17746143. VEHICLE ULTRASONIC SENSOR DETECTION simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)

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VEHICLE ULTRASONIC SENSOR DETECTION

Organization Name

Ford Global Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Rajiv Sithiravel of Scarborough (CA)

Sutharsan Sivagnanam of Windsor (CA)

Douglas James Mcewan of Saline MI (US)

David A. Laporte of Livonia MI (US)

VEHICLE ULTRASONIC SENSOR DETECTION - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17746143 titled 'VEHICLE ULTRASONIC SENSOR DETECTION

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a computer system that uses ultrasonic sensors on a vehicle to determine the position of objects around it.

  • The computer system includes a processor and memory.
  • Ultrasonic sensors on the vehicle collect range data, which includes distances traveled by pulses emitted and received by the sensors.
  • The system uses this range data to determine two ellipses, representing the possible positions of objects.
  • The system then calculates the intersections of these ellipses to identify the actual positions of objects.
  • Some intersections may be excluded based on the fields of view of the sensors.
  • Finally, the system uses the non-excluded intersections to activate a component of the vehicle.

Potential Applications

  • Autonomous vehicles: This technology can be used in self-driving cars to accurately detect and track objects around the vehicle.
  • Collision avoidance systems: The system can help in detecting potential collisions and activating safety measures to prevent accidents.
  • Parking assistance: By accurately determining the positions of objects, the system can assist in parking by providing guidance and alerts.

Problems Solved

  • Accurate object detection: The system solves the problem of accurately determining the positions of objects around a vehicle using ultrasonic sensors.
  • Overlapping fields of view: By considering the overlapping fields of view of the sensors, the system can exclude unreliable intersection points, improving the accuracy of object detection.

Benefits

  • Improved safety: By accurately detecting and tracking objects, the system can help in preventing accidents and improving overall road safety.
  • Enhanced autonomous capabilities: The technology enables autonomous vehicles to make informed decisions based on accurate object detection, improving their ability to navigate and interact with the environment.
  • Efficient parking: The system can assist drivers in parking by providing accurate guidance, reducing the time and effort required for parking maneuvers.


Original Abstract Submitted

A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable to receive range data from a plurality of ultrasonic sensors on a vehicle, determine two ellipses from respective pulses of the range datadetermine a plurality of intersections of the two ellipses, exclude a subset of the intersections, and actuate a component of the vehicle based on the nonexcluded intersections. The ultrasonic sensors have respective fields of view, the fields of view overlap, and the range data includes distances traveled by pulses emitted by the ultrasonic sensors and received by the ultrasonic sensors. Each pulse is emitted by a different one of the ultrasonic sensors than received that pulse. Excluding the subset of the intersections is based on the fields of view.