Vehicle Sensor Monitoring via Camera-Based Optical Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle environment monitoring systems face challenges in accurately diagnosing the state of sensors, particularly external soiling and damage, which can affect their reliability, especially for sensors like ultrasonic sensors installed in dirty locations, as self-diagnosis systems are not effective for superficial soiling.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first sensor with a sensing region that includes a second sensor, allowing for external state diagnosis without a self-diagnosis system, where the first sensor, such as a camera, optically detects and evaluates the second sensor's state, including superficial soiling, by comparing acquired data with reference data using an evaluation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-diagnosis systems are added to sensors, then reliability of sensor operation can be improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor (camera) performs dual functions: monitoring the vehicle environment and diagnosing the second sensor's condition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated self-diagnosis systems on the second sensor, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The first sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly monitors the health of the second sensor by detecting its external state (soiling, damage). This mediator approach allows diagnosis without requiring the second sensor to have built-in self-diagnosis capabilities
2Reliability
If self-diagnosis systems are added to sensors, then ability to detect sensor faults is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor serves multiple purposes including environmental monitoring and second sensor diagnosis, eliminating the need for additional self-diagnosis hardware on the second sensor and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The first sensor creates an optical copy or image of the second sensor's external state, allowing diagnosis of the second sensor's condition without requiring duplicate sensing components on the second sensor itself
3Reliability
If sensors are placed in locations optimal for vehicle environment sensing, then sensing performance is improved, but susceptibility to soiling and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first sensor acts as an intermediary monitoring system that detects the harmful effects (soiling, damage) on the second sensor, allowing the second sensor to remain in its optimal location without compromising its performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the first sensor continuously monitors the second sensor's external state, providing information about soiling or damage that can trigger cleaning or replacement actions while the second sensor maintains its optimal positioning
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
Enables reliable diagnosis of the second sensor's state, including external soiling and damage, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of vehicle environment monitoring systems without requiring additional self-diagnosis systems on the second sensor.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensor, such as a camera, optically detects and evaluates the second sensor's state
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring the vehicle environment includes: a first sensor for sensing the vehicle environment, the first sensor featuring a first sensing region; a second sensor for sensing the vehicle environment; and an evaluation unit. The second sensor for sensing the vehicle environment is situated within the first sensing region, and a diagnosis of the second sensor is achieved with the aid of the evaluation unit.