Automotive side object detection sensor blockage detection system and related techniques

Abstract

A system is provided for detecting blockage of an automotive side object detection system (“SODS”). The system includes a blockage detection processor, which is operative to determine whether an RF leakage signal level sensed between transmit and receive antennas of the system substantially match one or more of a plurality of pattern recognition information curves. If it is determined that the leakage signal level substantially matches one or more of a plurality of pattern recognition information curves, a blocked condition of the SODS is declared, as may be caused by mud, salt, ice, etc. The blockage detection processor is further operative to determine whether the leakage signal exceeds a predetermined blockage threshold level. If the leakage exceeds the predetermined blockage threshold level, a blocked condition of the SODS is also declared.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.