Dual-Bandwidth Radar Range Detection Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar systems face limitations in achieving high-resolution range determination of remote objects due to the inherent resolution constraints of individual frequency varying detection signals, which can result in inaccurate distance measurements.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a dual-frequency varying detection signal approach, where two signals with different bandwidths are used to generate beat frequency signals, and their dominant frequency components are analyzed through Fourier transforms to determine overlapping ranges, thereby enhancing the resolution of remote object detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single frequency varying detection signal with limited bandwidth is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the range resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange resolutionVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the range detection problem into multiple segments by using multiple detection signals with different bandwidths (e.g., first bandwidth B1 and second bandwidth B2). Each bandwidth segment provides a different resolution level, and the final range is determined by combining results from these segmented measurements, thereby achieving high resolution without requiring a single extremely complex wideband system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an additional dimension to the detection process by utilizing multiple bandwidth dimensions. Instead of relying on a single bandwidth parameter, the system operates in a multi-dimensional signal space with different bandwidths (B1, B2, etc.), allowing the determination of range with resolution corresponding to the largest bandwidth while maintaining manageable device complexity through the use of multiple narrower bandwidth signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a wider bandwidth detection signal is used, then the range resolution is improved, but the loss of information increases due to signal dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange resolutionVSAvoidsignal information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the wideband detection into multiple narrower bandwidth detection signals (e.g., first detection signal with bandwidth B1, second detection signal with bandwidth B2). Each narrowband signal preserves signal information better due to reduced dispersion, and the segmented results are combined to achieve the equivalent resolution of a wideband system without the information loss associated with single wideband operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple partial bandwidth measurements (each with bandwidth B1, B2, etc.) that individually provide insufficient resolution but collectively exceed the requirements when combined. This partial action approach allows each individual signal to maintain low information loss while the aggregation of multiple partial measurements achieves the desired high resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If multiple detection signals with different bandwidths are used, then the range resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange resolutionVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the detection apparatus with multi-functional capabilities where a single system can generate and process multiple detection signals with different bandwidths (B1, B2, etc.). The apparatus is configured to perform multiple functions: generating wideband signals for high resolution, generating narrowband signals for robust detection, and combining results to achieve high resolution with reduced complexity, thereby making the system universally applicable to different detection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the detection apparatus into functional modules that can independently generate detection signals with specific bandwidths. This modular segmentation allows the system to use multiple narrower bandwidth signals instead of a single complex wideband signal generator, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve high range resolution through combination of segmented measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method allows for improved range resolution by combining the estimates from both signals, providing a more accurate and precise determination of the remote object's distance, overcoming the limitations of individual signal resolutions.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting an electromagnetic wave, such as a pulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

measuring the time taken for the reflected wave to be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a beat frequency obtained by mixing the first reflected signal and the first frequency varying detection signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeat frequency: Beat (acoustics)

Data Source

PatentUS10746861B2Apparatus for detection and ranging
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 NXP BV
  • US10746861B2 patent drawing
  • US10746861B2 patent drawing
  • US10746861B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus configured to provide for detection and ranging of a remote object, the apparatus configured to perform the following: based on a first reflected signal comprising a reflection from the remote object of a first frequency varying detection signal that varies in frequency over a first bandwidth; and based on a second reflected signal comprising a reflection from the remote object of a second frequency varying detection signal that varies in frequency over a different second bandwidth; determine a first estimated range based on a first beat frequency signal comprising the first reflected signal mixed with the first frequency varying detection signal; determine a second estimated range based on a second beat frequency signal comprising the second reflected signal mixed with the second frequency varying detection signal; determine a range of the remote object as a function of the first estimated range and the second estimated range.