mmWave Radar Signal Compensation for Accurate Code Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Short-range millimeter wave (mmWave) radar systems face significant distortion in reflection signal strength due to the difference in distance between the radar and the target object, leading to inaccurate radar images, particularly in applications where the target is close to the radar.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for compensating reflection signal strengths in mmWave radar systems by considering the difference in antenna gain and distance, allowing for the formation of a radar image that accurately reads binary codes from conductive objects using a short-range mmWave radar system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If short-range mmWave radar is used for close-distance target detection, then the radar can detect small objects at close range, but significant distortion occurs in reflection signal strength due to maximum-minimum distance difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by compensating for signal attenuation based on the maximum-minimum distance difference. The system calculates compensation values using the formula: compensation value = 10 × log10((maximum distance)² / (minimum distance)²) and adjusts the reflection signal strength by adding this compensation value. This transforms the distorted signal strength measurements into accurate RCS values, resolving the contradiction between close-range detection capability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the radar is positioned close to the target object, then the radar can resolve fine details of the object, but the reflection wave signals experience significant attenuation and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful signal attenuation into a beneficial effect by using the known distance information to calculate and apply compensation. The attenuation, which would normally degrade signal quality, is instead utilized to improve measurement accuracy. By calculating the compensation value based on the maximum-minimum distance difference and applying it to the reflection signal strength, the system transforms the energy loss into an opportunity for precise RCS measurement, enabling detailed target resolution without the usual signal attenuation problems.
3Measurement precision
If compensation for reflection signal strength is applied, then RCS distortion is reduced and measurement accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional calculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the compensation values based on the maximum and minimum distances before performing the actual RCS measurement. The system first determines the maximum-minimum distance difference, then calculates the compensation value using the logarithmic formula, and finally applies this compensation to the reflection signal strength. This preliminary calculation approach simplifies the overall process by breaking down the complex compensation task into manageable steps, reducing the computational burden during real-time measurement while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 compensation of reflection signal strengths significantly reduces RCS distortion, enabling accurate identification and reading of binary codes from conductive objects, even at close ranges, enhancing the usability of short-range mmWave radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
Radar means technology that detects an object using electromagnetic (EM) scattering and the range, speed, and shape of the object
Implementation Method 2
a radar transceiver detects reflection wave signals backscattered from an object
Data Source
AI summary
A code reading method and a radar system using a short-range millimeter wave (mmWave) radar are provided. The method includes transmitting a mmWave radar signal to a target object from a radar system and receiving a reflection wave signal reflected on the target object, extracting reflection signal strengths for a plurality of line codes constituting the target object from the reflection wave signal, compensating for the reflection signal strengths considering a difference in antenna gain between the plurality of line codes as per an antenna radiation pattern of the radar system, forming a radar image using the compensated reflection signal strengths, and reading a binary code from the radar image.