Vehicle Radar Object Size Estimation via Collision Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object recognition devices in vehicles cannot accurately determine the size of detected objects using millimeter wave radars, leading to potential collisions due to considering objects as points rather than having a size, and require additional cameras for image processing, increasing costs and design complexities.
Innovation Solution
An object recognition device that calculates the collision angle and presence area of detected objects using radar signals, estimating the size of objects without the need for cameras by determining which front edge portion of the object reflected the electromagnetic wave, allowing for a simple configuration and accurate collision determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional cameras are installed for image processing to detect object size, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the object size detection function into the existing radar system by analyzing the relationship between radar detection points and object geometry. Instead of adding separate camera systems, the invention combines size estimation capabilities with the radar's existing detection functions, using the detected point position and object orientation to calculate size information from radar echo data alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical camera-based size detection system with a radar-based electromagnetic wave detection system. By using the relationship between the detected point position, object moving direction, and radar echo characteristics, the system substitutes mechanical/optical image processing with electromagnetic wave-based geometric calculation, eliminating the need for additional camera hardware
2Measurement precision
If image processing is performed to extract edge points from camera images, then measurement precision is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical image processing algorithms with simpler radar-based geometric calculations. Instead of performing edge detection, contour extraction, and feature point identification on camera images, the system uses the detected point position, object orientation angle, and radar echo data to directly calculate object size through geometric relationships, significantly reducing processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for size detection from the radar data - specifically the detected point position and object orientation - and uses this extracted information to calculate size without performing comprehensive image processing. This selective extraction approach avoids the complexity of full image analysis while achieving the necessary measurement precision
3Device complexity
If objects are regarded as points without size consideration, then processing complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from treating objects as zero-dimensional points to estimating their one-dimensional size characteristics by incorporating the detected point position and object orientation into the calculation. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to maintain simple radar-based processing while obtaining size information that improves collision risk determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from point coordinates only to point coordinates plus orientation angle. By adding the orientation parameter and using it to calculate size information, the system improves measurement precision while keeping the processing framework based on simple radar measurements rather than complex image analysis
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
Enables accurate collision risk assessment by considering the size of detected objects, improving collision determination accuracy without the need for cameras, thus reducing costs and design complexities while maintaining a simple configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a detection section for radiating an electromagnetic wave to an object in a forward direction of the vehicle and for detecting the object by receiving a reflected wave reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an object recognition device and an object recognition method that can estimate the size of an object detected by a radar, through a simple configuration. The object recognition device includes: a detection section for radiating an electromagnetic wave to an object in a forward direction of the vehicle and for detecting the object by receiving a reflected wave reflected by the object; a target information calculation section for calculating information containing a moving direction of the detected object as target information, by using a signal received by the detection section; a vehicle information calculation section for calculating information containing a moving direction of the vehicle as vehicle information, by using information obtained from the vehicle; and a processing section for estimating, based on the information indicating the moving direction of the object contained in the target information and the information indicating the moving direction of the vehicle contained in the vehicle information, from which portion of the object detected by the detection section the electromagnetic wave was reflected, and for calculating a presence area in which the object is present relative to the vehicle, in accordance with a result of the estimation.