EP3977161A1

EP3977161A1 - Method and driver assistance system for classifying objects in the area around a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3977161A1
Application number: EP20723340.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Tchorzewski; Werner Urban; Michael Schumann; Tom Reimann; Juergen Schmidt; Jianda Wang; Lena Bendfeld
Original assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Current assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date: 2019-05-26
Filing date: 2020-04-29
Publication date: 2022-04-06
Also published as: CN114207469A; WO2020239351A1; DE102019207688A1; US20220244379A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for classifying objects in the area around a vehicle (1) using ultrasonic sensors (10), which transmit ultrasonic pulses and receive ultrasonic echoes reflected by objects, wherein distances between a respective ultrasonic sensor (10) and objects in the surroundings reflecting ultrasonic pulses are determined by means of at least two ultrasonic sensors (10) having at least partially overlapping fields of view (30) and the position of the reflecting objects is determined to distinguish between elongate objects and point-like objects using lateration and assignment of the received ultrasonic echoes to object hypotheses. The invention further provides that the height of a point-like object represented by an object hypothesis is classified using, as classification parameters, the update rate of the object hypothesis, stability of the position of the object represented by the object hypothesis, the amplitude of the ultrasonic echos assigned to the object hypothesis and a probability that the ultrasonic sensors (10) will receive an ultrasonic echo from the object which is represented by the object hypothesis. A further aspect of the invention relates to a driver assistance system (100) configured for performing the method.

Description

description

title

Method and driver assistance system for classifying objects in the

Surroundings of a vehicle

The invention relates to a method for classifying objects in the vicinity of a vehicle using ultrasonic sensors which emit ultrasonic pulses and receive ultrasonic echoes reflected from objects again, with at least two ultrasonic sensors with at least partially overlapping fields of view distances between the respective ultrasonic sensor and objects reflecting ultrasonic pulses in the environment can be determined and to differentiate between extended objects and point objects a position determination of the

reflecting objects by means of lateration and assigning the received ultrasonic echoes to object hypotheses. Another aspect of the invention relates to a driver assistance system which is set up to carry out the method.

State of the art

Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of driver assistance systems that the driver of the vehicle when running

support various driving maneuvers. Furthermore are

Driver assistance systems known, which warn the driver of dangers in the area. For their function, the driver assistance systems require precise data about the surroundings of the vehicle and in particular about objects that are in the surroundings of the vehicle.

Ultrasound-based object localization methods are often used, in which two or more ultrasonic sensors are used. The

Ultrasonic sensors each send out ultrasonic pulses and receive ultrasonic echoes reflected from objects in the vicinity. The distance between a reflecting object and the respective sensor can be determined from the transit time of the ultrasonic pulses until the corresponding ultrasonic echo is received and the known speed of sound. Is located an object in the field of view of more than one ultrasonic sensor, so the distance to the object can be determined by more than one ultrasonic sensor, the exact position of the reflecting object relative to the sensors or to the vehicle can also be determined using lateration algorithms.

Due to the ever-increasing fields of vision and sensitivities of the sensors, objects on the floor such as curbs, thresholds or manhole covers can also be increasingly recognized. For the driver assistance systems to function correctly, it is important to be able to differentiate between collision-relevant objects, such as posts, walls or traffic signs, and objects that cannot be driven over, such as curbs, thresholds or manhole covers that are not relevant for a collision.

From DE 10 2009 046 158 A1 a method for recognizing objects with a low height is known. Provision is made here to continuously detect a distance to an object by means of distance sensors and to check whether the object continues to be detected by the distance sensors when the vehicle approaches if it falls below a predetermined distance or whether it disappears from the detection range of the distance sensors. If it is recognized that the object disappears from the detection range of the distance sensors when it approaches, the object is classified as an object with a low height.

In the prior art, methods are also known which make use of the fact that tall and extensive objects generally do not have a single, clearly defined reflection point and therefore focus on a single one

Ultrasonic pulse several reflections and thus several in time

can cause successive ultrasonic echoes. With a high object, for example, a reflex runs directly horizontally, i.e. parallel to the floor from the sensor to the object and back again. Another reflex is thrown back from the throat between the floor and the tall object. This second ultrasound echo arrives after the first ultrasound echo, since a longer path has to be covered from the installation position of the sensor to the transition between the object and the floor than the direct path running parallel to the floor. It is also known that certain objects such as bushes or pedestrians but also flat objects such as Drainage grids or manhole covers cause a large number of reflections, which are noticeable as a noise-like signal as an echo.

