3D Ultrasonic Reflection Point Detection for Vehicle Object Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor systems for vehicle environments face challenges in accurately determining the three-dimensional position of objects over a larger angular range, leading to unreliable distance detection and parking space identification.
Innovation Solution
The method employs at least three MEMS ultrasonic sensor elements arranged in a common plane with horizontal and vertical offsets, transmitting two ultrasonic signals in different directions and frequencies, and using trilateration based on reflection signals to ascertain the three-dimensional position of objects, which allows for more accurate and reliable detection of distances and object positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic sensor systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision of three-dimensional position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional sensor arrays to a three-dimensional configuration with at least three sensor elements arranged with both horizontal and vertical offsets. This spatial dimensionality enhancement enables accurate determination of reflection points in three-dimensional space, directly resolving the measurement precision contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor is segmented into multiple independent sensor elements (at least three) with distinct spatial positions. Each element can independently transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, allowing the system to process multiple reflection signals simultaneously and calculate three-dimensional positions through trilateration, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If single ultrasonic signal transmission is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of object detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits ultrasonic signals periodically in different spatial directions and/or with different frequencies. By sending at least two ultrasonic signals chronologically with different characteristics, the system obtains multiple reflection signals that can be processed through trilateration, significantly improving detection reliability while managing transmission complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies key parameters of ultrasonic signals including transmission direction, sonic cone shape, and frequency. By transmitting signals with different parameters and processing the resulting reflection signals through trilateration, the system achieves more reliable three-dimensional position detection, directly addressing the reliability contradiction.
3Area of stationary object
If limited angular range sensing is used, then the device complexity is low, but the area of detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging sensor elements with both horizontal and vertical offsets in three-dimensional space, the system expands its detection coverage from a limited angular range to a comprehensive three-dimensional spatial volume. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to detect objects across broader angular ranges while maintaining manageable configuration complexity.
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 enables more precise and reliable detection of three-dimensional positions of objects, enhancing the accuracy of distance determination and object identification, especially during parking and travel, and supports advanced driver assistance systems like collision warnings.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting at least two ultrasonic signals by means of at least one of the ultrasonic sensor elements of the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the two ultrasonic signals are transmitted chronologically one after the other, and wherein the two ultrasonic signals are transmitted in different spatial directions and/or with respectively differently shaped sonic cones and/or with respectively different ultrasonic frequencies. Subsequently, the two transmitted ultrasonic signals reflected on an object are sensed as reflection signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ascertaining a three-dimensional position of a reflection point of an object in the environment of a vehicle using an ultrasonic sensor having at least three sensor elements. At least two sensor elements are arranged at a horizontal offset to one another and at least two sensor elements are arranged at a vertical offset to one another. The method includes: transmitting at least two ultrasonic signals using at least one of the sensor elements of the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the two ultrasonic signals are transmitted chronologically one after the other, and the two ultrasonic signals are transmitted in different spatial directions and/or with respectively differently shaped sonic cones and/or with respectively different ultrasonic frequencies; sensing the transmitted ultrasonic signals, each reflected on an object, as reflection signals using the at least three ultrasonic sensor elements; and ascertaining the three-dimensional position of a reflection point of the object.