Obstacle Detection Sensor Using Road Surface Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection sensors using ultrasonic waves struggle to accurately differentiate between obstacles and road unevenness, especially in congested environments where ultrasonic waves from multiple vehicles interfere, leading to inaccurate identification signals.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a TOF type distance sensor that compares detection relationship information with road surface information to determine if a reflected wave is from an obstacle or unevenness, utilizing a controller to adjust detection conditions based on road state and incorporating a communication unit to access external road information servers for updated data, and an environmental sensor to correct distance information for environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an identification signal is added to the ultrasonic wave to improve distance measurement accuracy, then the detection accuracy of the rising portion of the received reflected wave is improved, but it becomes impossible to identify whether the reflected wave is from an obstacle or road unevenness since the identification signal is also present in reflections from unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two independent analysis channels: one analyzing the identification signal for accurate distance measurement, and another analyzing the temporal pattern and amplitude characteristics of the reflected wave to distinguish obstacles from road unevenness. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary analysis layer that processes the reflected wave signal through multiple evaluation criteria (temporal pattern matching, amplitude threshold comparison, and identification signal verification) to mediate between the conflicting requirements of accurate distance measurement and reliable obstacle identification.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic waves are transmitted continuously to maintain constant obstacle monitoring, then the detection coverage is improved, but interference from ultrasonic waves of other vehicles increases due to signal congestion on the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic ultrasonic wave transmission with configurable duty cycles, allowing the system to transmit signals at intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action reduces signal congestion and interference with other vehicles while maintaining adequate monitoring coverage through strategic timing of transmission bursts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters including duty cycle, pulse width, and transmission power based on detected environmental conditions and interference levels. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between coverage and interference reduction in real-time operating conditions.
3Area of stationary object
If the detection threshold is lowered to detect smaller obstacles, then the measurement area is enlarged, but false detection increases due to road unevenness being misidentified as obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial detection thresholds for different signal characteristics: a lower amplitude threshold for initial obstacle detection to enlarge measurement area, combined with stricter temporal pattern matching and secondary verification criteria to filter out false detections from road unevenness. This layered threshold approach enables both extended coverage and maintained accuracy.
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 high-accuracy obstacle detection regardless of road surface conditions by distinguishing between obstacles and unevenness, reducing interference from other vehicles and environmental variations, and efficiently updates road information to improve measurement performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric (oscillating) element which oscillates an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
measures a distance to a reflecting object by transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 3
receiving, for example, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave including the identification signal as information
Data Source
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AI summary
An obstacle detection sensor (100) includes: a controller (1) configured to determine a detection condition of an obstacle (91) on a road (90); a distance sensor unit (3) configured to acquire distance information by oscillating a vibration wave and receiving a reflected wave of the oscillated vibration wave; a communication unit (2) configured to communicate with an outside to acquire road surface information; and a storage unit (4) configured to store detection relationship information for identifying the obstacle based on the distance information, in which the controller compares the detection relationship information read from the storage unit with the distance information and the road surface information acquired from the distance sensor unit and the communication unit to determine the detection condition.