External Vehicle Sensor Verification Using Excitation Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring and calibrating vehicle sensors are inadequate, particularly for autonomous vehicles, as they often require vehicle-dependent interfaces and do not address liability concerns in collisions, and there is a need for independent, external verification of sensor functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for monitoring vehicle sensors using external excitation events, such as light curtains or simulated obstacles, to determine sensor functionality and calibration needs, allowing independent verification and calibration without vehicle interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vehicle-dependent interfaces are used for sensor monitoring and calibration, then the monitoring process can access vehicle sensor data, but the system becomes dependent on vehicle-specific protocols and interfaces, reducing universality and increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external monitoring device that acts as an intermediary between the excitation source and the vehicle sensor system. This mediator can observe and analyze sensor responses without requiring direct integration into the vehicle's internal systems, thereby avoiding vehicle-specific interface dependencies while maintaining reliable sensor monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is segmented into independent functional components: an external excitation source, a separate monitoring device with analysis capabilities, and the vehicle sensor system under test. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be performed independently of the vehicle's internal architecture, reducing interface complexity
2Reliability
If internal vehicle systems are used for sensor calibration, then calibration can be performed, but the system cannot provide independent verification and liability determination in collision scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the vehicle's internal systems monitor and calibrate their own sensors, the patent inverts the approach by using an external monitoring device to observe and verify sensor functionality. This external perspective provides independent verification capability that can objectively determine sensor performance and liability in collision scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The external monitoring device receives feedback from the vehicle sensor system in the form of response signals to excitation events. By analyzing this feedback independently, the system can verify sensor functionality and provide objective data for liability determination without being influenced by the vehicle's internal system state
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor monitoring is implemented, then sensor functionality and calibration status can be determined, but the monitoring and calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle sensor system performs self-testing by responding to excitation events with characteristic signals. The external monitoring device simply needs to detect and analyze these self-generated response signals, rather than requiring complex active calibration equipment. This self-service approach enables precise sensor parameter detection while keeping the monitoring system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system uses periodic excitation events to elicit sensor responses at regular intervals. This periodic action allows for systematic collection of sensor performance data over time, enabling precise measurement of sensor parameters through repeated observations rather than requiring complex single-shot measurement systems
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for monitoring and/or detecting a sensor system (104) of a vehicle (100) comprises a step of identifying a parameter value using a response signal, and a step of determining a monitoring signal that can be allocated to the sensor system (104), said determination being carried out using the parameter value and a predetermined reaction value.