Radar ADC Reconfiguration for Selective High-Resolution Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems struggle to generate high-resolution information on detected targets efficiently, particularly in varying environmental conditions, due to limitations in analog-to-digital converter (ADC) settings and signal processing methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically adjusts the settings of ADCs in radar sensors based on confidence scores and target distances, using frequency shifting and decimation factors to generate high-resolution radar data, enhancing the accuracy of distance and angle information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed ADC settings are used in radar systems, then the system operation is simple and stable, but the resolution and precision of radar data processing cannot be improved dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic ADC setting adjustment by selecting different ADCs based on target distance and confidence score. The system transitions from fixed settings to dynamic configuration where ADC selection and parameters (decimation factor, frequency shift) are adjusted in real-time based on detection requirements, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes ADC parameters including decimation factor and frequency shift values based on target characteristics. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system achieves different resolution levels for different targets without requiring multiple fixed hardware configurations, thus improving measurement precision while managing complexity through parameterization.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution information is generated for all detected targets, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing high-resolution processing only to specific targets based on confidence score and distance thresholds. Not all detected targets receive the same processing intensity - only those meeting specific criteria trigger high-resolution ADC selection and processing, while others use standard processing, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by selectively applying high-resolution processing only to a subset of targets that require it. Instead of uniformly processing all targets at maximum resolution, the system applies enhanced processing partially to high-priority targets, achieving sufficient precision for critical detections while avoiding unnecessary computational resources for less certain or less critical targets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ADCs with different settings are used simultaneously, then high-resolution information can be generated for different ranges, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single radar system with multiple ADCs that can be dynamically selected and configured for different functions. The same hardware resources serve multiple purposes - distance measurement, high-resolution profiling, and range-specific processing - by dynamically assigning ADCs based on detection needs, thus achieving versatility without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which ADCs to activate and what parameters to apply based on real-time detection requirements. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to different scenarios (close-range high-resolution vs. long-range detection) using the same hardware pool, managing complexity through software-controlled resource allocation rather than fixed hardware duplication.
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 solution enables improved resolution and precision in radar data processing, allowing for more accurate detection and classification of targets, even in challenging environmental conditions, thereby supporting advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) effectively.
Implementation Method 1
first reception signals being signals received through reception antennas after a first transmission signal output by the radar sensor is reflected by the detected target
Data Source
AI summary
An operating method of a radar sensor includes: performing object classification on a detected target; comparing a confidence score of a result of the object classification with a threshold value; determining whether high-resolution information on the detected target is to be generated based on a result of the comparison; in response to a determination that the high-resolution information is to be generated, selecting one or more of a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) of the radar sensor, and determining control information for changing a setting of the selected one or more ADCs; changing the setting of the selected one or more ADCs based on the determined control information; generating first intermediate frequency signals based on respective first reception signals and a frequency modulated signal, the first reception signals being signals received through reception antennas after a first transmission signal output by the radar sensor is reflected by the detected target, and the first transmission signal being generated based on the frequency modulated signal; generating first radar data by processing a portion of the generated first intermediate frequency signals through the selected one or more ADCs; generating second radar data by processing remaining signals among the generated first intermediate frequency signals through remaining ADCs of the plurality of ADCs; generating the high-resolution information on the detected target based on the generated first radar data; and generating high-resolution information on a predetermined range based on the generated second radar data.