Ultrasonic Object Classification Using Multi-Sonar TOF Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic brake systems struggle to accurately distinguish between objects with complex shapes, such as humans, and obstacles like curbs, leading to potential collisions due to inconsistent reflection wave intensities.
Innovation Solution
An object determination apparatus and method that calculates differences in Time of Flight (TOF) or distances of ultrasonic waves received by multiple sonar apparatuses to determine the type of an object based on these differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threshold is set equal to or greater than the intensity of a reflection wave from a curb, then false activation for curbs is prevented, but detection of objects with complex shapes like humans fails
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the determination parameter from reflection wave intensity to Time of Flight (TOF) difference. By calculating the difference in TOF between ultrasonic waves received by different sonar apparatuses, the system can accurately identify objects with complex shapes regardless of their reflection intensity, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventing false activation and improving detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces TOF difference as an intermediary parameter that indirectly characterizes object properties. Instead of directly using reflection intensity which varies with object shape and material, the TOF difference provides a more stable and discriminative feature for object classification, enabling accurate detection of both curbs and complex-shaped objects
2Measurement precision
If the threshold is set less than the intensity of the reflection wave from the curb, then detection of objects with complex shapes improves, but false activation for curbs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the parameter used for object determination from reflection intensity to TOF difference. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high detection accuracy for complex-shaped objects while avoiding false activation for curbs, as the TOF difference naturally distinguishes between different object types based on their geometric properties rather than reflection characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the object detection process into two independent stages: first calculating TOF differences from multiple sonar apparatuses, then determining object type based on these differences. This segmentation allows the system to use different criteria for detection and classification, improving overall accuracy while reducing false positives
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
Accurately identifies the type of an object, preventing false activations and collisions by setting thresholds based on calculated TOF differences, ensuring precise brake control.
Implementation Method 1
waveform of a reflected wave is normalized according to attenuation characteristic information of an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
calculates the differences in Time of Flight (TOF) or the distances corresponding to the TOF of a plurality of ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
An object determination apparatus includes: a calculator that calculates a difference in time of flight of a plurality of ultrasonic waves reflected by an object and received by a plurality of sonar apparatuses, or a difference in distance corresponding to the time of flight; and a determiner that determines a type of the object based on the difference.