Ultrasonic sensor
For an ultrasonic sensor at least one sensitivity parameter or sensitivity characteristics curve may be adjusted as a function of the air humidity and/or temperature in such a way that a predefined range or a range section may be reliably reached. Such a sensor makes it possible to reliably detect curbs, and to locate parking spaces, including curb detection under varying weather conditions.
1. An ultrasonic sensor comprising:
a sensor element having one of (a) at least one sensitivity parameter and (b) a sensitivity characteristics curve that is adjustable as a function of at least one of (c) an air humidity and (d) a temperature in such a way that a predefined range or a range section may be reached,
wherein a switched-on state of a windshield wiper is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
2. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is for locating a parking space.
3. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the range is specified in such a way that curb recognition is provided when passing a parking space.
4. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a response of an on-board rain sensor is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
5. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein an output signal of an on-board humidity sensor is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
6. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a transmission power of the ultrasonic sensor is increased when high air humidity is present.
7. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of (a) a reception sensitivity is increased and (b) a detection threshold is lowered when high air humidity is present.
8. A method using an ultrasonic sensor including a sensor element having one of (a) at least one sensitivity parameter and (b) a sensitivity characteristics curve that is adjustable as a function of at least one of (c) an air humidity and (d) a temperature in such a way that a predefined range or a range section may be reached, the method comprising:
subjecting a plurality of ultrasonic pulse measurements of at least one ultrasonic sensor to a plausibility check, for recognition of at least one of (e) a curb and (f) outer contours of parked vehicles,
wherein a switched-on state of a windshield wiper is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein corners of the vehicles are recognized.
10. A method using an ultrasonic sensor including a sensor element having one of (a) at least one sensitivity parameter and (b) a sensitivity characteristics curve that is adjustable as a function of at least one of (c) an air humidity and (d) a temperature in such a way that a predefined range or a range section may be reached, the method comprising:
as a function of a signal evaluation of at least one ultrasonic sensor, ascertaining a length and a depth of a parking space; and
as a function thereof, ascertaining an optimal parking trajectory into the parking space,
wherein a switched-on state of a windshield wiper is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
11. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor is for locating a parking space, wherein the range is specified so that curb recognition is provided when passing a parking space, wherein an output signal of an on-board humidity sensor is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
12. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 11 , wherein a transmission power of the ultrasonic sensor is increased when high air humidity is present, and wherein at least one of (a) a reception sensitivity is increased and (b) a detection threshold is lowered when high air humidity is present.
13. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 11 , wherein a response of an on-board rain sensor is used as an indicator for adjusting sensitivity parameters.
14. The ultrasonic sensor according to claim 1 , wherein a transmission power of the ultrasonic sensor is increased when high air humidity is present, and wherein at least one of (a) a reception sensitivity is increased and (b) a detection threshold is lowered when high air humidity is present.