360° Vehicle Detection via Distributed Sensor Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 360° detection systems for motor vehicles, relying on expensive and complex 3D laser scanners, face challenges in cost and design limitations, making them unsuitable for mass production and requiring complex mechanics and central mounting on the vehicle roof, which hinders their use in autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array comprising multiple sensors of the same type, distributed around the vehicle, captures 360° surroundings by synchronizing their data to create a unified 3D image database, allowing for cost-effective and simplified 360° detection, enabling the use of existing algorithms for autonomous driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single 3D laser scanner is used to achieve 360° detection, then the detection coverage is complete, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single 3D laser scanner into multiple smaller sensors (2D laser scanners or cameras) distributed at different positions around the vehicle. Each sensor covers a specific sector, and together they provide complete 360° detection coverage without requiring a complex rotatable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single 3D sensor requiring rotational movement to multiple 2D sensors arranged in space. By adding the spatial dimension of distribution, the system achieves 360° coverage without mechanical rotation, simplifying the device structure.
2Area of stationary object
If a single 3D laser scanner is mounted on the roof to achieve 360° detection, then the detection coverage is complete, but the mounting position becomes disadvantageous and complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting one complex 3D laser scanner on the roof, the system segments the detection function across multiple simpler sensors that can be mounted at various convenient locations around the vehicle, such as bumpers, fenders, and door panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard 2D laser scanners or cameras that can serve multiple purposes and be mounted in various locations, rather than requiring a specialized roof-mounted 3D scanner position.
3Area of stationary object
If sensors are made mobile or rotatable to cover entire space, then the detection coverage improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making sensors mobile or rotatable to achieve 360° coverage, the patent inverts the approach by distributing multiple fixed sensors around the vehicle. The coverage is achieved through spatial arrangement rather than sensor movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a static distributed sensor array. The complex mechanics of rotation and inclination are substituted by simple fixed mounting positions, eliminating moving parts while maintaining full coverage.
4Area of stationary object
If a single 3D laser scanner is used, then 360° detection is achieved, but the measurement precision and reliability are questionable for autonomous driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple independent sensors to create a comprehensive 3D point cloud representation. The fusion of multiple measurement sources improves precision and reliability by providing redundant verification and more complete spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor perspectives to verify and refine measurements. Overlapping fields of view provide cross-validation, improving the reliability of obstacle detection and distance measurement for autonomous driving decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a motor vehicle comprising a sensor assembly for a 360° detection of the motor vehicle surroundings. The sensor assembly has multiple sensors of the same type, wherein each of the multiple sensors has a specified detection region and the sensors are distributed around the exterior of the motor vehicle such that the detection regions collectively provide a complete detection zone which covers the surroundings in a complete angle about the motor vehicle at a specified distance from the motor vehicle. The sensors are each designed to detect the surroundings in their respective detection region as respective sensor data in respective successive synchronized time increments. The sensor assembly has a pre-processing mechanism which fuses the sensor data of each of the sensors in order to generate a three-dimensional image of the surroundings for a respective identical time increment and provides same in a common database.