Vehicle Distance Sensor Self-Diagnosis via Environmental Range Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance sensors in vehicles face challenges in reliably determining their operational range during normal driving conditions due to environmental influences and lack of controlled conditions for calibration, which can impact the accuracy of object detection and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously receives and stores sensor data from distance sensors to determine the current operational range by comparing detected distance values with predefined maximum ranges, using objects in the environment as 'sounders' to estimate the range without the need for separate reference targets or controlled conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If controlled conditions and reference targets are provided for measuring maximum range, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor system performs self-diagnosis by using environmental objects as implicit reference targets. The computing device automatically evaluates the functional capability by comparing detected distance values against stored reference data, eliminating the need for external controlled conditions or separate reference targets while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Environmental objects detected by the distance sensor serve dual purposes: they are both the target of detection and the implicit reference for range validation. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform both object detection and self-diagnosis simultaneously without requiring separate reference targets.
2Ease of operation
If distance sensor operates without controlled conditions during normal driving, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors detected distance values and compares them against stored reference data to determine the current functional capability of the distance sensor. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to environmental influences and maintain measurement precision during normal driving operations without requiring controlled conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Reference data is pre-stored in the computing device before actual measurement operations. This preliminary preparation allows the system to immediately compare detected distance values against known references when performing self-diagnosis during normal driving, ensuring measurement precision is maintained without requiring controlled conditions at the time of measurement.
3Productivity
If distance sensor range is reduced due to ageing and contamination, then reliability decreases, but continuing operation maintains productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously evaluates the functional capability of the distance sensor by comparing detected distance values against stored reference data. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of range degradation due to ageing or contamination, allowing the system to monitor reliability while maintaining continuous operation and alerting users when performance deteriorates.
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
Enables continuous monitoring and determination of the distance sensor's range during vehicle operation, detecting potential blockages or contamination, and ensuring reliable object detection, thus enhancing safety and accuracy of driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
sensor data describe a sensor signal emitted by the distance sensor and reflected on at least one object in an environment of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking a functional capability of a distance sensor of a vehicle includes continuously receiving sensor data from the distance sensor, wherein the sensor data describe a sensor signal emitted by the distance sensor and reflected on at least one object in an environment of the vehicle; continuously determining distance values, which describe a distance between the distance sensor and the at least one object, on the basis of the sensor data; storing the distance values for a predetermined period of time; determining a current range of the distance sensor on the basis of the stored distance values; comparing the current range with a predetermined maximum range of the distance sensor; and checking the functional capability of the distance sensor on the basis of the comparison.