Ultrasonic Position Detection Using Pre-stored Grid Maps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current position detection systems using ultrasonic sensors face accuracy degradation due to the need for complex computations to estimate obstacle positions, especially when indirect waves are involved, leading to increased computational load and reduced precision.
Innovation Solution
A position detection system employing a sensor unit to acquire time of flight data, a storage unit to pre-store position maps on a grid map, and a position estimator to simplify the estimation process by comparing TOF data against pre-stored maps, applying higher weights to direct wave estimates, and clustering overlapping cells to reduce computational burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If intersection point calculation using circle equations is used for direct waves, then computational complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for indirect waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores position maps for multiple possible obstacle positions before actual detection occurs. These position maps are stored in a lookup table, allowing the system to quickly retrieve pre-computed results without performing complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by shifting computational burden from runtime to setup phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of position information in the form of pre-stored position maps that represent complex geometric relationships. Instead of calculating actual intersection points during detection, the system uses these pre-computed positional representations to estimate obstacle locations, thereby avoiding complex computations while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If intersection point calculation is performed for indirect waves, then measurement precision is improved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes position maps for indirect wave scenarios and stores them in advance. When detecting indirect waves, the system simply retrieves the appropriate pre-computed position map and performs a simple lookup or comparison operation, avoiding the need to perform complex intersection calculations in real-time while still achieving accurate position estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lightweight, simple data structures (position maps stored as grids or tables) instead of complex mathematical models during runtime. These simple representations allow for fast, low-computation operations while sacrificing the detailed geometric modeling that would require heavy computation, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and computational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are spaced apart to detect indirect waves, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection capabilities of multiple spatially separated sensors into a unified position estimation framework. By processing signals from multiple sensors together and using pre-computed position maps that account for multiple sensor positions, the system achieves indirect wave detection capability while managing complexity through integrated processing rather than separate handling of each sensor.
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 reduces computational requirements and enhances accuracy by using pre-stored position maps and weighted estimations, allowing for precise obstacle position detection without calculating intersection points, thereby improving the accuracy of obstacle positioning in both direct and indirect wave scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensor emits a high-frequency signal having a short wavelength to the outside at a predetermined time interval. The emitted signal spreads at the speed of sound in the air and reaches a target object. The ultrasonic sensor calculates the distance to a target object from a reference point using the time taken to receive an echo signal returned back from the target object.
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic sensor calculates the distance to a target object from a reference point using the time taken to receive an echo signal returned back from the target object.
Implementation Method 3
configured to acquire a time of flight (TOF) of the received reflection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A position detection system using a sensor, including a sensor unit including a plurality of sensors for transmitting a transmission signal or receiving a reflection signal reflected from an obstacle and configured to acquire a time of flight (TOF) of the received reflection signal, a storage unit configured to pre-store a position map of the obstacle for respective sensors depending on the TOF of the reflection signal on a grid map including a plurality of cells, and a position estimator configured to estimate a position of the obstacle based on the TOF of the reflection signal received by the sensor unit and the position map of the obstacle pre-stored in the storage unit.