Vehicle Time Master for Sensor Timestamp Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems, such as autonomous vehicles, face challenges in robust and high-accuracy timestamping and synchronization of sensor data due to power consumption issues and lack of synchronization with other components, leading to potential misdiagnosis of system problems.
Innovation Solution
A time master and sensor data collection system that includes a processing device and sensors, with programming instructions to generate vehicle time, synchronize sensor data, and provide power conditioning for external sensors like LiDAR, ensuring accurate timestamping and synchronization across various robotic device components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor modules combine GPS and IMU sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into separate modules (GPS module and IMU module) that can be independently managed and powered. Each sensor module has its own processor and memory, allowing selective activation and independent power management to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining measurement precision when both sensors are needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The master controller serves multiple functions by coordinating both GPS and IMU sensors, managing data fusion, and controlling the robotic device's navigation system. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through integrated sensor data while optimizing power usage through centralized control.
2Measurement precision
If sensor modules combine GPS and IMU sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but synchronization with other components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master controller as an intermediary component that receives data from both GPS and IMU sensors, performs time synchronization, and coordinates with other vehicle subsystems. This master controller acts as a central hub that ensures all sensor modules are synchronized with the vehicle's master clock, resolving timing discrepancies while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the master controller continuously monitors timing information from GPS satellites and adjusts the vehicle's master clock accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that all sensor modules remain synchronized with external time references, maintaining both measurement precision and synchronization reliability.
3Measurement precision
If timestamping accuracy is improved, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timing functions of GPS reception, master clock generation, and sensor data timestamping into a unified synchronization system managed by the master controller. By merging these functions into a single coordinated system rather than separate independent modules, the design achieves high timestamp accuracy while reducing overall system complexity through integrated control.
Data Source
AI summary
A time master and sensor data collection module for a robotic system such as an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The module includes a processing device, one or more sensors, and programming instructions that are configured to cause the processing device to operate as a timer that generates a vehicle time, receive data from the one or more sensors contained within the housing, and synchronize the data from the one or more sensors contained within the housing with the vehicle time. The integrated sensors may include sensors such as a global positioning system (GPS) unit and/or an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The module may interface with external sensors such as a LiDAR system and/or cameras.