Integrating GPS Receiver into Windshield Optical Sensor Housing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite-assisted location determining devices in vehicles face reduced reception quality due to mounting location issues, increased installation and cost involvement, and challenges in coupling location information with other sensors for sensor fusion.
Innovation Solution
A location determining device that integrates a satellite reception apparatus within an optical sensor unit's housing on the windshield, sharing a common connection to the vehicle data bus and power supply, allowing for simplified installation and improved reception quality, and enabling effective information fusion with image processing for enhanced accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reception apparatus is mounted in the dashboard, on the roof, in the tailgate or in the side mirrors to improve reception quality, then location determination accuracy is improved, but installation involvement and cost involvement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reception apparatus is physically integrated into the housing of an optical sensor unit that is already mounted in the upper boundary region of the windshield. This merging of functions allows the GPS receiver to utilize the existing mounting location and housing structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, wiring harnesses, and installation procedures while maintaining good satellite signal reception through the windshield area.
2Measurement precision
If the reception apparatus is mounted in the dashboard, on the roof, in the tailgate or in the side mirrors to improve reception quality, then location determination accuracy is improved, but cost involvement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor unit housing serves multiple functions: it houses the optical sensor for driver assistance systems, provides stray-light protection for the optical sensor, and now also integrates the reception apparatus for satellite signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate housings and mounting structures, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity while enabling accurate location determination.
3Reliability
If the location determining device is coupled to further vehicle sensors for sensor fusion, then information reliability is improved, but installation involvement and cost involvement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated reception apparatus and optical sensor unit share common connections to the vehicle data bus and power supply. This self-service arrangement allows both sensors to automatically access the same communication and power infrastructure without requiring additional wiring or connection hardware, enabling seamless sensor fusion while minimizing installation involvement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a location-determining device in a motor vehicle which comprises at least one receiver device for receiving position signals and time signals for a multiplicity of satellites assigned to a global navigation system and a location-calculating module for calculating location information on the basis of received position data and time data. The location-Determining device is distinguished by the fact that the at least one receiver device is structurally integrated into the housing of an optical sensor unit, wherein the housing is arranged in a passenger compartment in a region of an upper edge of a windscreen, and wherein the housing does not have more than a single connection to a vehicle data bus and not more than a single connection to a vehicle energy supply.