Cooperative Radar Synchronization to Mitigate 77–81 GHz Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-resolution vehicular radars operating in the 77 GHz-81 GHz band face interference issues due to neighboring vehicles, which affect their performance and accuracy, especially in autonomous driving applications where multiple radars are required for a 360-degree view.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Cooperative Radar (CoRD) system where radar devices share their transmission and back-scattered pulses with each other, utilizing collaborative time of arrival (CToA) for nanosecond-level synchronization, enabling bi-static radar information extraction and reducing spoofing through cooperation among devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple high-resolution radars are deployed per vehicle for 360-degree autonomous driving coverage, then the sensing capability and coverage area are improved, but the interference from neighboring vehicles and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing coverage areaVSAvoidradar interference from neighboring vehicles
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful radar interference from neighboring vehicles into a beneficial resource by enabling radars to detect and process signals from other vehicles. Through cooperative radar processing, the system uses these previously harmful signals to improve target detection accuracy, track multiple vehicles simultaneously, and maintain reliable sensing performance in dense traffic conditions where multiple radars operate in close proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Measurement precision

If six radars per vehicle are used to achieve complete 360-degree coverage, then the measurement precision and detection capability are improved, but the interference from neighbor vehicles worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget detection precisionVSAvoidinterference generated by vehicle radars
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple radar systems by enabling them to share and process each other's signals. Through cooperative radar processing, radars from different vehicles are combined to form a unified sensing network that improves measurement precision while managing interference through coordinated signal processing and data fusion techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If high-definition radars operate in the 77 GHz-81 GHz band for autonomous driving, then the resolution and detection capability are improved, but the interference from neighbor vehicles operating in the same band worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar resolutionVSAvoidfrequency band interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the frequency band interference into a useful resource by enabling radars to detect and process signals from neighboring vehicles operating in the same 77 GHz-81 GHz band. Through cooperative processing, the system uses these interfering signals to improve target detection, track multiple vehicles, and maintain high resolution performance despite operating in a crowded spectral environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The CoRD system enhances radar performance by minimizing interference, improving accuracy, reliability, and resilience to spoofing, allowing for reliable target tracking and environment sensing with multiple viewpoints.

Implementation Method 1

a first radar device (e.g., a device that can receive and transmit radar signals) may listen not only to the back-scattered pulses resulting from its own transmissions, but also to the transmissions and back-scattered pulses coming from other radars nearby

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

utilizing collaborative time of arrival (CToA) for nanosecond-level synchronization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12379455B2Systems, devices and methods for synchronization
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 INTEL CORP
  • US12379455B2 patent drawing
  • US12379455B2 patent drawing
  • US12379455B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for radar synchronization may include a local radar device configured to transmit and receive radar signals; a wireless device configured to wirelessly transmit and receive data; at least one processor operably coupled to the wireless device and the radar device, and the at least one processor configured to perform a method including obtaining local radar information regarding one or more radar pulses sent and/or received by the local radar device; and obtaining neighboring radar information associated with radar pulses sent and/or received from one or more neighboring radar devices; and updating a radar data structure using the obtained local and neighboring radar information, wherein the radar data structure comprises radar information for each of a plurality of radar pulses transmitted by the local radar device and/or the one or more neighboring radar devices.