Ultrasound Sensor Noise Compensation via Reference Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound sensor systems in motor vehicles face challenges in accurately compensating for structure-borne sound noise, especially when installed covered, as the interfering sound pattern changes due to factors like temperature and material aging, leading to inadequate noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
A method for computational noise compensation that involves acquiring multiple reference signal representations under different conditions, storing them, and selecting a suitable reference signal representation for noise compensation based on comparisons with the measurement signal representation and conditions influencing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single reference signal is used for noise compensation, then the compensation process is simple, but the compensation accuracy deteriorates due to changes in structure-borne sound pattern from temperature and material aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reference signal into multiple reference signal representations acquired under different conditions (temperature, material aging). Each segment corresponds to a specific operational state, allowing the system to select the most appropriate reference signal for accurate noise compensation without using a single outdated reference
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and updates reference signal representations based on current operational conditions. The reference signal base is not static but adapts to changing conditions like temperature and material aging, maintaining high compensation accuracy over time
2Reliability
If reference signals are updated frequently to account for condition changes, then compensation accuracy is maintained, but measurement time increases due to additional reference signal acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of multiple reference signal representations under different conditions before actual measurements. This pre-acquired reference database eliminates the need for time-consuming reference signal acquisition during measurement, as the most suitable reference is already available for selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from condition monitoring (temperature, material aging detection) to determine which reference signal representations are most relevant. This feedback mechanism ensures that only necessary references are selected, avoiding unnecessary measurement time while maintaining reliability
3Measurement precision
If multiple reference signal representations are stored and selected based on comparisons, then noise compensation quality improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameters used for reference signal selection based on current operational conditions (temperature, material aging state). By adjusting selection criteria according to these parameters, the system achieves high signal-to-noise ratio without requiring complex processing of all possible reference signals
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 improves the quality of noise compensation by using a reference signal base with multiple support points, allowing for precise selection of a reference signal that maximizes signal-to-noise ratio and minimizes structure-borne sound echo components, even in situations with obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
A distance to an obstacle in the surroundings of a motor vehicle is determined and provided to a driving or parking assistance system of the motor vehicle with reference to a signal time-of-flight between emission of the ultrasonic emission signal and arrival of an airborne sound echo in the ultrasonic reception signal
Implementation Method 2
structure-borne sound arises in the vehicle outer skin, and structure-borne sound echoes are overlaid on the airborne sound echoes in the ultrasonic reception signal as noise
Implementation Method 3
WO 2019/137784 A1 discloses reflective elements in a bumper, which reduce propagation of the structure-borne sound in the bumper by destructive interference
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for computational noise compensation for an ultrasound sensor system. The method includes acquiring multiple reference signal representations at different points in time, storing the multiple reference signal representations, acquiring a measurement signal representation by emitting an ultrasound emission signal using the ultrasound sensor and receiving an ultrasonic reception signal using the same or the other ultrasound sensor, selecting one of the stored reference signal representations, and generating a noise-compensated measurement signal representation by subtracting the selected reference signal representation from the acquired measurement signal representation.