Ultrasonic Sensor Array for Head-Mounted Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional visual-based object detection systems, such as cameras, struggle to detect objects that are outside their field of view or difficult to recognize, like transparent surfaces or mirrors, which can lead to obstacles being missed in environments like virtual reality or when moving backwards.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating ultrasonic sensors into head-mounted devices to transmit pulses and detect echoes, allowing for the determination of object presence and characteristics, enhancing detection capabilities for challenging objects that are hard to identify with traditional vision and depth cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If visual-based object detection (cameras) is used, then object detection is possible in visible environments, but transparent surfaces, mirrors, and objects outside field of view cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection capability for transparent surfaces and mirrors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ultrasonic sensors as an intermediary detection mechanism to detect objects that are invisible to cameras, such as transparent surfaces and mirrors. The ultrasonic sensors emit sound waves that reflect off these objects, providing detection capability where visual-based systems fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple detection methods (visual cameras and ultrasonic sensors) into a unified object detection system. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both visible objects and transparent surfaces/mirrors, expanding the overall detection versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If wide field configuration is used for ultrasonic sensor array, then broad area coverage is achieved, but detection precision for specific objects is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverage areaVSAvoidobject characteristic detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic sensor array dynamically switches between wide field configuration for broad area coverage and targeted configuration for precise object detection. The system adapts its configuration based on detection needs, transitioning from a general scanning mode to a focused detection mode when objects are identified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The detection process is segmented into two phases: initial wide-area scanning to identify potential objects, followed by targeted focused detection to analyze specific object characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently allocate detection resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If targeted configuration is used for ultrasonic sensor array, then detection precision for specific objects is improved, but coverage area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject characteristic detection precisionVSAvoiddetection coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If ultrasonic sensors are integrated into head-mounted devices, then detection of obstacles in front of user is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection reliabilityVSAvoidhead-mounted device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges ultrasonic sensing capabilities with existing head-mounted display devices, integrating the obstacle detection function into the wearable device structure. This combination allows the system to leverage the existing form factor while adding enhanced detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The integration of ultrasonic sensors into head-mounted devices improves the detection of obstacles and enhances the placement of virtual objects by accurately identifying real-world items, even when they are not visible or in virtual reality environments, providing a more comprehensive and accurate scanning of the physical environment.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, by a first device, a first pulse into an environment using a wide field configuration of an ultrasonic sensor array, detecting a presence of an object in the environment based on a detected echo based on the first pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Data Source

PatentUS11740350B2Ultrasonic sensor

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 APPLE INC

AI summary

Object detection may include transmitting, by a first device, a first pulse into an environment using a wide field configuration of an ultrasonic sensor array, detecting a presence of an object in the environment based on a detected echo based on the first pulse. In response to detecting the presence of the object, a targeted configuration of the ultrasonic sensor array is determined, and a second pulse is transmitted into the environment based on the second pulse, wherein a characteristic of the object is determined based on a detected echo from the second pulse.