Automotive Radar Multi-Target Discrimination via Dual Detection

The patent segments the detection process into two independent strategies: (1) a composite detection strategy using non-coherent integration (NCI) across multiple receive channels to improve detection sensitivity, and (2) individual receive channel analysis to preserve target discrimination capability. By dividing the detection function into these separate segments operating in parallel, the system achieves both improved sensitivity and maintained discrimination without requiring larger antennas or more complex hardware.

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of increasing antenna size with a signal processing approach. Instead of physically larger antennas to achieve better target discrimination, the system uses a dual detection strategy that processes signals from existing antennas through two parallel pathways: composite NCI detection and individual channel analysis. This substitution of mechanical enlargement with computational processing maintains discrimination capability while avoiding increased device complexity and cost.

The patent merges the advantages of both composite detection and individual channel detection into a unified dual-strategy system. The composite NCI detection pathway combines signals from multiple receive channels to improve sensitivity, while the individual channel analysis pathway maintains discrimination capability. By merging these two detection approaches and using them in parallel with an 'or logic' comparison, the system achieves improved target discrimination without requiring additional receive channels or increased device complexity.