Layered Vehicle API for Sensor Data Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle software systems are highly complex due to numerous interfaces and variables, making error troubleshooting difficult and management inefficient, as each sensor has unique firmware and output units, leading to challenges in data handling and integration.
Innovation Solution
A layered application programming interface (API) is introduced, comprising a direct interface layer, unit conversion layer, processing layer, normalization layer, and signal validity layer, which standardizes and processes sensor data, ensuring compatibility and simplifies data handling across different vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each sensor defines its own interface and handles data individually, then the system can accommodate diverse sensor types, but the software complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data processing architecture into separate layers: a sensor interface layer that handles diverse sensor types individually, and a unified application layer that receives standardized data. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently, maintaining sensor versatility while reducing overall software complexity through abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary data conversion and standardization layer is introduced between the sensor interfaces and the application layer. This intermediary layer receives raw data from various sensor formats and converts it into a standardized internal representation, acting as a mediator that isolates the application layer from sensor-specific complexities.
2Measurement precision
If raw sensor data is collected and converted individually for each sensor, then data accuracy is maintained, but the time required for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data conversion and standardization in advance within the intermediary layer, before the data reaches the application layer. By preparing and pre-processing the data upfront, the application layer receives ready-to-use standardized data, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy through systematic conversion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfaces and variables are created for different sensors, then sensor-specific functionality is preserved, but troubleshooting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The architecture segments responsibilities into distinct layers: the sensor interface layer maintains sensor-specific functionality, while the application layer operates with standardized interfaces. This segmentation creates clear boundaries that make it easier to trace errors to specific layers, improving troubleshooting by isolating complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary standardization layer acts as a mediator that translates sensor-specific data into unified formats. This mediation creates a clear separation between sensor implementation details and application logic, making error detection and troubleshooting easier by reducing the complexity of tracing issues through multiple interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and method for providing an interface for vehicle applications. The apparatus may include a memory storing instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to provide a layered application programming interface (API) comprising: a direct interface layer comprising at least one signal source; a unit conversion layer configured to receive signal data from at least one signal source and convert the signal data into a standardized format; and a processing layer configured to process the converted signal data from the unit conversion layer into processed signal data which can be interpreted by at least one application.