Object recognition using horizontal array of ultrasonic sensors

The aim is to design a low cost and reliable Object Recognition System. In the system, horizontal array of ultrasonic sensors is used for object recognition. The advantage to use ultrasonic sensor is the ease with which distances can be obtained from immediate objects without intensive processing. Recognition methods with an ultrasonic sensor are often utilized in situations where optical sensors cannot be used or in objects which are hard to be identified by the approach based on the light. Also ultrasonic sensors have low cost compared to other devices. Thus ultrasound sensor seems to be a good solution to detect and recognize several objects. In the paper, new approach is proposed in which response of ultrasonic sensor from rough surface objects is used for object recognition. When object surface has roughness of specific degree, incident ultrasonic waves scatter more and part of ultrasonic may return to the sensor receiver. Thus recognition of objects having critical orientation with respect to ultrasonic sensors array or rough surfaces has become possible.