DE 10 2007 061 235 A1 describes a method for classifying the height of objects using statistical scattering, which is caused in particular by multiple reflections of the measurement signal.

The problem with the known methods for height classification is that small objects and point-like objects such as posts or traffic signs seen in the plane hardly cause multiple reflections due to their low reflectivity and ultrasonic echoes reflected by these objects also only have a low amplitude, which is therefore not the sole criterion for a classification between low objects and high objects can be used. There is therefore a need for a robust method for a height classification of the objects, particularly in connection with such point-like objects.

Disclosure of the invention

A method is proposed for classifying objects in the vicinity of a vehicle using ultrasonic sensors which emit ultrasonic pulses and receive ultrasonic echoes reflected from objects again. It is planned to have at least two

Ultrasonic sensors with at least partially overlapping fields of view

To determine distances between the respective ultrasonic sensor and objects reflecting ultrasonic pulses in the environment and to distinguish between extended objects and point objects

Determination of the position of the reflecting objects by means of lateration and

Assignment of the received ultrasonic echoes to object hypotheses

to undertake. Provision is also made for a height classification of the point-like objects represented by an object hypothesis to be carried out, the height classification being based on an update rate of the

Object hypothesis, a stability of the position of the object represented by the object hypothesis, the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes assigned to the object hypothesis and a probability for the ultrasonic sensors to receive an ultrasonic echo from the object, which is represented by the object hypothesis, takes place as classification parameters. Under a Point-shaped object is understood to mean an object which, viewed in a plane parallel to the ground, appears essentially point-shaped, that is to say has only a small extent, such as in the case of a post or a traffic sign. Furthermore, as point-like objects

protruding parts of larger extended objects considered, such as

for example edges of houses, corners of vehicles, corners of

Curbs, corners of bumps or thresholds and the like. Thus, in particular, objects whose size visible to the sensors is less than 10 cm are viewed as point-like objects. Conversely, an object is viewed as an extended object which, when viewed in a plane parallel to the ground, has extended long edges, such as

for example walls, walls or other vehicles. Thus become

in particular objects which, seen in the plane parallel to the ground, have a visible edge with a length of 10 cm or more than extended ones

Objects viewed.

In the context of the proposed method, using at least two ultrasonic sensors whose fields of view at least partially overlap, ultrasonic pulses are continuously transmitted and ultrasonic echoes reflected from objects are accordingly continuously received again. For this purpose, several ultrasonic sensors, for example two to five ultrasonic sensors, are preferably arranged as a group, for example on a bumper of a vehicle. Using the known speed of sound in air, the distances between the reflecting objects in the vicinity of the vehicle and the respective ultrasonic sensor are then determined. Will one ultrasonic echo from several

Receiving ultrasonic sensors, it can be assumed that the object reflecting the ultrasonic pulses is located in the overlapping field of view of the two ultrasonic sensors. By applying a lateration algorithm, the relative position of the reflecting object can be determined relative to the vehicle or relative to the ultrasonic sensors. To determine the position in the plane, two ultrasonic sensors that receive echoes from the object are sufficient.

The method provides for the creation of object hypotheses. A

The object hypothesis includes all the distances determined by means of the ultrasonic sensors and other measured values such as the registered amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes

together, which are assigned to an object in the vicinity of the vehicle can. Accordingly, each object hypothesis represents an object of

Surroundings of the vehicle. In particular, measured values obtained consecutively in time, that is to say distance values determined in succession, can be assigned to one and the same object hypothesis if lateration shows that the position of the respective object reflecting the ultrasound corresponds to that of the one

Object hypothesis assigned position matches or is in the vicinity. By evaluating the total of an object hypothesis

Associated measurements or from the distances and positions determined with the ultrasonic sensors, conclusions can then be drawn about the contour of the object. For example, if the vehicle moves evenly in one direction and all positions assigned to an object hypothesis are on a line or all positions of all ultrasonic sensors of a bumper assigned to an object hypothesis are on a line, it can be concluded that the object assigned to this object hypothesis is located is a large object such as a wall or other vehicle. If, on the other hand, the position does not change approximately, then there is probably a point-like object which, viewed in the plane parallel to the ground, has only a small geometric extent. For example, it is a post, a traffic sign or a characteristic corner of another object, such as a vehicle corner or a corner of a house or a curb corner. Such a combination of individual measured distances to form extended objects is for example in

DE 10 2007 051 234 A1 described.

