DATA FUSION OF ULTRASONIC SENSORS FOR DISTANCE MEASUREMENT

Abstract

Distance measurement plays a fundamental role in contemporary technology, exerting a significant influence on applications across a myriad of sectors, ranging from autonomous navigation and industrial automation to robotics. Ultrasonic sensors, celebrated for their simplicity, cost-efficiency, and adaptability, have grown into essential instruments for gauging distances. Nevertheless, individual ultrasonic sensors are not exempt from constraints, which encompass inaccuracies stemming from environmental conditions, sensor noise, and measurement errors. This article delves into the advanced practice of data fusion, a method that entails amalgamating data from multiple ultrasonic sensors, bolstered by intricate algorithms like artificial intelligence (AI) and statistical techniques. The fusion of ultrasonic sensor data surpasses mere amalgamation; it harnesses the potency of AI to refine data integration. Consequently, this doesn't only enhance measurement precision but also equips systems to function dependably in dynamic and demanding environments. The article explores the importance of ultrasonic sensors, the necessity for data fusion, procedures for data preprocessing, the extraction of relevant features, the application of fusion algorithms, and the handling of uncertainties. It investigates the utilization of ultrasonic sensor data fusion in diverse domains such as autonomous vehicles, robotics, industrial automation, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Moreover, it confronts issues associated with data quality, environmental variations, privacy concerns, and ethical deliberations. The article concludes by shedding light on the encouraging avenues that lie ahead in the field, which include the development of advanced algorithms, the seamless integration of different sensor types, real-time data processing, and a strong emphasis on safety-critical applications. Data fusion from ultrasonic sensors signifies an evolving and transformative technology with profound consequences for various sectors. The responsible advancement and deployment of this technology are of paramount importance to ensure the realization of its full potential, while maintaining the principles of safety, ethics, and reliability in a continuously evolving technological landscape. Keywords: Complex measurement, Multi-sensor distance measurement, Ultrasonic sensors, Data fusion, Measurement accuracy.