Vehicle Radar Visualization for 360-Degree Hazard Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current night vision systems in vehicles are limited by being front-facing only, costly, energy-intensive, and perform poorly in adverse weather conditions, lacking the ability to detect movement and provide a comprehensive 360-degree view.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using radar sensors to generate a 360-degree visualization of the vehicle's surroundings, integrating machine learning for object detection and segmentation, combining radar data with other sensor data to create a 3D image representation and augmented reality display, which highlights potentially hazardous objects and provides dynamic view adjustments based on driving situations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional night vision systems are used, then front-facing visibility is improved, but the system is limited to front-facing only and cannot provide 360-degree view

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidview coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the viewing area into multiple zones by deploying radar sensors at different locations (front, rear, left, right) of the vehicle. Each sensor captures radar responses from its specific zone, and these segmented views are combined to form a complete 360-degree visualization, resolving the limitation of front-facing only systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single front-facing 2D view to a multi-dimensional 360-degree surround view by adding spatial dimensions through multiple sensor placements. This dimensional expansion allows comprehensive coverage of all directions around the vehicle, not just the front

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional night vision systems are used, then visibility enhancement is achieved, but the system is costly and energy-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces conventional optical night vision mechanisms (which require infrared illuminators and cameras) with radar-based detection. Radar sensors use electromagnetic waves in the microwave frequency range that can penetrate adverse weather conditions and do not require active illumination, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining visibility enhancement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses multiple relatively low-cost radar sensors instead of expensive conventional night vision cameras and illuminators. While individual radar sensors have limited functionality, their combined use provides comprehensive coverage at a lower overall cost and energy requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Illumination intensity

If conventional night vision systems are used, then visibility is improved, but the system performs poorly in adverse weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidperformance in adverse weather

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the detection parameter from optical infrared (conventional night vision) to microwave radar frequency. This parameter change allows the system to detect objects by their radar cross-section and movement characteristics, which remain reliable in adverse weather conditions where optical methods fail due to rain, fog, or snow interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If conventional night vision systems are used, then basic visibility is provided, but the system cannot detect movement effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidmovement detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses radar's ability to detect Doppler shifts caused by moving objects. The radar sensors emit electromagnetic waves that reflect off moving targets, and the frequency shift in the reflected waves provides precise measurement of object movement, far exceeding the movement detection capability of conventional optical night vision systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 driver safety by providing a comprehensive, cost-effective, and energy-efficient 360-degree view in all conditions, detecting movement and hazardous objects, and improving navigation in low visibility settings.

Implementation Method 1

at least one radar sensor mounted on the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS20240192313A1Methods and systems for displaying information to an occupant of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A computer implemented method for displaying information to an occupant of a vehicle comprises the following steps carried out by computer hardware components: determining data associated with radar responses captured by at least one radar sensor mounted on the vehicle; and determining a visualization of the data; and displaying the visualization to the occupant of the vehicle.