Radar Histogram Trailer Detection for Low-Speed Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer detection systems are inefficient in determining the presence of a trailer being towed by a host vehicle, especially at low speeds and require complex processing, which increases computational demands and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing raw radar data from a 2D radar sensor to determine trailer presence by analyzing range rates within a defined search area, constructing histograms, and calculating median and mean values to identify trailer characteristics, thereby reducing processing complexity and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tracking algorithm is used to track radar target points over a period of time to determine trailer presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a search area based on the host vehicle's rearward extension and expected trailer dimensions. This allows the system to focus processing only on relevant radar targets within this predetermined zone, eliminating the need to track all targets across the entire field of view. The search area is established before detection occurs, enabling faster processing while maintaining accurate trailer detection.
2Measurement precision
If complex processing algorithms are used to determine trailer presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but computational demands and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection process into distinct stages: defining a search area, identifying targets within that area, and determining trailer presence based solely on those targets. This segmentation allows the system to process only relevant data rather than analyzing all radar returns, significantly reducing computational load and power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If traditional tracking algorithms are used, then comprehensive target analysis is achieved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by isolating and analyzing only the radar targets that fall within the predefined search area behind the host vehicle. Rather than processing all detected targets system-wide, the method extracts and focuses computational resources on the specific subset of targets relevant to trailer detection, simplifying the overall processing complexity while maintaining reliable detection results.
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 system accurately detects the presence of a trailer at low vehicle speeds within 10 seconds, minimizing computational and power requirements while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A detection system utilizing raw radar data from a 2D radar sensor to determine trailer presence by analyzing range rates
Implementation Method 2
detecting range rates of objects with a 2D radar sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A detection system (10) includes a ranging sensor (16) and a controller circuit (26). The ranging sensor (16) is configured to detect range rates (18) of objects (20) proximate a host vehicle (12). The controller circuit (26) is in communication with the ranging sensor (16). The controller circuit (26) is configured to determine a search area (32) extending from the host vehicle (12). The controller circuit (26) is further configured to determine a first histogram (34) comprising counts of occurrences (36) of the range rates (18) detected within the search area (32). The controller circuit (26) is further configured to determine a second histogram (44) comprising the counts of occurrences (36) of a portion (46) of the range rates (18) detected within the search area (32). The controller circuit (26) is further configured to determine that a trailer (14) is being towed by the host vehicle (12) based on the first histogram (34) and the second histogram (44).