Radar Ghost Detection via Direction and Reflection Power Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face challenges in accurately distinguishing between real objects and ghosts (erroneously detected data) due to multipath reflections, which affect detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A radar apparatus and method that includes a candidate specifying unit to obtain distance, direction, and reflection power of object candidates, and a ghost deciding unit with first and second decision units to determine if object candidates are ghosts by checking if they are in the same direction and if the reflection power from a candidate farther away is smaller than one closer, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar apparatus observes reflected waves to detect objects, then detection capability is provided, but ghost objects (erroneous detections) are generated due to multipath reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into multiple stages: initial object detection, ghost candidate identification based on spatial relationships, and final verification. By dividing the detection workflow, the system can identify and eliminate ghost objects while maintaining detection of real objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification process that checks spatial relationships between object candidates before final detection. This intermediary step analyzes whether multiple object candidates in the same direction with inconsistent reflection powers represent ghosts, acting as a mediator between raw detection data and final object confirmation.
2Speed
If radar apparatus increases observation sensitivity to detect distant objects, then detection range is improved, but ghost detection becomes more frequent due to multipath effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of object candidate relationships before final detection confirmation. By checking spatial relationships and reflection power consistency in advance, the system can prevent ghost objects from being confirmed even when detection sensitivity is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where detected object candidates are verified against spatial relationship rules. If candidates fail the verification (indicating they are ghosts), this feedback prevents their confirmation and allows the system to maintain high sensitivity without increasing ghost detection rates.
3Reliability
If radar apparatus processes all object candidates equally, then detection completeness is maintained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments object candidates into different processing groups: those requiring full verification and those that can be quickly identified as ghosts based on spatial relationships. This segmentation reduces processing complexity by applying different levels of analysis to different candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing quality levels to different object candidates based on their characteristics. Candidates with suspicious spatial relationships receive enhanced verification, while others receive standard processing, optimizing the balance between completeness and complexity.
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
Enhances detection accuracy by correctly identifying ghosts and removing them from observed data, thereby improving the reliability of radar system outputs.
Implementation Method 1
a radar apparatus that measures a distance and a direction from a transmission/reception unit (10) to an object by emitting an electromagnetic wave from the transmission/reception unit (10) toward the object and observing a reflected wave from the object
Implementation Method 2
When a reflected wave from the object reaches the radar apparatus through multipath (generated by the presence of a reflecting wall and the like), a ghost may be included as an object observed by the radar apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
In a radar apparatus of the present invention, a ghost deciding unit decides whether or not a first condition that a first object candidate and a second object candidate are in the same direction with respect to the transmission/reception unit is satisfied, and then decides whether or not a second condition that, of the first and second object candidates, a reflection power from the first object candidate located farther away from the transmission/reception unit is smaller than a reflection power from the second object candidate located closer to the transmission/reception unit is satisfied. The ghost deciding unit decides that only when the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, the first object candidate is a ghost.