Vehicle Radar Sensor Positioning Using 3D Coverage Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional coverage maps for radar sensors in vehicles do not provide adequate information for ultra-short distances, fail to consider vehicle-specific design features, and cannot identify shadowing effects caused by vehicle components, making it difficult to support low-speed and parking applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for positioning a perception sensor on a vehicle by determining a three-dimensional coverage map and combining it with vehicle-specific geometry characteristics to estimate and optimize the coverage region, taking into account the spatial location of the perception sensor, including its height and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If two-dimensional coverage maps are used for radar sensor installation, then large distances coverage is achieved, but ultra-short distance coverage and shadowing effect identification are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional coverage maps to three-dimensional coverage maps. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to capture ultra-short distance coverage information and identify shadowing effects caused by vehicle components, which cannot be represented in 2D space. The 3D coverage map provides comprehensive spatial information including height, length, and width dimensions, enabling proper radar integration for autonomous parking applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If general two-dimensional coverage maps are used, then broad applicability is achieved, but vehicle-specific design features and mounting height effects are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the coverage map generation process for each specific vehicle model. Instead of using a generic 2D coverage map that treats all vehicles uniformly, the system generates 3D coverage maps that incorporate vehicle-specific geometry characteristics, component locations, and mounting heights. This allows the coverage map to accurately reflect the unique spatial relationships and shadowing effects of each vehicle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by determining the three-dimensional coverage map before the actual radar sensor installation and autonomous parking application deployment. The coverage map is generated in advance using vehicle-specific geometry data, allowing engineers to identify optimal sensor locations, predict shadowing effects, and plan the radar integration strategy beforehand, rather than dealing with coverage issues after installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If radar sensor spatial location is fixed, then installation simplicity is maintained, but coverage optimization for low-speed and parking applications is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the radar sensor spatial location variable rather than fixed. The system allows adjustment of the radar sensor's position, orientation, and mounting height to optimize coverage for low-speed and parking applications. The 3D coverage map enables evaluation of different spatial configurations, allowing the system to adapt the sensor location to achieve the best possible coverage while maintaining reasonable installation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for positioning a perception sensor on a vehicle. A three-dimensional coverage map of the perception sensor is determined, and vehicle specific geometry characteristics are received. A coverage region for the perception sensor in a vicinity of the vehicle is estimated by combining the vehicle specific geometry characteristics and the three-dimensional coverage map of the perception sensor and by varying a spatial location of the perception sensor until the coverage region in the vicinity of the vehicle is optimized.