Radar transceiver testing

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a radar system (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising a radar transceiver (3) and a control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is adapted to control the radar transceiver: - to apply an initial signal power level (P i ) to a transmitted radar signal (5); and - to receive a reflected radar signal (6) that has been reflected by at least one object (7). The control unit (4) is further adapted to: determine a total signal reduction level (L) that does not comply with at least one predetermined criterion; - to compare the total signal reduction level (L) with a threshold value; and - to determine, depending on said comparison, whether the radar transceiver (3) is working in an acceptable manner.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] This disclosure relates to radar systems suitable for automotive applications. A radar system and method for testing the functional characteristics of a radar transceiver are disclosed.

[0002] A radar transceiver is typically a device used to transmit and receive radar signals in a dedicated radar frequency band. Radar transceivers are commonly used in vehicles to monitor the vehicle's surroundings. Automatic cruise control (ACC), emergency braking (EB), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving (AD) are some examples of applications where radar data is a crucial source of information for vehicle control.

[0003] Radar transceivers are located in various positions, some behind the vehicle bumper as an auxiliary radar dome. For these transceivers, it may be necessary to be able to assess potential blockages. Typical blockages occur when the vehicle is parked, and when the bumper in front of the transceiver needs maintenance and must be repainted, due to objects such as snow or other deposits on the bumper.

[0004] In the latter case, it is difficult to control the paint characteristics of the repainted bumper. This paint must match the paint used on the rest of the bumper; therefore, it often requires mixing various elements to achieve the same color. The characteristics of the new paint may differ from those of the initial paint, and the way the paint is applied can affect the initial performance of the radar transceiver in terms of detection range and azimuth angle estimation accuracy. Excessive paint will result in a shortened radar range, sometimes in the form of a narrow notch due to the elimination of signals reflected from between the radar and the fascia.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to examine whether the new coating affects the range and azimuth estimation performance, and to what extent. Such methods can be implemented inside the radar to detect these effects by collecting data while the vehicle is in motion. However, driving the vehicle in a repair shop is not always feasible.

[0006] Static methods also exist, such as using ultrasonic probes for thickness measurement. The problem with this method is that its performance depends not only on the thickness but also on the material being coated. Pass / fail criteria cannot always be definitively defined; they depend on the radar transceiver.

[0007] Another example of a static method is the use of receiver equipment for radiated wave measurements. This is relatively accurate, but requires appropriate equipment capable of measuring RF signals. Such equipment is expensive and cannot be deployed in all repair shops.

[0008] Therefore, further improvements are needed, particularly examining whether and to what extent the radar transceiver characteristics have changed with the repainted bumper. Such controls should be operable using low-cost equipment without moving the vehicle. Typically, improved functional testing of the radar transceiver is required, especially after known alterations have been made to the transceiver itself or its surroundings, such as the aforementioned repainting. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a radar system and method for controlling whether and to what extent the functional characteristics of a radar transceiver have changed (e.g., due to a bumper being repainted).

[0011] This objective is achieved through a vehicle's radar system, which includes a radar transceiver and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to control the radar transceiver to apply an initial signal power level to the transmitted radar signal and to receive reflected radar signals reflected by at least one object. The control unit is further adapted to determine a total signal drop level that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion, to compare the total signal drop level with a threshold, and, based on the comparison, to determine whether the radar transceiver is operating in an acceptable manner.

[0012] This means that it is possible to control whether and to what extent the radar transceiver's functional characteristics have changed, without needing to drive the vehicle equipped with the radar transceiver. No special radar target is required; low-cost targets (such as corner reflectors), or even no target at all, may suffice.

[0013] According to some aspects, the predetermined standard relates to at least one of the quality of the received signal and / or the number of detections corresponding to the received signal.

[0014] According to some aspects, the control unit is adapted to repeatedly control the radar transceiver to apply a gradual reduction in signal power level until a total signal reduction level that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is achieved.

[0015] According to some aspects, the control unit is adapted to gradually decrease or gradually increase the signal power level based on previous signal power level changes or half of the maximum possible signal power level reduction, until a total signal reduction level that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

[0016] This means that threshold search can be performed in many ways, such as by gradually decreasing the signal or using a binary search algorithm. Choosing a suitable search algorithm may involve, for example, reducing the total time required for the test.

