Radar Detection Channel Characterization Power Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar-based detection systems face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining detection performance, especially in environments with interference and clutter, which increases system cost and affects user experience.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a radar device configured to operate in two modes: a first mode for determining communication channel characteristics by analyzing channel impulse responses, and a second mode for detecting external objects with optimized parameters based on those characteristics, reducing power consumption by adapting signal properties to channel conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the radar device transmits radar signals continuously to maintain detection performance, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device alternates between a first mode for determining communication channel characteristics and a second mode for detecting external objects. This periodic switching allows the system to maintain detection capability while reducing overall power consumption by not continuously operating at full detection power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs channel sensing and determines communication channel characteristics before actual object detection. By preliminarily characterizing the channel (including interference and clutter conditions), the radar can optimize its detection parameters in advance, improving detection reliability while avoiding unnecessary continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the radar device operates in a fixed configuration to simplify system design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different channel conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidchannel condition adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device dynamically switches between different operational modes (first mode for channel characterization, second mode for object detection) and adjusts its configuration based on determined channel characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to varying interference and clutter conditions without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (such as signal properties, transmission characteristics) based on the determined communication channel characteristics. By adapting parameters like signal power, frequency, or waveform based on channel conditions, the radar maintains effectiveness across diverse environments without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the radar device uses high transmission power to overcome interference and clutter, then detection precision is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device performs preliminary channel sensing to characterize interference and clutter conditions before object detection. By understanding the channel characteristics in advance, the system can transmit signals with optimized power levels that are sufficient to overcome interference without unnecessarily high power, thus maintaining detection precision while reducing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts transmission parameters based on determined channel characteristics. When channel conditions indicate high interference or clutter, the radar can increase power selectively; when conditions are favorable, it reduces power. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains detection precision while minimizing energy loss across varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system achieves reduced power consumption and improved detection performance by dynamically adjusting radar signal properties based on channel conditions, enhancing the likelihood of correct object detection while minimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

Radar-based detection systems are able to detect external objects by transmitting radar signals which are reflected by said objects.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

transmitting radar signals which are reflected by said objects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the controller is configured to determine the communication channel characteristics by analyzing one or more channel impulse responses received by the radar device in response to the transmitted first radar signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChannel impulse response analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP4160251A1System and method for facilitating detecting an external object
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 NXP BV
  • EP4160251A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4160251A1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP4160251A1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided for facilitating detecting an external object, the system comprising: at least one radar device configured to transmit one or more radar signals; a controller configured to control said radar device; wherein the controller is configured to cause the radar device to operate in a first mode in which the radar device transmits a first radar signal for determining one or more communication channel characteristics; wherein the controller is further configured to cause the radar device to operate in a second mode in which the radar device transmits a second radar signal, wherein one or more properties of the second radar signal are based on the communication channel characteristics determined when the radar device operates in the first mode. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method is conceived for facilitating detecting an external object. In accordance with a third aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided for performing said method.