Radar Sensor Mounting Angle Estimation Using SAR Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensors in vehicles face inaccuracies in mounting angles due to production errors and changes over time, affecting their accuracy in determining object locations, which is crucial for automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) techniques to generate images based on the vehicle's speed and yaw rate, comparing these images to radar detections to estimate the mounting angle of the radar sensor, employing optimization methods to minimize differences and correct for discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar sensor data is processed using traditional methods, then mounting angle estimation can be performed, but computational complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar sensor data processing into distinct modules: SAR image generation module, object detection module, and mounting angle estimation module. Each module processes specific aspects of the data independently, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary SAR image generation and object detection before mounting angle estimation. By pre-processing the radar data to create SAR images and identify objects of interest, the system reduces the computational burden on the final estimation algorithm, as it only needs to analyze pre-processed data rather than raw sensor data.
2Measurement precision
If full radar sensor data is used for mounting angle estimation, then accuracy improves, but resource usage and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information from the full radar sensor data by generating SAR images and detecting specific objects of interest. This extraction process filters out redundant data while retaining the critical information needed for accurate mounting angle estimation, thereby improving processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the subset of data contained in SAR images and object detections for mounting angle estimation, rather than processing the complete raw radar sensor dataset. This partial processing approach maintains accuracy for the estimation purpose while significantly reducing resource consumption and processing time.
3Reliability
If mounting angle estimation is performed continuously, then real-time accuracy is maintained, but computational resources are overconsumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic mounting angle estimation rather than continuous processing. The system performs estimation at predetermined time intervals or when specific triggering conditions are met, such as detecting significant changes in radar data patterns. This periodic approach maintains real-time accuracy when needed while conserving computational resources during stable operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors its own operational state and automatically determines when mounting angle estimation is necessary based on detected changes in the environment or data patterns. This self-service mechanism allows the system to maintain accuracy proactively only when conditions warrant it, avoiding unnecessary computational resource consumption during stable periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer implemented method for estimating a mounting angle of a radar sensor comprises the following steps carried out by computer hardware components: acquiring radar sensor data using a radar sensor; acquiring a synthetic aperture radar image using the radar sensor and/or using the radar sensor data; and estimating a mounting angle of the radar sensor based on the synthetic aperture radar image and the radar sensor data.