Modified Ray-Tracer for Electromagnetic Response Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic response models for radar simulations are either too complex or too slow, failing to accurately simulate real-world electromagnetic responses, particularly in terms of vertical and horizontal multipath effects, and are inefficient in dynamic scenes due to excessive computational resources and time.

Innovation Solution

A modified ray-tracer system that combines image theory and the shooting and bouncing rays method, using adaptive ray-launching and simplified large element physical optics formulations to efficiently calculate electromagnetic responses by converting electromagnetic ray information between global and local coordinate systems, and reusing acceleration data structures for improved accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing electromagnetic response models are used to accurately simulate real-world electromagnetic responses, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to excessive computational time and resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of electromagnetic response simulationVSAvoidsimulation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electromagnetic simulation process into distinct ray-tracing phases (forward propagation, reflection, backward propagation) and spatial zones (near-field, far-field). This segmentation allows selective application of computational methods to different regions, reducing overall computational load while maintaining accuracy where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary ray-tracing calculations to determine which electromagnetic rays actually interact with targets before performing full electromagnetic response calculations. This preliminary filtering excludes non-detectable rays, avoiding unnecessary computational work and significantly improving simulation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If existing electromagnetic response models incorporate complex multipath effects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of multipath effect simulationVSAvoidcomputational model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates vertical multipath effects (reflections from ground plane) from horizontal multipath effects (reflections from side surfaces). Different ray-tracing strategies are applied to each type, simplifying the overall model while accurately capturing both effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the level of multipath effect calculation based on scene geometry and target positions. In open environments, simplified ground reflection models are used, while in urban canyons or complex environments, full multipath tracing is activated, optimizing the balance between accuracy and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If existing electromagnetic response models are used in dynamic scenes, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to excessive computational resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of electromagnetic responseVSAvoidcomputational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculations of acceleration data structures and ray intersection possibilities before dynamic scenes evolve. These pre-computed structures are reused across multiple simulation frames, avoiding redundant calculations and significantly reducing computational resource usage in dynamic environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic updating strategies where only portions of the acceleration data structures that change with scene motion are recalculated. Static elements retain their pre-computed structures, while moving elements trigger localized updates, optimizing the balance between accuracy and computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4160259A1Modified ray-tracer for an electromagnetic response simulator
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4160259A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4160259A1 patent drawingFigure 2-1
  • EP4160259A1 patent drawingFigure 2-2

AI summary

This document describes techniques and systems for a modified ray-tracer for an electromagnetic response simulator. Electromagnetic ray information, including a starting point and direction, is received. A potential target can be determined to be hit by the electromagnetic ray by converting the electromagnetic ray information from a global coordinate system of the environment to a local coordinate system of the potential target. The potential target is hit by the electromagnetic ray if a facet of the potential target is computed to be hit by the ray. The computations, performed in the local coordinate system of the potential target, include a simplified large element physical optics formulation for parallel rays. An electromagnetic response related to the potential target can be calculated if the facet of the potential target was determined to be hit. In this manner, an efficient and accurate electromagnetic response model may be approximated.