If an object hypothesis is present, which is viewed as a point-shaped object, a

Altitude classification made. It is preferably provided that a

Make a distinction between objects that can be driven over and objects that cannot be driven over. Such a distinction is important because, for example, when a parking maneuver is carried out, driving over an object that can be driven over can be continued, but the driving maneuver must be aborted or a warning must be output if an object cannot be driven over.

According to the invention, a combination of different

Use classification parameters for the classification of the height of the point-shaped objects. According to the invention, the update rate of the object hypothesis, a stability of the position of the from the Object hypothesis represented object, the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes assigned to the object hypothesis and a probability for the

Ultrasonic sensors to receive an echo from the object passing through

Object hypothesis is represented.

The probability of an ultrasonic sensor to receive an ultrasonic echo for the object represented by the object hypothesis is preferred, based on the position of the object relative to the field of view of the respective ultrasonic sensor, a determined extent of the object and / or a detection threshold of the

Ultrasonic sensor determined.

When determining the probability, the position of the object relative to the field of view of the ultrasonic sensor has a great influence on the

Detection probability, since the amplitude of the emitted ultrasonic signal on the one hand decreases with distance and on the other hand drops steadily towards the edge of the field of view or towards the edge of the sound cone emitted by the ultrasonic sensor. For example, if the object is exactly in the

In the center of the field of view, the amplitude of the ultrasound hitting the object is usually at a maximum, whereas the amplitude decreases the further the object moves away from the center of the field of view. Furthermore, the extent of the object has a great influence on how large the amplitude of the reflected

Is ultrasonic echoes. A large, extended object will reflect more sound energy than a small object. Furthermore, in the case of ultrasonic sensors, a detection threshold is usually provided to avoid normal noise as well

Ultrasonic echoes that are caused by the floor or the subsurface should not be classified as ultrasonic echoes from an object. An ultrasonic echo is classified as an ultrasonic echo reflected from an object only if its amplitude is above the specified threshold value.

Provision is preferably made here to adapt the detection threshold in each case to the currently prevailing environmental conditions, so that in the case of low

Ambient noise or a small number of ground echoes

Detection threshold is lowered and vice versa in a noisy environment with a lot of interfering signals and great noise and / or a high number of

Ground echoes, for example through a rough surface such as gravel, the

To raise the detection threshold. For example, an algorithm can be used for adapting the detection threshold, which determines the detection threshold regulates in such a way that a constant false alarm rate is achieved (CA FR).

A further criterion is preferably provided, the amplitude of the

To use ultrasonic echoes assigned to the object hypothesis for the height classification. On the one hand, use can be made of the fact that large, extended objects generally have a higher amplitude than smaller objects. On the other hand, as is known from DE 10 2009 046 158 A1, for example

Approach of the object to the vehicle or when the object approaches the ultrasonic sensors, the change in amplitude can be monitored to determine whether the object continues to be detected or is out of the field of view of the

Ultrasonic sensors disappears. Such "submerging" of the object under the field of view of an ultrasonic sensor is an indicator that it is a low object. The analysis of the amplitude in the course of the approach of the object to the ultrasonic sensor can in particular also include a normalization of the amplitudes taking into account an expansion of the object represented by the object hypothesis and / or the probability of a detection.

The stability of the position of the object represented by the object hypothesis is preferably taken into account as a criterion for the classification of the height of a point-shaped object. This makes use of the fact that high, punctiform objects such as posts and traffic signs have a well-defined reflection point that is always reliably detected regardless of the relative position between the object and the vehicle. In the case of low objects, such as the corner of a curb, which appear as a point-shaped object, there is no well-defined reflection point for the incident ultrasound, so that the specific position of the point-shaped object appears to move when the object approaches the vehicle or the respective ultrasonic sensor. Furthermore, this apparent wandering can mean that a distinction between extended objects and point objects is made more difficult by this apparent wandering of the position. This can be taken into account by classifying it as an object as a point-like object or

extended object is assigned a confidence value, this confidence value preferably being taken into account as a classification parameter for the height classification. A greater uncertainty in the classification indicates a low object and low uncertainties or a high confidence value indicates a high point-shaped object. The update rate of the object hypothesis is preferably used as a classification parameter for the height classification. This makes use of the fact that, depending on the nature of the object, the probability that it will be detected by more than one of the ultrasonic sensors at the same time is greater or less. In the case of extensive objects, it is usually guaranteed that the object is

is in the field of view of more than one ultrasonic sensor at the same time and thus lateration can be carried out frequently. This makes it possible to frequently determine the position of the object reflecting the ultrasound and thus to assign the measured distance values to an object hypothesis and thus to update them.

