Driver-Assistance Sensor Operativeness Test via Brightness Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current driver-assistance systems in vehicles rely on light sensors and camera sensors to detect environmental conditions, but there is a need for a method to determine the operativeness of these sensors without requiring additional test devices, as malfunctions can affect safety features like headlight activation and distance detection.
Innovation Solution
Comparing brightness values from light sensors and camera sensors, either by using one as a reference or calculating characteristics like gradient changes, to identify deviations that indicate sensor malfunctions, with optional averaging and setpoint brightness comparisons to determine sensor operativeness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional test devices are used to determine sensor operativeness, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver-assistance system performs self-diagnosis by comparing brightness values from its own light sensor and camera sensor. The control device evaluates whether the sensors are functioning correctly by analyzing deviations between their measurements, eliminating the need for external test devices while maintaining diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing light sensor and camera sensor, originally designed for their primary functions (light detection and image capture), are also utilized for mutual operativeness testing. This multi-functional use of existing sensors resolves the contradiction by providing diagnostic capability without adding dedicated test equipment.
2Device complexity
If mutual comparison of brightness values is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to cross-contamination of sensor functions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary that receives brightness values from both sensors, compares them against each other and against expected reference values, and determines sensor operativeness based on the comparison results. This intermediary processing ensures accurate evaluation while using existing sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the comparison of brightness values to determine sensor operativeness. The control device continuously monitors the relationship between light sensor and camera sensor readings, and uses this feedback to identify when a sensor malfunction occurs, maintaining measurement precision through ongoing validation.
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 method allows for the determination of driver-assistance system operativeness using existing sensors, reducing the need for additional test devices and ensuring accurate detection of sensor malfunctions, thereby enhancing vehicle safety by identifying and isolating faulty sensors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light sensor, which is developed and/or aligned on the vehicle in order to check the light conditions of the external environment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
at least one camera sensor, which is developed and/or aligned on the vehicle in order to detect at least essentially the same environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the operativeness of a driver-assistance system of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The driver-assistance system has at least one light sensor and at least one camera sensor, which are developed and/or aligned on the vehicle in order to detect at least essentially the same environment. It is provided that at least one first brightness value ascertained by the light sensor is compared to at least one second brightness value ascertained by the camera sensor, and that the operativeness of the driver-assistance system is determined by the comparison of the brightness values.