Vehicle Obstacle Detection for Low-Height Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle obstacle detection systems, particularly those using ultrasonic sensors, fail to accurately detect low-height objects such as curbs, leading to suboptimal parking trajectory calculations and potential collisions, as these objects can be obscured by the sonic beam and not trigger warnings until it's too late.
Innovation Solution
A method that compares successive distance measurements to determine if an object disappears from the detection range, indicating it as a low-height object, and issues a warning or adjusts the parking trajectory accordingly, using sensors like ultrasonic, radar, or capacitive sensors to ensure safe navigation over low boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensors are used with a sound cone radiation pattern, then the detection range is extended, but low-height objects cannot be detected at close distances as they move into the shadow of the ultrasound
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is divided into two segments: a first area at larger distances where the sound cone provides adequate coverage, and a second area at closer distances where additional sensors with different radiation patterns are activated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain broad detection range while ensuring accurate detection of low-height objects in the critical near-field zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying on a single acoustic detection dimension to incorporating multiple detection dimensions by combining ultrasonic sensors with other sensor types (such as optical or capacitive sensors) that have different radiation characteristics. This multi-dimensional approach compensates for the limitations of the sound cone pattern at close distances.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor installation position is raised to extend detection range, then the detection area is increased, but low objects can dive under the sound cone without triggering warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sensor types with complementary detection characteristics into a unified detection system. By combining the extended range capability of raised ultrasonic sensors with the low-object detection capability of additional sensors positioned or oriented differently, the system achieves both broad detection area and reliable warning for low objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality to handle different detection scenarios: the primary ultrasonic sensors provide extended range detection for general obstacle detection, while additional sensors specifically address low-object detection. This universal system can adapt to various object types and heights, maintaining reliability across different conditions.
3Ease of operation
If low and high limits are evaluated equally in parking assistance systems, then the system is simple to operate, but the optimal parking trajectory cannot be calculated for parking spaces with low delimitation
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation system dynamically adapts its criteria based on detected object characteristics. When a low boundary such as a curb is detected, the system automatically adjusts the evaluation parameters and trajectory calculation algorithms to account for the lower height limit, allowing the vehicle to drive over the curb during parking maneuvers. This dynamic adaptation maintains operational simplicity while optimizing parking efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters in the trajectory calculation based on the detected boundary type. For low boundaries, parameters such as minimum clearance distance and collision thresholds are adjusted to permit driving over the boundary, whereas for high boundaries, more conservative parameters are used. This parameter adaptation enables optimal trajectory calculation for different parking space configurations without complicating user interaction.
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 low-height objects, allowing for optimal parking maneuvers by preventing them from being overlooked and ensuring safe passage over lateral boundaries, reducing the need for excessive safety distances and improving parking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the ultrasonic sensors send a sound pulse and the echo of the sound pulse is received. The distance to an object reflecting the sound is calculated from the transit time between sending the signal and receiving the echo
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonic sensors, for example, are used as distance sensors. In order to detect the area around the vehicle and thus the distance from obstacles, the ultrasonic sensors send a sound pulse
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting low-profile objects (11) using an obstacle detection system in vehicles (3), wherein the obstacle detection system comprises distance sensors (13) for determining and evaluating the distance to objects (11). The method comprises the following steps: (a) continuously detecting the distance to an object (11) using the distance sensors (13) or detecting the distance to an object (11) at predetermined intervals, (b) checking whether the object (11) continues to be detected by the distance sensors (13) when approaching the vehicle (3) and falls below a predetermined distance, or whether it disappears from the detection range of the distance sensors (13), (c) recognizing the object (11) that disappears from the detection range of the distance sensors (13) as a low-profile object (11). The invention also relates to a method for assisting a driver during a driving maneuver.