Dynamic Sensor Model Fusion for Vehicle Environment Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems for vehicles, particularly in semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicles, face challenges in accurately merging sensor data from various sources like cameras, radars, and lidars due to uncertainties in object detection, position, type, and false alarms, leading to suboptimal environment modeling.

Innovation Solution

A method and sensor system that dynamically and situation-adaptively merge sensor data by generating and combining first and second sensor models, using analysis units and a fusion unit, with uncertainty data sets to improve the accuracy of object detection and reduce false alarms, employing machine learning and Bayesian fusion methods for enhanced data processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If static sensor models are used for merging sensor data, then the merging process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of uncertainty description and fusion result is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of uncertainty descriptionVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor model
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming static sensor models into dynamic sensor models that are continuously adapted based on current sensor data. The sensor models are updated in real-time to reflect current detection conditions, object types, and environmental factors, thereby improving uncertainty description accuracy while managing complexity through systematic adaptation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying sensor model parameters dynamically based on detected objects, environmental conditions, and sensor performance characteristics. Different object types, distances, and detection scenarios trigger adjustments in model parameters such as uncertainty weights, detection thresholds, and fusion coefficients, enabling accurate adaptation without complete model reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dynamic and situation-adaptive sensor models are used, then the accuracy and reliability of the fusion result is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of fusion resultVSAvoidcomplexity of data processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining sensor model structures, uncertainty calculation methods, and adaptation rules before actual sensor data merging occurs. Training data is pre-processed to establish baseline models and detection patterns, allowing the system to perform rapid real-time adaptation without computing complex models from scratch during critical fusion operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where detection results and uncertainty measurements are continuously fed back to adjust sensor models in real-time. The system monitors detection performance, identifies discrepancies between predicted and actual sensor behavior, and automatically recalibrates model parameters, thereby improving reliability through iterative refinement while maintaining computational efficiency through targeted adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensor data sources are merged with detailed uncertainty analysis, then the environment model accuracy improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of environment modelVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensor data merging process into distinct stages: individual sensor data processing, uncertainty calculation for each sensor, selective fusion based on object type and detection confidence, and final environment model generation. This segmented approach allows parallel processing of independent sensor streams and selective application of computational resources to critical fusion operations, maintaining accuracy while improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230031825A1Method and sensor system for merging sensor data and vehicle having a sensor system for merging sensor data
Publication Date: 2023.02.02 CONTINENTAL AUTONOMOUS MOBILITY GERMANY GMBH
  • US20230031825A1 patent drawing
  • US20230031825A1 patent drawing
  • US20230031825A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for merging sensor data. A sensor data set including first sensor data is provided. Furthermore, the first sensor data is analyzed, and a first sensor result is generated, the first sensor result being based on the analysis of the first sensor data. Moreover, a first sensor model is generated, the first sensor model being associated with the first sensor result and being dependent on a first uncertainty data set. The first uncertainty data set is a subset of the sensor data set. A second sensor result and a second sensor model are also generated, the second sensor model being associated with the second sensor result. Lastly, the first sensor result and the second sensor result are merged to form a fusion result, wherein the merging is performed on the basis of the first sensor model and the second sensor model.