Radar Signal Processing Segmentation for Memory Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems for road safety and new-generation vehicles require large storage capacity for two-dimensional FFT processing, leading to memory constraints and data loss due to the need for extensive memory replication and delayed processing, which limits the ability to process data in real-time and affects accuracy and information resolution.
Innovation Solution
The radar system is divided into two processing sections: acquisition for initial target detection and tracking, using one-dimensional FFT processing to reduce memory requirements and enable real-time operation, allowing for approximate target location and subsequent precise tracking without extensive memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional FFT processing is used for target detection and tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing into two distinct sections: acquisition section performing one-dimensional FFT for initial target detection, and tracking section performing second one-dimensional FFT for precise parameter determination. This segmentation allows each section to use optimized processing appropriate to its function, reducing overall memory requirements while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different processing modes based on operational phase. During acquisition, only one-dimensional FFT is performed with minimal memory storage. During tracking, a second one-dimensional FFT is performed on selected targets. This dynamic approach adapts memory and processing requirements to actual operational needs rather than requiring maximum capacity continuously.
2Productivity
If memory capacity is increased for two-dimensional FFT processing, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the necessary data subsets at each stage. The acquisition section processes all incoming signals through one-dimensional FFT, then selects specific targets for tracking. The tracking section performs second FFT only on these selected targets, rather than processing all data through full two-dimensional FFT. This extraction approach maintains productivity for critical targets while dramatically reducing memory and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing complete one-dimensional FFT processing during acquisition, then performing a second one-dimensional FFT only on selected targets during tracking rather than on all data. This partial processing approach provides sufficient productivity for target detection and tracking while avoiding the excessive memory requirements of full two-dimensional FFT processing of all data.
3Loss of time
If real-time processing is implemented, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised due to reduced processing
Solution Approach 1:
The acquisition section performs one-dimensional FFT processing on all incoming signals in real-time to detect target presence and obtain initial parameter estimates. This preliminary action identifies which targets require further processing, allowing the tracking section to focus computational resources on selected targets. This preliminary filtering maintains real-time capability while enabling precise measurement for critical targets through subsequent second FFT 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 memory and processing complexity, enabling real-time data processing and accurate determination of target parameters like range, speed, and azimuth, while preventing data loss and improving system accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system R mounted on board a vehicle V is able to detect, in addition to the presence and to the distance or range of possible obstacles, also further parameters such as, for example, the angular position (azimuth), the speed
Implementation Method 2
The received signal RS may be mixed, according to a general heterodyne receiver scheme, with a (local) replica of the transmitted signal, so as to generate an intermediate-frequency signal IF
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing signals received by a plurality of receiving antennas in a radar system, for example for road safety, which emits sequences of chirp-modulated signals, wherein the received signals are mixed with local replicas of the transmitted signals so as to generate, for each receiving antenna, a sequence of detection signals. The detection signals are subjected to Fourier-transform processing and beam-forming processing for generating values of range, azimuth, and speed for at least one obstacle or “target” detected by the radar system. The method includes an acquisition process for yielding approximate values of range and azimuth of the obstacle, and a tracking process for yielding accurate range, azimuth and speed values of the obstacle itself.