Vehicle Approach Detection with Adaptive Sensor-Fusion Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle approach detection systems lack the ability to dynamically adapt to varying environmental conditions and user preferences, leading to inefficient or unwanted responses.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based system that utilizes a combination of camera, infrasonic, ultrasonic, radar, and ultra-wideband sensors to determine and adapt the monitored regions around a vehicle, incorporating sensor fusion for precise detection and allowing user configuration of trigger regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed approach detection region is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying environmental conditions and user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic approach detection regions that automatically adjust based on environmental conditions detected by sensors (camera, microphone, radar, ultrasonic sensors). The system transitions from static fixed regions to dynamic adaptive regions that change parameters such as detection range, sensitivity, and active sensors based on real-time environmental assessment, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting environmental conditions and adjusting its own detection parameters without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously modifies the approach detection region based on sensor inputs, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to different environments, thus improving adaptability while keeping the user interface simple.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different sensor types (camera, microphone, radar, ultrasonic sensors) into a unified approach detection system. The control unit integrates data from all sensors to create a comprehensive environmental model, allowing the system to leverage the strengths of each sensor type while presenting a single coordinated detection function to the user, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to handle multiple sensor types and perform multiple functions including environmental detection, region calculation, and vehicle control activation. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to manage the complexity of multiple sensors, improving detection accuracy while consolidating control logic and reducing the number of separate control units needed.
3Area of stationary object
If the approach detection region is enlarged to cover all possible areas, then the detection coverage is improved, but false activations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different detection parameters for different spatial regions around the vehicle. Rather than using a uniform detection threshold across the entire enlarged region, the system applies location-specific sensitivity levels and sensor activation patterns. For example, regions closer to the vehicle may use different detection criteria than distant regions, allowing comprehensive coverage while maintaining high reliability by tailoring detection stringency to local context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors to continuously assess environmental conditions and adjust the effective detection region in real-time. When sensors detect conditions that suggest false activation risks (such as stationary objects in the periphery or environmental noise), the system dynamically adjusts detection parameters or shrinks the active monitoring region, thereby maintaining large coverage area while minimizing false activations through continuous adaptive feedback.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and adaptability of vehicle approach detection by dynamically adjusting monitored regions based on environmental situations and user preferences, reducing unwanted activations.
Implementation Method 1
one radar sensor
Implementation Method 2
one ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 3
at least one camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sensor-based configuration of an approach detection for a vehicle. The apparatus includes a mechanism which is configured so as to determine a particular region to be monitored with the approach detection outside the vehicle as a function of at least one sensor signal of at least one sensor, in particular at least one camera, one infrasonic sensor, one ultrasonic sensor, one radar sensor, or one ultra-wideband sensor.