[0017] According to some aspects, at least one object is a predefined target object associated with predefined target location data.

[0018] According to some sources, there are multiple predefined target objects positioned at different azimuth angles within the radar transceiver's field of view (FOV).

[0019] This means that one or more predefined targets can be used, where the targets can be made of low-cost targets (such as corner reflectors).

[0020] According to some aspects, at least one object is an undefined target object in the environment.

[0021] This means that at least one target does not need to be a predefined object, thereby reducing cost and complexity.

[0022] Depending on the circumstances, several angular zones are provided in the azimuth angle so that individual information about different zones can be obtained.

[0023] This article also discloses vehicles and methods related to the aforementioned advantages.

[0024] Generally, unless otherwise expressly defined herein, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art. Unless otherwise expressly stated, all references to “a / the element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc.” are to be publicly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, component, apparatus, step, etc. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed. Further features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent upon examination of the appended claims and the following description. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of this disclosure can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below. Attached Figure Description

[0025] This disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A top view of the vehicle according to the first example is shown schematically;

[0027] Figure 2A The radar transceiver and part of the bumper are shown schematically;

[0028] Figure 2B The image schematically shows a radar transceiver and a portion of a bumper that has been partially repainted.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the method according to the first example;

[0030] Figure 4 A top view of the vehicle according to the second example is shown schematically;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the method according to the second example;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method based on a general example;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the method according to the third example;

[0034] Figure 8 The control unit is shown schematically;

[0035] Figure 9 An example computer program product is shown; and

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the method. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Various aspects of this disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the different apparatuses and methods disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in the drawings.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing aspects of this disclosure only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] Figure 1 A top view of a vehicle 1 including a radar system 2 is shown, which in turn includes a radar transceiver 3 and a control unit 4. The radar transceiver 3 has a specific field of view (FOV) 9 and is presented herein as an angled radar transceiver 3.

[0040] Radar transceiver 3 is adapted to transmit radar signal 5 and receive reflected radar signal 6 that has been reflected by object 7. Control unit 4 controls radar transceiver 3, for example, transmission timing, transmission frequency content, and the actual transmission time waveform. Control unit 4 is also adapted to perform signal processing to extract target data associated with the detected object, for example, to obtain the range Doppler matrix using an FFT:s in a previously well-known manner.

[0041] The radar transceiver 3 is located behind or inside the bumper 8; therefore, the bumper serves as an external radome for the radar transceiver 3. This also... Figure 2AAs shown in the figure, the radar transceiver 3 is positioned between the bumpers 8, wherein the bumpers 8 include a base material layer 19 and an outer coating layer 23.

[0042] For example, since the radar transceiver 3 itself or its surrounding environment has undergone known alterations (e.g., repainting of the bumper 8), the following will describe how the functional characteristics of the radar transceiver 3 can be tested. Such repainting... Figure 2B As shown, there is a paint scratch portion 21 where the paint layer 23 is damaged and has been covered by a portion 22 that has been recoated with paint.

[0043] According to this disclosure, the control unit 4 is adapted to control the radar transceiver 3 to apply a specific initial signal power level Pi and to collect and store target data obtained from the reflected radar signal 6 that has been reflected by the object 7. The control unit 4 is further adapted to compare the stored target data with a specific predetermined standard.

[0044] If the predetermined criteria are met, the control unit 4 is adapted to control the radar transceiver 4 to apply a first reduced signal power level P. ri The target data is collected and stored again in the same manner as the initial signal power level Pi. Control unit 4 is then adapted to compare the stored target data with a specific predetermined standard. This procedure is repeated until the predetermined standard is not met. Then, control unit 4 is adapted to compare the total signal level L with a threshold. Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether the result is acceptable, for example, whether recoating the bumper 21 is acceptable.

[0045] The total signal reduction level L is the sum of the initial signal power level Pi and the existing reduced signal power level P. rn The difference between them, where n is the number of power reductions performed.

[0046] According to the first example, a known target object 7, such as a corner reflector or other reflective object, is used. The target object 7 is positioned in a known location, and the control unit 4 is set to the test mode to perform the steps described above. Any low-cost target object can be used, and a basic self-test routine can be used at the control unit 4. This test can be performed using the same equipment / setup as existing installation angle detection.

