Object Detection Device Using Falling Wave Amplitude to Filter Curbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems for vehicles often unnecessarily notify occupants of low step portions, such as curbs or manholes, which do not require avoidance, due to their reliance on maximal amplitude values in reflected waves, failing to distinguish these from obstacles like walls that need to be avoided.
Innovation Solution
An object detection device that includes a wave receiver to capture reflected waves, a determination section to assess the amplitude of the falling portion of the wave's amplitude change over time, and a processing section to treat objects as avoidable based on whether the falling portion's amplitude exceeds a predetermined criterion, distinguishing between low step portions and obstacles like walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system uses maximal amplitude values in reflected waves to detect objects, then object detection coverage is improved, but false notifications increase due to inability to distinguish low step portions from obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from using only maximal amplitude values to using multiple parameters including the amplitude of the falling portion, the duration of the reflected wave, and the ratio between maximum amplitude and falling portion amplitude. This multi-parameter approach enables better differentiation between low step portions and obstacles, improving both detection accuracy and notification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary classification process that uses the amplitude characteristics of the falling portion as a mediator to distinguish between different types of objects. By analyzing the falling portion amplitude ratio and duration, the system can identify low step portions and exclude them from avoidance notifications, while still detecting true obstacles.
2Reliability
If the system notifies occupants of all detected objects, then safety coverage is improved, but occupant annoyance increases due to unnecessary notifications of low step portions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the amplitude of the falling portion and its duration as additional parameters to classify detected objects. By calculating the ratio between maximum amplitude and falling portion amplitude, the system can identify low step portions and selectively suppress notifications for these objects while maintaining notifications for true obstacles, thereby reducing occupant annoyance without compromising safety coverage.
3Device complexity
If the system uses only maximal amplitude values for object classification, then system complexity is reduced, but classification accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish object types
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces additional easily measurable parameters including the amplitude of the falling portion, the duration of the reflected wave, and the ratio between maximum amplitude and falling portion amplitude. These parameters can be extracted from the existing reflected wave signal without requiring additional sensors or complex processing, thereby improving classification accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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 reduces unnecessary notifications by accurately differentiating between low step portions and obstacles, improving the accuracy of object detection and reducing occupant annoyance.
Implementation Method 1
a reflected wave generated by reflection, by an object, of a transmission wave incident on the object
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection device includes: a wave receiver that receives a reflected wave generated by reflection, by an object, of a transmission wave incident on the object; a determination section that determines whether, in a change over time in an amplitude of the reflected wave received by the wave receiver, an amplitude of a falling portion is greater than a predetermined criterion, the amplitude of the falling portion being decreased after the amplitude has reached a maximum value; and a processing section that, on the basis of a determination by the determination section that the amplitude of the falling portion is greater than the predetermined criterion, performs a process in which the object is treated as an object to be avoided.