Radar Sensor Occlusion Detection Using Beam-Shaped Spectra
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting occlusions in radar sensors are inefficient, costly, and unreliable, particularly in environments with contamination such as dirt, dust, or precipitation, leading to sensor blindness.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a trained neural network to analyze multidimensional input data, including spectra from radar measurements with different directional characteristics, to calculate an occlusion degree based on spectra from a radar sensor, leveraging existing environmental detection data for occlusion assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods are used for detecting occlusions in radar sensors, then occlusion detection can be performed, but the methods are inefficient, costly, and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the same radar sensor to perform both environmental detection and occlusion detection simultaneously. The radar sensor transmits signals for environmental scanning and also captures reflections from occluding objects, allowing one sensor to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated occlusion detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an occlusion degree calculation unit as an intermediary component that processes radar signal data to determine occlusion levels. This intermediary unit analyzes the reflected signals and calculates occlusion degrees, serving as a mediator between the raw radar data and the control unit that makes final occlusion determination.
2Reliability
If dedicated occlusion detection hardware is added, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the same radar sensor to perform both environmental detection and occlusion detection simultaneously. The radar sensor transmits signals for environmental scanning and also captures reflections from occluding objects, allowing one sensor to serve multiple purposes without requiring additional dedicated occlusion detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor performs self-service by using its own transmitted signals to detect occlusions. The sensor transmits radar signals and processes the reflections to determine occlusion degrees, eliminating the need for separate detection systems. The control unit also utilizes existing sensor data for occlusion determination rather than requiring independent verification systems.
3Measurement precision
If advanced processing algorithms are used, then detection accuracy improves, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by calculating occlusion degrees only for specific regions or conditions rather than processing all radar data uniformly. The system determines occlusion degrees based on selected radar signal characteristics and compares them against threshold values, performing processing only where occlusion is likely rather than exhaustive analysis of all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based occlusion detection with signal processing algorithms. Instead of using additional physical sensors or mechanical detection mechanisms, the system uses computational analysis of radar signal reflections to determine occlusion, substituting physical complexity with algorithmic processing.
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
The method enables cost-effective, rapid, and reliable occlusion detection in radar sensors, reducing computational and storage requirements while improving detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
providing measurements, assigned from a measuring step, of spectra in each case calculated by transmitting a sensor signal from the radar sensor and receiving reflections of the sensor signal from environmental objects
Implementation Method 2
calculating an occlusion degree of the occlusion by a trained neural network according to multidimensional input data based on the spectra including the first and second spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ascertaining a function-impairing, environment-related occlusion of a radar sensor. The method includes: providing measurements, assigned from a measuring step, of spectra in each case calculated by transmitting a sensor signal from the radar sensor and receiving reflections of the sensor signal from environmental objects in an environment of the radar sensor, the calculated spectra including at least a first and a second spectrum. The second spectrum is based on at least one measurement which includes a focused directional characteristic due to beam shaping compared to at least one measurement underlying the first spectrum. An occlusion degree of the occlusion is calculated by a trained neural network according to multidimensional input data based on the spectra including the first and second spectrum. An occlusion ascertainment device is also described.