Ultrasound Object Localization Using Compressed Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic sensors in driver assistance systems face challenges in determining the direction of ultrasonic echoes due to non-directional sound propagation, requiring improved directivity and signal processing methods to accurately locate objects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of ultrasonic pulses, detection with multiple receivers, conversion to digital signals, summation, multiplication by a random matrix, and direction determination using compressed sensing, combined with beamforming algorithms, to accurately determine the direction of incidence and store object locations in an environment map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sound propagates in a non-directional manner, then ultrasonic sensors can detect obstacles from any direction, but the direction of incidence cannot be determined easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into two independent components: distance measurement (using time-of-flight) and direction determination (using beamforming with multiple receivers). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately, maintaining omnidirectional coverage while achieving precise direction measurement through array signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-receiver detection to multi-receiver array detection, adding spatial dimensionality to the system. By arranging multiple receivers in specific geometric patterns (linear array, circular array, or planar array), the system gains the ability to determine direction of incidence while maintaining omnidirectional detection coverage.
2Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to determine direction of incidence, then directional accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compressed sensing techniques to determine direction of incidence with a reduced number of receivers compared to traditional beamforming requirements. By using sparse signal reconstruction algorithms, the system achieves accurate direction measurement with fewer sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex hardware configurations with sophisticated signal processing algorithms. Instead of using numerous receivers arranged in complex patterns, the system uses advanced algorithms (compressed sensing, sparse reconstruction) to extract directional information from limited receiver data, substituting computational complexity for hardware complexity.
3Device complexity
If compressed sensing is used to determine direction of incidence, then the number of receivers can be reduced, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing approach from traditional frequency-domain beamforming to time-domain compressed sensing with sparse reconstruction. By formulating direction determination as a sparse optimization problem and using iterative algorithms (such as L1-minimization or greedy algorithms like OMP), the system achieves accurate direction estimation with fewer receivers, trading algorithmic complexity for reduced hardware requirements.
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 resolution and accuracy of object localization, allowing for a reduced number of receivers and improved signal processing, enabling precise object detection for driver assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic transmitter emits a signal, which is reflected by an obstacle and then registered by a receiver
Implementation Method 2
Capturing ultrasound echoes of the ultrasound pulses with at least two receivers
Implementation Method 3
Converting the analog signals generated by each receiver from the ultrasound echoes into digital signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for locating objects using ultrasound. The method has the following steps: a) emitting at least one ultrasonic pulse (22), b) detecting ultrasonic echoes (24, 25) of the at least one ultrasonic pulse (22) using at least two receivers (14), c) converting the analog signals (28) generated from the ultrasonic echoes (24, 25) by each receiver (14) into digital signals (31), d) adding the digital signals (31) into an output signal (38), e) multiplying the output signal (38) by a random matrix, f) ascertaining the direction of incidence of the ultrasonic echoes (24, 25) from the multiplied output signal (39) using a compressed sensing process, and g) storing the ascertained directions of incidence in a map (42) of the surroundings.