Vehicle Sensor Filtering Dynamics for Precipitation Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle surroundings monitoring systems face performance degradation due to continuous filtering of precipitation interference signals, which can also filter out legitimate object signals, especially when precipitation is not present.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a precipitation sensor integrated with the vehicle's wiper system to dynamically control filtering based on actual precipitation conditions, allowing for optimal filtering strength and type-dependent signal processing, thereby minimizing performance impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter devices are used to filter out precipitation interference signals continuously, then the reliability of the monitoring system is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because legitimate object signals are also filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The filter device dynamically adjusts its filtering behavior based on precipitation detection. When precipitation is detected by the precipitation sensor, the filter activates to remove interference signals. When no precipitation is detected, the filter reduces or stops filtering to preserve legitimate object signals. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the filtering intensity conditional rather than constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the filtering parameter (filtering intensity) based on precipitation conditions. The filter device receives information from the precipitation sensor about precipitation occurrence and adjusts its filtering strength accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high reliability during precipitation while preserving measurement precision during clear conditions.
2Reliability
If continuous filtering of precipitation interference signals is applied, then the reliability is improved, but the system performance deteriorates due to loss of legitimate signals
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous filtering, the system uses periodic or conditional filtering triggered by precipitation detection. The precipitation sensor continuously monitors for precipitation, and only when precipitation is detected does the filter activate. This periodic action pattern maintains reliability during precipitation events while preserving system performance during normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing precipitation sensor (part of the wiper control system) to control the filtering operation. The precipitation sensor serves dual purposes: controlling wiper activation and triggering filter activation. This self-service approach allows the system to adapt its performance based on environmental conditions without requiring additional dedicated sensors or continuous external control.
3Device complexity
If a precipitation sensor is integrated with the wiper system to control filtering, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The precipitation sensor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both the wiper control system and the filter control system. The same sensor output triggers both wiper activation and filter activation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated precipitation sensor for filtering purposes. This universality reduces device complexity while maintaining sufficient adaptability for the monitoring application.
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves partly filtering interfering signals, which occur during precipitation that impinges on a sensor (14) e.g. ultrasonic and/or radar sensors, by using a filter device (16). The interfering signals are filtered depending on information of a precipitation sensor (20), where the information that are provided by the precipitation sensor contains force and/or kind of the precipitation. An independent claim is also included for a surrounding field monitoring and/or parking assistance system of a vehicle.