Ultrasonic Parking Obstacle Detection Using Virtual TOF Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic sensor systems for vehicle parking face challenges in accurately determining whether obstacles are within or outside the parking path, leading to potential collisions and inefficient parking processes due to noise interference and object location inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves analyzing the time of flight (TOF) of ultrasonic waves to differentiate between direct and indirect reflections, generating virtual objects and wave paths to filter noise, and determining obstacle location by comparing real and virtual TOFs, thereby distinguishing between obstacles inside or outside the parking path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect obstacles during parking, then obstacle detection capability is provided, but noise interference causes inaccurate determination of whether obstacles are inside or outside the parking path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic wave paths into direct waves (emitted and received by the same sensor) and indirect waves (emitted by one sensor and received by another). By separating and independently analyzing these different wave types, the system can distinguish between valid obstacle reflections and noise, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability of obstacle location determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual objects as intermediary elements to represent the parking path boundaries. By comparing the positions of actual detected objects with these virtual boundary objects, the system can accurately determine whether obstacles are inside or outside the parking path, resolving the ambiguity caused by noise interference.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are mounted on the vehicle to improve detection coverage, then detection area is increased, but device complexity and noise processing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each ultrasonic sensor multi-functional by enabling sensors to both emit and receive ultrasonic waves. Each sensor can function as an emitter for direct waves, a receiver for indirect waves, and participate in virtual object generation. This universal functionality allows comprehensive detection coverage while avoiding the need for separate dedicated emitter and receiver sensors, thus managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If virtual objects and virtual indirect wave TOF are generated to determine obstacle location, then obstacle position accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating virtual objects representing parking path boundaries and calculating virtual indirect wave TOF values before comparing them with actual measurements. This advance preparation of reference data enables straightforward comparison and accurate determination of obstacle locations, making the computational process more systematic and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of objects (virtual objects) and virtual copies of wave propagation paths (virtual indirect waves). These copies serve as reference models for comparison with actual sensor data, enabling accurate obstacle location determination through systematic computation while maintaining clarity in the analysis process.
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 the accuracy of obstacle detection, enabling smoother and safer parking by reducing noise interference and improving the reliability of ultrasonic sensor data, allowing for precise determination of obstacle positions relative to the parking path.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensors detect objects by emitting ultrasonic waves and then receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected by the objects
Implementation Method 2
determining whether an ultrasonic noise exists in the time of flights (TOFs) of the ultrasonic waves reflected by an object and received
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A determining method for obstacles includes determining whether an ultrasonic noise exists in TOF of an ultrasonic wave reflected by an object and received; generating a virtual object on an outline of a parking path that a vehicle is to move on based on the received ultrasonic wave TOF; generating virtual indirect wave TOF using the virtual object; and determining whether the object is located inside or outside the outline of the parking path by comparing real indirect wave TOF, which is indirect wave TOF among the received ultrasonic wave TOFs, with the virtual indirect wave TOF.