Wireless Time Pulse Distribution for AV Sensor Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of synchronizing diverse communication protocols in autonomous vehicles poses difficulties in distributing finely synchronized time pulses, leading to issues with cabling costs and transmission line interference, making it difficult to align systems and sensors effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing wireless time pulse distribution using a pulse-per-second clock signal generated by a reference clock, such as a GNSS disciplined oscillator, which is filtered into a sinusoidal waveform and transmitted wirelessly to various components within the vehicle, utilizing a Schmitt trigger to convert it into a square wave for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired time pulse distribution is used to synchronize sensors and systems, then synchronization precision is improved, but cabling costs and transmission line interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based time pulse distribution system. The master clock generates time pulses that are distributed wirelessly to slave devices, eliminating the need for physical cabling while maintaining synchronization precision through electromagnetic signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless electromagnetic signals as an intermediary medium to transmit time pulse information between the master clock and slave devices. This intermediary allows time synchronization without direct physical connections, reducing cabling complexity while preserving synchronization accuracy through the use of wireless communication protocols.
2Measurement precision
If wired time pulse distribution is used to synchronize sensors and systems, then synchronization precision is improved, but transmission line interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates transmission line interference by replacing wired electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic signal transmission. The time pulses are transmitted through the air using radio frequency signals, completely avoiding the interference issues associated with physical transmission lines such as electromagnetic coupling, ground loops, and signal reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the transmission line medium from the time pulse distribution system. By taking out the physical wiring infrastructure and replacing it with wireless communication, the source of transmission line interference is eliminated while the essential function of time pulse distribution is preserved through alternative electromagnetic signal paths.
3Device complexity
If wireless time pulse distribution is implemented, then cabling costs are reduced, but synchronization precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the wireless signal transmission, including frequency selection, modulation schemes, and signal timing parameters, to optimize both the wireless transmission efficiency and synchronization precision. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves accurate time pulse distribution wirelessly without compromising synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where slave devices receive time pulses wirelessly and report their synchronization status back to the master clock. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor and adjust wireless signal transmission parameters in real-time, ensuring that synchronization precision is maintained even without physical cabling connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are provided for an autonomous vehicle (AV) to select a mobile network. An example method can include establishing a connection between the AV and a mobile device associated with a passenger of the AV; identifying, using the connection, a first mobile network associated with the mobile device; determining that the first mobile network associated with the mobile device is different than a second mobile network associated with the AV; determining, based on a first network indicator associated with the first mobile network and a second network indicator associated with the second mobile network, that the first mobile network is preferable to the second mobile network; and initiating a mobile connection between the AV and the first mobile network.