Ultrasonic Sensor Height Classification via Azimuth Amplitude Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensors used in motor vehicles face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively determining the height of objects in their surroundings, particularly due to physical limitations of 1D sensors, which often require additional sensors like cameras or complex data fusion for height classification.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single 1D ultrasonic sensor that emits ultrasonic signals and determines object height by applying an amplitude correction factor based on the azimuth angle, comparing changes in echo amplitudes to classify objects as 'high' or 'low' without requiring additional sensors or complex data fusion, leveraging the sensor's radiation pattern to account for elevation and azimuth angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single 1D ultrasonic sensor is used for height determination, then cost and device complexity are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of height classification deteriorate due to physical limitations of 1D sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 1D distance measurement capability into 2D height classification by incorporating the azimuth angle dimension. The control device determines azimuth angles of echoes and uses amplitude correction factors based on these angles to compensate for the inherent limitations of 1D sensors, enabling height classification without adding physical sensor dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by introducing amplitude correction factors that depend on azimuth angles. Instead of directly measuring height, the system measures distance and azimuth angle, then applies parameter transformation through correction factors to infer height classification, converting physical measurement limitations into a computable parameter relationship.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors like cameras or multiple sensors are used for height determination, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single ultrasonic sensor perform multiple functions: distance measurement, azimuth angle determination, and height classification. By processing echo signals to extract both range and angular information, the same sensor hardware achieves what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces amplitude correction factors as an intermediary computational element that bridges the gap between 1D sensor measurements and 2D height classification. These correction factors, based on azimuth angles, act as a mathematical mediator that transforms limited sensor data into reliable height information without requiring additional physical sensors.
3Measurement precision
If amplitude correction factors based on azimuth angle are applied, then height classification accuracy improves under varying azimuth conditions, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computation by pre-determining amplitude correction factors based on azimuth angles before they are needed for height classification. The control device calculates these correction factors in advance using the measured azimuth angle, so that when height classification is required, the computationally intensive work has already been done, reducing real-time processing complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If ultrasonic sensors are used for height determination, then cost is reduced compared to cameras or laser sensors, but measurement precision deteriorates due to physical limitations of 1D sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical height measurement (as in laser rangefinders or cameras with depth sensing) with acoustic measurement combined with angular correction. Instead of using more expensive mechanical or optical systems designed for direct height measurement, the system uses inexpensive ultrasonic sensors with computational correction to achieve equivalent height classification accuracy.
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 a cost-effective and reliable classification of object height, even when the azimuth angle changes during vehicle movement, using existing ultrasonic sensors without the need for additional hardware or complex computations, thereby improving the robustness and efficiency of height determination.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic signals are emitted with an ultrasonic sensor of the assistance system. Echoes of the ultrasonic signals reflected by the object are received
Implementation Method 2
Echoes of the ultrasonic signals reflected by the object are received
Implementation Method 3
respective amplitudes of the received echoes are determined by means of a control device, wherein a classification of a height of the object is established based on the amplitudes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterizing an object in the surroundings of a motor vehicle in which method the motor vehicle is moved relative to the object and ultrasonic signals are emitted with an ultrasonic sensor. Echoes of the ultrasonic signals reflected by the object are received, respective amplitudes of the received echoes are determined, and a classification of a height of the object is established based on the amplitudes.