Ultrasound Object Detection Device Dynamic Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection systems face challenges in continuously detecting objects as the distance between the detection device and the object changes due to movement, leading to potential loss of sight of the object.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a transmission/reception unit that transmits and receives ultrasound signals at different timings, acquiring the initial distance and relative speed to estimate subsequent distances and adjust the transmission signal parameters, such as the number of waves or transmission time, to maintain detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the transmission signal parameters are fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection reliability deteriorates when distance changes rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of transmission signal parameters (number of waves and transmission time) based on the detected distance to the object. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time according to distance changes, allowing the system to adapt to varying detection conditions and maintain reliable detection even when the object moves rapidly, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed parameters and detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the transmission signal (number of waves and transmission time) based on the detected distance. When the distance is large, more waves and longer transmission time are used; when the distance is small, fewer waves and shorter transmission time are used. This parameter adaptation ensures optimal detection performance across different distance conditions without requiring overly complex system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the number of waves and transmission time are increased, then the detection precision is improved, but the response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of waves and transmission time based on the detected distance. When the object is far away, more waves and longer transmission time are used to ensure sufficient signal strength and detection precision. When the object is close, fewer waves and shorter transmission time are used to maintain fast response. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between precision and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes in the transmission signal based on distance measurements. The control unit selects appropriate values for the number of waves and transmission time according to the current distance, ensuring that detection precision is optimized for each distance condition while minimizing unnecessary time delays. This adaptive parameter selection directly addresses the trade-off between precision and response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the transmission signal is transmitted continuously, then the detection coverage is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous transmission, the patent uses periodic transmission of ultrasound signals with controlled intervals. The transmission is performed only when needed based on distance detection requirements, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection coverage. This periodic action allows the system to balance between coverage and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the transmission time parameter based on the detected distance. When the object is far, longer transmission time is used to ensure coverage; when the object is close, shorter transmission time suffices. This parameter adaptation reduces energy consumption by avoiding excessive transmission duration while maintaining necessary detection coverage across different scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables continuous detection of objects without losing sight, even when the distance changes rapidly, by accurately adjusting the transmission parameters based on estimated distances.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission/reception unit 110 that has a vibrator 112 capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound transmission and reflection: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

acquires a relative speed of the object, based on a frequency difference between the first transmission signal and the first reception signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Implementation Method 3

acquires a first distance serving as a distance up to the object, based on a time difference between a transmission timing of a first transmission signal out of the plurality of transmission signals and a reception timing of a first reception signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11500081B2Object detection device and object detection system
Publication Date: 2022.11.15 AISIN CORP
  • US11500081B2 patent drawing
  • US11500081B2 patent drawing
  • US11500081B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An object detection device includes: a transmission/reception unit that has a vibrator capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasound, that causes the vibrator to transmit transmission signals at different timings, and that receives the reception signals returning after being reflected on a circumferentially existing object; an acquisition unit that acquires a first distance to the object, based on a time difference between a transmission timing of a first transmission signal and a reception timing of a first reception signal, and that acquires a relative speed of the object, based on a frequency difference between the first transmission signal and the first reception signal; an estimation unit that estimates a second distance to the object at a transmission timing of a second transmission signal to be transmitted subsequently to the first transmission signal; and an adjustment unit that adjusts the number of waves or a transmission time of the second transmission signal.