Obstacle Detection Using Communication Modules and Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current obstacle detection methods, especially in 5G communication systems, face challenges in efficiently detecting obstacles using limited resources and are susceptible to environmental conditions, lacking precision and directionality in obstacle detection.
Innovation Solution
A processor-implemented method and apparatus utilizing communication modules to detect obstacles by transmitting detection signals, analyzing reflected signals for SNR and direction, and employing beamforming with antennas to provide precise obstacle detection and warning signals, effectively using existing communication modules for reduced cost and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If communication modules are used for obstacle detection, then power consumption is reduced and cost is decreased, but detection precision and directionality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two stages: initial omnidirectional detection using communication modules, followed by targeted detection using antennas only in the direction of detected obstacles. This segmentation allows the system to use low-power communication modules for broad monitoring while reserving high-precision antennas for specific directions, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication modules are designed to serve dual functions: both data communication and initial obstacle detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated detection hardware in all directions, reducing system cost and power consumption while maintaining adequate detection capability through subsequent antenna-based verification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If omnidirectional detection is performed, then coverage is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into full-coverage initial scanning using communication modules, followed by focused directional detection using antennas only toward identified obstacles. This segmentation maintains comprehensive coverage capability while dramatically reducing resource consumption by limiting high-power antenna operation to specific directions and time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic omnidirectional detection using communication modules to scan for obstacles, then switches to targeted directional detection using antennas only when obstacles are detected. This periodic alternation between comprehensive scanning and focused monitoring maintains detection coverage while optimizing resource consumption by keeping antennas inactive during non-detection periods.
3Measurement precision
If antenna array with beamforming is used, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Beamforming capability is applied locally only in directions where obstacles are detected, rather than maintaining full beamforming capability in all directions continuously. This local application of advanced processing reduces the computational complexity and hardware requirements while maintaining high detection precision where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication modules perform preliminary omnidirectional detection to identify potential obstacle directions before activating the more complex antenna beamforming system. This preliminary action filters out directions that do not contain obstacles, allowing the complex beamforming processing to be applied only where necessary, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing communication modules are utilized, then cost is reduced, but detection capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Existing communication modules are designed to perform both their primary communication function and secondary obstacle detection function. This multi-functionality leverages already-purchased hardware to reduce system cost while maintaining adequate detection capability through the two-stage detection process that supplements communication module limitations with targeted antenna measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Antennas serve as an intermediary component that supplements the limited detection capability of communication modules. The communication modules identify potential obstacle directions, and antennas provide enhanced verification in those specific directions, creating a collaborative detection system that achieves reliable detection capability while utilizing cost-effective existing communication hardware.
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 solution enables efficient and precise obstacle detection with reduced resource usage, providing accurate warnings and being robust against environmental variations, while leveraging existing communication infrastructure for cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first detection signal in all directions using the communication modules, receiving a first reflected signal corresponding to the first detection signal
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, to the obstacle, a third detection signal beamformed using the antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are obstacle detecting methods and apparatuses, the method of detecting an obstacle near a device includes, determining whether to detect an obstacle, detecting the obstacle using communication modules, in response to determining to detect the obstacle, determining whether a result of detecting the obstacle meets a threshold, detecting the obstacle using antennas of a communication module corresponding to a direction of the obstacle from among the communication modules, in response to the result of determining the obstacle meeting the threshold, and outputting a warning signal based on the result of detecting the obstacle using the communication modules or a result of detecting the obstacle using the antennas.