Radar Point-Cloud Denoising for Accurate Obstacle Distance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distance measurement methods using radar signals are prone to inaccuracies due to interference from surrounding obstacles, leading to low measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the reception of multiple echo signals, creation of a point cloud dataset with distance, rate, and signal-to-noise ratio values, denoising based on these values, and clustering to identify and measure the distance to a target obstacle, while filtering out noise and interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radar signals are used for distance measurement in existing frequency bands, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference from surrounding obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidinterference from surrounding obstacles
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detected targets into multiple categories based on their motion characteristics. By dividing the point cloud data into different clusters representing different target types (e.g., stationary obstacles, moving vehicles, pedestrians), the system can selectively process and measure distances to specific target categories, thereby improving measurement accuracy by excluding interference from irrelevant obstacles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamic filtering based on motion characteristics of targets. By analyzing the velocity and acceleration patterns of detected objects, the system dynamically adjusts which targets are considered valid measurement objects versus interference. This dynamic approach allows the measurement system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If denoising and clustering operations are performed on point cloud data, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential features from the raw point cloud data that are necessary for accurate distance measurement. By identifying and extracting key parameters such as range, velocity, and acceleration, while discarding redundant information, the system achieves high measurement accuracy without requiring overly complex processing algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified representations (copies) of the complex point cloud data through clustering and classification. Instead of processing every individual point, the system generates cluster centroids and representative target models that capture the essential measurement information, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Improves measurement accuracy by reducing interference from obstacles and environmental noise, enhancing the precision of distance measurements.

Implementation Method 1

A frequency modulated continuous wave (frequency modulated continuous wave, FMCW) modulation mode may be used to achieve centimeter-level distance measurement precision

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

receiving a plurality of first echo signals generated within a detection range by a plurality of first radar signals transmitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Data Source

PatentEP4063908B1Distance measurement method and distance measurement apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4063908B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4063908B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4063908B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A distance measurement method and apparatus (100) are provided. The method includes: receiving a plurality of first echo signals generated within a detection range by a plurality of first radar signals transmitted in a first time segment (S210); determining a first point cloud dataset based on the plurality of first echo signals (S220); performing denoising on the first point cloud dataset based on a signal-to-noise ratio value and a rate value that are in each piece of first point cloud data included in the first point cloud dataset, to obtain a target dataset (S230), where noise and rates at obstacle points in different motion statuses are different; clustering, based on a distance value in each piece of first point cloud data included in the target dataset, first point cloud data included in the target dataset, to obtain at least one classification, where the at least one classification corresponds to at least one obstacle (S240); and determining a distance between an obstacle corresponding to each classification and a transmitting origin based on a distance value in each piece of first point cloud data included in each of the at least one classification (S250). The distance measurement method and apparatus (100) can improve accuracy of distance measurement.