Radar Apparatus Approaching Velocity Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radar apparatuses face inefficiencies in tracking target objects due to increased processing requirements when calculating velocity, as they consider both the direction and speed of target objects, leading to higher computational loads and potential misidentification of static objects as dynamic threats.

Innovation Solution

A radar apparatus that calculates the approaching velocity of a target object based on changes in the phase and frequency of electromagnetic waves, allowing for single-scan determination and reducing processing demands by focusing on velocity components in the transmission direction, thereby enabling efficient tracking of high-risk objects while distinguishing static targets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the speed of the target object is calculated by using the positional change of the target object in previous and latest scans, then the collision risk can be assessed, but the processing amount increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision risk assessmentVSAvoidprocessing amount
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for velocity calculation from positional change (requiring multiple scans) to Doppler frequency shift (measurable in single scan). By using the Doppler effect parameter instead of position parameter, the system achieves reliable collision risk assessment without increasing processing amount

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of tracking position changes over time with the electromagnetic wave-based Doppler effect. Instead of mechanically comparing positions from multiple scans, the system uses frequency shift measurement of reflected electromagnetic waves to directly obtain velocity information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the direction of the speed of the target object is not taken into consideration, then the processing is simplified, but the target object is treated the same regardless of it moving toward or away from the ship

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidcollision risk determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by focusing only on the relevant velocity component (approaching velocity in transmission direction) rather than treating all velocity components equally. By selectively considering only the radial velocity component that affects collision risk, the system maintains processing simplicity while improving collision risk determination reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of calculating total velocity and then determining its relevance, the patent inverts the approach by directly measuring only the radial component of velocity (approaching velocity) that is relevant for collision assessment. This inversion allows simplified processing that directly yields the needed information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If radar echoes in previous and latest scans are determined to be based on the same target object, then the velocity can be calculated, but the processing amount increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity calculationVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary information (Doppler frequency shift) from the radar echoes without needing to perform full echo matching between scans. By extracting velocity information directly from frequency shift, the system achieves precise velocity measurement while improving processing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 rapid and accurate identification of target objects with high collision risk, reducing processing loads and preventing unnecessary tracking of static objects, thus enhancing the radar's ability to selectively track dynamic threats with improved accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

calculate an approaching velocity of a target object from which a reflection wave caused by an electromagnetic wave is obtained, based on a change in one of phase and frequency of the electromagnetic wave transmitted and received by a radar antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3196669B1Radar apparatus and method of tracking target object
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3196669B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3196669B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3196669B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radar apparatus (1) is provided, which includes an approaching velocity calculating module (24) configured to calculate an approaching velocity of a target object from which a reflection wave caused by an electromagnetic wave is obtained, based on a change in one of phase and frequency of the electromagnetic wave transmitted and received by a radar antenna (11), the approaching velocity being a velocity component in a transmission direction of the electromagnetic wave, a tracking determining module (26) configured to determine whether to track the target object based on the approaching velocity of the target object, a tracking module (27) configured to automatically track the target object determined to be tracked by the tracking determining module (26), and a display controlling module (22) configured to display the tracking result of the tracking module (27) along with a radar image.