Integrated Radar-Optical Sensor Layout for Compact Vehicle Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor systems require significant installation space and are limited in their ability to provide comprehensive spatial region surveillance due to the restrictive installation locations of radar systems and the need for multiple ultrasonic and camera sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising an optical sensor and radar devices with directly attached antenna elements, allowing for compact design and flexible installation, which supplements radar and optical capabilities for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar systems are installed in traditional locations (bumper, grill, B-pillar), then reliable surveillance of spatial region is achieved, but installation space requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radar antenna element and radar operation unit into a single integrated device. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of antenna and radar unit, reducing installation complexity while maintaining surveillance reliability. The integrated device can be mounted in compact spaces such as vehicle interiors without requiring traditional external locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated radar device serves multiple functions: it provides spatial region surveillance, works in conjunction with optical sensors for comprehensive monitoring, and can be installed in various locations including vehicle interiors. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability across different installation scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors and camera systems are used to cover the desired spatial region, then surveillance coverage is improved, but installation space requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates radar and optical sensors into a unified sensor system with shared housing and coordinated operation. This merging reduces the total number of separate sensor devices needed while improving surveillance coverage through complementary radar and optical detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system divides surveillance functions between radar detection (for range and velocity) and optical detection (for visual identification), with each sensor type handling specific detection tasks. This functional segmentation allows comprehensive coverage with fewer total sensors compared to using only one sensor type.
3Area of stationary object
If radar operation unit and antenna element are separated, then installation flexibility is reduced, but installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The radar operation unit and antenna element are merged into a single integrated device that occupies minimal space while maintaining full radar functionality. This integration allows the system to be installed in compact locations such as vehicle interiors, providing both space efficiency and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated radar device can be nested within or mounted adjacent to the optical sensor housing, further reducing overall installation space. The compact design allows multiple sensors to be arranged in a space-efficient manner while maintaining full operational capabilities.
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 system provides reliable and efficient surveillance of a spatial region with minimal installation space, enabling flexible placement and integration into vehicles, and supports both day and night operations without requiring external light sources.
Implementation Method 1
a radar operation unit configured to generate radar waves to be transmitted
Implementation Method 2
an antenna element configured to transmit radar waves generated by the radar operation unit to an exterior of the sensor system
Implementation Method 3
to receive radar waves from the exterior of the sensor system which are to be detected by the radar operation unit
Implementation Method 4
The optical sensor may be configured to detect light in the visible range and/or in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 5
the optical sensor may include an imaging device and a detection device... The detection device may include semiconducting detection units like chip of a charge coupled device (CCD)... convert the detected light into electric signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor system comprised an optical sensor and at least one radar device which includes a radar operation unit configured to generate radar waves to be transmitted and/or to detect radar waves, and which includes an antenna element configured to transmit radar waves generated by the radar operation unit to an exterior of the sensor system and/or to receive radar waves from the exterior of the sensor system which are to be detected by the radar operation unit. The antenna element is directly attached to the radar operation unit.