Ultrasonic Lane Localization via Echo Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lane localization systems in vehicles often rely on multiple sensors, including video cameras, which may not be available or cost-effective, and are not robust enough to accurately determine the lane a vehicle is traveling on without visual lane markings or specific indicators.
Innovation Solution
A lane localization system using one or more distance measurement sensors, such as ultrasonic, LiDAR, or radar sensors, located on both sides of a vehicle to detect objects and generate echo frequency response signals, allowing the system to determine the lane based on echo frequency comparisons and a clustering mixture model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video camera systems are used for lane localization, then visual lane markings can be detected, but the system cost increases and specialized processing units are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/video camera system with an acoustic sensing system using ultrasonic sensors. Instead of using light-based video cameras that require complex image processing, the invention uses sound-based ultrasonic sensors to detect objects and generate echo frequency responses, substituting a simpler acoustic system for the complex optical system while maintaining lane localization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ultrasonic sensors which are generally more cost-effective and widely available than video camera systems with specialized processing units. The ultrasonic sensors provide a lower-cost alternative that achieves the same lane detection function without requiring expensive optical hardware and complex image processing capabilities
2Measurement precision
If video camera systems are used for lane localization, then lane markings can be identified, but the system cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive video camera systems with more affordable ultrasonic sensor systems. By using acoustic sensing instead of optical sensing, the invention achieves lane localization using components that are generally less costly and more readily available in consumer vehicles, thereby reducing the overall system cost while maintaining functional effectiveness
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for lane localization, then detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple sensors into a single ultrasonic sensor system. Instead of using separate video cameras, processors, and auxiliary sensors, the invention merges lane detection, object detection, and echo analysis into one integrated ultrasonic sensing approach, reducing the number of components while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects objects, generates echo frequency responses, determines lane position, and identifies parking spaces. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors and processing systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities
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
The system can accurately determine the lane a vehicle is traveling on and detect available parking locations without relying on visual markers, using existing vehicle controllers and sensors, achieving high accuracy even in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
generate one or more echo frequency response signals based on the measurement data and the one or more objects
Data Source
AI summary
A lane localization system and method that may include a first measurement distance sensor located on a right-hand side of a vehicle and a second measurement distance sensor located on a left-hand side of the vehicle. The system and method may also be operable to receive data from at least one of the first measurement distance sensor or the second measurement distance sensor. The system and method may further determine which lane along a road the vehicle is traveling within based on a comparison a frequency of one or more echoes indicative of one or more objects located on the right-hand side and the left-hand side of the vehicle.