In-Vehicle Sensor Data Synchronization Under LAN Access Delays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intra-vehicle communication systems face challenges with transmission delays due to access control, leading to unsynchronized data from multiple sensors, which can result in incorrect recognition of objects detected by different sensors.

Innovation Solution

The system introduces synthesis information added to data headers to synchronize multiple pieces of information by including delay and timing information, allowing reception devices to combine data accurately despite access control delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If LAN technology is used for intra-vehicle communication, then weight reduction is achieved by eliminating dedicated cables, but transmission delays occur due to access control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle weightVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assigning transmission rights to sensors based on their detection timing. The control device determines which sensor should transmit first before the actual transmission occurs, eliminating the need for access control arbitration during data transmission. This pre-planned transmission sequence ensures that multiple sensors can transmit data simultaneously without collisions or delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If access control is performed in LAN system, then data transmission order is managed, but synchronization of multiple information pieces is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission orderVSAvoidinformation synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the control device monitor transmission timing and detect synchronization states of multiple sensors. Based on this feedback, the control device dynamically adjusts transmission rights assignment to ensure that detection results from multiple sensors are properly synchronized. The system continuously monitors and corrects transmission timing to maintain synchronization reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If multiple sensors transmit data simultaneously, then information completeness is improved, but transmission conflicts occur due to access control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation volumeVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves as an intermediary that manages transmission rights among multiple sensors. Instead of allowing direct simultaneous transmission that would cause conflicts, or sequential transmission that reduces efficiency, the control device mediates by assigning transmission rights based on detection timing. This intermediary management enables multiple sensors to transmit their data completely without conflicts while maintaining high transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4373037B1In-vehicle communication device, in-vehicle communication system, and communication method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4373037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4373037B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4373037B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An in-vehicle communication device (100) includes a communication section (120) and a control section (150). The communication section (120) performs wireless communication with a first zone control node (20) disposed in a first zone among a plurality of divided zones in a vehicle and transmits first data to a reception device via the first zone control node (20). The control section (150) adds, to the first data, synthesis information to be used in a case where the reception device combines the first data and another piece of data.