Ultrasonic Sensor Obstruction Detection via Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic sensors in devices can become obstructed due to portable usage or placement in environments where other objects can block the sensor, leading to inaccurate environmental sensing.
Innovation Solution
A device with an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit ultrasonic pulses and receive returned signals, coupled with a processor that evaluates these signals to detect obstruction characteristics, such as absence of echo, ringdown amplitude variation, or signal saturation, to determine if the transducer is obstructed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic sensors are used in portable devices, then the device can detect objects and track location, but the sensor becomes easily obstructed by objects or improper placement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by analyzing returned signals from multiple ultrasonic pulses to identify obstruction characteristics before making a determination. This preliminary analysis allows the system to detect obstructions proactively and switch to alternative sensing methods or notify the user before inaccurate environmental sensing occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the ultrasonic transducer and the environmental sensing function. It evaluates returned signals for obstruction characteristics and determines whether the sensor is obstructed, thereby mediating between the raw sensor data and the final environmental interpretation to ensure reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor operates continuously to detect environment, then accurate environmental sensing is achieved, but obstruction leads to inaccurate information being generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously evaluating returned signals from ultrasonic pulses and using this information to determine sensor obstruction status. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor its own operational state and adjust accordingly, preventing inaccurate environmental information from being generated when obstructions are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of returned signals to detect obstruction characteristics before final environmental sensing decisions are made. This preliminary check ensures that accurate environmental information is only generated when the sensor is properly unobstructed.
3Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic pulses are emitted to evaluate returned signals, then obstruction detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple ultrasonic pulses for evaluation, which represents partial or excessive action beyond a single pulse. This approach improves obstruction detection accuracy by providing multiple data samples for analysis, allowing the processor to identify obstruction characteristics with higher confidence despite increased energy consumption.
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 solution effectively determines when an ultrasonic transducer is obstructed, preventing inaccurate environmental sensing and ensuring reliable operation of devices that rely on ultrasonic sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer configured to emit an ultrasonic pulse and receive returned signals corresponding to the emitted ultrasonic pulse
Implementation Method 2
receive returned signals corresponding to the emitted ultrasonic pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for a method for determining an ultrasonic sensor is obstructed. Returned signals from a plurality of emitted ultrasonic pulses of an ultrasonic transducer are evaluated. Detection of an obstruction characteristic leads to a determination that the ultrasonic transducer is obstructed.