Ultrasonic Object Detection Using Downward Wave Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection devices for movable bodies, such as vehicles, do not effectively utilize the non-directional component of ultrasonic waves, leading to inefficiencies in detecting objects and abnormalities, particularly in vertical directions.
Innovation Solution
An object detection device that includes a transmission and reception unit transmitting ultrasonic waves with directivity parallel to the vehicle's travel direction and receiving reflected waves, with a determination unit calculating downward distances and detecting abnormalities based on reference distances and intensities from the non-directional component of ultrasonic waves traveling vertically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic waves with directivity are used for object detection, then detection accuracy in the traveling direction is improved, but the non-directional component traveling in other directions is not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ultrasonic wave transmission system perform multiple functions: the same transmission unit that sends directed ultrasonic waves for forward detection also enables downward detection by utilizing the non-directional component. This allows one component to serve multiple detection purposes (forward and downward), improving overall system efficiency without adding separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection from a single horizontal dimension (traveling direction) to include the vertical dimension by utilizing the downward-traveling non-directional component. This dimensional expansion allows the system to detect objects both in front of the vehicle and below it using the same ultrasonic transmission, effectively using previously wasted energy in the vertical direction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors are added to detect objects in vertical direction, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission unit is designed to serve multiple detection functions simultaneously. By configuring the ultrasonic transmission to emit waves in both forward and downward directions, the same hardware component achieves detection coverage in multiple spatial dimensions, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines forward detection and downward detection functions into a single ultrasonic transmission system. The transmission unit and its control logic are merged to handle both detection tasks, consolidating what would traditionally require separate sensor arrays into one integrated system.
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 effective detection of objects and abnormalities, such as intrusions or malfunctions, without additional sensors, by utilizing the non-directional ultrasonic wave component, improving detection accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an object detection device that detects an object present around a movable body based on a time (TOF: Time of Flight) until transmitted ultrasonic waves are reflected by an object and returned
Implementation Method 2
a transmission wave including an ultrasonic wave having directivity in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a traveling direction of a movable body, and receive a reflected wave from an object
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection device includes: a transmission and reception unit configured to transmit a transmission wave including an ultrasonic wave having directivity in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to a traveling direction of a movable body, and receive a reflected wave from an object; a determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of an abnormality based on a predetermined reference distance and a downward distance between the transmission and reception unit and an object present below the transmission and reception unit in a vertical direction, the downward distance being calculated based on a reflected wave of an ultrasonic wave of the transmission wave traveling downward in the vertical direction from the transmission and reception unit; and an output unit configured to output information regarding the abnormality.