Dynamic Sparse Radar Array for Azimuth Angle Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face a limited computational and power budget when determining the azimuth angle of agents in their radar field of view, leading to a high computational and power burden, which can result in inaccurate object detection and trajectory prediction due to the need for processing large amounts of radar data.
Innovation Solution
Configuring a sparse radar antenna array by selectively activating a subset of antenna elements based on the vehicle's scenario, using a switching network to couple individual antenna elements to transmitting and receiving channels, and applying pseudo-random spacing to avoid grating lobes, thereby reducing power consumption and computational resources while maintaining accurate azimuth angle determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full radar antenna array is used to determine azimuth angle of all agents in the field of view, then measurement precision of azimuth angle is improved, but use of energy and computational burden increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar antenna array into multiple segments or subsets, where only a selected subset of antenna elements is activated at any given time based on the detected scenario. This segmentation allows the system to process radar data for multiple azimuth angle ranges using different antenna subsets, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the capability to determine azimuth angles across the full field of view when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic configuration of the radar antenna array by selectively activating different subsets of antenna elements based on the current driving scenario detected by the system. The antenna array configuration is not static but adapts dynamically to the situation, enabling the system to optimize between power consumption and measurement precision by activating only the necessary antenna elements for the current azimuth angle range of interest.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of antenna elements is increased to widen the radar field of view, then adaptability of the radar system is improved, but device complexity and power consumption become untenable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large antenna array into multiple smaller subsets that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide field of view coverage by selectively combining results from different antenna subsets processed at different times, rather than requiring all antenna elements to be simultaneously active, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between different antenna element subsets to cover different azimuth angle ranges. By periodically activating different subsets of the antenna array in a time-multiplexed manner, the system achieves comprehensive field of view coverage equivalent to a fully active large array, but with reduced instantaneous complexity and power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a subset of antenna elements is used to reduce power consumption, then use of energy is reduced, but measurement precision of azimuth angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically selects and activates appropriate subsets of antenna elements based on the current driving scenario and the specific azimuth angle range that requires monitoring. This dynamic configuration ensures that the system maintains sufficient measurement precision for the current operational context while minimizing power consumption by activating only the necessary antenna elements, rather than using a fixed small subset or the full array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the radar system by adjusting which antenna elements are active based on the detected scenario. By modifying the configuration parameters (which specific antenna elements are activated) according to the situational context, the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and measurement precision, ensuring adequate azimuth angle determination accuracy for the current operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes determining one or more transmission criteria for a radar system. The radar system having a number of antenna elements. The method also includes determining a configuration of a selected subset of the number of antenna elements satisfying the one or more transmission criteria; configuring a switching network to couple each antenna element of the selected subset of antenna elements to a corresponding receiving channel and a corresponding transmitting channel; and causing the radar system to transmit and receive signals using the selected subset of antenna elements.