Vehicle Radar Guardrail Recognition via Tolerance Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle radar systems, particularly using the FMCW method, face challenges in distinguishing between guardrails and other vehicles due to zero Doppler components, leading to difficulties in identifying objects alongside the vehicle, especially when vehicles pass nearby or guardrails are detected next to the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An object recognition apparatus and method that collects vehicle and surrounding information, sets tolerance ranges based on driving and object data, and uses a guardrail recognizer to determine if a moving object falls within a second tolerance range, accurately identifying guardrails even if physical characteristics are distorted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler component is used to calculate relative speed in FMCW radar, then relative velocity can be measured, but the Doppler component becomes zero when another vehicle passes right next to the host vehicle, making it impossible to detect relative speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection methods (Doppler component-based speed detection and distance-based stationary object detection) into a unified object recognition system. When Doppler component is zero, the system switches to using distance information and tolerance range comparison to identify guardrails, ensuring continuous reliable operation without detection gaps
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes detection parameters based on operating conditions. When Doppler component becomes zero (vehicle passing scenario), the system transitions from velocity-based detection to distance-based detection with tolerance ranges, adapting to the specific measurement challenge without losing detection capability
2Measurement precision
If Doppler component is used to distinguish moving vehicles from stationary structures, then relative speed can be measured, but the Doppler component of structures like guardrails next to the host vehicle is also zero, making it difficult to identify whether the object is a structure or another vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into multiple tolerance ranges (first tolerance range for stationary objects, second tolerance range for moving objects) and applies different detection criteria to each segment. This segmentation allows the system to handle different object types with appropriate methods while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tolerance range as an intermediary parameter that mediates between distance measurement and object classification. By comparing detected object distances against predefined tolerance ranges, the system can indirectly infer object type without directly measuring velocity, simplifying the detection logic while improving accuracy
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
The solution enables accurate recognition of guardrails, enhancing driving convenience and stability by differentiating between guardrails and other vehicles, reducing errors caused by distorted physical characteristics and zero Doppler components.
Implementation Method 1
radar devices can detect the relative speed between the object and the vehicle. For this reason, it is possible to some extent to identify whether the object is a structure or another vehicle based on the difference in relative speed. However, in the radar device like the FMCW (Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave) method, when calculating the relative speed of the object using the Doppler component
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an object recognition apparatus and method. Specifically, the object recognition apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises: an object information collector configured to collect object information based on driving information of a vehicle and surrounding detection information detected around the vehicle; an object selector configured to select an object corresponding to a predetermined first tolerance range based on the object information; a tolerance range setter configured to set a second tolerance range based on the driving information and the object information when a moving object exists among the objects corresponding to the first tolerance range; and a guardrail recognizer configured to determine whether the moving object falls within the second tolerance range based on the object information, and recognize a guardrail based on object information of the moving object corresponding to the second tolerance range.