Vehicle Object Recognition Using Indirect Signal Reflections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driver assistance systems struggle to accurately assess instantaneous traffic situations, particularly when virtual objects, caused by reflection artifacts outside the direct visual range of sensors, interfere with the processing chain, leading to potential incorrect calculations and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that utilize surroundings data from sensors to detect and correct virtual object positions and speeds by analyzing reflection hypotheses and signal strengths, allowing for comprehensive assessment of the traffic situation, even for objects partially or completely outside the sensor range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surroundings sensors are used to detect objects in direct visual range, then object detection capability is improved, but virtual objects caused by reflection artifacts interfere with the processing chain and may lead to incorrect calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflection artifacts into beneficial information by using the same surroundings sensor that detects virtual objects to also detect the actual objects causing the reflections. By processing both the direct sensor data and reflection hypothesis data together, the system transforms the interference problem into an opportunity for comprehensive object detection and verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that evaluates reflection hypotheses to distinguish virtual objects from real objects. This intermediary layer analyzes the plausibility of detected objects by comparing them against expected reflection patterns, thereby mediating between raw sensor data and final object recognition decisions.
2Reliability
If virtual objects are removed from the processing chain to avoid interference, then processing reliability is improved, but objects outside direct sensor range cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends detection into another dimension by considering reflected signal paths. Instead of only processing objects in direct line-of-sight, the system evaluates objects that may be detected via reflections from surrounding surfaces, thereby expanding the effective detection coverage area without compromising processing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of reflection hypotheses before final object recognition. By pre-assessing the plausibility of detected objects against expected reflection patterns, the system prepares and filters data in advance, ensuring that only credible objects (whether direct or reflected) proceed to the main processing chain.
3Measurement precision
If extensive analysis of instantaneous traffic situation is performed, then assessment accuracy is improved, but response time to changing situations may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing analysis on specific, plausible reflection hypotheses rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible objects. By selectively evaluating only those detections that match expected reflection patterns, the system achieves sufficient assessment accuracy without the time cost of complete analysis of every detected object.
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
Enhances driving safety and comfort by accurately accounting for all objects in the surroundings, including those outside direct sensor range, leading to improved prediction and prevention of critical situations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one surroundings sensor associated with the host motor vehicle for providing to an electronic control unit of the control system at least information concerning objects and/or driving-related information concerning other motor vehicles in an area in front of, to the side of, and/or behind the host motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is suitable for use in a motor vehicle and is configured and intended for detecting a position and/or a speed of an object in the surroundings of the host motor vehicle according to determined objects and/or according to driving-related information concerning other motor vehicles, based on surroundings data from at least one surroundings sensor situated on the host motor vehicle and provided to the control system. Based on these surroundings data, an object in the surroundings of the host motor vehicle is detected, and a virtual position and/or a virtual speed are/is associated with this object. The virtual position and/or speed associated with the object are/is adapted based on the driving-related information concerning another motor vehicle and/or based on driving-related information concerning the host motor vehicle, in order to determine an instantaneous position and/or an instantaneous speed of the object.