Vehicle Acoustic Sensor Terrain Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle terrain response systems are reactive and cannot prepare the vehicle for upcoming terrain types without user input, relying on sensors that measure vehicle parameters only after the vehicle is on the terrain, which is inadequate for off-road conditions where terrain types can change frequently and require specific setups.
Innovation Solution
A system using existing acoustic sensors to determine terrain type ahead of the vehicle by analyzing reflected acoustic signals, processing data with a processor to calculate acoustic parameters, and comparing them with pre-determined data using algorithms like neural networks or clustering classification, allowing for automatic adjustment of vehicle subsystems to suit the terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing acoustic sensors are used to determine terrain type ahead of the vehicle, then the system can proactively identify terrain and automatically adjust vehicle settings, but the system requires processing complex acoustic signal data which increases computational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical terrain sensing systems with acoustic signal processing. Acoustic sensors detect reflected sound waves from terrain, and the processor analyzes these acoustic parameters to identify terrain type, substituting mechanical measurement approaches with acoustic field-based detection and computational analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms raw acoustic sensor data into meaningful terrain identification by calculating derived acoustic parameters (such as signal strength, frequency characteristics, and reflection patterns) and comparing these transformed parameters against pre-determined terrain data sets, enabling accurate terrain classification through parameter transformation
2Loss of information
If acoustic sensors are mounted on the vehicle to detect terrain ahead, then the vehicle can identify terrain in the immediate vicinity, but the sensor range and accuracy are limited compared to longer-range detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic sensors are positioned to detect terrain features before the vehicle reaches them, providing advance warning of upcoming terrain changes. The system processes acoustic reflections from the immediate vicinity ahead of the vehicle, enabling proactive terrain identification and automatic adjustment of vehicle settings before the terrain is encountered
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensors serve as an intermediary detection mechanism, using sound wave reflection as a mediator to indirectly probe terrain characteristics. The reflected acoustic signals carry information about terrain type, surface properties, and features, allowing the system to infer terrain conditions without direct mechanical contact or visual line-of-sight 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
Enables accurate and proactive determination of terrain type, improving vehicle performance and comfort by automatically adjusting settings before encountering challenging terrain, especially in off-road conditions, without the need for additional expensive hardware.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor mounted on the vehicle receives a signal reflected from terrain ahead of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for use in a vehicle for determining an indication of the type of terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle. The system comprises a processor arranged to receive acoustic sensor output data from at least one vehicle- mounted acoustic sensor, the or each acoustic sensor being arranged to receive a reflected signal from the terrain in the vicinity of the vehicle, the processor also being arranged to calculate at least one acoustic parameter in dependence on the acoustic sensor output data. The system also comprises a data memory arranged to store pre-determined data relating the at least one acoustic parameter to a particular terrain type. The processor is arranged to compare the at least one acoustic parameter with the pre-determined data to determine an indication of the particular terrain type based on the acoustic sensor output data only.