Vehicle Sensor Power Gating for Low-Battery Object Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle systems lack an energy-efficient method to monitor areas around vehicles, especially when powered off, as existing sensors continue to consume energy without optimizing scanning rates based on importance and available battery supply.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first sensor (e.g., radar) and a second sensor (e.g., camera) within a center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) housing, where the first sensor runs at a scanning rate that can be adjusted and reduced, and the second sensor is powered off until an event occurs, conserving energy by using a computer to manage sensor operations and transmit data to a remote device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors continue to scan at a high rate to monitor areas around the vehicle, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the scanning rate adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the scanning rate based on conditions - operating at a first scanning rate when the vehicle is off and a second scanning rate when the vehicle is on, allowing optimization between detection reliability and energy consumption based on operational context
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the sensors based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is off, the system reduces the scanning rate to conserve battery energy while maintaining sufficient detection capability. When the vehicle is on, the scanning rate increases to provide more comprehensive monitoring, thus adapting parameters to match energy availability and operational needs
2Reliability
If the vehicle monitors areas around it continuously when powered off, then security is improved, but battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by operating the sensors at a reduced scanning rate when the vehicle is off, rather than continuously at full capacity. This periodic, reduced-intensity monitoring maintains basic security functionality while significantly reducing power consumption to preserve battery life for essential functions
Data Source
AI summary
A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to instruct a first sensor to run at a scanning rate; in response to a trigger event, reduce the scanning rate; in response to receiving data from the first sensor indicating a newly present object, turn on a second sensor; and then record data from the second sensor. The second sensor has a higher power draw than the first sensor.