Single Radar Sensor Dynamic Range Adjustment for Vehicle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar systems for vehicle object detection are limited by fixed object detection ranges and antenna configurations, leading to increased costs, weight, power consumption, and complexity, as well as potential for erroneous object detection and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a controller that can dynamically adjust the object detection range and beamforming of transmission waves using a single radar sensor, allowing for flexible object detection by varying the detection range and beam direction based on application and function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radar sensors are used to achieve different detection ranges and functions, then detection versatility and reliability are improved, but device complexity, weight, and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection range flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single radar sensor to perform multiple detection functions (long-range detection, short-range detection, blind spot detection) by dynamically adjusting detection parameters such as threshold values and signal processing settings, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by allowing real-time adjustment of detection parameters including threshold values, integration periods, and signal processing characteristics based on vehicle operating conditions, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different detection requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple radar sensors are deployed for different detection functions, then detection reliability is improved, but weight and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single radar sensor is designed to reliably perform multiple detection functions through dynamic parameter adjustment, including changing threshold values and signal processing settings based on the required detection function, thereby eliminating the need for multiple sensors and reducing overall system weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If fixed threshold values are used for object detection, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy and reliability decrease due to erroneous detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the detection threshold is automatically modified based on vehicle speed and other operating conditions, allowing the system to maintain high detection accuracy across different scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from vehicle operating conditions (such as speed signals) to automatically adjust detection parameters, creating a closed-loop system that adapts thresholds based on real-time conditions to prevent erroneous detection while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If a single radar sensor is used for multiple functions, then cost and weight are reduced, but detection precision and reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic signal processing where integration periods, threshold values, and processing parameters are adjusted in real-time based on the specific detection function being performed, allowing a single sensor to achieve detection precision comparable to multiple dedicated sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters including detection thresholds, signal integration periods, and processing characteristics to optimize detection precision for different functions, enabling a single radar sensor to maintain high measurement accuracy across various detection scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient, accurate, and cost-effective object detection with reduced complexity and weight, improving detection reliability and fuel efficiency by utilizing a single radar sensor for multiple functions and applications.

Implementation Method 1

a transmission antenna configured to transmit transmission waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

reflected waves resulting from reflection of the transmission waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a reception antenna configured to receive reflected waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reception: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

detecting a beat signal based on the difference from a signal received from the target object, and analyzes the frequency of the signal to measure distance and speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar detection: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS11977142B2Electronic device, control method of electronic device, and control program of electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.05.07 KYOCERA CORP
  • US11977142B2 patent drawing
  • US11977142B2 patent drawing
  • US11977142B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device comprises: a transmission antenna configured to transmit transmission waves; a reception antenna configured to receive reflected waves resulting from reflection of the transmission waves; and a controller. The controller is configured to detect an object reflecting the transmission waves, based on a transmission signal transmitted as the transmission waves and a reception signal received as the reflected waves. The controller is configured to make a range of detection of the object by the transmission signal and the reception signal, variable.