Ultrasonic Object Recognition via Echo Amplitude Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic sensors in driving assistance systems struggle to accurately recognize and differentiate objects based on their distance and nature due to decreasing sensitivity towards the edge of their visual field and distance-dependent echo amplitude variations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving ultrasonic measuring devices that receive and normalize echo amplitudes, encode them, and transmit them to a control unit for object recognition, using reference objects to eliminate distance-dependent components and assess object-specific 'fingerprints' through comparison with stored patterns, accounting for environmental conditions and sensor directional characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect objects at varying distances, then the detection range is extended, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to distance-dependent echo amplitude variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by normalizing echo amplitudes to reference amplitudes at different distances. This compensates for the distance-dependent attenuation of ultrasonic signals, allowing consistent object recognition across varying ranges. The system stores reference amplitudes for different distances and compares normalized measured amplitudes against these references to identify objects regardless of their distance from the sensor.
2Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors operate at the edge of their visual field, then the coverage area is expanded, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to decreasing sensor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for position-dependent sensitivity variations by introducing position-specific reference amplitudes. For each detection position within the visual field, the system has pre-stored reference amplitudes that account for the reduced sensitivity at edge positions. This allows the system to maintain consistent object recognition accuracy across the entire coverage area, including regions where sensor sensitivity naturally decreases.
3Measurement precision
If echo amplitudes are transmitted to control unit for processing, then the object recognition capability is improved, but the data transmission volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for object recognition by transmitting normalized amplitude values and distance information to the control unit, rather than transmitting raw echo signals. The normalization process converts complex echo amplitude data into simplified comparison values against reference amplitudes, significantly reducing the data transmission volume while preserving the key characteristics needed for accurate object identification.
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 object recognition and classification, allowing for improved vehicle control and hazard avoidance by distinguishing between various objects, even at varying distances and conditions, with efficient data processing and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a signal is emitted whose echo, upon reflection on an obstruction, is recorded at the vehicle by the ultrasonic sensors
Implementation Method 2
whose echo, upon reflection on an obstruction, is recorded
Implementation Method 3
the known propagation speed of the signal
Implementation Method 4
the amplitude of the echo signals decreases due to the propagation distance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an ultrasonic measuring device, encompassing the steps of receiving echo amplitudes, ascertaining object distances for the received echo amplitudes, computing normalized echo amplitudes for the received echo amplitudes, a received echo amplitude with a certain object distance being divided by a reference echo amplitude for the same or a similar object distance, encoding the normalized echo amplitudes, and transmitting the encoded echo amplitudes to a control unit. Also described is a related computer program, a system for carrying out the method, and a vehicle that includes a driving assistance system.