Radar Ground Signal Estimation for Object Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face reliability issues due to ground reflections obscuring signals from objects, affecting the accuracy of tracking systems in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate the amount of ground signal in reflected radar signals by forming a ratio of the ground signal to the total reflected signal, using a calibration ground signal to distinguish between object and ground reflections, and selectively track objects based on this ratio, thereby disregarding noise thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground reflections are included in the reflected signal, then the radar system can detect all signals in the volume, but the reliability of object detection deteriorates due to ground signals obscuring object reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reflected signal into two distinct components: ground reflection signals and object reflection signals. By separating these components through correlation analysis with a stored ground signal template, the system can identify and exclude ground signals from object detection, thereby improving tracking reliability without losing valid object information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ground signal template (stored representation of ground reflections) that acts as a mediator to distinguish between ground and object reflections. This template serves as a reference to correlate with incoming signals, enabling the system to identify ground signal portions and separate them from genuine object reflections
2Measurement precision
If the radar system transmits source signals continuously to track objects, then the tracking coverage is maintained, but ground reflections continuously obscure object signals affecting detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ground reflection signals into a beneficial resource by storing them as a reference template. This ground signal template, which would normally obscure object detections, is instead used as a correlation reference to identify and remove ground signal portions from incoming reflections, thereby improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing incoming reflected signals against the stored ground signal template. This correlation-based feedback mechanism dynamically identifies ground signal portions in real-time, allowing the system to adjust its detection decisions by excluding identified ground signals from object tracking
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 enhances the reliability of radar systems by accurately differentiating between ground and object reflections, improving the tracking of objects and enabling safe vehicle maneuvers.
Implementation Method 1
A radar system includes a transmitter that transmits a source signal, generally a radio frequency signal into a volume of space that includes the objects, and a receiver that receives reflected signals (reflections of the source signal) from the objects
Implementation Method 2
a significant portion of the source signal is reflected off of the ground and can obscure reflections from the objects
Data Source
AI summary
A method and radar system and vehicle that tracks an object is disclosed. A source signal is transmitted into a volume that includes the object. A reflected signal is received from the volume in response to the source signal. The reflected signal includes a reflection of the source signal from the object. A range is determined for the object from the reflected signal. A ground signal is estimated at the determined range and an amount of the ground signal in the reflected signal is estimated. The object is selected for tracking based on the estimate of the amount of the ground signal in the reflection from the object.