Radar Interference Detection Using Tx Parameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles and robotic systems face challenges in navigation due to the limitations of light-based sensors, such as cameras and LiDAR, which perform poorly in poor visibility and inclement weather conditions, necessitating a reliable method to detect and mitigate interference in radar receive signals for effective perception and navigation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an interference detection mechanism within radar systems, which includes an interference detector that characterizes interfering signals and provides parameters to a radar processor to mitigate interference, ensuring reliable radar performance without synchronization with other radar devices, thereby enhancing navigation capabilities in adverse conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If light-based sensors (cameras, LiDAR) are used for autonomous perception, then the system can achieve good performance in clear weather conditions, but the sensors perform poorly in poor visibility and inclement weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidweather condition adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensing system into multiple independent sensor types (light-based sensors for clear weather, radar for adverse weather), each optimized for specific conditions. This allows the system to maintain reliability across varying weather scenarios by selecting appropriate sensors for each condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a multi-functional sensing system where radar serves dual purposes: it provides primary sensing capability in adverse weather conditions and supplements light-based sensors in clear weather. This universal approach ensures the system maintains adaptability across all weather conditions while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If radar systems operate without synchronization with other radar devices, then the system maintains high availability and flexibility, but interference from other radar signals may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidradar interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful interference from unsynchronized radar signals into a useful detection opportunity. By detecting interference patterns, the system identifies other radar devices in proximity and uses this information to adjust its operation, transforming what was previously a harmful effect into a beneficial sensing capability that enhances situational awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radar system continuously monitors for interference from other radar devices and adjusts its operation accordingly. The interference detector provides feedback about the electromagnetic environment, allowing the radar to adapt its transmission parameters to maintain operational flexibility while mitigating interference effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If interference detection and mitigation mechanisms are implemented in radar systems, then reliable radar performance is ensured in adverse conditions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar performance reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (interference detector) that specifically handles the complex task of interference detection and characterization. This dedicated module simplifies the overall system architecture by separating interference management functions from the main radar processing chain, making the system more modular and easier to implement while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20220334216A1Apparatus, system and method of detecting interference in a radar receive (RX) signal

Publication Date: 2022.10.20 INTEL CORP

AI summary

For example, an apparatus may include an interference detector configured to detect interference in a radar Received (Rx) signal. The interference detector may include an input to receive Transmit (Tx) parameter information of a radar Tx signal, wherein the radar Rx signal is based on the radar Tx signal; and a processor configured to determine interference detection information of an interfering signal based on the radar Rx signal and the Tx parameter information. The interference detection information may include one or more signal parameters corresponding to a shape of the interfering signal, and interference level information to indicate a level of noise caused by the interfering signal in the radar Rx signal.