[0047] For more details, see also the flowchart shown. Figure 3 The first example can be described according to the seven basic method steps described below, which are controlled by a control unit in some aspects.

[0048] In the first step 100, the test mode is initiated, and target position data is received from an external console 20 (such as an external computing device, like a personal computer (PC)) or by using internal presets. The test mode can also be set and run from the external console 20. For example, target position data is given as parameters (such as X / Y coordinates or range / angle values). Unwanted radar detection results are filtered out in any well-known manner. The initial signal power level Pi is set.

[0049] In the second step 200, radar detection results for a predetermined number N radar cycles are collected and stored. For some reason, N = 100.

[0050] In the third step 300, the data stored in the second step 200 is compared with a specific predetermined standard according to one or a combination of the following aspects:

[0051] - Check the number of radar cycles in which a target is present. For example, if there are 65 cycles out of N=100, the result is 65%. Compare this ratio with the first design threshold T. D1 Compare them.

[0052] - Inspect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or signal amplitude of the reflected radar signal 6 that has been directly reflected by the target object 7. For example, if it is determined that the received signal amplitude is low or unstable, compare it with the second design threshold T. D2 Compare them.

[0053] In the fourth step 400, the signal power level is reduced according to some aspects that correspond to the target being no longer distinguishable, and the method is repeated from the second step 200 until the stored target data does not conform to the specific predetermined criteria according to the third step.

[0054] According to some aspects, signal level reduction can be achieved through one or a combination of the following:

[0055] - Reduce transmission power.

[0056] - Reduce receiver gain.

[0057] - Reduce Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) bit or Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) bit offset.

[0058] - Use digital variable gain.

[0059] - Any other method of altering the transmitted or received signal.

[0060] According to some aspects, the radar transceiver 3 includes monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology, wherein reducing transmit power and / or reducing receive gain is performed by controlling the relevant MMIC.

[0061] Store the cumulative amount of signal power level reduction from the initial signal power level Pi, i.e., the total signal power level reduction L.

[0062] In the fifth step 500, the total signal power level reduction L of the stored target data that does not conform to the specific predetermined standard according to the third step 300 is compared with the first level threshold T. L1 Comparison. First level threshold T L1 For example, it could be a fixed value determined based on design and verification.

[0063] In step 600, if the total signal power level decrease L is lower than the first level threshold T... L1 If the result is unacceptable, then it is determined that the result is unacceptable; for example, repainting a bumper is unacceptable.

[0064] In step 700, if the total signal power level decrease L exceeds the first level threshold T... L1 If the result is acceptable, then it is determined that the result is acceptable; for example, repainting the bumper is acceptable.

[0065] If the total signal power level reduction L is equal to the first level threshold T L1 This can be transmitted separately, or either step 600 or step 700 can be performed.

[0066] Depending on the aspect, a common single corner reflector (CR) is used, and it can be used to inspect a portion of the bumper 8.

[0067] Depending on the context, several CRs:s7, 7', 7" are used as target objects at different angles. By using different target object positions, attenuation can be checked at different azimuth angles within FOV 9.

[0068] Depending on some aspects, the target object need not be in the form of a CR, but can be any suitable type of predetermined single reflective object or multiple reflective objects, such as one or more metal pillars, metal rods or metal plates.

[0069] Depending on several factors, a target such as a CR or metal rod can be moved within a fixed range 10 within the FOV 9. The detection rate or SNR at different azimuth angles within the available azimuth span 11 can be checked. When there is too much attenuation at some angles, the obtained target data will contain null values ​​or decreased values. Thus, multiple angles within the azimuth span 11 can be checked.

[0070] Depending on some aspects, step 500 can be used as a calibration procedure at the factory or during dealer inspections. In this document, the first level threshold T... L1 This can be achieved through design settings or derived from calibration values. For example:

[0071] - Perform the test before shipping vehicle 1.

[0072] This test can also be performed during each inspection by the dealer. This will help track degradation due to aging.

[0073] - The desired results of step 300 and the total signal power level reduction L can be saved for reference.

[0074] - When the repair coating is tested, the values ​​obtained can be used for comparison to provide information on the attenuation of the bumper as a radar dome.

[0075] - Bumper attenuation can be compared with a fixed attenuation threshold T A Compare them.

