Ultrasonic Object Detection Scene-Based Sensitivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object detection systems, particularly those using ultrasonic sensors in vehicles, face challenges in accurately detecting pedestrians due to low reflectance and often result in false detections of unnecessary objects when sensitivity is increased.
Innovation Solution
An object detection apparatus equipped with ultrasonic distance measuring devices and a hardware processor that determines the scene based on distance, vehicle speed, image information, and location data, adjusting sensitivity and emission sequences of ultrasonic waves to enhance detection precision in specific scenarios like crosswalk approaches or pedestrian presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensitivity of detection using ultrasonic waves is increased in all cases, then the detection capability for pedestrians is improved, but false detection of unnecessary objects occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensitivity of ultrasonic wave detection adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the sensitivity level based on the determined scene (e.g., crosswalk approach, pedestrian presence area). This allows the system to optimize detection precision for pedestrians in specific scenarios while avoiding false detections in other contexts, resolving the contradiction between improved detection capability and reduced false positives.
2Measurement precision
If the sensitivity for detecting reflected waves is increased, then pedestrian detection is improved, but unnecessary objects are also detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different sensitivity levels for different spatial regions or scenes. Instead of uniformly increasing sensitivity everywhere, the control unit determines the current scene (e.g., crosswalk approach, pedestrian presence area) and selectively increases sensitivity only in relevant contexts. This localized approach improves pedestrian detection where needed while avoiding false detection of unnecessary objects in other areas.
3Area of stationary object
If the emission interval of ultrasonic waves is changed, then detection coverage is improved, but detection precision in specific scenes may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the emission interval of ultrasonic waves adjustable based on the determined scene. The control unit changes the emission interval dynamically - for example, using shorter intervals when pedestrians are detected in critical areas to improve precision, and longer intervals when coverage is the priority. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between coverage and precision by adapting to specific situational requirements.
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
Improves the precision of pedestrian detection by dynamically adjusting sensitivity and emission patterns, reducing false positives and enhancing the system's ability to detect pedestrians in critical situations.
Implementation Method 1
distance measuring devices, each being provided in a vehicle... configured to emit ultrasonic waves, measure a time from the emission until receiving reflected waves reflected by an object around the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
measure a time from the emission until receiving reflected waves reflected by an object around the vehicle, and detect an object around the vehicle and obtain distance information indicating a distance to the detected object
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus includes distance measuring devices and a hardware processor. The distance measuring devices are provided in a vehicle and emit ultrasonic waves. The distance measuring devices detect an object around the vehicle and obtain distance information indicating a distance to the detected object. The hardware processor determines a scene in which the vehicle is placed. The determination is performed on the basis of the distance information, vehicle speed information, an image of surroundings of the vehicle, and/or a location of the vehicle on a map. The hardware processor performs, on the basis of a scene determination result, setting of a high-sensitivity area where sensitivity for detecting the reflected waves is temporarily increased, a change of an emission interval of the ultrasonic waves, and/or a change of an emission sequence of the ultrasonic waves.