Adaptive Radar Waveform Repeater for Stationary Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) cannot detect or receive information from stationary traffic control indicators using radar sensors, as these systems typically filter out such objects, limiting their ability to navigate safely and efficiently through road conditions.
Innovation Solution
A radar-enabled traffic control indicator system that modifies and rebroadcasts radar signals to include a velocity component, making stationary objects detectable to AV radar systems and conveying information about road conditions, such as lane closures or weather, by adding a velocity component to the radar signal, allowing AVs to interpret and respond to these conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar signals are used to detect traffic control indicators, then detection capability is improved, but stationary objects are filtered out making detection ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the velocity parameter of the radar signal by introducing a frequency shift that creates a non-zero velocity component. This allows the stationary traffic control indicator to be detected by the radar system, which normally filters out stationary objects. The frequency shifted local oscillator signal mixes with the received signal to produce a velocity component that enables detection.
2Measurement precision
If radar signals are modified to detect stationary objects, then detection of traffic control indicators is enabled, but additional signal processing complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frequency shifted local oscillator signal as an intermediary element. This local oscillator signal, which has a frequency different from the transmitted radar signal, acts as a mediator that when mixed with the received signal from the stationary object, produces a velocity component. This intermediary approach enables detection without requiring complex system-level modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables AVs to recognize and respond to stationary traffic control indicators, improving safety and navigation by providing critical information about road conditions, enhancing their ability to plan routes and operate safely.
Implementation Method 1
induce a phase change in a portion of the radar signal to encode the velocity component into the updated radar signal
Implementation Method 2
a radar module coupled to the traffic control indicator, wherein the radar module is configured to: receive a radar signal; and process the radar signal to generate an updated radar signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques of the present disclosure may allow traffic control indicators, such as road signs or signals along a roadway to send information to a radar device at an autonomous vehicle (AV). A traffic control indicator may receive a radio signal sent from the radar device at the AV. A radar apparatus at the traffic control indicator may add information that simulates movement of the traffic control indicator and message data to an updated radar signal. The updated radar signal may then be sent from the traffic control indicator radar apparatus to the AV radar device. The AV radar device may then extract the message data from the updated radar signal based on updated radar signal including the movement information. A controller that controls the AV may then control the AV to drive according to the message data extracted from the updated radar signal.