Ultrasonic Object Detection Using Air-Attenuation Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic waves used for object detection in vehicles are affected by air state (temperature and humidity), leading to variations in detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An object detection device that calculates the air-absorption attenuation coefficient of ultrasonic waves based on direct and reflected wave intensities, using multiple transmission and reception units to determine the presence of objects, with adjustable threshold values for improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic waves are used for object detection, then detection capability is provided, but detection accuracy is affected by air state variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidair state influence

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the intensity of direct waves between transmission and reception units to calculate the air-absorption attenuation coefficient, then uses this coefficient as feedback to correct the reflected wave intensity values. This feedback mechanism compensates for air state variations and maintains detection accuracy under different environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the detection parameter by calculating the air-absorption attenuation coefficient based on direct wave intensity measurements. This coefficient is then used to adjust the interpretation of reflected wave intensities, allowing the system to adapt to changing air states (temperature, humidity) and maintain accurate object detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple transmission and reception units are used to calculate air-absorption attenuation coefficient, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of transmission and reception units

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each transmission and reception unit serves multiple functions: it transmits ultrasonic waves for object detection, receives direct waves from adjacent units for air-absorption attenuation coefficient calculation, and receives reflected waves for object detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve accurate detection without adding dedicated separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the object detection function with the air state compensation function by using the same transmission and reception units for both purposes. The direct wave measurements and reflected wave measurements are obtained using the same hardware components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances object detection accuracy by minimizing the impact of air state variations, reduces erroneous detections, and simplifies transmission and reception units without increasing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the ultrasonic waves attenuate while propagating in air, and the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave varies depending on an air state (air temperature or humidity)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir-absorption attenuation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

intensity of the reflected wave received by the transmission and reception unit, the reflected wave being a reflected wave obtained by the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first the transmission and reception unit being reflected on an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12613324B2Object detection device, object detection method, and program

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 AISIN CORP

AI summary

An object detection device includes an acquisition unit that acquires intensity of a direct wave at a second transmission and reception unit among a plurality of transmission and reception units that allow transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave, the direct wave directly received by the second transmission and reception unit and being an ultrasonic wave transmitted by a first transmission and reception unit among the plurality of transmission and reception units. An intensity of a reflected wave received by the transmission and reception unit, the reflected wave being a reflected wave obtained by the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first transmission and reception unit reflected on an object, and a detection unit that calculates an air-absorption attenuation coefficient of the ultrasonic wave on the basis of the intensity of the direct wave to detects the object on the basis of the air-absorption attenuation coefficient and the intensity of the reflected wave.