Radar Sensor Interference Suppression via Dynamic Algorithm Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automotive radar sensors face challenges in reliably suppressing interference in received signals, especially when the entire chirp signal is affected, as existing methods are inadequate for handling various interference scenarios effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method using an electronic computing device to select and apply different signal correction algorithms based on the specific interference scenario, allowing for precise interference suppression by interpolating or replacing samples in the received signal, depending on the position and length of interference within the chirp signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single interference detection and suppression method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of interference suppression deteriorates when the entire chirp signal is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference suppression reliabilityVSAvoidsignal correction system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of interference suppression algorithms based on the detected interference scenario. The system adapts its processing approach by choosing between different algorithms (e.g., single-chirp vs. multi-chirp methods) depending on whether interference affects part or all of the chirp signal, thereby maintaining high reliability without permanently increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters (algorithm selection) based on the interference detection results. When the entire chirp signal is affected, the system switches to alternative algorithms that use different reference signals or processing approaches, effectively adapting to the degraded signal conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If the azimuth detection angle is widened to cover more spatial directions, then the field of view is improved, but the susceptibility to interference signals from different directions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidinterference signal exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful interference signals into useful information by using them as reference for detection and suppression. The interference signals received from different directions are not merely filtered out but are actively utilized to identify and suppress similar interference in the main reception direction, turning the wide azimuth vulnerability into an advantage for interference characterization

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

3Measurement precision

If existing interference detection methods are applied to entire chirp signals, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy deteriorates when the whole chirp signal is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the interference detection and suppression process into multiple stages: initial interference detection, classification of interference extent (partial vs. complete chirp affectation), and selection of appropriate suppression algorithms. This segmentation allows accurate detection by breaking down the complex problem into manageable steps without overwhelming system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 ensures reliable and precise detection of target objects by effectively filtering out interference from the received signal, even in complex scenarios where entire chirp signals or subsets are affected, improving the accuracy of radar sensor data.

Implementation Method 1

For detecting a target object in an environment of the motor vehicle, a transmit signal is emitted by means of the radar sensor, which includes a temporal sequence of consecutive frequency-modulated chirp signals. Then, the radar sensor receives an echo signal reflected on the target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

After receiving the received signal, the interference in the received signal is detected and suppressed by means of an electronic computing device. At least two signal correction algorithms different from each other for suppressing the interference are stored in the computing device. Depending on the detected interference, at least one of the stored signal correction algorithms is selected in order to suppress the interference in the received signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference detection and suppression:

Data Source

PatentEP2912486B1Method for suppressing interference in a received signal of a radar sensor of a motor vehicle and corresponding driver assistance device
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2912486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2912486B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2912486B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for suppressing interference in a received signal (s) received by a radar sensor (5, 6) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein for detection of a target object (12) in an environment of the motor vehicle (1), a transmit signal including a sequence of consecutive frequency-modulated chirp signals is emitted by means of the radar sensor (5, 6) and an echo signal reflected on the target object (12) is received as the received signal (s) with the superimposed interference, and wherein after receiving the received signal (s) by the radar sensor (5, 6), the interference of the received signal (s) is detected and suppressed by means of an electronic computing device. At least two signal correction algorithms different from each other for suppressing the interference are stored in the computing device, and the control device selects at least one of the at least two signal correction algorithms depending on the detected interference in order to suppress the interference in the received signal (s).