Ultrasonic Sensor Signal Comparison for Continuous Soiling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic sensors in driver assistance systems face challenges in detecting contamination, such as snow, which reduces detection performance and reliability, especially in partially autonomous vehicles, as current methods like clear-view tests disrupt normal operation.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing two ultrasonic sensors to emit and receive simultaneously modulated signals, comparing their reception curves to determine contamination by analyzing signal patterns for identical or different echoes, allowing unobstructed vision without changing sensor configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clear-view test is performed to detect sensor contamination, then contamination detection capability is improved, but normal sensor function is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous contamination detection by having the first ultrasonic sensor continuously emit and receive signals while the second sensor simultaneously monitors for contamination indicators. This allows the system to detect contamination without interrupting the normal operation of the first sensor, maintaining continuous useful action for both detection and monitoring functions
Solution Approach 2:
The second ultrasonic sensor acts as an intermediary monitoring device that detects contamination indicators in the environment without disrupting the primary detection function of the first sensor. This intermediary approach allows contamination detection to occur passively alongside normal sensor operation
2Reliability
If multiple ultrasonic sensors emit signals simultaneously at different frequencies, then contamination detection is enabled, but signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different frequency characteristics to signals from different ultrasonic sensors, creating local quality differences in the signal domain. This allows the evaluation unit to distinguish between signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, enabling contamination detection through comparison while managing signal interference through frequency differentiation
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
Enables reliable detection of sensor contamination without interrupting normal functions, ensuring accurate signal evaluation and maintaining vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic signal is emitted into the environment of the motor vehicle by means of the first ultrasonic sensor and the first ultrasonic signal reflected in the environment is received by means of the first ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
a second ultrasonic signal, different from the first ultrasonic signal, is emitted into the environment by means of a second ultrasonic sensor of the ultrasonic sensor device essentially simultaneously with the first ultrasonic signal
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining soiling of a first ultrasonic sensor (4) of a motor vehicle (1), in which a first ultrasonic signal (7) is emitted by means of the first ultrasonic sensor (4) and the first reflected ultrasonic signal (7) is received by means of the first ultrasonic sensor (4), and in which a second ultrasonic signal (9) that differs from the first ultrasonic signal (7) is emitted into the environment (8) substantially at the same time as the first ultrasonic signal (7) by means of a second ultrasonic sensor (5), wherein the second ultrasonic signal (9) is received by means of the first ultrasonic sensor (4) and the first received ultrasonic signal (7) is compared with the second received ultrasonic signal (8) by means of an electronic computing device (6), and the soiling is determined on the basis of the comparison. The invention also relates to a computer program product, to a computer-readable storage medium, to an ultrasonic sensor apparatus (3), and to an assistance system (2).