Radar Pin Vehicle Length Classification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for classifying vehicles using Doppler radar systems are prone to errors in determining vehicle length, especially when vehicles are at different distances from the radar device, leading to inaccurate classification, particularly in multi-lane scenarios where finer distinctions are required.

Innovation Solution

The method improves vehicle length determination by restricting the tolerance range of the drive-through distance using measured distance values and continuous radar signals, allowing for more precise classification by calculating the vehicle length from the difference between the travel distance and the drive-through distance, and utilizing signal forms to verify vehicle class.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the route is determined using the number of reflected radar oscillations, then the vehicle length can be determined, but the tolerance range for drive-through distance is large leading to inaccurate classification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle length determination accuracyVSAvoidclassification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for distance measurement from the number of radar oscillations to actual distance values E measured by the radar device. This parameter change reduces the tolerance range for drive-through distance and improves both measurement precision and classification reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback by continuously measuring distance values E during the vehicle's passage and using these measurements to refine the drive-through distance calculation. This feedback mechanism allows for more accurate vehicle length determination and classification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If pulsed radar radiation is directed onto multiple lanes, then simultaneous control of all lanes is enabled, but the horizontal opening angle of the radar cone increases leading to larger errors in route determination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-lane monitoring capabilityVSAvoidroute determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses measured distance values E to correct for the increased tolerance range caused by the wider radar cone angle. This intermediary approach allows multi-lane monitoring while maintaining measurement precision through mathematical correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the drive-through distance is calculated without correcting for radar cone geometry, then the calculation is simple, but the tolerance range for drive-through distance is not restricted leading to poor vehicle length differentiation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation simplicityVSAvoidvehicle length differentiation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the relationship between distance values E and drive-through distance d based on radar cone geometry. This pre-computed correction factor is then applied during vehicle measurement, maintaining calculation simplicity while improving precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly reduces the tolerance range for vehicle length determination, enabling more accurate classification and differentiation among vehicle types, even in complex lane scenarios, while ensuring high accuracy through repeated measurements and signal pattern analysis.

Implementation Method 1

Doppler radar systems are used in traffic measurement technology, in particular for monitoring and enforcing legal speed limits for vehicles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

Doppler radar systems are used in traffic measurement technology, in particular for monitoring and enforcing legal speed limits for vehicles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1990654B1Method and device for determining the automobile class of automobiles
Publication Date: 2009.12.09 JENOPTIK ROBOT GMBH
  • EP1990654B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1990654B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1990654B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves positioning a radar radiation on a track in form of a radar pin (4) with an opening angle (alpha) horizontally below a top adjusting angle (beta) with a distance (a) to the track. A displacement value is determined from the signals, by which a pass through route is closed, through which the vehicles (A1,A2,A3) pass through the radar pin and the vehicle length is determined from the difference between the driving route (s1,s2,s3) and the pass through route. The vehicle length is compared with typical vehicle length for individual vehicle class, to classify the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for a device for classification of vehicles by its vehicle length.