Vehicle Radar Angle Estimation Using Phase Dispersion Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar devices face increased calculation complexity when widening the Field of View (FoV) or improving angular accuracy, especially in multiple target situations, leading to inefficient calculation usage for single targets and ambiguity in distinguishing between single and multiple target scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A radar device and method that determine whether a target is single or multiple based on phase differences and dispersion levels for each reception channel, using a transmission unit, reception unit, calculation unit, and target determination unit to estimate the target angle with reduced calculations, employing a data table for single targets and high-performance decomposition algorithms for multiple targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high resolution algorithm is applied to improve multiple target angular resolution, then the angular resolution is improved, but the amount of calculation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target detection process into two distinct paths: single target detection using conventional beamforming and multiple target detection using high-resolution algorithms. The system determines whether to apply each algorithm based on the detected phase difference characteristics, thereby avoiding unnecessary calculations while maintaining high angular resolution when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the algorithm selection based on real-time phase difference analysis. By calculating the phase difference for each reception channel and comparing it against threshold values, the system adaptively chooses between conventional and high-resolution algorithms, optimizing computational resources according to the actual target situation.
2Productivity
If conventional beamforming is used to reduce calculation amount, then the amount of calculation is reduced, but the multiple target angular resolution becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection scenario into single target and multiple target cases, applying conventional beamforming for single targets to maintain calculation efficiency, while switching to high-resolution algorithms for multiple targets to ensure adequate angular resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the algorithmic approach based on the phase difference parameter. When the phase difference exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating multiple targets, the system switches from conventional beamforming to high-resolution algorithms, thereby adapting the calculation method to the detected scenario.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution algorithm is applied for all cases, then the angular resolution is improved, but unnecessary calculations are performed for single targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary phase difference analysis before applying high-resolution algorithms. By first calculating the phase difference for each reception channel and determining whether the target scenario involves multiple targets, the system avoids applying computationally intensive algorithms to single target cases where they are unnecessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own phase difference calculation capability to determine when high-resolution algorithms are needed, making the determination internally based on the detected signal characteristics rather than requiring external input or assumptions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the Field of View is widened to detect more targets, then the detection coverage is improved, but the amount of calculation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the angular space into multiple regions corresponding to different reception channels, each with its own phase difference analysis. This allows the system to handle a wide Field of View by processing each angular region independently and applying high-resolution algorithms only to regions containing multiple targets.
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
This approach allows for accurate angle estimation of targets using a small amount of calculations, reducing unnecessary high-performance algorithm application for single targets and improving angular resolution for multiple targets, thereby optimizing computational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a radar using a Frequency Modulation Continuous Wave (FMCW) Array Antenna scheme extracts the angle of a target using a phase difference of a signal received by a plurality of receiving antennas arranged in a predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a radar device for a vehicle which may determine a target as a single target or multiple targets according to a dispersion level of a slope for each reception channel, calculated through a phase difference for each reception channel of a reflection signal and an arrangement interval for each reception channel, and estimate the angle of the target so as to acquire the angle of the target using a small amount of calculations, and a method for estimating the angle of a target using the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a radar device for a vehicle, which detects a target located in the front side of a vehicle, comprising an electronic control unit configured to: calculate the slope of a reflection signal received for each reception channel, using a phase difference for each reception channel of the reflection signal and an arrangement interval for each reception channel, wherein the reflection signal is obtained by transmitting a predetermined transmission signal and receiving the transmitted transmission signal which is reflected back from the target; and determine the target as a single target or multiple targets according to a dispersion level of the calculated slope so as to estimate the angle to the determined target.