Composite Acoustic Bursts for Multi-Channel Sensor Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-channel ultrasonic sensor arrays used in vehicles for parking assistance and other applications, interference between sensors due to unbalanced attenuation of signal frequencies leads to incorrect time-of-flight determinations and distance measurements, as acoustic bursts from multiple sensors can be mistakenly identified, causing erroneous associations.
Innovation Solution
The use of composite acoustic bursts with distinct frequency band arrangements providing source-specific burst signatures allows sensors to categorize echo signals by source, enabling accurate determination of distance or time of flight using only self-generated echoes, thereby reducing interference and improving measurement reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple sensors operate concurrently in a multi-channel sensor array, then productivity and coverage are improved, but interference between sensors increases causing erroneous echo associations and incorrect time-of-flight determinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic signal spectrum into multiple frequency bands, with each sensor assigned a unique frequency band arrangement. This segmentation allows multiple sensors to operate simultaneously without interference, as each sensor's echoes can be distinguished by their characteristic frequency band pattern. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling concurrent operation while maintaining reliable echo association through frequency-based identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each sensor a distinct frequency band configuration specific to its location or identity in the sensor array. Each sensor transmits acoustic bursts with a unique spectral signature, allowing the system to locally identify which sensor generated which echo. This local differentiation enables reliable operation of multiple sensors simultaneously, resolving the interference problem while maintaining high productivity.
2Power
If sensors transmit acoustic bursts with full bandwidth, then signal strength is improved, but unbalanced attenuation across frequencies causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the full acoustic bandwidth into multiple frequency bands and assigns different bands to different sensors. This segmentation allows each sensor to transmit with adequate power in its assigned bands while avoiding the unbalanced attenuation problem that affects full-bandwidth transmissions. The measurement precision is maintained because each sensor operates in frequency bands where attenuation is more uniform, and the unique band arrangement prevents echo misassociation.
3Loss of information
If sensors use distinct frequency band arrangements, then echo source identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum into discrete bands and assigns unique combinations to each sensor. This segmentation provides a systematic way to identify echo sources without requiring complex modulation schemes. The controller simply needs to track which frequency band arrangements correspond to which sensors, a manageable complexity that enables reliable echo source identification while maintaining practical device implementation.
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 effectively suppresses cross-talk between sensors, allowing for reliable simultaneous operation of multiple sensors, maintaining resolution and performance equivalent to single-sensor systems, and enhancing system reliability by distinguishing self-generated echoes from extraneous signals.
Implementation Method 1
driving an acoustic transducer to send composite acoustic bursts
Implementation Method 2
receiving self-generated echo signals responsive to the composite acoustic bursts
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic transducer is a piezoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
Composite burst signaling to provide robust multi-channel sensor array performance in systems for parking assistance, blind spot monitoring, and driver assistance. An illustrative method embodiment includes driving an acoustic transducer to send composite acoustic bursts. Each composite acoustic burst includes multiple individual bursts associated with respective frequency bands, the frequency band arrangement providing a source-specific burst signature. The method further includes receiving self-generated echo signals responsive to the composite acoustic bursts from the transducer and potentially including extra echoes responsive to acoustic bursts from other sources; categorizing received echo signals by source based on the burst signature; and using the self-generated echoes exclusive of the extra echoes to determine a distance or time of flight from the transducer.