Ultrasonic Sensor Control for Turbulence-Induced Ghost Echoes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic sensors in vehicles experience poor object detection and obstacle recognition at high speeds due to turbulent air flows, which cause ghost echoes and disrupt signal transmission, especially in the front and rear areas where sensors are installed, leading to inaccurate readings.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling ultrasonic sensors by monitoring air pressure changes near the sensor membrane, identifying cyclical changes, and adapting detection parameters to filter out turbulence effects, allowing for improved object detection and obstacle recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic sensors are installed in the front and rear areas of the vehicle to detect objects at high speeds, then the detection range and coverage are improved, but turbulent air flows cause ghost echoes and disrupt signal transmission, leading to poor detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidturbulent air flow effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent monitors the turbulent air flow conditions that cause ghost echoes and converts this harmful effect into useful information. By detecting the characteristics of turbulence-induced signals, the system learns to distinguish between genuine object reflections and turbulence artifacts, thereby improving detection accuracy in high-speed conditions where turbulence is present

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters based on monitored air pressure changes and turbulence characteristics. By changing parameters such as detection thresholds, signal filtering settings, and evaluation criteria according to the current turbulence level, the system maintains accurate object detection despite varying turbulent conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If multiple ultrasonic sensors are positioned along all sides of the vehicle to capture the surroundings, then the detection coverage is improved, but the complexity of sensor integration and signal processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes each ultrasonic sensor serve multiple functions: primary object detection, turbulence monitoring, and ghost echo identification. By enabling sensors to perform these multiple roles, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same hardware infrastructure supports multiple detection objectives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If ultrasonic sensors are designed for low-speed applications with aerodynamic considerations, then the integration with vehicle design is improved, but the detection performance at high speeds deteriorates due to turbulent airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integration easeVSAvoidhigh-speed detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static sensor design optimized for low speeds to a dynamic detection system that adapts to varying speed conditions. By continuously monitoring air pressure changes and turbulence characteristics, the system dynamically adjusts its detection parameters and signal processing strategies to maintain reliable performance across different speed ranges, including high-speed conditions where turbulence is significant

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of ultrasonic sensor data by compensating for local speed and pressure changes caused by turbulence, reducing ghost echoes and improving detection capabilities at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

ultrasonic sensor has an ultrasonic membrane for emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

turbulent effects cause time-varying local pressure fluctuations at the sensor diaphragm, generating ghost echoes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3521857B1Object detection with ultrasound sensors for in cyclical air pressure changes
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP3521857B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3521857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling an ultrasonic sensor (11) for a vehicle, in particular for installation in a recess (12) of a fairing part (13) of the vehicle, wherein the ultrasonic sensor (11) has an ultrasonic membrane (17) for emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, comprising the steps of monitoring changes in air pressure in the area of ​​the ultrasonic membrane (17), identifying a cyclic change in air pressure within the changes in air pressure, and adapting the detection of objects with the ultrasonic sensor (11) based on the cyclic change in air pressure. The invention further relates to a driving assistance system for a vehicle with at least one ultrasonic sensor (11), wherein the driving assistance system is configured to control the at least one ultrasonic sensor (11) according to the method of any one of the preceding claims.