Sonar Distance Mapping for Precise Obstacle-Aware Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems based on image data from imaging devices struggle to achieve high accuracy in vehicle control, particularly in complex environments with obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A driving assistance device that utilizes sonar distance information to accurately determine the distance between a vehicle and obstacles, allowing for precise vehicle control through the generation and storage of sonar distance information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image data from imaging devices is used for vehicle control, then the system can provide visual information for navigation, but the control accuracy cannot achieve high precision levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sonar distance detection with imaging device visualization, merging two different sensing modalities (acoustic sonar and optical imaging) into a unified system. The sonar provides precise distance measurements while the imaging device provides visual context, and their data are integrated to achieve both high accuracy and comprehensive situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sonar as an intermediary sensing mechanism that bridges the gap between visual information and precise distance measurement. The sonar acts as a mediator that converts acoustic waves into accurate distance data, which then complements the image data from imaging devices to achieve high-precision vehicle control.
2Measurement precision
If only imaging devices are used for obstacle detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the distance measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into two specialized components: sonar for precise distance measurement and imaging devices for visual recognition. This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize its specific function rather than requiring a single complex sensor to perform all functions, thereby achieving high measurement precision while maintaining reasonable system complexity through functional specialization.
3Reliability
If sonar distance information is integrated with image data, then vehicle control accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional integrated system where the control unit performs multiple functions: processing sonar distance data, processing image data, fusing these different data types, and generating control commands. This universal control unit handles diverse data sources and operations, improving reliability through comprehensive data utilization while managing complexity through a centralized processing 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
Enables high-accuracy vehicle control by providing reliable distance information from sonar sensors, effectively navigating vehicles around obstacles and improving safety during parking and other maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
a distance information generator that acquires the information on the distance detected by a sonar
Data Source
AI summary
A driving assistance device that performs driving assistance based on information on a distance between a vehicle and an obstacle, the driving assistance device including: a distance information generator that acquires the information on the distance detected by a sonar and generates sonar distance information in which the information on the distance corresponding a position of the vehicle is associated with information on the position of the vehicle, the position being one of positions of the vehicle; and a distance information storage that stores the sonar distance information.