Ultrasonic Object Detection Using Spectrogram Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic object detection devices for visually impaired individuals provide limited spatial perception and rely on alarms that are stressful and lack nuanced feedback, failing to effectively convert spatial information into interpretable audio or vibration signals.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic object detection device with at least two independent transducers that emit and receive ultrasonic signals, processing these signals into spectrograms and audible time signals using an electronic processing unit, allowing for continuous, rich environmental feedback in stereo audio form, enabling users to interpret their surroundings through mental analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If ultrasonic signals are processed into spectrograms and audible time signals, then spatial perception and environmental feedback are enriched, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces basic mechanical alarm systems with sophisticated signal processing that converts ultrasonic echoes into spectrograms and audible time signals. This substitution transforms simple distance alerts into rich spatial environmental representations, enabling users to perceive object contours, distances, and spatial relationships through audio processing rather than mechanical vibrations alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectrograms as an intermediary representation between raw ultrasonic signals and audible output. This intermediary format preserves spatial information while making it interpretable for users, serving as a bridge between the ultrasonic detection domain and the human auditory perception domain.
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent transducers are used to emit and receive ultrasonic signals, then spatial perception is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ultrasonic detection system into multiple independent transducer units, each capable of emitting and receiving signals. This segmentation allows the system to probe different spatial regions simultaneously, improving depth perception and spatial awareness by analyzing echoes from multiple directions through independent transducer channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point detection to multi-dimensional spatial probing by deploying transducers in specific geometric arrangements. This dimensional expansion enables the system to capture spatial information across multiple axes, transforming one-dimensional distance measurement into three-dimensional spatial perception.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If continuous audio feedback is provided instead of alarms, then user stress is reduced and spatial analysis capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic ultrasonic signal transmission rather than continuous emission. The system transmits ultrasonic bursts at intervals, processes the echoes into spectrograms and audible signals, and provides continuous audio feedback only when objects are detected. This periodic action reduces energy consumption while maintaining continuous spatial awareness for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically generating and presenting spatial audio feedback without requiring user intervention. The processed audio signals continuously inform users of their environment, enabling autonomous spatial perception and reducing the need for active alarm responses that increase stress and energy usage.
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
Enhances spatial perception by providing continuous, non-stressful, rich audio feedback that allows users to mentally analyze their environment, improving spatial awareness and distinguishing objects through stereo time/frequency analysis, even in complex or visually overloaded situations.
Implementation Method 1
at least two independent transducers capable of emitting at least two ultrasonic signals, respectively, to produce as feedback reflected ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 2
receive the reflected ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 3
convert the reflected ultrasonic signals received into corresponding spectrograms, within an audible frequency band, and form corresponding audible time signals by inverse Fourier transform of the spectrograms
Data Source
AI summary
A device for ultrasonic object detection, having at least two independent transducers that are able to emit at least two ultrasonic signals respectively in order to produce reflected ultrasonic signals in return, and able to receive the reflected ultrasonic signals, wherein it has an electronic processing unit configured so as to convert the received reflected ultrasonic signals into respective spectrograms, in an audible frequency band, and form respective audible temporal signals through an inverse Fourier transform of the spectrograms.