Ultrasonic Drive Support for Single-Sensor Object Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive support systems requiring multiple ultrasonic sensors at different height positions limit the design freedom of vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A drive support device that uses a single ultrasonic sensor to detect the height of objects by analyzing the relationship between distance and reception level of ultrasonic waves, allowing for accurate height detection without restricting vehicle design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are installed at different height positions to detect object height, then height detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and design freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from spatial dimension (multiple sensors at different heights) to temporal dimension (single sensor at multiple time points). By capturing reception waves at different time points corresponding to different sensor heights, the system achieves height detection without physically installing multiple sensors, thus resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the multi-sensor system using a single physical sensor. By sequentially positioning the single sensor at different height positions and capturing reception waves, it replicates the measurement capability of multiple simultaneous sensors without the actual complexity of installing and coordinating multiple physical devices
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are installed at different height positions to detect object height, then height detection accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from spatial arrangement (multiple sensors mounted at fixed heights) to temporal sequencing (single sensor moved to different heights over time). This eliminates the need for complex vehicle body modifications and multiple mounting positions, thereby improving ease of manufacture and preserving vehicle design freedom while maintaining height detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The single ultrasonic sensor performs multiple functions: it detects both distance and height information by being positioned at different heights during measurement. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for specialized multi-sensor configurations, making the system easier to manufacture and install while maintaining full measurement capabilities
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 accurate detection of object heights for enhanced vehicle drive support, such as automatic parking, while maintaining design freedom by using a single sensor configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a distance to an object detected based on a result of transmission of a transmission wave and reception of a reception wave that is the transmission wave having returned upon reflection by the object
Implementation Method 2
a reception level of the reception wave used to detect the distance
Data Source
AI summary
A drive support device includes: an acquisition processing unit that acquires (i) a distance to an object detected based on a result of transmission of a transmission wave and reception of a reception wave that is the transmission wave having returned upon reflection by the object and (ii) a reception level of the reception wave used to detect the distance; and a detection processing unit that detects information about a height of the object, based on a relationship between the distance and the reception level that are acquired by the acquisition processing unit.