Ultrasonic Object Height Classification From Echo Amplitude Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensors in vehicles struggle to reliably and cost-effectively determine the height of objects due to physical limitations, necessitating additional sensors like cameras or computationally intensive data fusion, which are costly and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes a single 1D ultrasonic sensor to classify object height by comparing amplitude changes of successive echoes, leveraging the dependence of ultrasonic signal amplitude on elevation angle relative to the object, without requiring additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple sensors are used to capture data from different sources, then the comprehensiveness of environment data is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (cameras, microphones, radar, LIDAR) into a unified sensor system that captures data from different sources simultaneously. This merging approach allows comprehensive environmental data collection while managing system complexity through integrated architecture and centralized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single integrated system performs multiple sensing functions (visual capture, audio recording, distance measurement) rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining data comprehensiveness.
2Speed
If sensor data is processed in real-time to improve safety response, then the response time is reduced, but the computational power and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing is segmented into different levels: initial processing and filtering occurs at the sensor level, intermediate processing is performed by distributed computing units, and final comprehensive analysis is done by central processing. This segmentation allows real-time response for critical functions while distributing computational energy consumption across multiple levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic processing cycles where data is continuously captured and processed in structured intervals. Critical safety-related data receives higher priority and more frequent processing, while less urgent data is processed in subsequent cycles, optimizing the balance between response time and energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (100) for characterising an object in an environment of a motor vehicle by means of an assistance system of the motor vehicle, in which method the motor vehicle is moved relative to the object and ultrasonic signals are emitted by means of an ultrasonic sensor of the assistance system. Echoes of the ultrasonic signals reflected by the object are received, wherein, by means of a control device, respective amplitudes of the received echoes are ascertained and a classification of a height of the object is determined on the basis of the amplitudes. According to the invention, the classification of the height of the object is determined on the basis of a determined first change in amplitude by comparing a first amplitude of a first echo with a second amplitude of a second echo which was received after the first echo. The invention also relates to an assistance system comprising an ultrasonic sensor and comprising a control device which is designed to carry out such a method (100).