Ultrasonic Sensor Surroundings Map Update
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems, particularly ultrasonic sensors, face limitations in detection accuracy and precision when identifying and positioning objects in a vehicle's surroundings, leading to erroneous or outdated object displays on digital maps due to physical limitations and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A method that records the surroundings using sensors at multiple points in time, employing confidence values to assess the likelihood of object presence and position, thereby improving the accuracy of object detection and updating the map dynamically, using multiple reference free spaces and confidence values to refine object detection decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect objects in the surrounding area, then the detection range is extended, but the detection accuracy and precision deteriorate due to physical limitations and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection actions by recording the surrounding area at multiple points in time before making a final object presence determination. This allows the system to gather additional information and reduce false detections caused by ultrasonic sensor limitations such as angle-dependent detection accuracy and interference from intervening objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms by comparing sensor data across multiple time points and using confidence values to continuously refine object detection decisions. The evaluation unit analyzes changes in detected objects over time and adjusts the surrounding map accordingly, improving accuracy while maintaining extended detection range.
2Measurement precision
If the surrounding area is detected continuously to update the map in real-time, then the currency and precision of object positions are improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively updating only those portions of the surrounding map where changes are detected, rather than processing the entire map continuously. The evaluation unit identifies specific areas requiring updates based on sensor data changes, reducing computational complexity while maintaining real-time accuracy for relevant objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process is segmented into discrete time points and evaluation steps. The system divides the continuous detection task into manageable segments by recording at specific intervals and processing each segment independently, which simplifies the overall computational complexity while maintaining real-time update capability.
3Reliability
If multiple confidence values are used to evaluate object presence, then the reliability of object detection decisions is improved, but the time required for evaluation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation by assigning confidence values based on pre-defined criteria and reference free spaces before making final detection decisions. This preliminary structuring of evaluation criteria allows for faster processing while maintaining high reliability, as the decision framework is prepared in advance rather than computed in real-time for each detection event.
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 significantly reduces incorrect object detections and positions on the map, providing a more precise and real-time representation of the vehicle's surroundings by evaluating sensor data with confidence values and reference free spaces, enhancing the accuracy of object presence and position determination.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic sensors are well known in automotive engineering. The surroundings of the motor vehicle are detected by means of these specific sensor types
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating a surroundings map (12) of a surrounding area (8) around a motor vehicle (1), in which method the surrounding area (8) is acquired by way of at least one sensor, in particular ultrasound sensor (5, 6, 14, 15), on the motor vehicle, wherein an acquisition of the surrounding area (8) is performed by way of the at least one sensor (5, 6, 14, 15) at at least two different points in time (T1, T2), and in a manner dependent on said surroundings free space situations respectively detected in a manner dependent on items of sensor information at the points in time (T1, T2), it is decided whether, upon an updating of the surroundings map (12), an object (11, 13) at least perceived as being situated in the surrounding area (8) at least in a surroundings free space situation is displayed on the then updated surroundings map (12). The invention also relates to a driver assistance system (2) and to a motor vehicle (1).