Radar Blockage Detection via Antenna Correlation Variance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive radar systems face challenges in distinguishing sensor blockage from the absence of radar signal processing detections, particularly in environments with minimal clutter, leading to potential false alerts and reduced system reliability.
Innovation Solution
The radar system employs a processor to compute correlation variance between signals from multiple antennas, using correlation coefficients and eigenvalues of covariance matrices to determine blockage, allowing for accurate differentiation between blocked and unblocked states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blockage detection is based on absence of radar signal processing detections, then detection simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish blocked state from sparse environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces correlation variance analysis as an intermediary mechanism between the radar signals and the blockage determination. By computing correlation coefficients between antenna signals and analyzing their variance, the system creates an intermediate metric that can distinguish between blocked and sparse environment conditions, resolving the ambiguity in direct absence-based detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from binary presence/absence of detections to continuous correlation variance measurement. By monitoring the variance of correlation coefficients between antenna signals, the system can detect subtle changes in signal characteristics that indicate blockage, providing more precise measurement beyond simple detection absence
2Measurement precision
If correlation variance analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing signal processing circuitry multi-functional by using the same antenna signals for both radar detection and blockage detection. The correlation variance analysis leverages existing signal paths and processing stages, allowing the system to perform blockage detection without requiring entirely separate dedicated hardware, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple antenna signals are processed for correlation analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to additional computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing correlation analysis only on the signal components that are most indicative of blockage conditions. By focusing computational resources on specific correlation calculations between antenna signals rather than exhaustive analysis of all signal parameters, the system achieves adequate measurement precision with reduced energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect, a radar system with blockage detection is provided. The radar system includes a first antenna for receiving first signals and a second antenna for receiving second signals. Input circuitry processes the first signals to generate first input signals and processes the second signals to generate second input signals. A processor computes a correlation between the first input signals and the second input signals, determines a correlation variance related to variation in the correlation, and generates a determination as to whether the radar system is blocked using the correlation variance.