Patent ID: 9069079
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: B60R,G01S

Abstract:
1. An obstacle detection system, comprising: ultrasonic sensors arranged at different positions in a horizontal direction of a bumper fixed to a vehicle, respectively, each of the ultrasonic sensors having an input and output surface and being configured: to emit ultrasonic waves along a beam axis from the input and output surface in accordance with an output electric signal; and also to receive incoming ultrasonic waves through the input and output surface to convert the incoming ultrasonic waves into an input electric signal; and a controller configured: to supply the output electric signal to each of the ultrasonic sensors; and also to judge whether or not at least one obstacle is present in a maximum detection area based on at least input electric signals from the ultrasonic sensors, said maximum detection area being covered with the ultrasonic sensors, wherein the ultrasonic sensors comprise first and second ultrasonic sensors each of which is located at either side of the bumper so that its own beam axis has an angle deflected in a horizontal direction from a surface-normal direction of the bumper and is directed towards an intermediate portion of the bumper, and the controller is configured to judge whether or not at least one obstacle is present in the maximum detection area based on first and second self-signals and first and second mutual signals,