control
3Measurement precision
If a unified clock signal is used to synchronize all sensors, then precise timing alignment is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to the synchronization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization controller serves multiple functions: it generates clock signals, creates trigger signals for each sensor, and coordinates data capture timing. This multi-functional design achieves precise timing synchronization while avoiding the need for separate dedicated synchronization components for each sensor, managing system complexity effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor synchronization system for a sensor apparatus. The system synchronizes a local clock signal with an external timing signal. For example, the external timing signal may correspond to a pulse per second (PPS) signal received from a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The system further generates a plurality of sensor pulses that are each offset in phase relative to the local clock signal by a respective amount. The system then receives sensor data from the sensor apparatus, and determines a timing of the sensor data in relation to the local clock signal based at least in part on the plurality of sensor pulses.