[0076] Depending on the method used to reduce the signal level in step 400, it may not be necessary to perform step 200 again.

[0077] If, for example, the transmit power or receiver gain changes, the basic data changes, thus requiring a second step.

[0078] If digital gain is used in signal processing, the collected analog data is converted into digital data, which is then stored. When reprocessing the stored data, no new digital data needs to be obtained. This is... Figure 3 The dashed arrow A is used to represent this.

[0079] Whether the second step 200 is considered necessary depends, of course, on the definition of the second step, and such variations can be readily understood and made by those skilled in the art.

[0080] According to the second example, the reference corresponds to Figure 1 of Figure 4 No known, well-defined target objects were used. The control unit 400 was set to test mode and adapted to collect and store target data from different target objects 12, 13, and 14 in the environment using a specific initial signal power level Pi. If the number D of radar detections of one or more detected target objects 12, 13, and 14 exceeds the detection threshold T... n If the signal power level is reduced, the radar-detected target data will be collected and stored again. This process is repeated until the number of detected targets falls below the detection threshold T. D Then, the required total signal level L is reduced by the second level threshold T. L2 Compare them.

[0081] For more details, please refer to Figure 5The second example can be described according to the seven basic method steps described below, which are controlled by the control unit 4 according to some aspects.

[0082] In the first step 100', the test mode is started and the initial signal power level is set.

[0083] In the second step 200', radar detection results of a predetermined number of radar cycles for one or more different target objects 12, 13, 14 are collected and stored for a predetermined number of radar cycles of N≥1.

[0084] In the third step 300', the detection data stored in the second step 200' is compared with a specific predetermined standard according to one or a combination of the following aspects:

[0085] - Check the number of radar detections D in each radar cycle and compare this number with the detection threshold T. n Compare them.

[0086] - If N > 1, check the number of radar cycles in which the detected target objects 12, 13, and 14 exist. For example, if there are 65 instances in N = 100, 65% is obtained, and this is compared with the second design threshold T. D 2. Compare.

[0087] In the fourth step 400', the signal power level is reduced according to some aspects that correspond to the target being no longer distinguishable, and the method is repeated from the second step 200' until the stored target data does not conform to the specific predetermined criteria according to the third step 300'.

[0088] Depending on certain aspects, such as in the first example, signal level reduction can be achieved through one or a combination of the following:

[0089] - Reduce transmission power.

[0090] - Reduce receiver gain.

[0091] - Reduce Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) bit or Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) bit offset.

[0092] - Use digital variable gain.

[0093] - Any other method of altering the transmitted or received signal.

[0094] According to some aspects, the radar transceiver 3 includes monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology, wherein reducing transmit power and / or reducing receive gain is performed by controlling the relevant MMIC.

[0095] The cumulative amount of the decrease in the stored signal power level, i.e., the total decrease in the signal power level L.

[0096] In the fifth step 500', the total signal power level reduction L of the stored target data that does not conform to the specific predetermined standard according to the third step 300' is compared with the second level threshold T. L 2. Comparison. Second level threshold T L 2. For example, it could be a fixed value determined based on design and verification.

[0097] In step 600', if the total signal power level decrease L is lower than the second level threshold T L 2. If the result is unacceptable, then it is determined that the result is unacceptable. For example, repainting the bumper is unacceptable.

[0098] In step 700', if the total signal power level decrease L exceeds the second level threshold T L 2. If the result is deemed acceptable, for example, repainting the bumper is acceptable.

[0099] If the total signal power level reduction L is equal to the first and second thresholds T L 2. This can be transmitted separately, or either step 600' or step 700' can be performed.

[0100] Depending on several factors, the data may be filtered for the second step 200'. For example, only radar detections classified as fixed and / or radar detections with a quality bit set and / or radar detections appearing in a specific range may be used to reduce multipath problems.

[0101] Depending on several aspects, for the second step, several angular zones within the azimuth angle can be provided. For example, a first zone 15 within the azimuth angle range of -70° to -25°, a second zone 16 within the azimuth angle range of -25° to 0°, a third zone 17 within the azimuth angle range of 0° to 25°, and a fourth zone 18 within the azimuth angle range of 25° to 70°. This provides individual information about the different zones 15, 16, 17, and 18.

