Hybrid Magnetometer-Radar Parking Sensors for Noise-Resistant Occupancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking sensor devices are inaccurate due to noise from electrical interference, difficulty in interpreting sensor orientation, and influence of nearby metal objects, and have short battery life and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A parking sensor device combining a magnetometer and radar sensor to improve accuracy, with control circuitry determining occupancy based on both, and a battery-efficient design to prolong life up to ten years.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetometer sensor is used to detect magnetic field changes for determining parking space occupancy, then the device can detect vehicle presence, but the readings include noise from electrical interference and are affected by nearby metal objects, reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a magnetometer sensor with a radar sensor in a hybrid sensing system. The radar sensor provides accurate detection of vehicle presence and distance measurements that are not affected by electrical interference or metal objects in the environment. By merging the capabilities of both sensors, the system achieves reliable occupancy detection that overcomes the limitations of the magnetometer alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor acts as an intermediary verification mechanism for the magnetometer readings. When the magnetometer detects a magnetic field change, the radar sensor performs a scan to confirm the presence and position of a vehicle, filtering out false positives caused by electrical interference or nearby metal objects.
2Reliability
If conventional parking sensor devices use a magnetometer sensor, then they can determine occupancy, but they falsely report occupancy status due to noise and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the radar sensor continuously monitors the environment and provides verification data to the control circuitry. When the magnetometer detects a change, the radar sensor scans the area and provides feedback to confirm or refute the occupancy status, preventing false reports and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor performs preliminary scanning of the parking space before and during occupancy detection. This preliminary action establishes a baseline of the environment and allows the system to distinguish between actual vehicle presence and environmental factors that could cause false readings.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a parking sensor device uses battery power, then it can operate independently, but the battery life is short and replacement is required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor operates in periodic scan mode rather than continuously, activating only when the magnetometer detects a magnetic field change or at scheduled intervals. This periodic operation dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining effective occupancy detection, extending battery life from months to years.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid sensor system optimizes its own power consumption by having the magnetometer continuously monitor for changes and triggering radar scans only when necessary. This self-service approach ensures the system operates efficiently, extending battery life without requiring external power sources or frequent maintenance.
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
Enhances accuracy and reliability of determining parking space occupancy while extending battery life and reducing costs to about $50 per unit.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer sensor configured to detect a magnetic field. When a vehicle drives in/out of the parking space, there is a change in the magnetic field that can be detected by the magnetometer sensor
Implementation Method 2
a radar sensor configured to perform at least one radar scan to detect presence of an object
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a parking sensor device for determining occupancy of a parking space. The parking sensor device has a magnetometer sensor configured to detect a magnetic field, and a radar sensor configured to perform at least one radar scan to detect presence of an object. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the parking sensor device has control circuitry configured to determine occupancy of the parking space based on the magnetic field and the at least one radar scan. Utilizing this particular combination of sensor input can help to improve accuracy and reliability of determining occupancy of the parking space, especially when compared to existing approaches that utilize a single sensor such as a magnetometer sensor. The parking sensor device also has an output for conveying occupancy of the parking space.