Integrated Radar-Camera Sensor Module for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complex integration of conventional radar and camera sensor systems for vehicles limit their availability as standard equipment, despite providing enhanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning, due to the need for multiple sensors at multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
An integrated radar-camera sensor module is developed, comprising a housing with both a camera for image capture and a radar sensor for emitting and receiving signals, along with processing circuitry to detect objects, which is mounted behind the windshield and includes an electromagnetic interference shield to minimize interference and size, allowing for shared electronics and reduced installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate radar and camera sensors are used, then object detection capability is improved, but system cost and integration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and camera sensors into a single integrated module with shared housing, mounting structure, and processing electronics. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be installed and configured, directly addressing the integration complexity issue while maintaining the object detection capabilities of both sensor types
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor module serves multiple functions simultaneously - radar signal transmission and reception, camera image capture, and unified processing of both data streams. The shared mounting structure and housing provide universal support for both sensor types, reducing the need for separate installation infrastructure
2Reliability
If multiple separate radar and camera sensors are used, then object detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging radar and camera sensors into a single module with shared housing, mounting structures, and processing electronics, the patent reduces the total bill of materials and assembly costs. The integrated design eliminates redundant components and simplifies manufacturing processes while preserving the detection capabilities of both sensor types
3Device complexity
If radar and camera sensors are integrated in a single module, then cost and integration complexity are reduced, but electromagnetic interference between sensors may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromagnetic interference issue from the integrated module by implementing shielding structures and filtering mechanisms within the housing. These extracted protective elements isolate the radar and camera sensors from each other's electromagnetic fields, allowing close integration without harmful interference
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 integrated module reduces sensor costs and integration complexity, enabling advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning to be offered as standard equipment on more vehicles, while maintaining effective object detection and classification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a camera located in the module housing for capturing images based on light waves
Implementation Method 2
a radar sensor component located within the module housing for emitting a radar beam and receiving reflected radar signals
Implementation Method 3
An electromagnetic interference shield is disposed to one or more sides of the radar sensor for shielding electromagnetic radiation from the radar sensor component
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An integrated radar-camera sensor is provided which includes a camera sensor component and a radar sensor component both housed within a common single module housing. The sensor module also includes processing circuitry for processing the radar sensor and camera outputs. The sensor module is located behind the windshield of a vehicle and may include glare and/or EMI shields.