Ultrasonic Object Detection Using Multi-Sensor Counting Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection apparatus using ultrasonic sensors often experience erroneous detection due to noise reflections from surfaces like the ground, leading to false object detection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs multiple ultrasonic sensors and a computer system to calculate object positions, set main and sub-count values based on successive detection periods, and finalize object detection only when predetermined conditions are met, thereby reducing noise-related errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors continuously transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to detect objects, then object detection capability is improved, but erroneous detection due to noise reflections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple successive detection time periods and divides the counting mechanism into main count values (from multiple sensors) and sub-count values (from single sensor with auxiliary line). This segmentation allows the system to process detection results in discrete time steps and differentiate between reliable multi-sensor detections and potentially noisy single-sensor detections, thereby reducing erroneous detection while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by setting auxiliary lines in advance for each ultrasonic sensor and pre-defining the main count value threshold and successive detection time period requirements. These preliminary configurations enable the system to quickly evaluate detection results against predetermined criteria without complex real-time calculations, improving response speed while maintaining detection accuracy and noise rejection.
2Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are used to reduce erroneous detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ultrasonic sensors universal by enabling each sensor to perform multiple functions: primary object detection when multiple sensors detect simultaneously, and alternative detection using auxiliary lines when operating alone. The computer system also performs multiple functions by evaluating both main count values and sub-count values, and by using auxiliary lines as virtual sensor extensions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components while maintaining high detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces auxiliary lines as intermediary elements that mediate between single-sensor detections and object confirmation. When a single sensor detects an object, the system checks whether the detection position intersects with pre-defined auxiliary lines to determine if it should be counted as a valid sub-count. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the processing logic compared to analyzing complex multi-sensor patterns, while still effectively reducing erroneous detections from noise reflections.
3Reliability
If the system requires multiple successive detections to confirm an object, then false positives are reduced, but detection response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by requiring main count values to reach a predetermined threshold (e.g., 2 or more) for object confirmation, rather than requiring unanimous detection from all sensors. This partial threshold approach balances false positive reduction with response time, as the object can be confirmed once enough sensors detect it within the successive time periods, without waiting for all sensors to agree. The sub-count mechanism provides additional partial validation from single-sensor detections intersecting auxiliary lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by continuously transmitting ultrasonic waves and evaluating detection results during the successive detection time periods, rather than pausing between measurements. The computer continuously updates main and sub-count values as new detection data arrives, and the auxiliary lines provide continuous spatial reference for evaluating single-sensor detections. This continuous evaluation process reduces overall response time compared to discrete batch processing, while still requiring multiple successive detections for confirmation.
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
This approach enables early and accurate detection of objects while minimizing erroneous detections caused by noise reflections, thereby improving the reliability of the object detection system.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflective wave reflected from the object
Data Source
AI summary
A computer is configured to calculate an object position based on output signals received from multiple ultrasonic sensors, set the number of successive detection time periods in which a moving distance of the object position is less than or equal to a predetermined distance as a main count value, calculate a tentative object position on the output signal from one of the ultrasonic sensors and a set auxiliary line, set the number of successive detection time periods in which a moving distance of the tentative object position is less than or equal to a predetermined distance as a sub-count value, use the sub-count value as a backup of the main count value, and finalize the object detection when the main count value becomes a predetermined value.