Vehicle Sensor Network Distributed Processing to Cut Wiring Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized computing architectures in vehicles are cumbersome, increasing weight, manufacturing costs, and reducing fuel efficiency due to extensive cabling, while also compromising safety with longer reaction times and a single point of failure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed processing architecture that aggregates and processes sensor data across multiple intermediate and central computing devices, reducing the need for extensive cabling and distributing processing tasks to optimize weight, cost, and safety by minimizing reaction time and eliminating single points of failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized computing architecture is used, then all data analysis and control functions can be performed in one location, but the vehicle weight increases and fuel efficiency decreases due to extensive cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized computing function into multiple distributed processing units (edge computing devices) located throughout the vehicle. Each processing unit handles local data analysis and control decisions, eliminating the need for extensive cabling to connect all sensors and actuators to a single central computer. This segmentation reduces vehicle weight while maintaining comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities.
2Device complexity
If a centralized computing architecture is used, then all processing tasks can be consolidated, but manufacturing costs and installation time increase due to complex wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wiring system by placing processing units at distributed locations throughout the vehicle. Each processing unit is connected to local sensors and actuators, eliminating the need for complex point-to-point wiring to a central computer. This reduces both manufacturing complexity and installation time while maintaining full system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standardized processing units that can be deployed throughout the vehicle using common communication protocols and interfaces. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware platform to handle various sensing and control tasks across different vehicle systems, simplifying manufacturing and reducing the need for specialized wiring for each function.
3Reliability
If a centralized computer processes all sensor data, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but the reaction time increases which compromises safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data processing workload across multiple distributed processing units, each capable of independently analyzing local sensor data and making immediate control decisions. This eliminates the single processing bottleneck in centralized architectures, enabling parallel processing that significantly reduces reaction time while maintaining comprehensive system monitoring and safety.
4Reliability
If all sensors connect to a single central computer, then centralized control is achieved, but the system has a single point of failure that compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computing function into multiple independent processing units distributed throughout the vehicle. Each unit operates autonomously to provide local monitoring and control, eliminating the single point of failure inherent in centralized architectures. The distributed design ensures that if one processing unit fails, other units continue to operate, maintaining system reliability without requiring complex redundant systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for distributed processing in a vehicle networking system. A node in the vehicle networking system receives sets of processed sensor data from multiple nodes in the vehicle networking system. Each set of processed sensor data is generated using a first portion of a data processing algorithm on sensor data captured by different sets of sensors of the vehicle networking system. The node performs a second portion of the data processing algorithm based on the sets of processed sensor data received from multiple nodes, yielding a set of processed aggregated sensor data. The node may use the set of processed aggregated sensor data to provide a computer managed feature and/or transmit the set of processed aggregated sensor data to other nodes in the vehicle networking system.