Vehicle Ultrasonic Object Recognition Using Dual-Frequency ToF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic sensor systems for vehicle parking assistance face limitations in identifying objects like PVC pipes and road bumps due to signal intensity threshold tuning, which is vulnerable to environmental changes and prone to false alarms, and struggles with distinguishing between objects and environmental features like gravel.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two ultrasonic sensors transmitting signals of different frequencies to detect time of flight (ToF) for direct and indirect paths, using error calculations and threshold comparisons to recognize object type and shape, thereby improving object recognition accuracy and reducing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If signal intensity threshold tuning is used for object detection, then detection simplicity is maintained, but object recognition accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish between different object types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from signal intensity to time of flight (ToF). By measuring the time it takes for ultrasonic signals to return, the system can distinguish between different object types (PVC pipe, road bump, aluminum duct, gravel) without relying on complex intensity threshold tuning. Different object materials and shapes produce distinct ToF patterns that enable accurate identification.
2Device complexity
If single-frequency ultrasonic signals are used, then device complexity is reduced, but object recognition capability deteriorates due to inability to differentiate object types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process by using two ultrasonic sensors transmitting at different frequencies (first and second frequency bands). Each sensor captures different reflection characteristics from objects, and the controller processes these segmented signals separately before combining the information. This segmentation enables the system to differentiate between object types while maintaining a relatively simple device configuration.
3Reliability
If conventional ultrasonic sensors are used with threshold tuning, then false alarms occur due to environmental changes, but detection robustness remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the time of flight measurements and comparing them against expected patterns. The controller adjusts detection parameters based on the actual measurements received from the sensors, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to environmental changes. This feedback mechanism reduces false alarms caused by temperature, humidity, or other environmental variations that affect signal propagation.
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 enhances object recognition accuracy by distinguishing between various objects and environmental features, improves detection robustness, and reduces false alarms, leading to better performance in collision warning systems and increased detection distance.
Implementation Method 1
a time of flight (ToF) detector configured to detect ToFs of a direct path and an indirect path of each of the two or more sensors
Implementation Method 2
two or more sensors each configured to transmit a signal toward an object and receive signals having a direct path and indirect path and reflected and received from the object
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an object recognition apparatus and method for a vehicle. The object recognition apparatus for a vehicle may include two or more sensors each configured to transmit a signal toward an object and receive signals having a direct path and indirect path and reflected and received from the object, a time of flight (ToF) detector configured to detect ToFs of the direct path and indirect path of each of the two or more sensors using the signals having the direct path and indirect path and received by each of the two or more sensors, and an object recognizer configured to recognize the object using the ToFs of the direct path and indirect path of each of the two or more sensors, detected by the ToF detector.