Vehicle Radar Elevation Sensing With Linear Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently determining the elevation variables of object targets with respect to an elevation reference plane, particularly in vehicles, often requiring complex and costly two-dimensional antenna arrangements to achieve accurate azimuth and elevation measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and radar system design that uses a linear antenna arrangement with phase centers aligned parallel to the elevation reference plane, allowing for the determination of direction variables and elevation variables using a one-dimensional setup, eliminating the need for additional planar antennas and simplifying the antenna configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional antenna arrangement is used to determine elevation variables, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vehicle's motion through space as an additional dimension to solve the elevation measurement problem. By combining spatial-temporal information from radar signals received at different positions during vehicle movement with the known antenna arrangement geometry, the system can calculate elevation angles without requiring a complex two-dimensional antenna array. This transforms a spatial problem into a spatio-temporal problem that can be solved with simpler hardware.
2Device complexity
If a linear antenna arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the vehicle's motion and the temporal sequence of signal reception as intermediaries. The processing unit uses the known relationship between the linear antenna positions, the vehicle's movement, and the time-stamped signal receptions to calculate elevation angles. This intermediary approach allows a simple linear antenna arrangement to achieve precision normally requiring complex two-dimensional arrays.
3Measurement precision
If additional planar antennas are added, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle's motion serve the measurement function. Instead of adding expensive additional antennas, the system utilizes the vehicle's natural movement through space as a resource to enable elevation calculation from a simple linear antenna arrangement. The vehicle's trajectory becomes part of the measurement mechanism, eliminating the need for costly planar antenna expansions.
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 both azimuth and elevation variables using a space-saving and simpler linear antenna arrangement, reducing complexity and cost while providing a complete three-dimensional mapping of the environment, suitable for vehicles and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
radar signals are emitted and echo signals from radar signals reflected at the object target are received using the radar system
Implementation Method 2
a radial velocity of the at least one object target relative to the radar system is determined using the radar system by means of the received echo signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining at least one elevation variable of an object target of an object which is detected by a radar system of a vehicle, with respect to an elevation reference plane, is disclosed. The method includes emitting radar signals, receiving echo signals, determining a traveling velocity of the radar system, determining a radial velocity of an object target relative to the radar system, determining a direction variable which characterizes the direction of the object target relative to a first reference area, determining a second direction variable which characterizes the direction of the object target relative to a second reference area, and determining at least one elevation variable of the object target by means of at least one of the direction variables. Radar signals are emitted using at least one antenna of the radar system and echo signals are received using at least two antennas.