Vehicle Environment Sensor Fault Detection Using Gate Reference Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting malfunctions in vehicle environment sensors, such as sensor blindness and decalibration, are inadequate for real-time monitoring during normal driving, leading to potential false alarms or undetected faults, which can compromise safety in automated driving functions.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses predetermined 'gate areas' along a road network to compare sensor detection data with reference data, employing artificial neural networks or image-processing algorithms to identify deviations and store malfunction entries, allowing for automatic detection and differentiation between sensor blindness and decalibration, with a threshold-based malfunction signal generation and potential recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-diagnosis algorithms are used to detect sensor malfunctions during driving, then detection capability is improved, but false alarms increase due to lack of reference truth
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining gate areas along road networks and storing reference data about objects that should be detected in these areas before the actual diagnosis occurs. This allows the sensor system to be tested against known conditions during normal driving, improving detection reliability while maintaining accuracy through comparison with pre-established reference truths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces gate areas and reference data as intermediaries between the sensor system and the diagnosis algorithm. Instead of directly comparing sensor output to an unknown truth, the system uses pre-defined gate areas with known object positions as a mediator, enabling accurate malfunction detection without false alarms.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor checks are performed in service workshops, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate due to required vehicle visits
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the sensor system to perform its own comprehensive checks during normal driving operations. The control unit automatically compares sensor detection data against reference data for gate areas, performing calibration verification and malfunction detection without requiring vehicle visits to service workshops, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by performing sensor diagnostics during normal driving operations rather than requiring separate service visits. The system continuously monitors sensor performance by comparing detection data against reference data whenever the vehicle passes through gate areas, maintaining measurement precision while eliminating interruptions to vehicle usage.
3Reliability
If sensor detection threshold is lowered to improve safety, then reliability is improved, but false alarms increase leading to unnecessary service visits
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining gate areas and storing reference data before diagnosis occurs. This preparation enables the system to use a lower detection threshold during actual operation, improving safety by detecting subtle malfunctions, while the pre-established reference truth prevents false alarms by providing accurate comparison criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate areas and reference data act as intermediaries that enable the system to maintain high sensitivity (low detection threshold) for safety while preventing false alarms. The reference truth provided by the intermediary allows the system to distinguish between actual malfunctions and normal variations, maintaining both reliability and service efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a malfunction of at least one environment sensor (17) of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the at least one environment sensor (17) is operated while the motor vehicle (10) passes a predefined gate region (12) of a road network (11), and, on the basis of respective sensor data (18) from the at least one environment sensor (17), respective detection data (20) are determined, the detection data (20) describing what at least one object in the gate region (12) was sensed by the environment sensor (17) in question. According to the invention, reference data describing at least one object (15) actually present in the gate region (12) are kept at hand in the motor vehicle (10) and a deviation (26) of the detection data (20) in question from the reference data (22) is determined and, if the deviation (26) fulfills a predefined indicator criterion (27), an entry (28) regarding the malfunction of the environment sensor (17), the detection data (20) of which fulfills the indicator criterion (27), is stored.