Millimeter Radar Misalignment Calculation via Image Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The actual millimeter-beam axis of millimeter radar systems may be misaligned with respect to the designed reference axis, leading to lower accuracy in detecting objects.

Innovation Solution

A misalignment quantity calculating apparatus that determines whether detected objects by a millimeter radar and an image sensor are identical, calculating the misalignment by estimating the angle between line segments connecting reference points and feature points of these objects, thereby correcting the radar signals to improve alignment accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the millimeter radar is used to detect objects, then the detection range and speed are improved, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to beam axis misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an image sensor to capture object positions and feeds this information back to calculate the misalignment quantity between the radar beam axis and the reference axis. This feedback loop enables continuous correction of the misalignment, maintaining detection accuracy while preserving the fast detection capability of the radar.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustment with an optical-based solution. By using an image sensor to capture object positions and calculating misalignment through image processing, the system substitutes physical mechanical adjustment with an optical measurement and computational correction approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the beam sensor axis is adjusted to align with the reference axis, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor serves as an intermediary device that bridges the radar system and the alignment correction process. Instead of directly adjusting the radar beam axis, the image sensor captures object positions and provides data for calculating misalignment, acting as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy of the object positions using the image sensor, which then serves as the basis for calculating misalignment. This copying approach allows the system to determine beam axis deviation without directly measuring the physical beam position, reducing the complexity of the alignment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If the misalignment is not corrected, then the device complexity remains low, but the detection accuracy deteriorates leading to potential collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidcollision prevention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-correction by automatically calculating the misalignment quantity using image sensor data and adjusting the radar detection parameters accordingly. This self-service capability enables the system to maintain high detection accuracy and collision prevention reliability without requiring complex external alignment equipment or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables the accurate calculation and correction of misalignment in millimeter radar systems, enhancing the detection accuracy of objects and preventing potential collisions by aligning the radar beams with the reference axis.

Implementation Method 1

The beam sensor transmits a probing beam and receives an echo based on the probing beam to thereby detect the first object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

The image sensor captures an image and processes the image to thereby detect the second object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture and processing: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS10429492B2Apparatus for calculating misalignment quantity of beam sensor

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 DENSO CORP

AI summary

The misalignment quantity calculating apparatus determines whether a first object detected by a beam sensor is identical to a second object detected by an image sensor. Upon determining that the first object is identical to the second object, the misalignment quantity calculating apparatus calculates, as a misalignment quantity of the beam sensor, an angle between a first line segment and a second line segment; the first line segment connects a predetermined reference point of the misalignment quantity calculating apparatus and a first feature point of the first object, and the second line segment connects the predetermined reference point and a second feature point of the second object.