Ultrasonic Sensor Device Trailer Hitch Detection Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensor systems in motor vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting and differentiating between a retrofitted or detachable trailer hitch and other objects, especially in low-price vehicles with limited vehicle information, leading to increased complexity and potential misinterpretation of echoes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves operating the ultrasonic sensor device in a detection mode to automatically identify the presence of a trailer hitch by adjusting the detection area based on received echoes over multiple measurement cycles, filtering out irrelevant echoes, and adapting sensitivity to minimize interference, allowing for accurate object detection in the surrounding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect objects in the surrounding area, then object detection capability is improved, but false detection of trailer hitches as obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented into a first detection area (in front of the vehicle) and a second detection area (behind the vehicle). The control device selectively blanks out the second detection area when a trailer hitch is detected, while maintaining full detection functionality in the first detection area. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between relevant obstacles and the trailer hitch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection to identify the presence and position of a trailer hitch before conducting normal obstacle detection. By detecting the trailer hitch in advance and blanking out its detection area proactively, the system prevents false warnings from occurring in the first place, rather than reacting after false detections occur.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the detection area is blanked out to exclude trailer hitches, then false detection of hitches is reduced, but detection of actual obstacles near hitches may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area configuration is made dynamic rather than static. The control device adjusts the detection area by blanking out only the second detection area (behind the vehicle) when a trailer hitch is detected, while maintaining the first detection area (in front of the vehicle) fully active. This dynamic adjustment ensures that obstacles in the forward direction are not missed while still excluding the trailer hitch from causing false warnings.
3Device complexity
If symmetric sensor arrangement is used, then trailer hitch suppression is simplified, but adaptability to retrofitted or detachable hitches is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the ultrasonic sensors continuously monitor the detection area and provide information to the control device. When a trailer hitch is detected in the second detection area, the control device receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the detection area configuration by blanking out the second area. This feedback-driven approach allows the system to adapt to retrofitted or detachable hitches without requiring complex pre-programming or symmetric sensor arrangements.
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 reliable detection and differentiation of trailer hitches, ensuring accurate object detection and preventing false warnings, even in vehicles with retrofitted or detachable towing devices, by adjusting the detection range and sensitivity to account for multiple reflections and unknown hitch positions.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor emits a transmission signal, which is a sound signal. The transmission signal then reflects off obstacles or objects and is received again by the ultrasonic sensor, namely as an echo.
Implementation Method 2
The distance between the object and the motor vehicle can be determined on the basis of the received echo. The distance is determined as a function of a transit time of the echo, with a time duration being measured between the time of transmission and the time of reception.
Implementation Method 3
at least one echo of the transmitted signal is received and by means of a control device, an area for arranging a trailer device of the motor vehicle is blanked out when the object is detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an ultrasonic sensor device (3) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein a transmission signal is emitted and at least one echo of the transmission signal is received in at least one measurement cycle by means of at least one ultrasonic sensor (4, 5, 6) of a plurality of ultrasonic sensors (4, 5, 6) of the ultrasonic sensor device (3) in order to detect an object in a environment region of the motor vehicle (1) and a region (13) for arranging a towing device (12) of the motor vehicle (1) is masked out by means of a control device in the detection of the object, wherein the ultrasonic sensor device (3) is operated for a predetermined duration in a sensing mode, in which a presence of the towing device (12) on the motor vehicle (1) is detected on the basis of the at least one received echo and the region (13) is adjusted in accordance with the presence of the towing device (12).