Elevated Radar Camera Sensor Assembly for Parking Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking sensor systems are expensive and complex due to the need for multiple ultrasonic sensors and cameras, requiring numerous mounting locations and extensive wiring, which increases installation costs and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A parking sensor system that combines RADAR sensors and cameras in a single housing, mounted at elevated locations around the vehicle, providing a downward-facing field of view to detect and visualize objects, with a processor generating distance representations and augmented video outputs for obstacle detection and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors and cameras are used to provide comprehensive obstacle detection and 360° view, then measurement precision and field of view are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ultrasonic sensors and cameras into integrated sensor assemblies mounted at elevated locations. Each assembly contains both ultrasonic sensors and cameras that work together to provide both distance measurement and visual confirmation of obstacles, reducing the total number of separate mounting locations needed while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - ultrasonic sensors provide distance measurement while cameras provide visual verification and 360° viewing. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to replace what would otherwise require separate sensor arrays, reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision through sensor fusion
2Area of stationary object
If numerous mounting locations are provided for sensors and cameras, then field of view coverage is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (ultrasonic sensors and cameras) are merged into single integrated assemblies that can be mounted at fewer elevated locations on the vehicle. This consolidation maintains comprehensive 360° field of view coverage while significantly reducing the number of mounting locations required compared to conventional separate sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from mounting sensors at bumper level (horizontal dimension) to elevated mounting locations (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows sensor assemblies to achieve broader field of view coverage from higher positions, reducing the need for numerous mounting locations while maintaining comprehensive obstacle detection coverage
3Reliability
If extensive wiring and interfaces are provided for connecting sensors and cameras, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple sensors and cameras into single sensor assemblies, the patent reduces the total number of wiring connections required. Each assembly can use a single interface to transmit data from all its components, eliminating the need for extensive separate wiring harnesses while maintaining reliable data transmission through consolidated communication channels
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 simplifies installation, reduces costs, and provides a comprehensive 360° field of view using fewer mounting locations, while maintaining effective obstacle detection and visualization during parking operations, suitable for both driver-assistance and autonomous driving applications.
Implementation Method 1
each including a RADAR sensor having a downwardly facing field of view for detecting objects below the elevated mounting location
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Parking sensor system for a vehicle (1). The system includes one or more sensor assemblies (4) for mounting to elevated mounting locations (8,9,10) on the vehicle (1), each including a RADAR sensor (7) having a downwardly facing field of view for detecting objects below the respective elevated mounting location (8,9,10) during a parking operation. At least one of the sensor assemblies (4) may further include a parking camera (6) having a downwardly facing field of view for viewing objects below the elevated mounting location (8,9,10) during the parking operation.