Vehicle Object Detection Using Triangulation and Ghost Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object detection systems for vehicles can fail to accurately detect multiple objects around the vehicle, leading to incorrect activation of safety controls, as they rely on distance measurements alone and are limited to detecting only the closest object, potentially missing other objects within the vehicle's width.
Innovation Solution
An object detection apparatus using multiple ranging sensors to transmit and receive probe waves, employing direct and indirect wave detectors and determiners to accurately calculate the positions of multiple objects through triangulation, while avoiding the calculation of non-existent 'ghost' objects by selecting valid combinations of direct and indirect waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only distance measurement is used to detect objects, then the detection process is simple, but the widthwise position of objects cannot be determined accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional distance measurement to two-dimensional position detection by introducing widthwise position calculation. Multiple ranging sensors arranged in specific spatial configurations measure distances to objects, and through triangulation mathematics, the system calculates not only distance but also widthwise position, enabling accurate determination of whether objects are within the vehicle width.
2Device complexity
If only the closest object is detected, then the detection process is simplified, but farther objects within vehicle width may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into multiple zones by introducing a reference line extending from the vehicle front. Objects are classified as either within or beyond the reference line, allowing the system to detect and evaluate multiple objects at different distances. This segmentation enables independent evaluation of each object's interaction risk with the vehicle, ensuring that both close and distant objects within vehicle width are properly detected and considered.
3Measurement precision
If multiple objects are detected using all wave combinations, then detection completeness is improved, but ghost objects may be calculated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference line as an intermediary element to validate object detections. By comparing object positions relative to this reference line and analyzing wave combination consistency, the system can distinguish between real objects and ghost objects (false detections). The reference line serves as a mediator that helps verify whether detected objects are genuine or artifacts of incorrect wave combinations, thereby improving detection reliability.
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 detection of multiple objects, preventing false activation of safety controls and ensuring that only actual objects are accounted for, thereby enhancing vehicle safety by correctly determining interaction risks with multiple objects in proximity.
Implementation Method 1
an object detection apparatus for detecting one or more objects around the apparatus by transmitting a probe wave and receiving reflections of the probe wave from the one or more objects
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus for detecting objects around the apparatus by transmitting a probe wave and receiving reflections from the objects. If it is determined that both first and second object positions can be calculated using a combination of first direct and indirect waves and a combination of second direct and indirect waves, respectively, and at least one of third and fourth object positions can be calculated using a combination of the second direct wave and the first indirect wave and a combination of the first direct wave and the second indirect wave, only the first object position is calculated. The second direct wave is received at a first location after receipt of the first direct wave at the first location. The second indirect wave is received at a second location away from the first location after receipt of the first indirect wave at the second location.