In the case of small point-like objects, however, the probability that the object will be recognized by more than one ultrasonic sensor at the same time, i.e. that an ultrasonic echo reflected from this point-like object is picked up by at least two ultrasonic sensors, is correspondingly lower. Thus, a corresponding object hypothesis for a point-shaped object can be updated less frequently. If the point-like object is a tall object, direct sound reflection is usually possible, so that the probability that at least two

Ultrasonic sensors simultaneously pick up an echo of this high point-like object higher than with a low point-like object. A minor one

The update rate of an object hypothesis thus indicates a low one

point-shaped object.

An object hypothesis is preferably always updated when a further ultrasonic echo is added to this object hypothesis. This usually happens whenever a successful lateration can be carried out, i.e. the ultrasonic echo of the object represented by the object hypothesis is received by at least two ultrasonic sensors, for which the position can then be determined by lateration and assigned to an object hypothesis.

Carrying out the height classification of the punctiform objects with the cited classification parameters can in particular be carried out using a statistical evaluation method or a machine learning method. In particular, weighting factors and links between the classification parameters are created based on a training data set. Such a training data set contains, for a situation in which a known object is present, in addition to the classification as a point-shaped high object

or point-shaped low object the associated measured values for the classification parameters. A suitable machine learning method here is so-called random forest method, in which a large number of decision trees are created using the training data set. If you then use it with unknown data, the results become more complete

Decision trees are taken into account and the most likely result is then selected.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a driver assistance system comprising at least two ultrasonic sensors with at least partially overlapping ones

Fields of view and a control unit. The driver assistance system is designed and / or set up to carry out one of the methods described herein.

Since the driver assistance system is designed and / or set up to execute one of the methods, features described in the context of one of the methods apply correspondingly to the driver assistance system and vice versa, features described in the context of one of the driver assistance systems apply conversely to the methods.

The driver assistance system is set up accordingly to use the at least two ultrasonic sensors to detect objects in the vicinity of a vehicle and to classify them into extensive and point-like objects and, if a point-like object is present, this one

To undergo altitude classification.

The driver assistance system is preferably set up to provide various assistance functions using the determined data about objects in the vicinity of the vehicle. The driver assistance system preferably comprises a display function and a safety function. With the display function, a distance to a collision-relevant object in the vicinity of the vehicle is shown, for example, on a display, acoustically or via illuminated displays. In the case of the safety function, it is preferably provided that when a

Dangerous situation an intervention is made in a driving function. Such an intervention in a driving function can be, for example, braking intervention or steering intervention. A dangerous situation exists in particular when it is recognized that a collision with an object that cannot be driven over is imminent.

In the proposed driver assistance system, one is preferred

Embodiment provided, for the display function and the security function, each different weightings of the classification parameters in the Implementation of the height classification of the point objects to be used.

It is preferred that the weightings of the classification parameters be as follows

specify that the probability of being classified as a non-traversable object is higher for the display function than for the safety function.

Furthermore, a vehicle is proposed which one of the herein

includes driver assistance systems described.

Advantages of the invention

The method proposed according to the invention enables the height classification for objects which appear point-like for distance sensors. A reliable height classification and, in particular, a reliable classification into objects that can be driven over and objects that cannot be driven over is decisive for the reliable functioning of many driver assistance systems. The driver assistance systems should not trigger a warning or even a braking intervention for flat objects that can be driven over, such as curbs, thresholds or manhole covers, whereas collision-relevant objects such as posts, walls, traffic signs or the edges of other objects such as house corners or vehicle corners must be reliably detected.

The proposed method can advantageously be used in all existing systems which at least partially use ultrasonic sensors

Have overlapping fields of view and can perform lateration.

Additional sensors are not required.

