Vehicle Radar Object Detection Deformation Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensors on vehicles can falsely detect deformations in the bumper or vehicle body as objects due to shape changes from impacts or aging, leading to incorrect object detection and location reporting.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computer system that generates a second base reflection pattern based on received radar beam reflections and a predetermined pattern to differentiate between vehicle body deformations and actual objects, allowing for accurate object detection and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radar sensor is calibrated to account for the shape of the bumper and vehicle body, then the radar sensor can accurately detect objects outside the vehicle, but when the bumper or vehicle body becomes deformed due to impact or collision, the radar sensor reports false data indicating an object proximate to the vehicle when no such object is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration to establish a baseline reflection pattern from the vehicle body, then uses this baseline to identify and filter out reflections from deformed body parts during operation. This preliminary characterization of the vehicle body's radar signature enables the system to distinguish between actual objects and false reflections from dented or deformed bumper areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system continuously monitors reflections and compares them against the stored baseline pattern, providing feedback when deviations are detected. When the vehicle body is deformed, the system identifies the changed reflection pattern, determines that it corresponds to a deformed body part rather than an external object, and adjusts its detection accordingly to prevent false alarms.
2Ease of operation
If the radar sensor is mounted between the bumper and vehicle body, then the sensor can detect objects outside the vehicle, but the deformation of the bumper causes the radar to indicate a wrong location of the reported object
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that acts as a mediator between the raw radar reflections and the object detection logic. This intermediary layer analyzes the reflection patterns, identifies which reflections originate from deformed vehicle body parts versus external objects, and adjusts the location calculations accordingly to compensate for the bumper deformation effects.
3Loss of information
If the radar sensor uses a predetermined base reflection pattern to identify vehicle body parts, then the system can differentiate between vehicle parts and external objects, but when the vehicle body shape changes due to deformation, the predetermined pattern no longer accurately represents the vehicle body
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, predetermined base reflection pattern to a dynamic pattern recognition approach. Instead of relying on a fixed pattern stored during manufacturing, the system continuously learns and adapts the vehicle body's reflection pattern during normal operation, allowing it to accommodate gradual shape changes from deformation while maintaining the ability to distinguish vehicle parts from external objects.
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
Prevents false object detection by recalibrating the radar system to account for vehicle body shape changes, ensuring accurate detection of external objects and preventing false alarms from deformed vehicle parts.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle may include one or more radar sensors to detect objects, e.g., in an area outside the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
transmit radio-magnetic beams and receive reflections of the transmitted beams from objects
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle computer is programmed to receive reflections of radio-magnetic beams transmitted by an antenna mounted to a vehicle body, and, when it is determined that the vehicle is moving, determine whether the vehicle body has changed shape based on the received reflections and a predetermined base reflection pattern. The computer is further programmed to generate a second base reflection pattern based at least on the received reflections and the predetermined base reflection pattern. The computer can then use the received reflections as vehicle sensor data.