Vehicle Sensor Interference Control via Dynamic Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle sensor systems often experience interference from overlapping radar waves, leading to destructive interference and reduced signal quality, which compromises the detection capabilities of both systems involved.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a radio link, such as a smartphone, to receive and transmit data values representing vehicle trajectories, allowing for the evaluation of sensor quality and the transmission of signals to influence surroundings sensors, thereby reducing interference and enhancing detection accuracy by switching off interfering sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple environmental sensors are used to detect the vehicle's surroundings, then the coverage and detection capability are improved, but interference between sensors occurs leading to reduced signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the quality of environmental data received from multiple sensors and provides feedback signals to control the operation of individual sensors. When interference is detected, the system feeds back control signals to switch off specific sensors, thereby maintaining optimal detection quality throughout operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The system can adaptively switch individual sensors on or off based on real-time interference conditions, allowing the sensor network to dynamically reconfigure itself for optimal performance in varying operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If environmental sensors operate continuously to maintain detection coverage, then the monitoring capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and interference occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, sensors are activated periodically or intermittently based on detected interference conditions and trajectory overlap. The system switches sensors on only when needed for reliable detection, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining monitoring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor operation schedule is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions. The system transitions from static continuous operation to dynamic selective operation, activating specific sensors only when their detection contribution is necessary and interference is absent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If sensors are switched off to reduce interference, then signal quality is improved, but detection coverage may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoiddetection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor network is segmented into independent controllable units. Individual sensors can be selectively switched on or off based on their specific spatial location and interference conditions, allowing the system to maintain coverage through remaining active sensors while eliminating interference from problematic ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A central control system acts as an intermediary between multiple sensors and the detection function. This mediator receives data from all sensors, evaluates interference conditions, and makes intelligent decisions about which sensors to activate, thereby optimizing both signal quality and coverage through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3510748B1Method, device and computer program for receiving, processing and transmitting data
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3510748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3510748B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3510748B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for receiving, processing and transmitting data, comprising a step of receiving first data values which comprise first surroundings data values and first information on a first surroundings sensor system (101) of a first vehicle (100), wherein the first surroundings data values represent a surroundings (150) of the first vehicle (100) and are detected by means of the first surroundings sensor system (101), a step of receiving second data values which comprise second surroundings data values and second information on a second surroundings sensor system (201) of a second vehicle (200), wherein the second surroundings data values represent an surroundings (250) of the second vehicle (200) and are detected by means of the second surroundings sensor system (201), a step of evaluating the quality of the first and the second surroundings sensor system (101, 201) as a function of the first and second data values, and a step of transmitting a signal for influencing the first and/or the second surroundings sensor system (101, 201) as a function of the evaluation of the quality of the first and the second surroundings sensor system (101, 201).