FMCW Radar Signal Processing for Low-Speed Object State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frequency modulated continuous wave radar sensors cannot detect the state of an object and require high-speed sampling, which necessitates expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A frequency modulated continuous wave radar sensor that generates a frequency-modulated signal, uses a transmitting and receiving antenna, a frequency mixer to output a difference, and a filter to extract an intermediate frequency component, enabling detection of both distance and characteristics of an object using a frequency characteristic signal without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measuring equipment is used to detect object state, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to high-speed sampling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sampling rate parameter from high-speed to low-speed, and compensates by processing frequency characteristic signals instead of time-domain signals. This allows accurate object state detection without requiring expensive high-speed sampling equipment, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/high-speed electronic sampling system with a signal processing approach that analyzes frequency characteristics of slowly sampled signals. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed sampling hardware while maintaining the ability to detect object state, reducing both device complexity and cost
2Ease of manufacture
If frequency modulated continuous wave radar is used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates as object state cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from analyzing only time-domain signals to analyzing frequency-domain characteristics of the radar signals. By examining frequency characteristics instead of just temporal variations, the system can detect object state using low-cost FMCW radar equipment, resolving the contradiction between device cost and measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If high-speed sampling is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases due to high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sampling rate parameter from high to low, directly reducing power consumption. By processing frequency characteristics of slowly sampled signals instead of high-speed time-domain signals, the system maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing energy usage
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 sensor can obtain object characteristics in real time, reducing the need for high-speed sampling and expensive equipment, allowing for compact and low-cost implementation while detecting internal states of objects.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency mixer configured to output a difference between the FM signal and the reflected signal
Implementation Method 2
a filter configured to extract an intermediate frequency component from an output of the frequency mixer
Implementation Method 3
Frequency modulated continuous wave radar sensor is a sensor that detects a distance between a radar and a sensor by a frequency difference between a transmitted electromagnetic wave whose frequency changes over time and a received electromagnetic wave that is reflected back by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency modulated continuous wave radar sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a signal generator for generating frequency modulated (FM) signals that change frequency over time; a transmission antenna for transmitting the FM signals generated by the signal generator; a reception antenna for receiving reflected signals of the FM signals reflected by an object; a frequency mixer which outputs the difference between the FM signals and the reflected signals; and a filter which extracts a mid-frequency component from the output of the frequency mixer.