Abstract: A method for monitoring the function of ultrasonic sensors of a vehicle, an ultrasonic sensor of the vehicle emitting ultrasonic signals and receiving back reflected ultrasonic echoes. An instantaneous amplitude of a ground echo received by an ultrasonic sensor and an instantaneous vehicle position are determined. A reference threshold value or information regarding an expected ground echo amplitude is retrieved from a digital map as a function of the instantaneous vehicle position, the digital map being provided by a central unit. The instantaneous amplitude of the received ground echo is compared with a threshold value, a malfunction of the ultrasonic sensors being deduced if the threshold value is undershot and the threshold value being predefined by the reference threshold value or the threshold value being determined based on the information regarding an expected ground echo amplitude.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the function of ultrasonic sensors of a vehicle, an ultrasonic sensor of the vehicle emitting ultrasonic signals and receiving back reflected ultrasonic echoes. An instantaneous amplitude of a ground echo received by an ultrasonic sensor and an instantaneous vehicle position are determined. A reference threshold value or information regarding an expected ground echo amplitude is retrieved from a digital map as a function of the instantaneous vehicle position, the digital map being provided by a central unit. The instantaneous amplitude of the received ground echo is compared with a threshold value, a malfunction of the ultrasonic sensors being deduced if the threshold value is undershot and the threshold value being predefined by the reference threshold value or the threshold value being determined based on the information regarding an expected ground echo amplitude.

Abstract: A method for detecting a sensor degradation in distance sensors, having the following: a) sending out at least one transmit pulse; b) acquisition of a sensor signal at least in a decay interval; and c) determination of a degree of degradation based on a frequency response of the acquired sensor signal. Also described is a computer program product, a distance sensor unit, and a driver assistance system for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: A method for detecting a sensor degradation in distance sensors, having the following: a) sending out at least one transmit pulse; b) acquisition of a sensor signal at least in a decay interval; and c) determination of a degree of degradation based on a frequency response of the acquired sensor signal. Also described is a computer program product, a distance sensor unit, and a driver assistance system for carrying out such methods.