Integrated Radio-Optical Sensor System for Motor Vehicle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for surrounding area detection in motor vehicles suffer from high power loss due to the independent operation of radio-based and optical measuring systems, which leads to inefficient data processing and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A combined sensor system that integrates radio-based and optical measuring principles, such as radar and LIDAR, into a single system, allowing for coherent data processing and reducing the need for separate drive and evaluation circuits, thereby minimizing power loss and enhancing detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If radio-based and optical measuring systems operate independently, then each system can function autonomously, but power loss increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radio-based transmitter and receiver units with optical transmitter and receiver units into a single integrated sensor system. This merging allows both measuring principles to share common structural elements and processing infrastructure, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining autonomous functionality of each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - both radio-based detection and optical detection capabilities are incorporated into one system. This multi-functionality enables the system to operate autonomously in different measurement modes while sharing common resources, reducing redundant power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate drive and evaluation circuits are used for radio-based and optical systems, then each system can be optimized independently, but the number of components increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the drive circuits and evaluation circuits for both radio-based and optical measuring units into a shared infrastructure. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining the ability to independently optimize each measuring principle's performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The common processing infrastructure is designed to handle both radio-based and optical measurement data streams simultaneously. This universal processing capability reduces redundant circuitry while preserving the independent optimization potential of each sensing modality.
3Productivity
If multiple independent sensor systems are deployed, then detection coverage is comprehensive, but data processing efficiency decreases and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radio-based and optical detection functions into a single coordinated system that processes data from both modalities through a unified evaluation circuit. This integration improves detection efficiency by enabling cross-validation and fusion of measurement data while reducing the power overhead associated with completely independent system operations.
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
The combined system enables more efficient surrounding area detection with reduced power consumption, improved data processing, and enhanced detection capabilities, particularly in adverse weather conditions, making it suitable for autonomously operated vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-based transmitter unit (7) configured for emitting an electrical emitted signal (9) based on the optical transmission signal (11), and an optical transmitter unit (8), different from the radio-based transmitter unit (7), configured for emitting an optical emitted signal (10) based on the optical transmission signal (11)
Implementation Method 2
a radio-based receiver unit (18) for receiving an electrical received signal (19), corresponding to the electrical emitted signal (9)
Implementation Method 3
an optical receiver unit (20) for receiving an optical received signal (21), corresponding to the optical emitted signal (10)
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for surrounding area detection for a motor vehicle, including an optical device for generating an optical transmission signal, and a transmitter device having: an optical input configured for receiving the optical transmission signal, a radio-based transmitter unit configured for emitting an electrical emitted signal, based on the optical transmission signal, and an optical transmitter unit configured for emitting an optical emitted signal which is based on the transmission signal. The sensor system also may include a receiver device having: an optical input configured for receiving the optical transmission signal, a radio-based receiver unit for receiving an electrical received signal, and an optical receiver unit for receiving an optical received signal. A central computing device is configured for processing emitted and/or received signals.