Market Context — Why This Technology, Why Now

The rising global demand for enhanced safety in autonomous systems and industrial operations is driving innovation in sensor technology. Regulatory pressures for accident reduction, coupled with the need for greater operational efficiency in logistics and smart cities, are creating a fertile ground for advanced detection solutions. This technology directly supports these trends by offering a reliable, all-weather 360-degree sensing capability that can be integrated into diverse platforms, from vehicles to robotics, addressing critical safety gaps and enabling next-generation automation.

Key Competitive Advantages
01

Provides compact 360-degree omnidirectional detection: A single sensor precisely detects object movement around vehicles using a unique antenna structure.

02

Enhances horizontal detection accuracy: Suppresses vertical radio wave diffusion with shielding plates, significantly increasing horizontal emission gain for long-range, high-precision detection.

03

Maintains high reliability in adverse weather: Radar sensor capabilities ensure stable object detection in poor visibility (rain, fog, snow, night), boosting system reliability.

Market Opportunity
Vehicle Safety Systems (ADAS/Autonomous Driving)
$2B globally (AI est.)
Blind spot detection is crucial for enhancing autonomous driving safety, and a compact omnidirectional sensor creates new added value.
Tier 1 automotive suppliers Autonomous vehicle developers ADAS system integrators
Logistics and Warehouse Management
$65M globally (AI est.)
For AGVs and forklifts, a 360-degree detection sensor reduces accident risks and costs by preventing collisions and ensuring worker safety.
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) manufacturers Forklift and heavy equipment OEMs Warehouse automation solution providers
Smart City and Infrastructure Monitoring
$35M globally (AI est.)
This technology can meet the demand for wide-area, high-precision environmental monitoring, including traffic flow, suspicious person detection, and disaster situation assessment.
Smart city technology developers Public safety and surveillance integrators Infrastructure management solution providers
IP Defensibility — Why Competitors Can't Replicate This
What This Patent Covers

This patent protects a robust 360-degree radar sensor system, specifically its unique antenna structure, including conical reflectors, slits, and fins, designed for enhanced horizontal detection. The claims were strategically refined through a rigorous examination process, indicating a strong and stable scope of protection with low invalidation risk for licensees.

Competitive White Space

This patent primarily covers the unique antenna structure for 360-degree radar detection. White space exists in advanced sensor fusion algorithms, AI-driven predictive analytics for complex scenarios, and integration with V2X communication protocols.

Economic Impact
~$200K/year estimated accident prevention and monitoring cost reduction per facility (est.)
estimated ROI · USD · AI analysis
ROI Calculation Logic

Implementing this technology in vehicle fleets could reduce annual contact accidents by ~10%. Assuming an average cost of $20K (AI est.) per accident (including processing, damages, and insurance increases), this could lead to an estimated annual cost reduction of ~$200K (AI est.) (e.g., 10 accidents prevented × $20K/accident).

Speed to Market
6× faster than in-house development
This technology's fundamental radar sensor principles and antenna structure are clearly defined, with algorithm development already complete. This allows licensees to significantly shorten basic research and proof-of-concept phases. The patent specification details specific components and operating principles, enabling direct commencement of integration design into existing electronic devices or vehicle systems, potentially reducing development time by approximately 2.5 years.
Competitive Positioning

X: Omnidirectional Detection Accuracy
Y: Installation Flexibility & Space Efficiency

Business Models & Applications
⚙️ Sensor Module Supply
This business model involves supplying sensor modules incorporating this technology as OEM components to vehicle and electronic device manufacturers, enhancing their product lineups and generating revenue.
🤝 Technology Licensing
By licensing this patented technology, companies can integrate it into their own products, potentially shortening their development cycles and improving market competitiveness.
💡 Solution Development
This model focuses on developing and providing customized safety monitoring and automation solutions for specific industries (e.g., logistics, construction), with this technology at its core.
Adjacent Application Opportunities
🤖 Robotics
Omnidirectional Obstacle Detection for Service Robots
Integrating this technology into autonomous service robots could enable blind-spot-free obstacle detection, both indoors and outdoors, preventing collisions with people and objects. This enhances robot safety and reliability, potentially expanding deployment into a wider range of environments, reducing incidents by up to 15%.
🏗️ Construction & Heavy Machinery
Safety Monitoring System for Heavy Construction Equipment
Deploying this technology around large construction machinery could provide 360-degree real-time detection of approaching personnel or vehicles, triggering warnings or automatic stops for operators. This has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of serious accidents by over 20% and improve site safety.
🏠 Smart Home & Elder Care
Non-Contact, Privacy-Preserving Monitoring Sensor
This technology could be adapted as a non-contact monitoring sensor for elder care facilities or homes, offering privacy-conscious 360-degree detection of unusual movements or falls without cameras. This could enable timely alerts in emergencies, potentially reducing response times by 30% and enhancing safety for residents.
Integration Roadmap — Estimated 12-Month Deployment
Phase 1: Technology Evaluation & Requirements Definition
Duration: 2 months
Evaluate the sensor module and define integration requirements for the licensee's existing systems, along with specifications for product optimization.
Phase 2: Prototype Development & Validation
Duration: 6 months
Develop a prototype incorporating this technology based on defined requirements, then conduct performance evaluation and reliability testing in real-world environments.
Phase 3: Mass Production & Market Launch
Duration: 4 months
Optimize mass production design based on validation results and proceed with manufacturing line integration. Simultaneously, develop and execute market launch strategies.
Technical Feasibility
This technology consists of relatively independent sensor module and antenna components, making integration into existing electronic devices and vehicle systems straightforward. The patent specification provides detailed antenna structures and shielding plate arrangements, allowing licensees to minimize modifications to existing product enclosures and circuit boards, thereby enabling efficient integration development.
Success Scenario
Implementing this technology could eliminate vehicle blind spots, significantly reducing driver cognitive load. This may increase logistics vehicle utilization by 5%, improving annual delivery efficiency. Furthermore, reduced accident risk could lead to lower insurance premiums, potentially cutting overall annual operating costs by up to 10% for enterprises.
Patent Record
APPLICATION NO.
JP2021-124491
REGISTRATION NO.
7542858
FILING DATE
2021/07/29
GRANT DATE
2024/08/23
EXPIRATION DATE
2041/07/29
PATENT HOLDER
株式会社ユピテル
Examination History
2021-08-17
Request for Examination
2022-07-28
Office Action
2022-09-19
Amendment (Voluntary)
2022-09-19
Applicant's Response
2023-01-11
Decision of Refusal
2023-04-11
Amendment (Voluntary)
2023-04-20
Transfer to Pre-Appeal Reconsideration
2023-04-25
Notice of Transfer to Pre-Appeal Reconsideration
2023-06-30
Release from Pre-Appeal Reconsideration
2023-07-04
Notice of Release from Pre-Appeal Reconsideration
2024-02-20
Office Action
2024-04-18
Applicant's Response
2024-07-16
Decision to Grant