Vehicle Sensor Zone Control for Power-Saving Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face excessive power consumption due to the simultaneous operation of various sensors, which is exacerbated by 5G-based wireless network communication, necessitating a method to reduce power consumption without compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
A sensor control apparatus that analyzes driving environments to selectively switch sensors to power-saving modes based on road driving information, sensing data, and vehicle state, designating areas as power-saving zones and controlling sensor operation accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all sensors operate simultaneously to ensure comprehensive monitoring, then safety and detection capability are improved, but power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring area into multiple zones (first area, second area, third area) and assigns different sensor groups to each zone. This segmentation allows selective activation of sensors based on which zones require monitoring, rather than running all sensors simultaneously, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining safety coverage where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor operation modes based on real-time driving conditions. Sensors switch between normal mode and power-saving mode according to the presence of objects in different zones and vehicle state (e.g., lane change intentions), enabling adaptive power management that maintains safety during critical moments while saving energy during stable conditions.
2Measurement precision
If sensors operate in normal mode continuously, then detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial monitoring by activating full-sensitivity sensors only for zones where objects are detected or where vehicle maneuvers are planned. Other zones use reduced monitoring or power-saving modes, applying partial action sufficient for safety while avoiding excessive power consumption from continuous full-mode operation across all sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor groups operate with different quality levels based on their zone's requirements. For example, sensors monitoring zones with detected objects or upcoming lane changes maintain high detection accuracy in normal mode, while sensors for empty zones operate in power-saving mode with reduced activity, applying local quality variations to optimize the balance between detection accuracy and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sensors switch to power-saving mode, then power consumption is reduced, but response time to detect new objects may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively switching sensors to normal mode before anticipated critical events, such as when the vehicle intends to change lanes or when objects are detected in adjacent zones. This preliminary activation ensures sensors are ready to detect new objects immediately when needed, preventing response delays while still allowing power-saving mode during stable periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors zone conditions and provides feedback to adjust sensor modes in real-time. When objects are detected or vehicle state changes (e.g., lane change initiation), feedback triggers immediate sensor activation to normal mode, ensuring rapid response to new objects while maintaining power-saving operation during unchanged conditions, thus balancing power consumption and response time.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method performed by a sensor control apparatus provided in a vehicle, the method includes obtaining road driving information received through a wireless communication interface provided in the vehicle, selecting an object undetected area from a plurality of adjacent areas of the vehicle using the road driving information, obtaining sensing data from each of a plurality of sensors provided in the vehicle, selecting an object undetected area from the adjacent areas using the sensing data, and determining an undetected area. The undetected area is selected as an object undetected area from the adjacent areas both when the road driving information is used and when the sensing data is used, as a power saving area. In addition, the method further includes outputting a control signal for controlling power saving target sensors, which are some of the sensors corresponding to the power saving area, to operate in a power saving mode.