Timestamp Synchronization Module for Autonomous Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face data access issues due to disparate timestamps in sensor and navigation data, such as point cloud data from LiDAR sensors and location data from navigation satellites, which can lead to inaccurate reconstruction of vehicle attributes over time.
Innovation Solution
A timestamp synchronization module that determines time deviations between GNSS signals, selects the signal with the highest strength to timestamp data, and switches to a time server or local computing device for timestamping when signal strength is low or communication is unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data from multiple sources (LiDAR, navigation satellites) are timestamped based on different local time sources, then each data source can be independently processed, but the timestamps become disparate causing data access issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal timestamp synchronization mechanism that serves multiple data sources (LiDAR, navigation satellites, cameras, radars) with a common time reference. The system selects the most reliable time source from available options (GNSS signals, time server, local computing device) and applies it uniformly across all sensor data, ensuring consistent timestamps while maintaining independent data processing capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If the system uses GNSS signals for timestamping, then location data can be accurately timed, but signal strength may be insufficient in certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic time source selection mechanism that continuously monitors GNSS signal strength and automatically switches between different time sources based on current conditions. When GNSS signal strength exceeds a threshold, the system uses GNSS timestamps; when signal strength is insufficient, it transitions to time server or local computing device time sources, ensuring continuous reliable timestamping regardless of signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares alternative time sources (time server, local computing device) in advance as backup options. When GNSS signal strength becomes insufficient, the system can immediately switch to these pre-prepared alternatives without interruption, ensuring continuous reliable timestamping.
3Reliability
If the system switches between multiple time sources based on signal strength, then timestamp reliability is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages the complexity of multiple time sources by monitoring and changing parameters (signal strength, availability) to automatically select the most appropriate time source. The system evaluates GNSS signal strength against a threshold parameter and transitions between time sources based on these parameter changes, maintaining reliability while managing complexity through parameter-based decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media configured to determine times embedded in a plurality of signals. A time deviation is detected based on the times embedded in the plurality of signals. In response, signal strengths associated with the plurality of signals are determined. Data is timestamped based on time embedded a signal that has a highest signal strength.