[0102] Depending on the context, when testing in an open space, objects that will become targets can be added randomly. Such objects could be corner reflectors, or simply, for example, a toolbox. Metal objects are preferred, of course.

[0103] Depending on some aspects, step 500' can be used as a calibration procedure at the factory or during dealer inspections. In this document, the second level threshold T... L 2. This can be achieved through design settings or derived from calibration values. For example:

[0104] - Perform the test before shipping vehicle 1.

[0105] This test can also be performed during each inspection by the dealer. This will help track degradation due to aging.

[0106] - The desired results and total reduction L from step 300 can be saved for reference.

[0107] - When the repair coating is tested, the values ​​obtained can be used for comparison to provide information on the attenuation of the bumper as a radar dome.

[0108] - Bumper attenuation can be compared with a fixed attenuation threshold T A Compare them.

[0109] Depending on several factors, this test is performed before IG-OFF (ignition off). The desired amount of attenuation is saved before IG-OFF. The same test is performed with IG-ON (ignition on), and the attenuation difference is checked. This can be used during servicing and also for many other clogging situations throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

[0110] This means that the condition of the bumper 8 (mud, scratches) can be inspected even when the driver is not in vehicle 1. During IG-OFF, the test procedure described above is run before shutting down the ECU, and the total signal power level reduction L is stored. During the next IG-ON, the test procedure described above is run again, and a new value for the total signal power level reduction L is obtained and compared with the previous value. Since the vehicle has stopped, it can be assumed that the environmental conditions before and after stopping are very similar.

[0111] In the same manner as the first example, depending on the method used for signal level reduction in step 400', it may not be necessary to perform step 2 again. If digital gain is used in signal processing, the collected analog data is converted into digital data, which is then stored. When reprocessing the stored data, there is no need to obtain new digital data. This is in... Figure 5 The dashed arrow A is used to represent this.

[0112] Whether the second step 200' is considered necessary depends, of course, on the definition of the second step, and such variations can be readily understood and performed by those skilled in the art.

[0113] Depending on some aspects, the first example and the second example can be combined such that there are at least one predefined target object 7, 7', 7" and at least one undefined target object 12, 13, 14 in the environment.

[0114] This disclosure includes a direct method of searching for a threshold by reducing the signal power level. Figure 6The diagram shows a general flowchart in which steps 300 and 400, related to the process of reducing the signal power level, are summarized in a general signal search step 30, which includes a search loop in which signal power levels that do not meet the aforementioned predetermined criteria are obtained.

[0115] In other words, refer to the example shown. Figure 6 Compared to normal operation, a search is performed for the total signal reduction level L that does not meet the predetermined standard. This is achieved by collecting target data at 200° and 200° intervals, comparing this target data with the detection standard, and modifying the signal power level accordingly. This process is repeated until the desired reduction amount L is found, and then the total signal reduction level L is compared with a threshold at 500° and 500° intervals. Depending on the result of this comparison, it is determined whether the bumper recoating is acceptable at 600° and 600° intervals; 700° and 700° intervals.

[0116] This search loop 30 can be formed in several ways, such as the two linear examples previously described, where the signal power level gradually decreases. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 5 The two examples shown include a first signal search step 30A, which includes a search loop in which a signal power level that does not conform to the aforementioned predetermined standard is obtained.

[0117] Based on some aspects of binary search algorithms, other algorithms can be used in signal search step 30 to achieve the desired result.

[0118] Figure 7 The diagram shows an example of a binary search algorithm applicable to the concepts of the two previous examples for signal search step 30. Figure 7 A third example is shown, in which two first steps are 100, 100'; 200,

[0119] Step 200' can be performed based on any previous sample, wherein target data is collected and stored in the second step 200, 200'.

[0120] There is a common signal search step 30B, which includes:

[0121] Determine if the 800 target data points meet predetermined criteria. If they do, change the signal power level by 900 times the previous change, where the change can be either an increase or a decrease in signal power. If they do not meet the criteria, increase the signal power level by 1000 times the previous change. For the first iteration, if no previous decrease exists, the decrease is half the maximum possible decrease in signal power level.

[0122] The common signal search step 30B further includes determining whether the change in the 1100 signal power level is the same as the previous one, i.e., whether the search is consistent. If not, the procedure is repeated starting from the second step 200, 200'; otherwise, the procedure continues to the fifth step 500, 500', the sixth step 600, 600', and the seventh step 700, 700', as in the previous example.

