Ultrasonic MEMS Sensor Array for 2D ADAS Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ADAS sensors face limitations in coverage, cost, and space, leading to unreliable performance in detecting low-height obstacles and inability to support additional sensing modalities like audible sounds, due to narrow angular view and aesthetic concerns.
Innovation Solution
A sensor array module utilizing a smart ultrasonic integrated-circuit with a piezoelectric transducer and MEMS devices that simultaneously sense ultrasonic and audio signals, enabling two-dimensional range information and audio detection, enhancing obstacle detection and supporting additional sensing modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic sensors are used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the detection coverage is limited and low-height obstacles cannot be detected accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple receiving elements (first receiving element and second receiving element) arranged in an array. Each element captures ultrasonic signals independently, and through signal processing of the combined data, the system achieves accurate detection of low-height obstacles that would be impossible with a single sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-point ultrasonic detection to multi-dimensional spatial detection using an array of receiving elements. By processing signals from multiple elements with different spatial positions, the system extracts height information and achieves two-dimensional range detection, adding a vertical dimension to the detection capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasonic sensors are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to sense audible sounds is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving elements are designed with dual functionality: they can detect ultrasonic frequencies for obstacle detection and audible sound frequencies for audio sensing applications. This multi-functional design allows a single sensor array to perform both ultrasonic ranging and audio detection without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are installed to improve detection coverage, then the detection capability is enhanced, but the cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receiving elements into a single integrated sensor array module. Rather than installing multiple separate ultrasonic sensors throughout the vehicle, the array integrates multiple sensing functions in one compact unit, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining enhanced detection coverage through the collaborative operation of the array elements.
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
Improves ADAS applications by accurately detecting obstacles and audible sounds, reducing size and cost, and integrating multiple sensing modalities into a single module, enhancing safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic-transmit-signal towards an obstacle
Implementation Method 2
a first receiver configured to receive a first receive-signal from a first MEMS device, the first receive-signal including a first ultrasonic portion
Data Source
AI summary
A smart ultrasonic integrated-circuit that allows at least one MEMS device to be combined with a piezoelectric transducer in a sensor array module. The sensor array module is capable of additional functionality for an advanced driver assistance system. For example, the MEMS device can add functionality because its wide bandwidth allows for simultaneous detection of audio signals and ultrasonic signals. Accordingly, the sensor array module may provide dual-mode (audio and ultrasonic) sensing in a single module. Additionally the size/cost of a MEMS device allows for the use of a two-dimensional array for receiving ultrasonic echoes which can add a dimension to the ultrasonic range detection for a vehicle.