Ultrasonic Sensor Array Phase Offset Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound-based localization methods for external sound sources in vehicle environments are limited by interference from neighboring sound sources, reducing the detection range to less than 1 meter and preventing reliable implementation of assistance functions like blind spot monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes at least two ultrasonic sensor arrays with transducer elements to receive sound waves, generate electrical signals, and determine phase offsets, allowing for triangulation to locate external sound sources beyond the interference range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trilateration method with bulk ultrasonic sensors is used, then the localization method is simple to implement, but the detection range is limited to 5-7 meters and drops to less than 1 meter in noisy environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultrasonic sensing system into multiple sensor arrays, each with multiple transducer elements. Instead of using a single bulk sensor, the system segments the detection task across multiple sensors that can individually process phase information, thereby improving localization reliability in noisy environments while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional trilateration (distance-based 1D measurement) to phase difference-based angle determination (angular 2D measurement). By utilizing the phase dimension of ultrasonic waves, the system can localize sound sources beyond the traditional 5-7 meter range by measuring the angle of arrival through phase offsets between multiple transducer elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic sensors are used in vehicle environments with neighboring road users and construction sites, then the sensors can detect sound sources, but the detection range drops to less than 1 meter due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multiple sound sources into a beneficial feature by using phase difference measurement. Instead of being disrupted by neighboring road users and construction sites, the system utilizes the phase offsets introduced by sound waves arriving from different directions to determine the angle of arrival, thereby maintaining detection capability in noisy environments while extending the effective detection range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces phase difference measurement as an intermediary parameter between the sound source and the localization result. By measuring the phase offset of ultrasonic waves at multiple transducer elements, the system can determine the angle of arrival and locate sound sources beyond the traditional detection range, even in the presence of interference from neighboring road users and construction sites
3Length of stationary object
If phase offset measurement with multiple transducer elements is used, then the detection range is extended beyond interference limits, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic sensing function into multiple independent transducer elements that can be individually processed. Each element captures phase information independently, and the control device processes these separate signals to determine phase offsets and calculate angles, thereby extending detection range while maintaining manageable complexity through modular signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the sensor array system to automatically determine phase offsets and calculate sound source locations without requiring complex external processing. The control device receives electrical signals from transducer elements and autonomously performs phase comparison and angle calculation, reducing the need for additional complex processing equipment while extending detection range
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 significantly increases the detection range for ultrasound-based localization of sound-emitting objects, enabling reliable implementation of assistance functions even in disturbed conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer elements receive sound waves, in particular from external sound sources, and generate electrical signals representing the received sound waves
Implementation Method 2
Within the scope of an evaluation of the electrical signals, at least one phase offset between the in each case at least two electrical signals is ascertained for each ultrasonic sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A method for localizing at least one sound source using at least two ultrasonic sensor arrays, which each have at least two transducer elements for receiving sound waves. The transducer elements receive sound waves and generate electrical signals representing the received sound waves. At least one phase offset between the at least two electrical signals is ascertained. The sound source is located by triangulation on the basis of the ascertained phase offsets between the electrical signals and a distance a between the ultrasonic sensor arrays. A control device, a computer program, and a machine-readable storage medium, are also described.