Radar Calibration Using Perpendicular Bisector Reflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating radar systems integrated into non-planar vehicle surfaces and those not in direct line-of-sight poses challenges for determining accurate distances, essential for bistatic radar measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a target reflector moved along a track to a perpendicular bisector of the baseline connecting the radar systems, allowing for direct and bistatic range measurements to determine the distance between the radar systems, using a processor to calculate the distance with the reflector's radial length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radar systems are integrated into non-planar vehicle surfaces or positioned out of direct line-of-sight, then the adaptability and versatility of the radar system is improved, but the measurement precision of distance between radar systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A target reflector is introduced as an intermediary object to enable distance measurement between radar systems that cannot directly see each other. The reflector is positioned at the perpendicular bisector of the baseline connecting the two radar systems, allowing each radar to measure the distance to the reflector. These measurements, combined with the known radial length of the reflector, enable calculation of the baseline distance through geometric relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by moving from direct one-dimensional line-of-sight measurement to a two-dimensional geometric configuration. By positioning the target reflector at the perpendicular bisector and using triangulation geometry, the system determines the baseline distance through spatial relationships rather than direct measurement, enabling accurate distance determination even when radar systems are out of direct line-of-sight.
2Measurement precision
If a target reflector is moved along a track to the perpendicular bisector location, then the measurement precision of distance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target reflector serves multiple functions: it reflects radar signals for distance measurement, its radial length is a known parameter used in calculations, and its positioning at the perpendicular bisector enables geometric determination of the baseline. The track structure provides both mechanical guidance for positioning and defines the perpendicular bisector geometry, combining measurement and positioning functions in a unified system.
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
Enables accurate determination of radar system distances, even when out of line-of-sight, facilitating effective bistatic radar operations and improved vehicular tracking and autonomous driving capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Vehicular tracking systems include radar systems (i.e., radar transmitters and receivers) that sense objects in the environment of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a reflection of the radar signal from the object is received at another location
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for determining a distance between a first radar system disposed on a vehicle and a second radar system disposed on the vehicle. A target reflector is moved along a track to a location along a perpendicular bisector of a baseline connecting the first radar system and the second radar system. A direct range measurement is obtained for at least one of the first radar system and the second radar system, and a bistatic range measurement is obtained between the first radar system and the second radar system. A processor determines the distance between the first radar system and the second radar system using the direct range measurement, the bistatic range measurement and a radial length of the target reflector.