Radar Antenna Grouping for Dynamic Spatial Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar systems face challenges in maintaining consistent spatial resolution when the distance to an object changes dynamically, leading to potential imaging degradation and excessive calculation processing.

Innovation Solution

A radar system with multiple antennas that can be cooperatively operated in different modes based on the object's distance, using a processor to determine the optimal antenna grouping for imaging, thereby maintaining desired spatial resolution and reducing unnecessary calculation processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the radar system uses a fixed spatial resolution setting, then the imaging is appropriate for a specific distance range, but the spatial resolution becomes unsuitable when the distance to the object changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidadaptability to distance changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the spatial resolution configurable and adaptable based on the distance to the object. The system allows dynamic adjustment of resolution parameters so that the radar can maintain appropriate imaging quality whether the object is near or far, transforming a static resolution setting into a dynamic one that responds to changing operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the radar system increases spatial resolution for close objects, then the imaging quality improves for near objects, but the calculation processing becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidcalculation processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the spatial resolution parameter based on the measured distance to the object. When objects are far away, the system uses lower resolution parameters to reduce calculation processing. When objects are close, the system increases resolution parameters to improve imaging quality. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between imaging quality and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the radar system decreases spatial resolution to reduce processing, then the calculation processing becomes lighter, but the imaging quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation processing efficiencyVSAvoidspatial resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the spatial resolution parameter based on the measured distance to the object. When objects are far away, the system uses lower resolution parameters to reduce calculation processing. When objects are close, the system increases resolution parameters to improve imaging quality. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between imaging quality and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If the radar system uses high spatial resolution for all distances, then the imaging quality is consistently high, but the processing time and computational load increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the spatial resolution parameter based on the measured distance to the object. When objects are far away, the system uses lower resolution parameters to reduce calculation processing. When objects are close, the system increases resolution parameters to improve imaging quality. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between imaging quality and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using high spatial resolution only when necessary (for close objects) rather than continuously for all distances. For far objects, the system uses lower resolution, applying the high-resolution processing partially only where it provides actual benefit, thus reducing overall processing time and computational load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 achieves consistent spatial resolution and effective imaging across varying distances by dynamically adjusting antenna operation, avoiding imaging deterioration and excessive processing.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of antennas configured to transmit radar signals and receive radar echoes based on reflected waves of the radar signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4397991A1Radar system
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP4397991A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4397991A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4397991A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one arrangement, a radar system (10) includes a plurality of antennas, and a processor (13) configured to drive the antennas. In a case of driving the antennas in a first mode, the processor (13) is configured to cause the antennas to be cooperatively operated, and image an object (10a) based on radar echoes received by the antennas. In a case of driving the antennas in a second mode, the processor (13) is configured to cause a first antenna group (31a) to be cooperatively operated, image the object (10a) based on radar echoes received in the first antenna group (31a), cause a second antenna group (31b) to be cooperatively operated, and image the object (10a) based on radar echoes received in the second antenna group (31b). The second antenna group (31b) is different from the first antenna group (31a).