Integrated Radar Camera Sensor Module for Vehicle Detection
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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 safety equipment, due to the need for multiple sensors at multiple locations, which increases installation and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated radar-camera sensor module is designed to be located behind a vehicle's window, utilizing a radar unit and camera within a common housing, sharing electronics and signal processing to simplify installation and reduce costs, while optimizing radar signal propagation through the window using polarized signals and EMI shields to enhance detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate radar and camera sensors are used, then 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, electronics, and signal processing resources. This merging approach maintains the detection capabilities of separate sensors while reducing integration complexity and system cost by eliminating redundant components and simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor module performs multiple functions (radar detection, camera imaging, and combined data processing) within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain comprehensive detection capabilities while reducing the overall number of components needed in the vehicle.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate radar and camera sensors are used, then detection capability is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging radar and camera sensors into a single integrated module, the patent reduces the number of installation locations needed and simplifies mounting procedures. The shared housing and unified electronics reduce both material costs and labor requirements for installation and maintenance.
3Reliability
If radar signal polarization is optimized for preferred propagation angle, then signal transmission through window is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes radar signal transmission by adjusting the polarization parameters of the transmitted signal to match the preferred propagation angle through the window. This parameter optimization improves signal reliability without adding physical complexity to the system architecture.
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 installation complexity, enabling high-capability active safety systems to be offered as standard equipment by combining radar and camera data for enhanced object detection and vehicle safety features like adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna is configured to emit a radar signal through the window and into the area. The radar signal is characterized by a transmitted polarization of the radar signal.
Implementation Method 2
A relative difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic is selected based on a preferred angle of propagation of the radar signal through the window.
Implementation Method 3
The antenna is configured to output a first detection signal and a second detection signal in response to a reflected signal from the area that passes through the window and impinges on the antenna.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module configured to be located behind a window of a vehicle to detect an object through the window and about the vehicle. The module includes a radar unit with an antenna and a controller. The antenna emits and/or receives a radar signal through the window with a selected or preferred polarization. The polarization determines a preferred angle of propagation of the radar signal through the window based on reflection characteristics of the window that vary with impingement angle and transmitted polarization. By varying the transmitted polarization vs. beam direction when a directional antenna is used, the signal propagating through the windshield can be maximized to enhance object detection over a range of signal directions. Also, by varying the transmitted polarization when an omnidirectional type antenna is used, the object can be ‘illuminated’ with variable intensity and detected with variable sensitivity.