Ultrasonic Sensor Height Classification via Echo Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the height of objects using ultrasonic sensors require additional hardware and complex data fusion, increasing technical complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing ultrasonic sensors to classify object height by detecting multiple reflections of ultrasonic signals, where echoes with integer multiples of travel time indicate object height, and combining these with machine learning for enhanced accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional sensors such as cameras are used to determine elevation, then height information can be obtained, but hardware complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor performs multiple functions: distance measurement and height classification. By analyzing multiple echoes from the same sensor, the system extracts both range information and elevation data without requiring additional specialized sensors, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single device type
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor uses its own reflected echoes to determine height information. Instead of relying on external sensors, the system processes the echoes already received by the ultrasonic sensor itself, allowing the sensor to 'serve itself' for both distance and height measurement functions
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are used to determine elevation, then height data can be obtained, but computing power requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts height information from the existing ultrasonic echo signals by identifying patterns in travel times. Instead of fusing data from multiple sensors, it extracts the necessary elevation data directly from the ultrasonic echoes themselves, separating the height measurement function from the distance measurement function within the same signal set
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple echoes act as intermediaries that carry both distance and height information. By analyzing the travel times of these intermediate echo signals, the system derives height classification without requiring direct measurement from specialized elevation sensors, using the echoes as mediating carriers of information
3Measurement precision
If the reception time window is extended to detect multiple reflections, then height classification accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares by establishing predetermined integer multiple relationships for echo travel times before actual measurement. By pre-defining the expected patterns of multiple reflections (e.g., 2x, 3x, 4x the base travel time), the system can quickly match received echoes against these pre-established patterns, reducing real-time processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a reception time window that is at least twice the reception range, which is longer than the minimum needed for single echo detection. This excessive time window ensures capture of multiple reflections for accurate height classification, and the system processes only the necessary portion of this extended window by focusing on echoes matching the predetermined integer multiple patterns
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 cost-effective height classification of objects using ultrasonic sensors without additional hardware, reducing complexity and improving accuracy through multiple reflection analysis and scenario-based method selection.
Implementation Method 1
reflected signal components of the ultrasound signal are received
Implementation Method 2
travel time of the first echo and a second echo
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the height classification of an object using at least one ultrasonic sensor of a vehicle.