Automotive Radar Data Compression for Fourier Storage Bottlenecks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar systems for driver assistance in vehicles face high storage capacity requirements due to multidimensional Fourier transformations, leading to increased costs and power consumption, despite advancements in computing capacity.

Innovation Solution

A radar system that compresses intermediate data using periodic linear frequency modulation and multi-dimensional discrete Fourier transformation, reducing storage needs by quantizing results to fewer bits and storing them in a compressed form, allowing for increased resolution and sensitivity with reduced memory size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multidimensional Fourier transformation is used for high detection quality with multiple transmitting and/or receiving antennas, then measurement precision is improved, but storage capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection qualityVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage requirements by separating intermediate data from final results. Only intermediate data from selected transmitting and receiving antenna combinations are stored in high-resolution format, while other data are processed on-the-fly. This segmentation reduces the volume of data requiring high-capacity storage while maintaining the ability to perform complete multidimensional Fourier transformations when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes storage parameters by storing intermediate data at reduced resolution or in compressed forms, and only maintaining full-resolution data for critical measurements. The system adjusts the number of transmitting and receiving antennas whose intermediate data are stored based on detection requirements, transforming the storage parameter from fixed high-capacity to variable optimized capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If large volume of data is processed via multidimensional Fourier transform, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection qualityVSAvoidcomputing and storage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-calculating and storing intermediate data from selected antenna combinations before the final detection process. This preliminary action eliminates the need to perform complete multidimensional Fourier transformations on all raw data in real-time, reducing computational complexity while preserving measurement precision through selective storage and subsequent processing of intermediate results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If storage capacity is increased for high-resolution data, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the resolution parameter of stored data by maintaining high-resolution intermediate data only for critical antenna combinations while using lower-resolution representations for other data. This parameter change reduces the total storage capacity required, thereby reducing the power consumption of memory devices while preserving sufficient signal processing resolution for accurate detection through selective high-resolution storage.

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

This approach reduces storage capacity requirements, lowers costs, and minimizes power consumption while enhancing signal processing resolution and sensor sensitivity, enabling more efficient data handling and processing.

Implementation Method 1

These operate reliably even in poor weather conditions and, in addition to measuring the distance to objects, can also directly measure their relative speed via the Doppler effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3152587B1Radar system with optimized storage of temporary data
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
  • EP3152587B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3152587B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3152587B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a radar system for use in driver assistance systems in motor vehicles. According to the invention, the radar system has optimized storage of temporary data when using periodic linear frequency modulation and a multidimensional discrete Fourier transform.