DSRC Antenna Beam Control for Vehicular Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems with DSRC radio technology face challenges in maintaining reliable, high-speed communication in extreme weather and high-speed mobility conditions, particularly in multipath environments, where signal range is degraded and latency is high.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle communication system incorporating a forward-facing camera with an integrated DSRC radio and multi-diversified array antenna, utilizing dynamic beam pattern control and transmission power adjustment based on driving conditions, such as weather and traffic scenarios, to enhance communication range and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DSRC radio technology is used for vehicle communication, then communication-based active safety systems can be enabled, but signal range is degraded and latency is high in extreme weather and multipath environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic beam pattern control where the antenna array dynamically adjusts its beam formation based on real-time driving conditions detected by the camera system. The control unit modifies beam direction, width, and shape according to weather conditions, traffic density, and vehicle motion state, transforming the static antenna system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing environments to maintain optimal communication range and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the antenna array including beam width, beam direction, and transmission power levels based on detected driving conditions. The control unit adjusts these parameters dynamically - for example, narrowing the beam width during high-speed highway driving to reduce multipath effects, or increasing transmission power during adverse weather conditions to compensate for signal attenuation
2Device complexity
If antenna array is integrated in camera mounting bracket at windshield, then compact integration is achieved, but antenna performance may be affected by proximity to camera components
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple independent antenna elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the system to spatially separate the electromagnetic radiation functions from the camera optical components, enabling compact integration while maintaining antenna performance through proper element spacing and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting bracket structure serves as an intermediary platform that positions the antenna array at an optimal location and orientation relative to the camera components. The bracket design incorporates shielding or spacing features that mediate between the close proximity requirement for compact integration and the performance requirements for reliable antenna operation
3Length of moving object
If dynamic beam pattern control is implemented, then transmission range is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit that manages beam pattern control is integrated with the existing vehicle's camera system and existing DSRC radio functionality. This multi-functional approach allows the same control hardware to serve multiple purposes - managing both the camera system and the antenna array beam formation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving enhanced transmission range
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the camera system continuously monitors driving conditions and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the antenna beam pattern accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automates the complexity management by using real-time environmental data to guide adaptive beam formation without requiring manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular control system includes a forward-sensing sensor and a forward-viewing camera disposed at a vehicle. The forward-sensing sensor includes a forward antenna array that emits a radio frequency (RF) beam at least forward of the vehicle. The forward antenna array includes a plurality of antennas. An electronic control unit (ECU) includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the forward-viewing camera. The vehicular control system, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera, determines a driving condition at the vehicle. The vehicular control system dynamically controls the RF beam emitted by the forward antenna array of the forward-sensing sensor based at least in part on the determined driving condition.