Vehicle Sensor Cover Fouling Detection Using Radar-Camera Cross-Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor devices face difficulties in detecting abnormalities such as deposits on the outer cover due to increased reflected wave intensity from objects closer to the vehicle, making it challenging to distinguish between actual objects and deposits, which can lead to false detection and safety issues during travel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle sensor device equipped with a sensor unit positioned deeper inside the vehicle than the outer cover, which uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects and compares the detection signals with camera image signals to determine if deposits are present, and includes a heater and cleaner to remove deposits, thereby improving detection accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radar device detects objects using electromagnetic waves reflected from the outer cover, then object detection capability is improved, but false detection occurs when deposits are present on the outer cover due to increased reflected wave intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to verify the presence of objects detected by the radar. The camera captures images in the detection range, and the control unit compares radar detection results with camera image analysis. This intermediary verification mechanism distinguishes between actual objects and false detections caused by deposits on the outer cover, thereby maintaining detection reliability while preserving object detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the reflected wave intensity acquisition unit measures the intensity of reflected waves, then deposit detection capability is improved, but it becomes difficult to distinguish between reflected waves from objects and reflected waves from deposits when intensities are similar
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves as an intermediary verification tool that provides visual confirmation of detected objects. By comparing the radar's reflected wave intensity data with the camera's visual field analysis, the system can distinguish whether high reflected wave intensity originates from actual objects or from deposits on the outer cover. This multi-source verification resolves the ambiguity in intensity-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely electromagnetic wave-based detection system with a hybrid system that incorporates optical imaging (camera). The camera's visual detection mechanism substitutes for and complements the radar's electromagnetic wave detection, providing a different modality for verifying object presence and eliminating reliance solely on reflected wave intensity measurements.
3Reliability
If the sensor unit is positioned deeper inside the vehicle than the outer cover, then protection from environmental factors is improved, but detection accuracy may be reduced due to additional transmission medium
Solution Approach 1:
The camera positioned in the detection range serves as an intermediary verification device that operates independently of the sensor unit's protective positioning. While the sensor unit remains deeply positioned for protection, the camera provides visual confirmation of objects in the detection range, compensating for any potential signal degradation from the additional transmission medium through the outer cover.
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 solution enables easy detection of abnormalities on the vehicle's outer cover, enhances safety by accurately identifying objects and removing deposits, and provides failure signals for potential camera or sensor issues, ensuring reliable object detection during travel.
Implementation Method 1
sensor unit that is disposed deeper inside the vehicle than the outer cover, detects an object using electromagnetic waves transmitted and received through the outer cover
Implementation Method 2
heater provided on the outer cover... When the heater is driven, the outer cover is warmed, and deposits such as water droplets, ice, and snow can be melted by heat
Implementation Method 3
cleaner that injects at least one of liquid and gas from the outside of the vehicle toward the outer cover... deposits such as dust, water droplets, ice and snow, and mud can be removed from the outer cover by injected liquid or gas
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sensor device (1) includes an outer cover (12), a sensor unit (20) that is disposed deeper inside a vehicle (VE) than the outer cover (12), detects an object using electromagnetic waves transmitted and received through the outer cover (12), and outputs a detection signal related to the detection of the object, and a control unit (CO). The control unit (CO) makes a determination of whether an object detected by sensor unit (20) is included in an image signal from a camera (51) that is mounted on the vehicle (VE) and photographs a detection range of the sensor unit (20).