Ultrasonic Sensor Codeword Modulation for Signal Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating multiple ultrasonic sensors in driver assistance systems inadequately address the need for varying ranges and increase the probability of errors in signal allocation, as codewords modulated on the output sound signals limit the minimum and maximum range of the sensors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using different types of modulation and codeword lengths for each functionality of the driver assistance system, adapting to the required minimum and maximum ranges of the ultrasonic sensor, allowing for need-oriented operation and minimizing errors in signal allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a long codeword is used to reduce allocation errors, then the reliability of signal allocation improves, but the minimum and maximum range of the ultrasonic sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The codeword is segmented into multiple parts, with different segments serving different functionalities. Some segments are used for sensor identification and allocation, while other segments carry range information. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable signal allocation without requiring excessively long codewords that would increase sensor range beyond necessary limits.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the codeword are assigned different qualities or functions based on local requirements. Specific bits or segments are dedicated to allocation reliability while others are optimized for range encoding. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both allocation accuracy and range efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple ultrasonic sensors operate simultaneously with unique codewords, then the productivity of the driver assistance system improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal modulation scheme is implemented that can handle multiple sensors simultaneously using standardized codeword structures. The same modulation framework and allocation algorithms are used across all sensors, providing multi-functionality without requiring sensor-specific complex processing. This universality enables simultaneous operation of multiple sensors while keeping the overall system complexity manageable.
3Quantity of substance
If the codeword length is increased to distinguish more sensors, then the quantity of distinguishable sensors improves, but the minimum range of the ultrasonic sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing codeword length in a single dimension, the system utilizes multiple dimensions for sensor distinction. These dimensions include frequency modulation, phase modulation, and temporal coding patterns. By distributing the identification information across multiple dimensions rather than relying solely on codeword length, the system can distinguish more sensors without proportionally increasing the minimum range.
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 enables simultaneous operation of ultrasonic sensors with reduced errors in signal allocation and maintains optimal range performance by tailoring modulation and codeword lengths to specific functionalities, such as adaptive cruise control and parking assistance.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor of a driver assistance system in a motor vehicle
Implementation Method 2
after these signals are reflected by vehicle-external objects
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating at least one ultrasonic sensor (4, 6) of a driver assistance system (2) in a motor vehicle (1), wherein an output sound signal (SA) of the ultrasonic sensor (4, 6) is modulated in accordance with a type of modulation and by means of this modulation, a specific codeword is impressed on the output sound signal (SA). For at least two mutually different functionalities (8 to 12) of the driver assistance system (2), different types of modulation are in each case used for the modulation of the output sound signal (SA) and/or in each case different lengths of the codeword.