By classifying point-shaped objects into tall objects, which for

Collisions are relevant and low objects which can be driven over and do not require a reaction from a driver assistance system, in particular the number of false warnings or even the number of false system reactions, although no collision-relevant object is present, is reduced, so that the acceptance of the

Driver assistance systems for the driver is increased.

Furthermore, depending on the application, it is possible to select the weighting of the individual classification parameters used for height classification differently. For example, in driver assistance systems which only have a display function, a higher rate can be accepted at which a low object which can be driven over is incorrectly classified as a high object, that is to say as a Object that cannot be driven over is classified as in the case of driver assistance systems which have a safety function and can, for example, perform a braking intervention.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings and the following description.

Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle with a driver assistance system according to the invention in a view from the side,

Figure 2 fields of view of several ultrasonic sensors at the installation height of the sensors in a view from above and

FIG. 3 shows the fields of view of the ultrasonic sensors at floor level in a view from above.

Embodiments of the invention

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, a repeated description of these elements being dispensed with in individual cases. The figures represent the subject matter of the invention only schematically.

FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1, which is located on a road 22, in a view from the side. The vehicle 1 comprises a driver assistance system 100 with an ultrasonic sensor 10 and a control device 20. In the side view of FIG. 1, only one ultrasonic sensor 10 is visible, but the vehicle 1 comprises several ultrasonic sensors 10, compare FIGS. 2 and 3. In the one shown in FIG In an embodiment, the driver assistance system 100 also has a display device 28 connected to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is also set up to carry out a braking intervention. This is shown in the illustration of FIG. 1 by connecting the control device 20 to a pedal 29. The ultrasonic sensor 10 visible in FIG. 1 is mounted on the vehicle 1 at an installation height h on the rear of the vehicle 1. The ultrasonic sensor 10 has a field of view 30 within which the ultrasonic sensor 10 is able to detect objects such as

Traffic sign 26 or a threshold 24 can be seen. The further threshold 24 'also shown in FIG. 1, which is located closer to the vehicle 1 in comparison to the threshold 24, can in the situation shown in FIG

Ultrasonic sensor 10 can no longer be recognized, since this further threshold 24 ‘is outside the field of view 30 of the ultrasonic sensor 10. A

Height classification of the threshold 24 can be recognized when the vehicle 1 approaches the threshold 24 through a change in the amplitude or a change in the detection behavior. If the vehicle 1 drives slowly backwards in the direction of the threshold 24, this will leave the field of view 30 of the ultrasonic sensor 10 at a certain point, which can be recognized by a sharp drop in the amplitude of a corresponding ultrasonic echo. The point in time or the distance of the threshold 24 from the vehicle 1 at the point in time at which it can no longer be detected by the ultrasonic sensor 10 can then be used to draw conclusions about the height of the threshold 24. If the threshold 24 were to be a tall object, similar to that

Traffic sign 26, the field of view 30 of the ultrasonic sensor 10 cannot be left when approaching. Leaving the field of view 30 in this way when approaching is only possible for low objects that can generally be driven over.

A reliable classification of the traffic sign 26 as a tall object is due to the comparatively small area, which ultrasound of the

Ultrasonic sensor 10 can reflect, and thus due to the comparatively small amplitudes of the received ultrasonic echoes not only possible on the basis of the amplitude. Further criteria must therefore be used.

According to the invention, an update rate of an object hypothesis representing the object, the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes, the stability of the position determination of the object and the probability for the ultrasonic sensors 10 to receive an ultrasonic echo from the object are used as classification parameters.

If a collision-relevant object, that is to say a tall object that cannot be driven over, is detected, a warning can be output via the display device 28 and / or a braking intervention can take place. FIG. 2 schematically shows the rear of the vehicle 1 on which four ultrasonic sensors 10 are mounted in the example shown in FIG. FIG. 2 schematically shows the fields of view assigned to the ultrasonic sensors 11 to 14 at installation height 31 to 34 of the ultrasonic sensors 10, see FIG. 1.

In Figure 3, the same arrangement of ultrasonic sensors 10 of the vehicle 1 is shown. In contrast to FIG. 2, the fields of view are drawn in at floor level 41 to 44.

A comparison between FIGS. 2 and 3 shows that the fields of vision at installation height 31 to 34 are larger than the corresponding fields of vision at floor level 41 to 44 and that in particular areas in which the fields of vision 31 to 34, 41 to 44 of at least two Ultrasonic sensors 10 overlap, in the case of viewing at installation height h, they are significantly larger than at floor level.

