Ultrasonic Object Detection Across Overlapping and Failed Sensor Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor-based object detection methods fail to accurately determine object locations when fewer than two sensors are available or when sensors fail, leading to potential collisions due to noisy signals and limited measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A system using a set of ultrasonic sensors with individual fields of view, employing trilateration for overlapping ranges and a naïve approach for non-overlapping ranges to enhance object detection accuracy, including generating object maps with precise locations in overlapping ranges and assuming object presence in non-overlapping ranges based on detected distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trilateration is used to determine object locations using ultrasonic sensor data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases when fewer than two sensors are available
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its detection method based on the number of available sensors. When two or more sensors are available, it uses trilateration for precise location determination. When fewer than two sensors are available, it switches to a conservative approach assuming object presence within the field of view. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability across varying sensor availability conditions while achieving high precision when possible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on sensor availability. The detection threshold and location determination method are adjusted according to the number of functional sensors. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both high precision (when multiple sensors are available) and high reliability (when sensors fail), resolving the technical contradiction.
2Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are used to improve detection coverage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection space into overlapping fields of view from multiple sensors. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by processing detections locally within each sensor's field of view while maintaining overall system reliability through the combined coverage of multiple segmented detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the detection results from multiple ultrasonic sensors into a unified object map. By combining the fields of view and detection data from multiple sensors, the system achieves improved reliability and comprehensive coverage while managing complexity through integrated processing of sensor data.
3Ease of operation
If ultrasonic sensor data is processed with traditional methods, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates in non-overlapping fields of view
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different processing quality levels to different spatial regions. In overlapping fields of view, it uses precise trilateration. In non-overlapping fields of view, it uses a simpler assumption-based approach. This local differentiation maintains ease of operation in all regions while achieving high precision where multiple sensors provide overlapping coverage.
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
Improves object detection reliability by accurately determining object locations in both overlapping and non-overlapping sensor fields, reducing the risk of collisions by ensuring comprehensive detection coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The USS data may include detection results indicating distances of different objects from the ultrasonic sensors determined based on time taken for USS signals to be generated and received after being reflected off the objects
Implementation Method 2
distances of different objects from the ultrasonic sensors determined based on time taken for USS signals to be generated and received after being reflected off the objects
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to obtaining sensor data using a set of ultrasonic sensors having individual fields of view. The individual fields of view may collectively form a collective field of view that may have a detection range including a first range and a second range. The second range may correspond to a range smaller than the first range, in embodiments. A first location of a first object within the first range may be determined based at least on a trilateration process that is performed based at least on detection of the first object using the set of ultrasonic sensors. A second location of a second object that is detected by an individual ultrasonic sensor within the second range may be determined based at least on a detected distance between the individual ultrasonic sensor and the second object.