Automotive Radar Polarization Mapping for Object Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polarimetric radar systems for automotive applications are cost-prohibitive due to the need for separate transmit and receive channels for each polarization, which is unsustainable in cost-sensitive automotive environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least two types of automotive radar sensors, each configured to transmit and receive radar signals with different polarizations, with a controller to store information from both sensors in separate maps, allowing for the reuse of existing sensors and integration of polarimetry information to enhance object classification without the need for additional channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate transmit and receive channels are used for each polarization in polarimetric radar systems, then object classification capability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple radar sensors with different polarizations into a single integrated system. Instead of using separate transmit and receive channels for each polarization, the system merges the functionality of multiple sensors (with vertical, horizontal, and circular polarizations) to achieve polarimetric classification capabilities while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified architecture. The same radar sensors are used for both transmission and reception across different polarizations, and the system can operate in various modes (detection, classification, mapping) without requiring separate dedicated channels for each function.
2Loss of information
If multiple radar sensors with different polarizations are integrated, then polarimetry information for classification is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polarimetry information processing into distinct components corresponding to different polarization types (vertical, horizontal, circular). Each radar sensor type processes its specific polarization data independently, and the results are then integrated in the evaluation unit. This segmentation allows for complete polarimetry information capture while managing system complexity through modular 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
This approach reduces costs by reusing existing radar sensors and enables the integration of polarimetry information, improving object classification capabilities while maintaining the same level of accuracy in mapping the vehicle's surrounding environment.
Implementation Method 1
Radar is one of the key sensing principles for automotive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Radar sensors provide beside the classical application of target detection also features for classification
Implementation Method 2
For better classification the reflectivity amplitude can be split up depending on the polarization of the electromagnetic wave which leads to the concept of polarimetry. In polarimetry the transmitted and received waves are treated as vertical, horizontal and left and right hand circular polarization
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A system for generating maps representing a surrounding environment of a vehicle, comprising: at least one radar sensor of a first type configured to transmit and receive radar signals with a first polarization, at least one radar sensor of a second type configured to transmit and receive radar signals with a second polarization, wherein the second polarization is different from the first polarization, and a controller coupled to the radar sensors of the first and second type and configured to store information on the surrounding environment of the vehicle extracted from the radar signals transmitted and received by the at least one radar sensor of the first type in a first map and configured to store information on the surrounding environment of the vehicle extracted from the radar signals transmitted and received by the at least one radar sensor of the second type in a second map.