Vehicular Ultrasonic Sensor Filtering False Alarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular sensor systems often detect unwanted objects such as trailer hitches, large bumpers, and steps, leading to unnecessary warnings, as these objects fall within the detection range and are not desired to be reported.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method to filter out unwanted signals by emitting and detecting ultrasonic signals, using direct and indirect filters to differentiate and remove echoes from objects like trailer hitches and steps, ensuring only relevant objects are reported to the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor detection range is expanded to cover all potential objects, then the detection capability is improved, but false detection of unwanted objects (trailer hitches, steps, bumpers) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and classification of objects before issuing warnings. By detecting objects first and then analyzing their characteristics (position, reflection pattern, duration), the system can distinguish between relevant obstacles and unwanted fixed objects attached to the vehicle, preventing false alarms while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different evaluation criteria to different spatial zones and object types. Objects in certain locations (such as directly behind the vehicle) or with specific characteristics (strong reflections, consistent positioning) are subject to different filtering rules, allowing the system to maintain high sensitivity where needed while suppressing false alarms from known unwanted objects
2Measurement precision
If threshold values are lowered to increase detection sensitivity, then the detection of relevant objects is improved, but the detection of unwanted signals also increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple detection cycles to dynamically adjust threshold application. By analyzing the consistency of detected objects across multiple pulses and their reflection characteristics, the system can maintain low thresholds for sensitive detection while using feedback information to identify and filter out unwanted signals that consistently appear under specific conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters based on real-time conditions. Threshold values and filtering criteria are not fixed but adapt based on the detected object's characteristics, position, and behavior patterns, allowing the system to maintain high sensitivity for relevant objects while automatically suppressing unwanted signals
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 effectively reduces false alarms by filtering out unwanted echoes from fixed objects attached to the vehicle, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the sensor system's object detection and warning functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor 104 emits ultrasonic pulses 106. If an object 108 is within detectable range of sensor 104, ultrasonic pulses are reflected by object 108 and returned as echo signals (not shown) to sensor 104.
Implementation Method 2
ultrasonic pulses are reflected by object 108 and returned as echo signals (not shown) to sensor 104
Data Source
AI summary
A method for filtering an object by a vehicular sensor system, including emitting a first signal, detecting a first echo, the first echo including at least a portion of the first signal reflected by the object, filtering a first time value of the first echo, emitting a second signal, detecting a second echo, the second echo including at least a portion of the second signal reflected by the object, and filtering a second time value of the second echo.