Sonar Drive Support Apparatus Distance-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sonar sensors have a shorter sensing distance compared to radar sensors, limiting their effectiveness in intervention brake control and drive force limitation, and enlarging their sensing distance increases the detection area, leading to detection of non-target objects.
Innovation Solution
A drive support apparatus using a sonar sensor to transmit ultrasonic waves and a controller that implements first and second drive force limitation controls and intervention brake controls based on object distance, with higher limitation levels for closer objects, to enhance detection and prevent crashes while avoiding non-target object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the sensing distance of the sonar sensor is enlarged, then the detection distance is improved, but the detection area is enlarged causing non-target objects to be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented into multiple zones based on distance from the vehicle: a first detection area (farther zone) and a second detection area (nearer zone). Different control strategies are applied to each zone, allowing the system to process distant objects differently from close objects, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended sensing distance and reduced false detections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality attributes (control levels) are assigned to different spatial regions. The first drive force limitation control with a first limitation level is applied to objects in the first detection area, while the second drive force limitation control with a second limitation level is applied to objects in the second detection area. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high sensitivity for distant objects while applying stricter criteria for closer objects.
2Reliability
If the sensing distance is extended to enable earlier obstacle detection, then crash prevention capability is improved, but false detection of non-target objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the limitation level based on the distance to the detected object. When an object is detected in the first detection area, the first drive force limitation control with a first limitation level is applied. When an object is detected in the second detection area, the second drive force limitation control with a second limitation level is applied. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between early detection and false detection prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The limitation level parameter is changed based on the detection area. The system uses different limitation levels (first limitation level for distant objects, second limitation level for close objects) to adjust the sensitivity and response characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to extend sensing distance while maintaining detection precision through context-aware control.
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
The apparatus effectively extends the sensing distance of sonar sensors, enabling earlier detection of obstacles and reducing the likelihood of crashes, while preventing unnecessary intervention in non-target object scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a sonar sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave to an object outside of a vehicle to obtain, based on a reflected wave thereof, object information related to a distance to the object
Data Source
AI summary
A drive support apparatus is disclosed, which includes a sonar sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave to an object outside of a vehicle to obtain, based on a reflected wave thereof, object information related to a distance to the object; a controller that permits a first drive force limitation control when the distance to the object is longer than or equal to a predetermined distance, and permits at least one of a second drive force limitation control and an intervention brake control when the distance to the object is shorter than the predetermined distance, wherein a limitation level in the second drive force limitation control is higher than that in the first drive force limitation control.