Ultrasonic Obstacle Detection via Frequency Domain Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic wave-based obstacle detection methods for vehicles cannot distinguish between different types of obstacles, such as bumps, walls, and posts, which is crucial for safe parking processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transforming the echo sections of ultrasonic reception signals from the time domain to the frequency domain to analyze spectral characteristics like spectral center of gravity and spectral width, allowing for the differentiation of obstacle types by plotting these characteristics in a 2D diagram.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temporal course of the echo signal is analyzed in the time domain, then the detection of obstacles is effective and simple, but different obstacle types cannot be distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the echo signal from the time domain to the frequency domain using Fourier transformation. This dimensional change allows the system to analyze spectral characteristics (frequency components) of the echo signal, which contain information about obstacle type that is not visible in the time domain. By examining the frequency spectrum, the system can distinguish between different obstacle types based on their unique spectral signatures while maintaining relatively simple processing requirements.
2Measurement precision
If spectral analysis is performed to distinguish obstacle types, then measurement precision improves, but the processing time and computational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts specific spectral characteristics from the frequency spectrum that are most relevant for obstacle type differentiation. Instead of analyzing the entire frequency spectrum in detail, the system identifies and extracts key spectral features (such as dominant frequency components and their relationships) that suffice for classification. This extraction approach maintains high identification accuracy while reducing the computational burden and processing time compared to a complete spectral analysis.
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 reliable differentiation between various obstacles, improving the accuracy of obstacle identification during parking by clearly separating the spectral characteristics of different types in a 2D diagram, enhancing safety by distinguishing between drivable obstacles and non-drivable ones.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an ultrasonic burst transmission signal by means of an ultrasonic transmitter to a detection area to be observed; receiving an ultrasonic signal reflected by an obstacle in the detection area by means of an ultrasonic receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting an obstacle utilizing reflected ultrasonic waves, comprises transmitting an ultrasonic burst transmission signal by an ultrasonic transmitter to a detection area to be observed and receiving an ultrasonic signal reflected by an obstacle in the detection area by an ultrasonic receiver as an ultrasonic reception signal. In the ultrasonic reception signal at least one echo is detected resulting from an obstacle. The echo section of the ultrasonic reception signal belonging to the echo is transformed from the time domain into the frequency domain. The frequency spectrum of the echo section is then examined for the presence of at least one of a plurality of predetermined spectral characteristics, wherein each spectral characteristic is representative of a predetermined obstacle type or a plurality of predetermined obstacle types. The echo section is allocated to a predetermined obstacle type based on the examination.