Ultrasonic Sensor Temperature Correction for Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of object detection by ultrasonic sensors is affected by the temperature of the sensors themselves, which is not accounted for in existing technologies, leading to variations in detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An object detection apparatus that includes a temperature detecting unit to correct the reception sensitivity and transmission intensity of ultrasonic waves based on the temperature of the ultrasonic sensor, using maps to adjust these parameters and maintain consistent detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic sensor operates without temperature correction, then the device complexity is low, but the object detection accuracy varies with sensor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by detecting the ultrasonic sensor's temperature and using this temperature parameter to dynamically adjust correction values for reception sensitivity and transmission intensity. The ECU stores multiple correction values corresponding to different temperature ranges and selects the appropriate correction value based on the detected temperature, thereby maintaining detection accuracy across varying thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the ultrasonic sensor's temperature and using this information to adjust the reception sensitivity and transmission intensity parameters. The temperature detection unit provides real-time temperature data to the ECU, which then applies appropriate corrections to maintain optimal detection performance, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to thermal variations.
2Reliability
If temperature correction is applied to maintain detection accuracy, then the object detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional temperature detection and correction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by integrating the temperature detection unit and correction mechanisms into the existing ultrasonic detection system. The ECU, which already processes ultrasonic signals, is extended to also handle temperature-based corrections, making the system multi-functional without requiring completely separate subsystems. This approach improves reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature detection and correction functions with the existing ultrasonic detection system. The temperature detection unit is integrated alongside the ultrasonic sensor, and the correction processing is combined with the signal processing operations already performed by the ECU. This consolidation improves detection reliability while avoiding the need for entirely separate correction systems.
3Measurement precision
If the reception sensitivity is corrected based on sensor temperature, then the object detection accuracy is maintained, but the transmission intensity may become insufficient at extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting both reception sensitivity and transmission intensity based on detected sensor temperature. The ECU stores correction values for both parameters across different temperature ranges and applies appropriate corrections simultaneously, ensuring that detection precision is maintained while compensating for temperature-induced changes in transmission characteristics.
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 apparatus effectively suppresses variations in object detection accuracy caused by sensor temperature, ensuring reliable detection by adjusting sensitivity and intensity, thereby improving detection precision.
Implementation Method 1
transmitted waves transmitted from an ultrasonic sensor (10), and received waves received by the ultrasonic sensor (10) as received waves in a case of receiving reflected waves, from the object, of ultrasonic waves transmitted from an ultrasonic sensor (10)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor (13) configured to detect sensor temperature of the ultrasonic sensor (10)
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus includes an object detecting unit detecting an object present around a subject vehicle based on received waves, in a case of receiving reflected waves, from the object, of ultrasonic waves transmitted from an ultrasonic sensor as transmitted waves. The object detection apparatus includes a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the ultrasonic sensor, and based on a detected value of the temperature of the ultrasonic sensor, corrects at least one of a reception sensitivity for the received waves received by the ultrasonic sensor and a transmission intensity for the transmitted waves from the ultrasonic sensor. The object detection apparatus then detects the object using the corrected received waves.