Sensor data fusion

The radar sensor and multi purpose camera combination makes it possible to implement further assistance and safety functions, such as automatic emergency braking to prevent collision with vehicles ahead and protect pedestrians. If the driver doesn’t react in the event of an impending rear-end collision and both sensor systems detect the critical object, the assistance function will automatically intervene and trigger a full emergency stop. Sensor data fusion can also significantly enhance comfort and convenience. For instance, thanks to the lateral measuring accuracy of the camera, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) can detect a vehicle entering the driver’s own lane much earlier, enabling the system to respond more dynamically. With the help of the radar, the system can correctly identify the lane in which the cars ahead are driving, thus enhancing the capabilities of the ACC, particularly when cornering. Thanks to sensor data fusion, the radar sensor system can include speed limits identified by the camera into the driving strategy. This increases the safety and reliability of the driver assistance system.

Perfect parking thanks to ultrasonic sensor and near-range camera

When parking in tight parking spaces, it is often about centimeters. Near-range cameras and ultrasonic sensors can help the driver to fit into even the smallest parking spaces without any problems. Ultrasonic sensors work according to the sonic altimeter principle with which, for example, also bats orientate themselves. The sensors send out short ultrasonic impulses which are reflected by barriers. The echo signals are registered by the sensors and are evaluated by a central control unit.

Automated and assisted parking functions can be realized robustly with the help of the multi-camera system. With the combined use of ultrasonic sensors and near-range cameras, the sensor data can be merged in a control unit and a three-dimensional all-round view can be created for a better and more robust understanding of the scene. Other road users, objects and parking lot markings can be detected and understood thanks to data fusion. This makes parking functions such as the (remote) parking assist or the home zone park assist even more reliable and safe. For example, the system also recognizes when a pedestrian walks past the vehicle when the vehicle reverses out of a parking space and can report this information to the brake control system, which then triggers an automatic emergency braking.