Vehicle Object Height Detection Using Echo Differential Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the height of objects using distance sensors in driver assistance systems are unreliable, especially when objects are in motion, as they fail to distinguish between tall and low objects accurately, and are limited to static scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a driver assistance system that uses multiple measurement cycles with a distance sensor to determine the height of objects by calculating the difference between first and second echo distance values, with the motor vehicle moving relative to the object, and utilizing a reference value and tolerance to characterize the object's height reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple echoes are detected and the second echo height is determined to classify object height, then object height characterization is possible, but the method is only effective for static objects and fails when objects are in motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static measurement approach into a dynamic one by utilizing the relative motion between vehicle and object. Instead of assuming objects are stationary, the system actively uses motion to generate measurable changes in echo patterns, enabling height determination for both static and moving objects through differential measurements across multiple measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from single-point height determination to differential height change measurement. By calculating the difference in height between successive measurement cycles and comparing it to a reference value, the system can identify high objects even when they are in motion, as the differential approach captures motion-induced variations in echo characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If the difference between approach and travelled distance is calculated to estimate object height, then height estimation is possible, but the method requires very good and power-sensitive calculation of vehicle motion and fails with unknown object motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference value as an intermediary that simplifies the height determination process. Instead of performing complex calculations of vehicle motion and object motion separately, the system compares the measured height difference directly against a pre-established reference value, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If multiple measurement cycles are performed with the vehicle moving relative to the object, then object height can be determined more reliably, but the measurement process requires extended time and multiple cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs measurements in multiple cycles but only processes the essential differential information needed for height determination. By focusing on the critical difference between measured height and reference value rather than analyzing every parameter in each cycle, the system achieves reliable height determination with minimal processing overhead, balancing reliability with time efficiency.
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 allows for more accurate characterization of object height, enabling the system to differentiate between tall and low objects, even when the vehicle is in motion, and facilitates autonomous decision-making, such as emergency braking and parking space detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second echo of the transmission signal reflected by the at least one object are received
Implementation Method 2
a first distance value is determined using a control device based on the first echo, a second distance value is determined based on the second echo
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting at least one object (9a, 9b, 9c) in a surrounding region (7) of a motor vehicle (1) by means of a driver assistance system (2), in which, in successive measurement cycles, a distance sensor (4) is used to transmit a respective transmission signal and to receive a first and a second echo of the transmitted signal reflected by the at least one object (9a, 9b, 9c), and a control device (3) is used to determine a first distance value (a1) on the basis of the first echo, to determine a second distance value (a2) on the basis of the second echo and to determine a height of the at least one object (9a, 9b, 9c) on the basis of the first and second distance values (a1, a2), wherein the measurement cycles are performed during a relative movement by the motor vehicle (1) in relation to the at least one object (9a, 9b, 9c), at least two of the measurement cycles involve determination of a respective difference value that describes a difference between the second distance value (a2) and the first distance value (a1), and a height of the at least one object (9a, 9b, 9c) is determined on the basis of a change in the respective difference value determined during the at least two measurement cycles.