Internal Temperature Sensor Ice Detection for Vehicle Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Driver assistance systems face false positive obstacles due to stray light effects caused by an icy windscreen, leading to reduced sensitivity and unsuccessful braking scenarios, as existing solutions like outdoor temperature sensors activate less sensitive calibration only temporarily.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an internal temperature sensor integrated within the sensor device to detect ice on the windscreen, adjusting detection thresholds dynamically based on the temperature signal to enhance robust and reliable ice detection and adapt signal processing for improved obstacle classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outdoor temperature sensors are used to detect ice and activate less sensitive calibration, then false positives from stray light effects are reduced, but system sensitivity is reduced and braking success rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary assessment mechanism that evaluates multiple factors (temperature, humidity, precipitation, road conditions) to determine the probability of ice formation. This intermediary assessment allows the system to selectively apply threshold adjustments only when ice is likely, rather than universally reducing sensitivity based solely on temperature, thus maintaining measurement precision while still reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes detection parameters (intensity thresholds) based on the assessed probability of ice formation. When ice is detected or highly probable, thresholds are adjusted to reduce false positives from stray light. When ice is not present, normal sensitivity thresholds are maintained, ensuring optimal measurement precision in both conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If less sensitive calibration is activated based on negative temperature values, then stray light effects are suppressed, but the number of successfully solved use cases is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration sensitivity is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously assesses environmental conditions and adjusts the intensity thresholds in real-time. This allows the system to switch between high-sensitivity and low-sensitivity modes depending on the current probability of ice formation, maximizing use case success rate while still suppressing stray light effects when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that monitor detection results and environmental conditions. When false positives are detected during icy conditions, the system learns to adjust threshold adjustments. When no ice is present despite cold temperatures, the system maintains normal sensitivity, thereby preserving productivity while managing harmful stray light effects.
3Reliability
If intensity thresholds are increased during negative temperatures, then imaginary objects are disregarded, but general sensitivity of the sensor device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality settings (threshold levels) to different detection scenarios locally. Instead of uniformly increasing thresholds during negative temperatures, the system assesses the local probability of ice formation and applies threshold adjustments only in the specific context where ice is present. This localized approach maintains high sensitivity for non-icy conditions while improving classification accuracy during icy conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, precipitation, road conditions) before adjusting detection thresholds. This preliminary action allows the system to proactively set appropriate sensitivity levels based on the likelihood of ice formation, ensuring that threshold adjustments are made only when necessary, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving object classification accuracy.
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 approach provides a cost-effective and accurate method for detecting ice, reducing false positives and maintaining system sensitivity, ensuring successful braking interventions by dynamically adjusting detection thresholds based on real-time internal temperature data.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor (170), in particular an internal temperature sensor, integrated in the sensor device (100)... evaluating a temperature signal from the at least one temperature sensor (170)
Implementation Method 2
transmission unit for emitting light or electromagnetic radiation, for example in the infrared range
Implementation Method 3
intensity of reflected light is used to qualify or classify an object (also referred to as target)
Implementation Method 4
If, however, the windowpane behind which the sensor device is arranged is covered with ice, at least part of the light emitted by the sensor device will be radiated in directions that are not within the original and intended emission area of the sensor device. This effect is also referred to as stray light effect.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adapting the signal processing of at least one sensor device arranged behind a window in a motor vehicle, wherein the adaptation of the signal processing comprises changing at least one detection threshold value if a probability of ice being on the window is detected on the basis of a determined temperature, characterized in that a temperature signal of at least one temperature sensor integrated in the sensor device is used to detect the probability of ice on the window.