Adaptive Radar Sensor Control for Vehicle Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional radar sensors in motor vehicles are inefficient due to their large size, high energy consumption, and limited functionality, as they operate continuously and are hard-coded for specific functions, restricting their use and increasing energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes driving situation data to determine a requirements profile for radar sensor operation, allowing adaptive adjustment of operational parameters such as detection properties, frequency bandwidth, and data acquisition rates, enabling centralized control and efficient use of radar sensors across multiple vehicle systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar sensors operate continuously with fixed functional assignments, then detection coverage is maintained, but energy consumption increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operational modes for radar sensors that adapt to current driving situations. The control device switches between different operational states (first operational mode with full detection coverage and second operational mode with reduced activity) based on whether critical objects are detected, allowing the system to maintain reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of the radar sensors based on driving situation analysis. The control device modifies transmission power, detection frequency, and operational status of individual sensors dynamically, transitioning from a static fixed-parameter operation to adaptive parameter adjustment that optimizes both energy efficiency and detection coverage.
2Reliability
If radar sensors are hard-coded for specific functions, then functional reliability is improved, but versatility and adaptability to different vehicle systems decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal radar sensor system where sensors can serve multiple vehicle functions through centralized control. The control device allocates sensor data to different vehicle systems (longitudinal guidance, lane keeping, parking assistance, etc.) based on current requirements, allowing the same physical sensors to support multiple functions without hard-coding, thus achieving both reliability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic functional assignment where the roles and responsibilities of radar sensors are not fixed but adapt based on driving situations and vehicle system requirements. The control device dynamically determines which sensors active and what functions they serve, allowing the system to reconfigure functionality on-the-fly while maintaining reliable operation for each specific function when activated.
3Measurement precision
If all radar sensors operate at full capacity, then detection precision is maintained, but computing resource requirements and data traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary subset of radar sensors based on current driving requirements. The control device analyzes the situation and selectively activates sensors whose detection areas are relevant to current tasks, rather than operating all sensors at full capacity, thereby maintaining sufficient detection precision while reducing computing load and data traffic to manageable levels.
4Ease of manufacture
If radar sensors are compactly integrated with CMOS technology, then manufacturing cost and size are reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple compact CMOS radar sensors to achieve the detection performance of fewer high-performance sensors. By deploying an array of lower-cost, compact sensors with integrated CMOS technology, the system compensates for the individually lower signal-to-noise ratio through spatial diversity and signal fusion, achieving both cost/size benefits and acceptable detection reliability.
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
This approach optimizes energy consumption, reduces data traffic, and enhances computing resource utilization by dynamically activating or deactivating radar sensors based on the current driving scenario, improving the radar system's efficiency and adaptability for various vehicle functions.
Implementation Method 1
radar sensors are often used as environmental sensors for a medium to large distance range in order to be able to determine the distance, angle, and relative velocity of other traffic participants or larger objects
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a plurality of radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) in a motor vehicle (1, 1′), wherein at least one operational parameter of the radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) can be changed, wherein driving situation data describing a current driving situation of the motor vehicle (1, 1′) are analyzed in order to determine a requirements profile for the sensor data of the radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) and wherein the operational parameters of the radar sensors (2, 2a-2h) are adapted to the requirements profile taking into consideration at least the detection properties of all radar sensors (2, 2a-2h).