Vehicle Thermal Side Detection Using Asymmetric Infrared Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle detection systems using co-located infrared sensors with identical coverage areas struggle to reliably distinguish between moving and stationary objects due to minimal overlap in signal patterns, which affects the accuracy of side detection and collision hazard alerts.
Innovation Solution
The system employs co-located sensors with different discrete target areas, using a controller to calculate correlation values and mean square differences between time-delayed and real-time signals to determine if an object is moving towards the vehicle, providing a warning signal when correlation values exceed a predetermined tolerance range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If co-located infrared detectors with identical coverage areas are used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the system cannot reliably distinguish between moving and stationary objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the first and second infrared detectors to measure different target areas (first target area and second target area) rather than identical coverage areas. This asymmetric arrangement creates distinct signal patterns that enable the controller to differentiate between moving and stationary objects through correlation analysis, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining relatively simple device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by comparing time-delayed signals from the two detectors. The controller calculates correlation values between signals at different time points, adding a time-based dimension to the detection process. This allows the system to distinguish moving objects (which produce changing correlation values over time) from stationary objects (which produce consistent correlation values), thereby improving measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
2Device complexity
If identical target areas are monitored by both detectors, then the device structure is simplified, but the reliability of detecting moving objects deteriorates due to minimal signal pattern overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry by assigning different target areas to the first and second infrared detectors. The first detector monitors a first target area while the second detector monitors a second target area, creating asymmetric measurement zones. This asymmetry generates distinct signal patterns that improve the reliability of movement detection, as the overlapping region between the two target areas provides the necessary signal variation to reliably identify moving objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the controller that continuously calculates correlation values between the signals from both detectors and compares them against threshold values. This feedback loop allows the system to adaptively determine whether an object is moving or stationary based on real-time signal analysis, thereby enhancing detection reliability while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
3Ease of manufacture
If the same coverage area is sampled by both infrared detectors, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the accuracy of determining object movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in the target area configuration where the first infrared detector samples a first target area and the second infrared detector samples a second target area. This asymmetric sampling arrangement creates distinct measurement zones that still allow for practical sensor installation, while the partial overlap between target areas provides sufficient signal pattern differentiation to accurately determine whether objects are moving or stationary, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision
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
This approach enhances the reliability of side detection by accurately differentiating between moving and stationary objects, reducing false alarms and improving driver safety by providing timely collision warnings.
Implementation Method 1
a first infrared detector configured to repeatedly measure a temperature of a first target area by receiving infrared radiation of the first target area
Implementation Method 2
a second infrared detector configured to repeatedly measure a temperature of a second target area by receiving infrared radiation of the second target area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A detecting device for a vehicle (10), the detecting device comprising: a first infrared detector (14) configured to repeatedly measure a temperature of a first target area (16) by receiving infrared radiation of the first target area, the first infrared detector being configured to provide a plurality of first signals each corresponding to a measured temperature of the first target area over a sampling period; a second infrared detector (12) configured to repeatedly measure a temperature of a second target area (18) by receiving infrared radiation of the second target area, the second infrared detector being configured to provide a plurality of second signals each corresponding to a measured temperature of the second target area over the sampling period, the second target area being different from the first target area; and a controller (101) configured to receive and store the plurality of first signals and the plurality of second signals in a storage medium, wherein the controller repeatedly compares a plurality of correlation values to a predetermined tolerance range above a minimum threshold value to determine if an object is moving in either the first target area or the second target area and towards the detecting device, wherein the plurality of correlation values are determined by repeatedly comparing a plurality of time delayed signals of the second plurality of signals to a real time signal of the plurality of first signals.