Vehicle RADAR Beam Layout for Trailer Multipath Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges with multipath interference from RADAR beams reflecting off trailer sidewalls, leading to false detections and reduced accuracy in object detection, especially in angular ranges bordering the trailer.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a second, narrower RADAR beam directed primarily in one direction to supplement the first RADAR beam, reducing multipath interference and enhancing detection of objects in sensitive angular ranges, including smaller ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a first RADAR beam with wide azimuthal component is used to cover broad angular ranges, then the detection coverage is improved, but multipath interference from trailer sidewalls increases causing false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RADAR detection system into two separate beams: a first RADAR beam with wide azimuthal coverage for broad area detection, and a second RADAR beam with narrow azimuthal component for precise detection in multipath-sensitive regions. This segmentation allows each beam to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and interference reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam characteristics to different spatial regions: the first RADAR beam uses wide azimuthal spreading for regions requiring broad coverage, while the second RADAR beam uses narrow azimuthal concentration for regions bordering the trailer where multipath interference occurs. This local differentiation of beam quality resolves the contradiction by matching beam properties to regional requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow RADAR beam is used to reduce multipath interference, then detection accuracy in specific regions is improved, but the coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection task is segmented between two RADAR beams: the first beam handles broad coverage with lower precision requirements, while the second beam provides high-precision detection in critical regions. This segmentation allows the narrow beam to achieve high measurement precision without sacrificing overall coverage, as the wide beam compensates for the limited angular range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection results from both RADAR beams to achieve complete coverage with high precision in critical regions. The first RADAR beam provides broad coverage data, while the second RADAR beam provides high-precision data for multipath-sensitive regions, and their combined output resolves the contradiction between narrow beam precision and wide area coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple RADAR sensors are deployed to improve detection in blind spots, then object detection capability is enhanced, but device complexity and computing resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the second RADAR beam multi-functional by using it both for detection in multipath-sensitive regions and for detecting objects in blind spots. This single sensor performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced detection capability. The narrow beam's ability to penetrate multipath interference and detect small objects serves dual purposes.
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
Improves object detection accuracy by reducing multipath interference, enabling more efficient motion planning and reducing computing resource usage, thereby enhancing the functionality and fuel efficiency of autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a second antenna configured to output a second RADAR beam having a second azimuthal component that is narrower than the first azimuthal component of the first RADAR beam
Implementation Method 2
The azimuthal components of a RADAR beam output by the MIMO RADAR system can reflect off the sidewalls of the trailer, providing false detections of objects, multipath ghosts, interference
Data Source
AI summary
A radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor system for vehicles, such as autonomous vehicles, includes a first RADAR sensor configured to provide first RADAR data descriptive of an environment of a vehicle having a first antenna configured to output a first RADAR beam having a first azimuthal component over a first angular range and a second RADAR sensor configured to provide second RADAR data descriptive of the environment of the vehicle, the second RADAR sensor having a second antenna configured to output a second RADAR beam having a second azimuthal component that is narrower than the first azimuthal component of the first RADAR beam, wherein the second RADAR sensor is configured to sweep the second RADAR beam over a second angular range closer to a rear of the vehicle than a front of the vehicle to obtain the second RADAR data.