From the comparison of the fields of view at installation height 31 to 34 of Figure 2 with the

Fields of view at floor level 41 to 44, it becomes clear that in the case of an object which has a low height above the floor, there is a lower probability of being in the field of view 30 of at least two ultrasonic sensors 10 at the same time than for an object in the same Position which has a height which corresponds at least to the installation height h of the ultrasonic sensors 10, see FIG. 1.

Lateration and thus position determination of an object reflecting ultrasound is only possible if at least two ultrasound sensors 10 receive ultrasound echoes reflected from this object. Object hypotheses which actually represent objects in the vicinity of the vehicle 1 can only be created and / or updated if the position of the object reflecting the ultrasound is known. Accordingly, it follows that the probability of a high object being detected when measurements are continuously carried out using the ultrasonic sensors 10 is higher than in the case of a low object. Once an object has been recognized and accordingly a

Object hypothesis has been created, this is updated accordingly with a higher probability if it is a high object than if it is a low object. Thus, an update rate of an object hypothesis can be used as a criterion for performing an altitude classification.

Furthermore, the sketched representation of the fields of view at ground level 41 to 44 of FIG. 3 and the illustration of the fields of view at installation height 31 to 34 show that the relative position of an object relative to the fields of view 31 to 34 and 41 to 44 also has an influence on the

Detection probability. Since the sound amplitude decreases steadily starting from the center of the fields of view 31 to 34 and 41 to 44 towards the edges, the

The probability of being able to recognize an object is higher if it is in the center of one or more fields of view 31 to 34 and 41 to 44 than if the same object is located at the edge of fields of view 31 to 34 and 41 to 44. Accordingly, it is preferred when classifying the

To take into account the detection probability, which is given by the relative position of the object at the fields of view 31 to 34 and 41 to 44.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described here and the aspects emphasized therein. Rather, it is within the by the

Claims specified range, a variety of modifications possible, which are within the scope of professional action.

Claims

Expectations

1. Method of classifying objects in the vicinity of a

Vehicle (1) using ultrasonic sensors (10) which emit ultrasonic pulses and reflect them from objects

Ultrasonic echoes received again, with at least two ultrasonic sensors (10) with at least partially overlapping

Fields of view (30), distances between the respective ultrasound sensor (10) and objects reflecting ultrasound pulses in the environment are determined and the position of the reflecting objects is determined by means of lateration and assigning received ultrasound echoes to object hypotheses to differentiate between extended objects and point-like objects, characterized in that a Height classification of a point-like object represented by an object hypothesis is carried out based on an update rate of the object hypothesis, a stability of the position of the object represented by the object hypothesis, the amplitude of the ultrasonic echoes assigned to the object hypothesis and a probability for the ultrasonic sensors (10)

To receive ultrasonic echo from the object which is passed through the

Object hypothesis is represented as a classification parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the

The probability of an ultrasonic sensor (10) to receive an ultrasonic echo for the object represented by the object hypothesis is determined based on the position of the object relative to the field of view (30) of the ultrasonic sensor (10), a determined extent of the object and / or a detection threshold of the Ultrasonic sensor (10).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the respective detection threshold of the ultrasonic sensors (10) is adapted to an instantaneous noise level in such a way that a rate is incorrect Classification of an ultrasonic echo as the echo of an object is constant.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a correction of the amplitude of an ultrasonic echo in

Dependence of a determined expansion of the

Object hypothesis represented object takes place.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a confidence value for the classification as a point-shaped object is taken into account as a further classification parameter for the height classification.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an update of an object hypothesis takes place when a further ultrasonic echo is added to an object hypothesis.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the height classification is carried out using a statistical evaluation method or a machine learning method.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the random forest method is used as the machine learning method.

9. Driver assistance system (100) comprising at least two

Ultrasonic sensors (10) with overlapping fields of view (30) and a control device (20), characterized in that the driver assistance system (100) is set up to carry out one of the methods according to one of Claims 1 to 8.

10. Driver assistance system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the

Driver assistance system (100) comprises a display function and a safety function, the display function showing information about objects in the surroundings of the vehicle (1) on a display device (28) and the

Safety function is set up to intervene in a driving function when a dangerous situation is present, characterized in that different weightings of the classification parameters are provided for the display function and the safety function.