Ultrasonic Object Detection via Adaptive Beamforming Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection methods using ultrasonic sensors in the motor vehicle sector face challenges with long waiting times and reduced detection accuracy due to the need for multiple transducers and complex beamforming techniques, which are costly and inefficient, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the emission of a non-directional transmission pulse followed by beamforming segmentation to direct a transmission pulse at detected objects, allowing for efficient and adaptive detection by dividing received signals into segments for precise object characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transducers with beamforming techniques are used for object detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the received signal into multiple time segments and processes each segment separately to identify objects at different distances. This segmentation approach enables accurate object detection without requiring complex beamforming hardware, as the time-based segmentation naturally provides directional information for objects at different ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary object detection using simple time-of-flight measurements from the transmitted pulse, identifies potential objects in advance, and then applies more sophisticated processing only to signals from those identified directions. This preliminary action reduces the need for complex continuous beamforming across all directions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transducers with beamforming techniques are used for object detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves accurate object detection by segmenting the received signal in the time domain and processing segments corresponding to different distance ranges independently. This approach eliminates the need for expensive multi-element transducer arrays and complex beamforming hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple single transducer that transmits ultrasonic pulses and receives echoes, avoiding the need for expensive, complex, or fragile multi-element arrays. The system achieves sophisticated detection capabilities through signal processing rather than through expensive hardware complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used in dynamic environments, then object detection is performed, but waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic ultrasonic pulse transmission with segmented echo reception, allowing the system to continuously monitor different distance ranges by processing different time segments of each pulse cycle. This periodic segmented approach reduces waiting time compared to conventional methods that must complete full detection cycles before providing results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary object identification using simple time-of-flight measurements from the initial pulse, allowing the system to quickly identify objects and begin targeted tracking. This preliminary action reduces the overall waiting time for detection results in dynamic environments by providing early object identification without requiring complete sophisticated processing for every pulse.
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 reduces waiting times and enhances detection accuracy by enabling efficient processing and targeted observation of objects, improving the adaptability and reliability of object detection in the vicinity of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter (110) is provided for outputting at least one wave-shaped transmit pulse (102), which can be at least partially reflected by an object in the propagation space of the transmit pulse
Implementation Method 2
the reflected wave is detected by at least one receiver (120) as a received signal
Implementation Method 3
the reflected wave is detected by at least one receiver (120) as a received signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The method according to the invention serves to detect objects, wherein at least one transmitter is provided for outputting at least one wave-shaped transmission pulse, which can be at least partially reflected by an object in the propagation space of the transmission pulse, and at least one receiver is provided for receiving the reflected transmission pulse as a received signal.The method further comprises the step of outputting an omnidirectional transmit pulse, the step of receiving the at least partially reflected transmit pulse as the first received signal and splitting the first received signal into individual segments, the step of determining the presence of an object in the propagation space of the transmit pulse based on information from the individual segments, and, if an object is present in the propagation space of the transmit pulse, the step of outputting a directional transmit pulse, which is directed at the object by beamforming, and receiving the reflected transmit pulse as a further received signal.