Zonal ADAS Sensor Aggregation With Replaceable Controller Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the number of sensors in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) increases, existing systems face challenges in efficiently managing the large number of direct connections to the central ADAS module, leading to inefficiencies in cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing zonal aggregators that aggregate sensor data from localized regions of the vehicle, connected via high-speed channels, and utilize removable daughter cards tailored to specific vehicle components, reducing the need for direct connections to the central module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensors in ADAS increases to improve detection capability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to more direct connections to central module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into multiple zones, each with a zonal aggregator that collects sensor data from sensors in that specific zone. This segmentation reduces the connection complexity at the central module by creating intermediate aggregation points, while maintaining comprehensive detection capability across all zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Zonal aggregators serve as intermediary devices between sensors and the central ADAS module. Each zonal aggregator collects and pre-processes sensor data from its zone before transmitting to the central module, acting as a mediator that reduces the direct connection burden on the central module while preserving all sensor data pathways.
2Device complexity
If zonal aggregators are used to reduce connection complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for the removable daughter cards
Solution Approach 1:
The daughter cards are designed to be removably interchangeable, allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle configurations and manufacturers. This dynamic reconfigurability simplifies manufacturing by using standardized slots and connectors, reducing the need for high-precision custom assemblies for each variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The zonal aggregators with removable daughter cards provide universal functionality that can be adapted to different vehicle types and manufacturers. The standardized zonal aggregator design with interchangeable daughter cards allows a single platform to serve multiple applications, reducing manufacturing precision requirements compared to custom-designed systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable daughter cards are implemented for customization, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the modular card system
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented into separate daughter cards that can be independently selected and removed. Each daughter card handles specific control tasks, allowing the system to be customized by selecting only the necessary cards for a particular vehicle application, thereby achieving adaptability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different daughter cards provide specialized control functions tailored to specific vehicle components or manufacturers' requirements. This local quality approach allows each card to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a standardized interface with the zonal aggregator, balancing customization with manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular sensing system includes a plurality of sensors disposed at a vehicle equipped with the vehicular sensing system and a plurality of zonal aggregators each receiving respective sensor data captured by at least two respective sensors of the plurality of sensors and each aggregating its received sensor data into respective aggregated sensor data. The plurality of sensors includes (i) at least one camera and (ii) at least one radar sensor. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that receives the respective aggregated sensor data from each respective zonal aggregator. The system includes a plurality of daughter cards, each removably connected to a respective zonal aggregator. Each respective daughter card includes a respective controller that controls a respective component of the equipped vehicle. At least one of the daughter cards may perform a diagnostic test on its respective component of the equipped vehicle.