Automotive Radar Parking Assistance Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor-based parking assistance systems are limited by susceptibility to environmental factors, short detection range, high cost, and complex installation requirements, while radar sensors have not been economically viable for wide-field parking assistance due to high system costs and lack of elevation detection capability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a processor-controlled system with multiple millimeter wave radar sensors arranged in a non-linear array to transmit and receive RF signals, enabling triangulation for precise object location estimation and 3D measurements, with faster data acquisition and interference tolerance compared to ultrasonic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are used for parking assistance, then the system cost is reduced, but the detection range is limited and environmental susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors (acoustic field) with radar sensors (electromagnetic field) for object detection. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both extended detection range and improved environmental reliability, as radar waves are not affected by acoustic interference or weather conditions that limit ultrasonic sensor performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from acoustic wave frequency (ultrasonic) to electromagnetic wave frequency (radar). This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of long detection range and environmental immunity, as electromagnetic waves penetrate various media more effectively and travel farther than acoustic waves.
2Length of stationary object
If radar sensors are used for parking assistance, then detection range and reliability are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar detection task across multiple low-cost radar sensors positioned at different locations on the vehicle. Each sensor covers a specific zone, and together they provide comprehensive wide-angle coverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve long detection range and reliability while keeping individual sensor costs low and overall system cost manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each radar sensor perform multiple functions: individual transmission, individual reception, and collaborative triangulation for 3D localization. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of each sensor, reducing the total number needed and thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining excellent detection capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple radar sensors are used for wide-field detection, then field of view is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the processing of reflected signals from multiple radar sensors in the public domain (central processor) rather than requiring complex distributed processing at each sensor. This combining approach expands the effective field of view through multi-sensor coverage while keeping individual sensor units simple and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central processor as an intermediary that receives reflected signals from multiple radar sensors and performs triangulation calculations. This mediator handles the computational complexity of wide-field detection, allowing individual sensors to remain simple transmitters/receivers while achieving sophisticated multi-sensor detection capabilities.
4Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic sensors are used, then cost is reduced, but data acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensors with radar sensors, substituting acoustic wave detection with electromagnetic wave detection. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both cost-effectiveness (through multiple low-cost radar units) and fast data acquisition, as electromagnetic waves travel much faster than acoustic waves and enable quicker measurement cycles.
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 radar sensor-based system provides a cost-effective, wide-field parking assistance solution with enhanced detection capabilities, including velocity reporting and multi-object information, overcoming the limitations of ultrasonic systems by offering faster data acquisition and more efficient object detection.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of radar sensors to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals and receive reflected signals reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
receive reflected signals reflected by an object
Implementation Method 3
enabling triangulation for precise object location estimation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses pertaining to automotive parking assistance using radar sensors are described. A processor controls a plurality of radar sensors to transmit radio frequency (RF) signals and receive reflected signals reflected by an object such that each of the radar sensors individually transmits a respective RF signal and receive a respective reflected signal reflected by the object. The processor or the radar sensor detects one or more aspects of the object based on the respective reflected signals received by the plurality of radar sensors.