Vehicle Relay Network with General-Purpose Ports for Interface Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of computation and control functions for autonomous driving in a central processing unit requires numerous signal lines, leading to impractical direct connections, and existing relay devices are often specialized and complicated, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing general-purpose communication ports in relay devices with interface conversion devices for specialized onboard devices, allowing direct connection of compatible devices and using interface conversion for non-compatible devices, thereby avoiding specialization and complication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If direct connection between sensors/actuators and central processing unit is implemented, then signal transmission speed is improved, but device complexity and number of signal lines increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediary components between the central processing unit and sensors/actuators. These relay devices consolidate multiple connection points, reducing the overall number of signal lines while maintaining efficient communication pathways. The relay devices act as mediators that manage signal distribution without requiring direct connections from every sensor and actuator to the central unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into functional modules: central processing unit, relay devices, and onboard devices. This segmentation allows the complex network of sensors and actuators to be organized into manageable groups, each connected through relay devices. The segmentation reduces the complexity of direct connections by creating hierarchical communication layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If relay devices are specialized for specific actuators, then interface compatibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The relay devices are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of actuators and sensors. Instead of creating specialized relay devices for each actuator type, the patent implements multi-functional relay devices with standardized communication protocols and configurable interface settings. This allows a single relay device model to serve multiple functions across different actuator types.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay devices utilize configurable parameters and software-based interface adaptation rather than hardware specialization. By changing communication parameters, protocols, and interface configurations through software, the relay devices can adapt to different actuator types without requiring physical customization. This approach maintains interface compatibility while avoiding the complexity of specialized hardware designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized relay devices are provided for different actuators, then interface specificity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized relay devices into single multi-functional relay devices. By combining interface adaptation, signal routing, and communication management capabilities into unified relay devices, the system reduces the total number of components required. This merging approach maintains the ability to interface with specific actuators while improving system integration efficiency through reduced component count and simplified architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration minimizes the complexity of relay devices and maximizes their versatility, enabling efficient integration of various onboard devices while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the first interface conversion device may include an analog-to-digital conversion circuit configured to convert the digital signal to an analog signal
Implementation Method 2
the second interface conversion device may include a regulator circuit disposed between the general-purpose communication port and the predetermined second onboard device
Data Source
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AI summary
A central control device and a plurality of relay devices constitute a backbone network. Each of the relay device includes: a backbone-side communication port connected to a backbone network; a plurality of device-side communication ports configured to input and output a signal to/from an onboard device; and a first interface conversion device configured to perform interface conversion between the backbone-side communication port and the device-side communication ports. The device-side communication ports include a plurality of general-purpose communication ports to which a common input circuit and/or output circuit is connected. A predetermined first onboard device is directly connected to the general-purpose communication ports, whereas a predetermined second onboard device is connected to the general-purpose communication ports via a predetermined first onboard device.