1D Radar Array Layout for Accurate Object Elevation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting objects' elevations using two-dimensional radar arrays, which are costly, power-intensive, and result in high processing overhead, while reducing antenna elements to improve these issues compromises elevation accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a first one-dimensional radar array for azimuthal plane object detection and a second one-dimensional radar array for elevation estimation, allowing for more accurate measurements with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs, and conserving resources by not measuring elevations for objects outside a threshold distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional radar arrays are used for object detection, then elevation detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the two-dimensional radar array into two separate one-dimensional radar arrays: a first one-dimensional array for azimuth detection and a second one-dimensional array for elevation detection. This segmentation allows each array to specialize in a specific dimension, achieving accurate 3D object detection while reducing the overall complexity and manufacturing cost compared to a single two-dimensional array.
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional radar arrays are used for object detection, then elevation detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the radar system into two separate one-dimensional arrays with specialized functions, the patent reduces the total number of antenna elements and signal processing channels required compared to a full two-dimensional array. This segmentation leads to lower power consumption while maintaining elevation detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If two-dimensional radar arrays are used for object detection, then elevation detection accuracy is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing tasks by dedicating the first one-dimensional array to azimuth processing and the second one-dimensional array to elevation processing. This division allows for optimized, simpler processing algorithms for each dimension independently, reducing the overall computational complexity and processing overhead compared to processing a full two-dimensional array.
4Ease of manufacture
If antenna elements are reduced to lower cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but elevation accuracy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar system into two one-dimensional arrays, where the second array is specifically optimized for elevation detection with an appropriate number of antenna elements. This segmentation allows for cost-effective design by reducing the total number of elements compared to a two-dimensional array, while still maintaining sufficient elevation accuracy through the specialized configuration of the second array.
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 enables autonomous vehicles to achieve higher accuracy in object elevation detection with lower power consumption and processing overhead, ensuring safe navigation by accurately determining clearance heights and avoiding obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-dimensional radar array including a plurality of first antenna elements that are arranged corresponding to a first axis along an azimuthal plane and configured to transmit first signals and receive first reflections based at least in part on the first signals; a second one-dimensional radar array including a plurality of second antenna elements that are arranged corresponding to a second axis along an elevation plane and configured to transmit second signals and receive second reflections based at least in part on the second signals
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a system may receive, from a first one-dimensional radar array, first information based at least in part on first reflections associated with an azimuthal plane. The system may further receive, from a second one-dimensional radar array, second information based at least in part on second reflections associated with an elevation plane. Accordingly, the system may detect an object based at least in part on the first information and may determine an elevation associated with the object based at least in part on the second information. Numerous other aspects are described.