Ultrasonic Sensor Blindness Detection via Multi-Cycle Impedance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting sensor blindness in vehicle-mounted ultrasonic sensors are not reliable, particularly in conditions where sensors are affected by dirt, snow, or other environmental factors, leading to inaccurate assessments of sensor functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that perform multiple independent measurements for each sensor in a group, evaluating physical variables and ultrasonic signals to determine blindness risks, using a combination of impedance measurements, crosstalk signal amplitudes, and signal levels to calculate blindness and confidence levels, with the aid of filters and algorithms to enhance detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single measurement methods are used for sensor blindness detection, then the detection process is simple and fast, but the reliability and accuracy of blindness detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple independent measurement cycles, each evaluating different physical quantities (impedance, crosstalk signal amplitude, signal level) separately. This segmentation allows comprehensive assessment while maintaining clarity in each individual measurement step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where multiple independent measurements are performed sequentially. Each cycle evaluates different parameters, and the results are combined to determine overall sensor functionality. This periodic approach enhances reliability through repeated assessment without requiring simultaneous complex multi-parameter measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent measurements are performed for each sensor, then the detection accuracy and reliability improves, but the measurement time and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is designed as a continuous sequence of independent measurement cycles that can be performed back-to-back without interruption. Each cycle completes a full evaluation of multiple parameters, and the system continuously monitors sensor status through these sequential measurements, maintaining useful action throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary independent measurements of various physical quantities before making a final blindness determination. By pre-evaluating impedance, crosstalk signals, and signal levels in separate measurement cycles, the system prepares comprehensive data that speeds up the final assessment process.
3Reliability
If environmental factors like dirt and snow are present, then sensor functionality is degraded, but single measurement methods cannot reliably distinguish between environmental degradation and sensor blindness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent evaluates different local characteristics of sensor performance by measuring distinct physical quantities (electrical impedance, crosstalk signal amplitude, ultrasonic signal level) separately. Each measurement probes a different aspect of sensor functionality, allowing the system to identify whether degradation is due to environmental factors or actual sensor blindness based on the pattern of results across multiple measurement locations in the parameter space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs more measurements than the minimum single measurement by conducting multiple independent measurement cycles evaluating different physical quantities. This excessive measurement approach ensures that environmental factors affecting one parameter do not lead to false blindness conclusions, as other parameters provide compensating information about actual sensor status.
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 provides reliable detection of sensor blindness by obtaining redundant and complementary information, allowing for more precise determination of existing blindness, thereby ensuring accurate assessment and maintenance of sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
each designed to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 2
ground clutter signals, also known as ground echoes, received by the sensor and generated as a result of the transmission of ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 3
a first measurement for each sensor comprises a step of repeatedly measuring an impedance value of the corresponding sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the blindness (BLi) of each sensor in a sensor group comprising at least one sensor from several sensors mounted on a vehicle, each configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals. The method includes a step of performing several independent measurements (Mi1, Mi2, Mi3, Mi4) for each sensor in the sensor group. In each of the measurements (Mi1, Mi2, Mi3, Mi4) performed for each sensor in the sensor group, at least one blindness risk (BRi1, BRi2, BRi3, BRi4, BRi5) is determined for the corresponding sensor by evaluating a physical parameter of the corresponding sensor or by evaluating ultrasonic signals received by the corresponding sensor.The procedure further includes a step of determining a blindness (BLi) and an associated confidence (Ki) of each sensor in the sensor group, based on the blindness risks (BRi1, BRi2, BRi3, BRi4, BRi5) determined for the respective sensor.