Ultrasonic Sensor Object Classification via Envelope Shape Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor systems struggle to accurately classify objects based on their height, leading to inaccurate object classification and potential unnecessary parking warnings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the shape of the envelope corresponding to the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves received by the sensor, which allows for object classification without determining the height of the object. This is achieved by analyzing the number, width, and height of peaks in the envelope, and comparing these characteristics to a database of known shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If object classification is based on height determination using ultrasonic sensors, then object classification can be performed, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to inaccurate classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the classification parameter from object height to envelope shape characteristics. Instead of measuring the height of objects directly, the system analyzes the shape of the amplitude envelope of received ultrasonic signals, which contains more discriminative information for classification. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction by providing more reliable classification data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional height measurement to analyzing the temporal shape characteristics of the envelope signal. By examining the envelope shape over time (including rise time, peak positions, and decay characteristics), the system gains additional dimensional information that improves classification accuracy and reliability beyond simple height measurements.
2Measurement precision
If height determination methods are used for object classification, then classification is possible, but the complexity of the system increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential features needed for classification from the ultrasonic signal - specifically the envelope shape characteristics. By focusing on extracting and analyzing only the relevant envelope parameters (amplitude, rise time, peak positions) rather than processing the entire signal spectrum or performing complex 3D reconstruction, the system achieves high classification accuracy with reduced computational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ultrasonic sensing is used, then basic distance detection is achieved, but object classification capability is insufficient leading to unnecessary parking warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the envelope shape characteristics before making classification decisions. By pre-processing the ultrasonic signals to extract and analyze envelope features (such as comparing rise times, peak amplitudes, and decay patterns against known object types), the system can reliably distinguish between different object classes (curbstones, poles, walls, vehicles) and suppress false parking warnings before they are generated.
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
This approach enables precise object classification, reducing the need for height determination and minimizing unnecessary parking warnings, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of ultrasonic sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
An oscillation generator is attached to an inner side of a bottom wall of the housing and configured to excite oscillations of the bottom wall, which, thus, acts as an oscillation membrane
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic waves, which are at least partly reflected by an object possibly arranged in an area of detection of the respective ultrasonic transducer, and typically received by the same ultrasonic transducer
Implementation Method 3
The time of flight may be defined as a duration/timespan from sending/emitting the ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic transducer until receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object using the same ultrasonic transducer
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method for determining a class of an object using an ultrasonic sensor system, wherein the method comprises driving the ultrasonic sensor system to emit ultrasonic waves; receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected by the object at the ultrasonic sensor system; determining a shape of an envelope corresponding to an amplitude of the ultrasonic waves received at the ultrasonic sensor system; and determining the class of the object based on the determined shape of the envelope.