[0123] As in the previous example, it may not be necessary to repeat the procedure shown by dashed arrow A starting from the second step 200, 200'. As mentioned above, the third example applies to the first and second examples.

[0124] Figure 8 The components of a control unit 70 corresponding to control unit 4 according to one embodiment are schematically shown according to multiple functional units. Processing circuitry 71 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated hardware accelerator, etc., capable of executing software instructions stored in a computer program product (e.g., in the form of storage medium 73). Processing circuitry 71 may further be provided as at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0125] Specifically, the processing circuit 71 is configured to cause the control unit 70 to perform a set of operations or steps. These operations or steps have been discussed above in conjunction with various radar transceivers and methods. For example, the storage medium 73 may store the set of operations, and the processing circuit 71 may be configured to retrieve the set of operations from the storage medium 73 to cause the control unit 70 to perform the set of operations. The set of operations may be provided as a set of executable instructions. Thus, the processing circuit 71 is thereby arranged to perform the methods and operations disclosed herein.

[0126] The storage medium 73 may also include a permanent storage device, which may be any or a combination of magnetic storage, optical storage, solid-state storage, or even remotely mounted storage.

[0127] The control unit 70 may further include a communication interface 72 for communicating with at least one other unit. Therefore, the radar interface 72 may include one or more transmitters and receivers, which include analog and digital components and a suitable number of ports for wired or wireless communication.

[0128] The processing circuit 71 is adapted to control the general operation of the control unit 70, for example, by sending data and control signals to external units and storage medium 73, by receiving data and reports from external units, and by retrieving data and instructions from storage medium 73. Other components and related functions of the control unit 70 are omitted to avoid obscuring the concepts presented herein.

[0129] Figure 9 A computer program product 81 is shown, which includes computer-executable instructions 82 arranged on a computer-readable medium 83 to perform any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0130] refer to Figure 10 This disclosure relates to a method for controlling the function of a vehicle radar transceiver 3. The method includes transmitting a radar signal 5 using an initial signal power level Pi (S100); and receiving a reflected radar signal 6 that has been reflected by an object 7 (S200). The method further includes determining (S300) that a total signal drop level L does not meet at least one predetermined criterion, comparing the total signal drop level L with a threshold (S400); and determining, based on the comparison, whether the radar transceiver 3 is operating in an acceptable manner (S500).

[0131] According to some aspects, the predetermined standard relates to at least one of the received signal quality and / or the number of detections corresponding to the received signal 6.

[0132] According to some aspects, determining the total signal reduction level L of S300 includes repeatedly controlling the S301 radar transceiver 3 to apply a gradual reduction in signal power level until a total signal reduction level L that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

[0133] Determining the total signal reduction level L of S300, according to some aspects, involves repeatedly controlling the radar transceiver 3 of S302 to gradually reduce or gradually increase the signal power level based on previous signal power level changes or half of the maximum possible reduction amount, until a total signal reduction level L that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

[0134] According to some aspects, at least one object is a predefined target object 7 associated with predefined target location data.

[0135] According to some aspects, there are multiple predefined target objects 7, 7', 7' located at different azimuth angles within the field of view 9 of the radar transceiver 3.

[0136] This disclosure is not limited to the examples discussed, but is open to variation within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a radar transceiver can be of any suitable type and may include suitable means such as an antenna, transmitter, receiver, control unit, etc., depending on certain aspects.

[0137] The control units 4 and 70 can be composed of a single unit or two or more distributed sub-units.

[0138] In this context, detection corresponds to the received radar signal reflected by object 7. Multiple such received radar signals correspond to multiple detections. Multiple detections may originate from one object or from two or more objects.

[0139] Of course, tests can be performed on the radar transceiver 3 to check its functionality for many reasons, not just because of the repainted bumper.

[0140] This disclosure can be applied to any suitable radar transceiver or radar transceiver included in radar system 2.

[0141] Typically, this disclosure relates to a radar system 2 for a vehicle 1, the radar system including a radar transceiver 3 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 is adapted to control the radar transceiver to apply an initial signal power level Pi to a transmitted radar signal 5, and to receive a reflected radar signal 6 that has been reflected by at least one object 7. The control unit 4 is further adapted to determine a total signal reduction level L that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion, compare the total signal reduction level L with a threshold; and, based on the comparison, determine whether the radar transceiver 3 is operating in an acceptable manner.

