AESA Radar Sensor Data Fusion for Low-Latency Vehicle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current car-to-car communication methods lack targeted and detailed data transmission for driver assistance in complex traffic situations, with high latency and inadequate authentication and error detection, limiting their effectiveness in providing real-time, reliable information.

Innovation Solution

A method for wireless communication between vehicles using AESA radar for precise alignment and authentication, enabling point-to-point connections for selective data transmission and fusion of sensor data, including video and radar information, to enhance driver awareness and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If classic car-to-car communication methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DSRC) are used, then communication between vehicles is established, but authentication precision and error detection capability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication precisionVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines communication functions with AESA radar functionality into a single system. The AESA radar performs both sensor tasks (detecting objects in the environment) and communication tasks (transmitting and receiving data packets) using the same hardware infrastructure, thereby achieving precise spatial authentication without requiring separate complex authentication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The AESA radar system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: environmental sensing, directional communication, authentication through spatial alignment, and error detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated authentication devices while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If mobile networks are used for car-to-car communication, then communication coverage is extended, but latency increases beyond single-digit milliseconds

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidcommunication coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses AESA radar beams as an intermediary communication medium that enables direct vehicle-to-vehicle data transmission without routing through mobile network infrastructure. This direct link achieves single-digit millisecond latency while the system maintains adaptability by selectively using different communication methods based on distance and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If AESA radar is used for communication, then latency is reduced to single-digit milliseconds, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoidradar system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges communication functions with existing AESA radar sensor functionality. Since AESA radars are already sophisticated systems used for environmental sensing in modern vehicles, adding communication capabilities leverages existing hardware (transmitters, receivers, beamforming capabilities) rather than introducing entirely new complex systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of information

If sensor data is transmitted from one vehicle to another, then driver awareness is improved, but data transmission reliability is compromised without precise authentication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiving vehicles verify the spatial alignment and authentication of transmitted data packets. The AESA radar's ability to precisely determine the direction and position of transmitting vehicles provides continuous feedback that ensures data comes from authenticated sources, maintaining transmission reliability while improving driver awareness with complete sensor data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides low-latency, secure, and reliable transmission of detailed sensor data, allowing drivers to access relevant information from surrounding vehicles, improving situational awareness and safety in complex traffic scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a first point-to-point connection is established to a selected first motor vehicle via a first wireless communication interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

AESA radar for precise alignment and authentication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeamforming: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

the sensor functionality of the AE-SA radar can be used to perform distance measurements from a receiving second vehicle to a transmitting first vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3371800B1Method and device for selecting and transmitting sensor data from a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3371800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3371800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for displaying sensor data from one or more first motor vehicles on a human-machine interface of a second motor vehicle comprises the displaying of an image of at least a part of an environment of the second motor vehicle via the human-machine interface of the second motor vehicle. One or more motor vehicles in the environment are at least partially depicted. A user selects one or more of the depicted first motor vehicles, to which respective point-to-point connections are formed, via which a query relating to information on available sensors and the characteristics thereof is sent. On the basis of the responses, a schematic display is produced of the environment of the second motor vehicle and transmitted, which shows positions of sensors available in the vehicles to a vehicle in the environment, and regions inside which the available sensors can detect objects. The user selects one or more of the sensors and a region to be detected by sensors, and sends a corresponding query to the vehicles, the sensors of which can detect the region to be detected. The vehicles send corresponding sensor data for subsequent reproduction by the human-machine interface of the second vehicle. It is further noted that, when an AESA radar is used, during sending of sensor data from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, the necessary characteristics for transmission of external sensor data are available for the communication mechanism.