Sensor Triggering System for Synchronized 3D Image Capture
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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 mismatched timing of sensor data from multiple camera modules.
Innovation Solution
A sensor triggering system that synchronizes sensor data capture with a local clock signal, using a sensor synchronization controller to trigger sensors based on a predetermined schedule, ensuring that data from multiple sensors is captured at the same time, thereby generating accurate and efficient 3D sensor images for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors operate asynchronously to capture data independently, then each sensor can function with its own timing, but the timing mismatch leads to inaccuracies in constructing real-time 3D sensor images
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor synchronization controller is introduced as an intermediary device that receives sensor data from multiple sensors and applies timestamps to indicate the time of capture. This mediator coordinates the timing information across all sensors, enabling accurate 3D image construction by ensuring temporal alignment of data from different sensors without requiring the sensors themselves to be complex synchronized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies timestamps to sensor data at the moment of capture, performing the timing synchronization action in advance before the data is processed for 3D image construction. This preliminary timing annotation allows subsequent processing to occur without timing mismatches, resolving the accuracy issue without adding complexity to the real-time processing stage
2Speed
If sensor data is captured without synchronization, then the system operation is simpler, but the timing mismatch becomes significant at high speeds leading to navigation inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor synchronization controller provides feedback by timestamping each sensor data packet with its capture time. This timing feedback mechanism allows the system to track and correct for timing differences between sensors, ensuring that even at high vehicle speeds, the environmental perception remains accurate by compensating for the time of capture for each sensor input
3Reliability
If a sensor synchronization controller is implemented to timestamp sensor data, then time-synchronized sensor data is achieved for accurate 3D image construction, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor synchronization controller serves as a centralized intermediary that handles all timing coordination for multiple sensors. By consolidating the synchronization function in a single controller rather than implementing complex synchronization logic in each sensor or processing unit, the system achieves reliable time-synchronized data while minimizing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor synchronization controller performs multiple functions: it receives data from multiple different sensor types, timestamps each data packet, and provides the timing information to the processing system. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate timing mechanisms for each sensor, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor triggering system for a sensor apparatus including a plurality of sensors. The system detects a first sensor pulse and determines a memory address of a lookup table based on the first sensor pulse. In response to the first sensor pulse, the system selectively triggers one or more of the plurality of sensors based at least in part on a codeword stored at the first memory address. For example, the codeword may comprise a number of bits such that each bit of the codeword indicates an activation state for a respective one of the plurality of sensors.