Radar Sensor Digital Beamforming Vertical Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar sensors, particularly those used in automotive applications, face challenges in accurately determining the vertical position of objects and distinguishing between punctiform and flat reflectors due to distortion caused by structures like radomes and door sills, which complicates collision avoidance and parking assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A radar system utilizing two independent transmitting/receiving devices with orthogonal antenna arrangements and digital beamforming techniques, allowing for three-dimensional position determination and differentiation between punctiform and flat objects by overlapping detection ranges and using a master/slave evaluation principle to correct for distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If digital beam formation is used with planar antennas for horizontal plane detection, then the construction can be inexpensive and compact, but precise vertical position determination cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional horizontal plane detection to three-dimensional detection by adding vertical beam scanning capability. The antenna array is configured to generate fan-shaped beams in the vertical direction, enabling the radar to detect objects at different elevation angles and determine their vertical positions accurately.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical movement of a reflector is used to adjust elevation beam direction, then vertical position determination can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reflector movement system with an electronic digital beam forming system. The antenna array elements are excited with specific phase and amplitude distributions to electronically steer the beam in the vertical direction, eliminating mechanical moving parts while achieving the same functional goal.
3Measurement precision
If two transmitters with tilted antenna diagrams are used for vertical beam scanning, then vertical position can be determined, but amplitude characteristics are distorted by structures like radomes and door sills requiring calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses antenna elements with wide directional characteristics in both vertical and horizontal directions, rather than tilted narrow beams. This local quality change in the antenna radiation pattern makes the system less sensitive to amplitude distortions caused by surrounding structures, reducing the need for complex calibration.
4Reliability
If conventional radar sensors are used for door monitoring, then punctiform objects can be detected, but planar surfaces like curbstones may not be recognized leading to collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds vertical detection capability to distinguish between punctiform objects (like pedestrians) and planar surfaces (like curbstones). By analyzing the vertical angular distribution of reflected signals, the system can identify the shape and orientation of objects, improving its ability to adapt to different object types and avoid collisions.
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 precise vertical and horizontal position detection, effectively distinguishing between point and planar objects, thereby preventing collisions with automatically opening doors and improving parking assistance systems by enhancing angular accuracy and reducing costs through chronological detection processes.
Implementation Method 1
Millimetre wave radar sensors, e.g. for automotive and aeronautical applications
Implementation Method 2
transmitting and receiving signals with the aid of antennas
Implementation Method 3
The beam formation and control take place here by the principle of 'digital beamforming'
Implementation Method 4
an antenna array for horizontal beam scanning and which has a fan-shaped beam in the vertical
Implementation Method 5
A distinction can essentially be made between the reflection behaviour of planar and of punctiform reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
A radar sensor for a vehicle includes a control unit and an antenna array. The radar sensor is configured to perform a three-dimensional scan to determine a vertical and a horizontal position of an object in order to assist with distinguishing the geometrical nature of the object.