Method for classifying at least one object in the surroundings of a vehicle by means of an ultrasonic sensor system, controller, ultrasonic sensor system, and vehicle

A controller configured to operate an ultrasonic sensor system for classifying at least one object in surroundings of a vehicle using the ultrasonic sensor system, the controller being configured to:

• emit ultrasonic signals at a plurality of successive time points using the ultrasonic sensor system;
• receive ultrasonic echo signals reflected on the object in the surroundings of the vehicle, using the ultrasonic sensor system;
• ascertain the object in the surroundings as a function of the received ultrasonic echo signals;
• and
• determine, as a function of the received ultrasonic echo signals whether the object is classified as dynamic including as a pedestrian;
• wherein a distance change that takes place between the vehicle and the ascertained object within a time space of two ultrasonic signals emitted at different time points is determined as a function of ultrasonic echo signals associated with the two ultrasonic signals, wherein it is determined as a function of the distance change and a velocity of the vehicle whether the object can be classified as dynamic, wherein a comparison of the distance change to a path traveled by the vehicle within the time span as a function of the velocity of the vehicle, takes place, and wherein the object is classified as dynamic when the distance change is greater than the path traveled.

An ultrasonic sensor system configured to classify an object in surroundings of a vehicle, comprising:

• at least one ultrasonic transceiver;
• and
• a controller configured to operate the ultrasonic sensor system, the controller being configured to:
• emit ultrasonic signals at a plurality of successive time points using the ultrasonic sensor system,
• receive ultrasonic echo signals reflected on the object in the surroundings of the vehicle, using the ultrasonic sensor system,
• ascertain the object in the surroundings as a function of the received ultrasonic echo signals, and
• determine, as a function of the received ultrasonic echo signals whether the object is classified as dynamic including as a pedestrian;
• wherein a distance change that takes place between the vehicle and the ascertained object within a time space of two ultrasonic signals emitted at different time points is determined as a function of ultrasonic echo signals associated with the two ultrasonic signals, wherein it is determined as a function of the distance change and a velocity of the vehicle whether the object can be classified as dynamic, wherein a comparison of the distance change to a path traveled by the vehicle within the time span as a function of the velocity of the vehicle, takes place, and wherein the object is classified as dynamic when the distance change is greater than the path traveled.

A passenger car, comprising:

• an ultrasonic sensor system configured to classify an object in surroundings of a the passenger car, the ultrasonic sensor system including:
• at least one ultrasonic transceiver;
• and
• a controller configured to operate the ultrasonic sensor system, the controller being configured to:
• emit ultrasonic signals at a plurality of successive time points using the ultrasonic sensor system,
• receive ultrasonic echo signals reflected on the object in the surroundings of the vehicle, using the ultrasonic sensor system,
• ascertain the object in the surroundings as a function of the received ultrasonic echo signals, and
• determine, as a function of the received ultrasonic echo signals whether the object is classified as dynamic including as a pedestrian;
• wherein a distance change that takes place between the vehicle and the ascertained object within a time space of two ultrasonic signals emitted at different time points is determined as a function of ultrasonic echo signals associated with the two ultrasonic signals, wherein it is determined as a function of the distance change and a velocity of the vehicle whether the object can be classified as dynamic, wherein a comparison of the distance change to a path traveled by the vehicle within the time span as a function of the velocity of the vehicle, takes place, and wherein the object is classified as dynamic when the distance change is greater than the path traveled.