Integrated Optical-Radar Sensor Layout for Compact Vehicle Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor systems require multiple and expensive ultrasonic and camera sensors for comprehensive spatial monitoring, and radar systems are limited to traditional installation locations, lacking flexibility and integration with other sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system combining an optical sensor with a radar transceiver unit and antenna elements, where the radar transceiver unit is located at the rear side of the optical sensor, allowing for compact installation and flexible placement, with the radar system complementing the optical system for enhanced monitoring capabilities, including night vision and wide field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors and camera systems are used for comprehensive spatial monitoring, then the surveillance reliability is improved, but the system cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and optical sensors into a single integrated sensor system with a common housing. The radar transceiver unit and optical sensor are mounted together, sharing the same physical structure and installation location, thereby reducing the number of separate systems needed while maintaining comprehensive surveillance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously - radar provides detection in dark conditions and wide field of view, while the optical sensor provides visual imaging. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate ultrasonic sensors and camera systems, reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If radar systems are installed at traditional locations (bumper, grill, B-pillar), then the installation ease is improved, but the adaptability and integration with other sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The common housing structure serves multiple purposes: it houses both radar and optical sensors, provides a standardized mounting interface for various vehicle locations, and enables flexible integration at different positions (front, rear, side) while maintaining system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional distributed radar installation to a modular integrated unit that can be mounted at multiple locations. The common housing creates a new dimensional approach where the entire sensor assembly becomes a relocatable module, enhancing adaptability without compromising installation ease
3Area of stationary object
If radar transceiver unit and antenna elements are integrated with optical sensor, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar transceiver unit and antenna elements are integrated within or alongside the optical sensor housing. The compact arrangement nests radar components within the same physical envelope as the optical sensor, significantly reducing the overall installation space required while maintaining functional independence of each subsystem
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 sensor system provides reliable and cost-effective surveillance of a spatial region with reduced installation space requirements, enabling flexible installation on vehicles and in closed spaces without needing external light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The optical sensor may be configured to detect light in the visible range and the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 2
the radar transceiver unit may be able to generate radar waves in a frequency range of about 78 GHz, i.e. in a usable radar frequency band from 76 to 81 GHz
Implementation Method 3
at least one antenna element configured to transfer radar waves from the radar transceiver unit to an exterior of the sensor system and from the exterior of the sensor system to the radar transceiver unit
Implementation Method 4
the detection device may include semiconducting detection units like chip of a charge coupled device (CCD) comprising a predefined number of pixels. Therefore, the detection device may be able to convert the detected light into electric signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor system comprises an optical sensor which includes an imaging device and a detection device which defines a rear side of the optical sensor, a radar transceiver unit for generating radar waves to be transmitted and for receiving radar waves to be detected, and at least one antenna element configured to transfer radar waves from the radar transceiver unit to an exterior of the sensor system and from the exterior of the sensor system to the radar transceiver unit. The radar transceiver unit is located at the rear side of the optical sensor.