Vehicle Ultrasonic Height Detection Using Single-Sensor Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object detection techniques requiring multiple ultrasonic sensors at different height and rear positions of a vehicle limit the design freedom of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An object detection device that determines object height using a single transmission and reception unit mounted on the vehicle, acquiring object distances and travel distances at multiple times to calculate object height without specifying the sensor's position, employing right triangle geometry and threshold comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are installed at different height positions or front and rear positions of the vehicle, then object height detection capability is improved, but device complexity and design constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (object distance measurement and object height determination) into a single ultrasonic sensor system. By using one sensor to perform both distance measurement and height calculation through coordinate transformation, the system avoids the need for multiple sensors installed at different positions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the detection problem from a spatial dimension issue (requiring sensors at different heights) to a computational dimension issue (solving height through coordinate transformation). By introducing the vehicle's travel distance as a fourth dimension of measurement, the system calculates object height mathematically rather than requiring physical sensor arrangement at different heights
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are installed at different positions, then object height detection accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single ultrasonic sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring object distance, calculating object height through coordinate transformation, and adapting to different vehicle configurations. This universal sensor can be installed at any position on the vehicle while maintaining the ability to detect object height accurately, greatly improving ease of manufacture and installation
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 relative to the sensor's position without restricting vehicle design, allowing for wider range detection and reducing erroneous object classification.
Implementation Method 1
an object distance that is a distance from a transmission and reception unit mounted on a vehicle to an object, the object distance being detected on the basis of a result of transmission of a transmission wave by the transmission and reception unit and reception of a reflected wave from the object by the transmission and reception unit
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection device includes an acquisition unit that acquires, a plurality of times at different predetermined timings, an object distance that is a distance from a transmission and reception unit mounted on a vehicle to an object, the object distance being detected on the basis of a result of transmission of a transmission wave by the transmission and reception unit and reception of a reflected wave from the object by the transmission and reception unit, and acquires a travel distance of the vehicle that travels while the object distances are acquired the plurality of times, and a determination unit that determines a height of the object on the basis of a plurality of the object distances and the travel distance that are acquired by the acquisition unit.