Multi-Sensor Radar Control for Accurate Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for detecting objects using multiple sensors are not sufficiently convenient, particularly in vehicular applications, where improving the efficiency and accuracy of object detection is crucial for enhanced driving assistance and automated driving systems.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with multiple sensors, including transmission and reception antennas, utilizes frequency-modulated continuous wave radar to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, employing a controller to process signals and estimate distance, speed, and direction of objects, with a control method and program to optimize sensor operations for improved object detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are provided for receiving reflected waves to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the monitoring area into multiple regions and assigns different sensors to monitor specific regions. The controller selectively activates sensors based on the required monitoring area, enabling the system to achieve comprehensive object detection capability while reducing the number of simultaneously active sensors, thus managing device complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple sensors based on the required monitoring area and priority settings. Sensors are selectively activated or deactivated depending on the monitoring scenario, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level to match the actual detection needs while maintaining high object detection capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If multiple sensors operate simultaneously to monitor different regions, then monitoring coverage is improved, but processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller activates only the necessary subset of sensors based on the required monitoring area rather than keeping all sensors active simultaneously. When full coverage is not needed, fewer sensors operate, reducing processing load while still achieving adequate monitoring coverage for the specific situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs priority-based scheduling where sensors are activated in sequences or cycles based on monitoring priorities. High-priority monitoring areas receive continuous sensor attention, while lower-priority areas are monitored periodically or by fewer sensors, balancing overall coverage with reduced processing demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If sensor operation performance is increased to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller adjusts sensor operation parameters such as transmission power, detection frequency, and sensitivity levels based on priority settings and monitoring requirements. For high-priority monitoring, sensors operate at higher performance levels with increased energy consumption, while for lower-priority areas, parameters are reduced to conserve energy, thus balancing detection accuracy with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the convenience and accuracy of object detection by measuring distance, speed, and direction, supporting advanced driving assistance and automated driving systems through efficient use of multiple sensors.

Implementation Method 1

transmit transmission waves T to the surroundings of a mobile body 100 from a transmission antenna 25 installed in the mobile body 100

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

receive reflected waves R resulting from reflection of the transmission waves T off the object 200, by a reception antenna 31

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

various techniques of radar (radio detecting and ranging) that measures, for example, the distance from an object such as an obstacle by transmitting radio waves such as millimeter waves and receiving reflected waves reflected off the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP3865907B1Electronic device, method for controlling electronic device, and program for controlling electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3865907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3865907B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3865907B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device comprises a plurality of sensors and a main controller. The plurality of sensors are each configured to detect, based on a transmission signal transmitted from a transmission antenna as transmission waves and a reception signal received by a reception antenna as reflected waves, an object reflecting the transmission waves T. The main controller is configured to control the plurality of sensors independently of each other.