Multi-Height Ultrasonic Sensor Array for Bump Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection devices using ultrasonic waves struggle to accurately differentiate between obstacles that need to be avoided and low bumps, leading to unnecessary detection of bumps as walls, especially at longer distances due to the spreading range of ultrasonic waves and similar reception intensities from walls and bumps.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple ultrasonic sensors attached to a vehicle at different heights, with one sensor transmitting and the other receiving, allows for accurate determination of bumps by ensuring the receiving sensor is outside the influenced range of the reflected wave from the bump, thereby avoiding unnecessary detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the directivity of the ultrasonic sensor is narrowed to avoid detecting bumps, then the detection precision for walls is improved, but the reception range of ultrasonic waves spreads and causes bumps to be detected as walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-sensor approach to a multi-sensor array configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the detection system. By arranging multiple ultrasonic sensors at different positions and combining their signals through beam forming, the system achieves both narrow effective directivity for precision and extended reception range simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reception area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple segments by using several ultrasonic sensors instead of one. Each sensor captures a portion of the acoustic field, and the detection control unit integrates these segmented signals through beam forming technology. This segmentation allows the system to achieve precise directional detection while maintaining broad coverage, as each sensor contributes to a focused detection pattern when combined.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then the ability to distinguish walls from bumps is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each ultrasonic sensor multi-functional by enabling them to both transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The detection control unit dynamically assigns transmission and reception roles to different sensors based on detection needs. This universal functionality reduces the total number of sensors required compared to a system where each sensor has a dedicated single function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transmission and reception functions into a unified detection system where multiple sensors work cooperatively. The detection control unit combines the signals from multiple sensors through beam forming, creating a unified detection output that achieves high precision. This merging approach consolidates the system's complexity into a coordinated multi-sensor operation rather than requiring entirely separate transmission and reception subsystems.
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 configuration enables precise identification of bumps, reducing false detection and improving the accuracy of obstacle detection systems in clearance sonar and parking assist systems.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic sensors which detect an obstacle by transmitting an ultrasonic wave and receiving a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave transmitted
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle detection device includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors and a detection control unit. The detection control unit detects an object by using one of at least two of the ultrasonic sensors as a transmission sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave and the other of the at least two of the ultrasonic sensors as a reception sensor that receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmission sensor and reflected. A difference of heights of the one used as the transmission sensor and the other used as the reception sensor attached to a surface of a vehicle body from a ground is a predetermined threshold height that is defined based on twice a height of a bump on the ground as a non-detection object.