[0142] According to some aspects, the predetermined standard relates to at least one of the received signal quality and / or the number of detections corresponding to the received signal 6.

[0143] According to some aspects, the control unit 4 is adapted to repeatedly control the radar transceiver to apply a gradual reduction in signal power level until a total signal reduction level L that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

[0144] According to some aspects, the control unit 4 is adapted to gradually decrease or gradually increase the signal power level based on the previous signal power level change or half of the maximum possible signal power level decrease, until a total signal reduction level L that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

[0145] According to some aspects, at least one object is a predefined target object 7 associated with predefined target location data.

[0146] According to some aspects, there are multiple predefined target objects 7, 7', 7' located at different azimuth angles within the field of view 9 of the radar transceiver 3.

[0147] According to some aspects, at least one object is an undefined target object in the environment 12, 13, 14.

[0148] According to some aspects, several angular zones 15, 16, 17, and 18 are provided in the azimuth angle so that individual information about different zones 15, 16, 17, and 18 can be obtained.

Claims

1. A radar system (2) for a vehicle (1), comprising a radar transceiver (3) and a control unit (4), wherein, The control unit (4) is adapted to control the radar transceiver: - Apply an initial signal power level (Pi) to the transmitted radar signal (5); and - Receive the reflected radar signal (6) that has been reflected by at least one object (7); The control unit (4) is adapted to: - Determine the total signal drop level (L), which does not meet at least one predetermined criterion, wherein the total signal drop level (L) is the difference between the initial signal power level (Pi) and the existing reduced signal power level, and the predetermined criterion relates to at least one of the received signal quality and / or the number of detections corresponding to the received signal (6); - Compare the total signal level (L) to a threshold; and - Based on the comparison, determine whether the radar transceiver (3) is operating in an acceptable manner.

2. The radar system (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (4) is adapted to repeatedly control the radar transceiver to apply a progressively reduced signal power level until the total signal reduction level (L) that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

3. The radar system (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (4) is adapted to gradually decrease or gradually increase the signal power level according to the previous signal power level change or half of the maximum possible signal power level decrease, until the total signal reduction level (L) that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

4. The radar system (2) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one object is a predefined target object associated with predefined target location data (7).

5. The radar system (2) according to claim 4, wherein, There are multiple predefined target objects (7, 7', 7'') positioned at different azimuth angles within the field of view (FOV) (9) of the radar transceiver (3).

6. The radar system (2) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one object is an undefined target object in the environment (12, 13, 14).

7. The radar system (2) according to claim 6, wherein, Several angular zones (15, 16, 17, 18) are provided in the azimuth angle so that individual information about the different angular zones (15, 16, 17, 18) can be obtained.

8. A method for controlling the function of a vehicle radar transceiver (3), wherein, The method includes: Transmit (S100) radar signal (5) using initial signal power level (Pi); and Receive (S200) the reflected radar signal (6) that has been reflected by the object (7). The method further includes: Determine (S300) the total signal drop level (L), which does not meet at least one predetermined criterion, wherein the total signal drop level (L) is the difference between the initial signal power level (Pi) and the existing reduced signal power level, and the predetermined criterion relates to at least one of the received signal quality and / or the number of detections corresponding to the received signal (6); The total signal level (L) is lowered and compared with a threshold (S400); and Based on the comparison, it is determined (S500) whether the radar transceiver (3) is operating in an acceptable manner.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The determination (S300) of the total signal reduction level (L) includes repeatedly controlling (S301) the radar transceiver (3) to apply a gradual reduction in signal power level until the total signal reduction level (L) that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The determination (S300) of the total signal reduction level (L) includes repeatedly controlling (S302) the radar transceiver (3) to gradually reduce or gradually increase the signal power level according to the previous signal power level change or half of the maximum possible reduction amount until the total signal reduction level (L) that does not meet at least one predetermined criterion is obtained.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, At least one object is a predefined target object associated with predefined target location data (7).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, There are multiple predefined target objects (7, 7', 7'') positioned at different azimuth angles within the field of view (FOV) (9) of the radar transceiver (3).

13. A vehicle (1) comprising a radar system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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