Sensor Orientation Verification in Electronic Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices equipped with sensors that detect objects using reflected waves struggle to determine if the sensors' installed orientations are appropriate, leading to potential inaccuracies in object detection.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device capable of determining the appropriate installed states of multiple sensors by transmitting and receiving radio waves, using a configuration that includes transmission and reception antennas, and employing a method to assess the alignment of these sensors based on detection range overlaps and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed to improve object detection coverage, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (radar, camera, laser radar) into a single sensor system that performs coordinated detection. The control unit integrates data from all sensors to determine object presence, merging their functions to improve reliability while managing complexity through unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple detection functions simultaneously using different sensor types. The same system can detect objects using radar waves, optical images, or laser ranging, making it universally applicable for various detection scenarios and reducing the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Ease of operation
If sensor installation orientation is not verified, then ease of installation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives detection results from multiple sensors and uses this feedback to determine whether sensors are properly installed. By analyzing whether detected objects are consistent across different sensors, the system provides feedback on installation quality without requiring separate verification equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-verification of installation orientation by using its own detection capabilities. The control unit analyzes detection data from multiple sensors to automatically determine if installation is appropriate, allowing the system to self-diagnose installation issues without external verification tools.
3Measurement precision
If additional detection units are added to verify sensor alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing sensors are made multi-functional by using them both for primary object detection and for verifying each other's installation orientation. The radar, camera, and laser radar serve dual purposes: detecting external objects and cross-validating their own installation states through mutual detection results.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system uses its own detection capabilities to verify installation orientation without requiring external alignment tools. Each sensor's detection results serve as verification data for the other sensors, creating a self-verification mechanism that eliminates the need for separate alignment detection units.
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 electronic device effectively determines the appropriate installed states of sensors, enhancing the accuracy of object detection and improving the convenience of sensor alignment verification without the need for additional detection units.
Implementation Method 1
a radar (Radio Detecting and Ranging) technology for measuring a distance or the like to an object such as an obstacle by transmitting a radio wave such as a millimeter wave and by receiving a reflected wave reflected off the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic device includes a plurality of sensors installed in predetermined orientations at different positions. Each of the plurality of sensors includes a transmission antenna that transmits a transmission wave, a reception antenna that receives a reflected wave that is the transmission wave having been reflected, and a control unit that detects an object that reflects the transmission wave, based on a transmission signal transmitted as the transmission wave and a reception signal received as the reflected wave. The electronic device further includes a determination unit that determines a shift in orientation of at least any of the plurality of sensors, based on detection results of an object obtained by the plurality of sensors.