Automotive Sensor Misalignment Detection via Relative and Absolute Angle Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive detection systems, such as radar and LiDAR systems, face challenges in accurately determining and correcting for sensor misalignment due to environmental influences and mechanical stress, which can degrade angle estimation performance and affect features like blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two sensors with signal transmitters and receivers to process reflected signals from an object, generating relative and absolute misalignment angles, allowing for the detection of sensor misalignment and triggering alerts or disabling features if thresholds are exceeded, thereby ensuring accurate alignment and system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor alignment is monitored using multiple sensors and signal processing, then measurement precision of misalignment angle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the misalignment detection task into two distinct measurement approaches: relative misalignment angle measurement using signal processing of reflected signals from moving objects, and absolute misalignment angle measurement using stationary objects. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized independently and combined to achieve high overall precision without requiring a single overly complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives signals from multiple sensors, processes them to extract misalignment information, and combines results from different measurement approaches. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by providing a structured framework for integrating multiple measurement techniques while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If real-time misalignment detection is implemented, then reliability of detection system is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic misalignment detection by processing reflected signals from moving objects that naturally pass through the sensor field of view. Rather than continuous active scanning, the system utilizes periodically occurring reflection events from moving targets to update misalignment measurements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability through periodic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by using the operational data already being collected during normal detection operations. The misalignment detection leverages the same signal processing infrastructure and existing sensor data, allowing the system to monitor its own alignment status without requiring separate dedicated measurement operations that would consume additional energy.
3Measurement precision
If multiple signal processing methods are used to determine misalignment angles, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic measurement strategies that adapt to available targets and operating conditions. The system switches between measuring relative misalignment using moving objects and absolute misalignment using stationary objects based on what is currently detectable in the environment. This dynamic approach maintains high measurement precision while reducing complexity by only activating the most suitable measurement method at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes measurement parameters based on target characteristics and environmental conditions. When moving objects are available, the system uses Doppler-based relative angle measurements; when stationary objects are detected, it switches to absolute angle measurements. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain precision across varying operational scenarios without requiring all measurement capabilities to be simultaneously active.
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
This approach enables fast, efficient, and accurate detection and correction of sensor misalignment, maintaining the reliability of features like blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control by identifying and addressing misalignment issues in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a first receiver for receiving first reflected signals generated by reflection of the first transmitted signals
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive detection system includes a first sensor which transmits first transmitted signals into a region and receives first reflected signals and generates first receive signals. A second sensor transmits second transmitted signals into the region and receives second reflected signals and generates second receive signals. A processor: receives first portions of the first and second receive signals and processes the first portions to generate a relative misalignment angle related to misalignment of the first and second sensors relative to each other; receives a second portion of the first receive signals; uses the received second portion of the first receive signals to determining an absolute misalignment angle of the first sensor independent of an absolute misalignment angle of the second sensor; and uses the relative misalignment angle and the absolute misalignment angle of the first sensor to generate the absolute misalignment angle of the second sensor.