Monopulse Radar Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current traffic monitoring systems, such as inductive loop and video sensors, face challenges in accurately determining the position and velocity of vehicles on multilane roads, especially in congested urban areas, where precise and real-time data is crucial for efficient traffic management.
Innovation Solution
A monopulse radar system is mounted at a fixed location, using a transceiver unit to generate a frequency-modulated microwave signal, which is radiated and reflected between two receiver antennas to determine the two-dimensional position and velocity of vehicles within the field of view, allowing for accurate lateral and longitudinal positioning across the road width and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inductive loop or video sensors are used for traffic monitoring, then traffic data can be collected, but measurement precision of vehicle position and velocity deteriorates in congested urban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inductive loop sensors embedded in pavement with a monopulse radar system using electromagnetic waves. The radar transmits microwave signals that reflect off vehicles, enabling non-contact measurement of position and velocity with high precision even in congested conditions where vehicles are closely spaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional detection (inductive loops detect only presence under the road surface) to two-dimensional spatial detection using monopulse radar with multiple receiver antennas. The system determines both azimuth angle and range, providing comprehensive two-dimensional position information that enables accurate vehicle tracking in congested areas.
2Measurement precision
If video sensors are used for traffic monitoring, then visual traffic data can be obtained, but measurement precision of vehicle velocity deteriorates due to occlusion and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces video-based optical detection with radar-based electromagnetic wave detection. Radar signals penetrate through occlusions such as smoke, rain, and dust that affect video sensors, and can detect vehicles even when partially obscured from visual view, maintaining velocity measurement precision in adverse conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical wavelength (video) to microwave wavelength (radar). This parameter change allows the system to detect vehicles through conditions that block visible light, such as fog, rain, and smoke, while maintaining accurate velocity measurement via Doppler shift analysis of the reflected microwave signals.
3Measurement precision
If monopulse radar with multiple receiver antennas is used, then measurement precision of two-dimensional position improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses monopulse radar technology that processes signals from multiple receiver antennas to determine both azimuth angle and range simultaneously. By analyzing the phase and amplitude differences of signals received at multiple antennas, the system achieves two-dimensional position measurement without requiring mechanical scanning or complex moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple receiver antennas that create redundant signal paths for detecting the same target. By comparing the copied signals from different antenna positions, the system can precisely determine the angular and range position of vehicles while using simple, identical antenna elements rather than complex single-antenna systems.
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 system provides accurate and real-time vehicular traffic data, including position and velocity, enabling effective traffic management by overcoming occlusion and interference issues, and improving detection of vehicles in congested conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A monopulse radar system is mounted at a fixed location, using a transceiver unit to generate a frequency-modulated microwave signal, which is radiated and reflected between two receiver antennas to determine the two-dimensional position and velocity of vehicles within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
The processor unit is operable to determine a velocity and a position of a vehicle on a road, wherein the velocity is measured relative to the road
Implementation Method 3
modulating a microwave signal to produce a periodic time-varying modulated signal; radiating the periodic time-varying modulated microwave signal in a radiation beam at a vehicle on a road to generate a reflected modulated microwave signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a position of a vehicle within a field of view using a traffic sensor are provided. This involves (a) mounting the traffic sensor at a fixed location relative to a road; (b) modulating a microwave signal to produce a periodic time-varying modulated signal; (c) radiating the periodic time-varying modulated microwave signal in a radiation beam at a vehicle on a road to generate a reflected modulated microwave signal, wherein the reflected periodic time-varying modulated microwave signal induces a first received signal at a first receiver antenna and a second received signal at a second receiver antenna, the second receiver being spaced from the first receiver; and, (d) determining the position of the vehicle on the road within the field of view based on the periodic time-varying modulated signal, the first received signal, and the second received signal, wherein the position of the vehicle is determinable during a single period of the periodic time-varying modulated signal. The position comprises a lateral position of the vehicle across a width of the road and a longitudinal position of the vehicle along a length of the road.