Radar Signal Processing for Target Detection in Clutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face challenges in detecting targets effectively due to limited beam spread angle determination, which affects signal-to-noise ratio and clutter signal separation, leading to degraded target detection performance, especially when targets are positioned at vulnerable angles or in the presence of surrounding clutter.
Innovation Solution
A radar signal processing apparatus and method that performs additional beamforming by determining target and clutter angles to maximize signal gain ratios, allowing for clear distinction between target and clutter signals, and adjusting beam spread angles to enhance target detection performance, even in vulnerable areas or when clutter is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital beamforming is performed with constant phase shift, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but target detection performance is degraded when target is positioned at vulnerable angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam spread angle adjustable rather than fixed. The signal processing unit dynamically determines optimal beam spread angles based on target position information, allowing the beamforming parameters to adapt to different target locations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain high signal-to-noise ratio through beamforming while also achieving accurate target detection at vulnerable angles through dynamic parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of beam spread angle from a constant value to a variable that is determined based on target position. By calculating and applying different beam spread angles according to target location, the system optimizes both signal-to-noise ratio and target detection performance simultaneously, resolving the technical contradiction between these two parameters.
2Measurement precision
If digital beamforming is performed to maximize signal-to-clutter ratio at various angles, then target detection performance is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing computational resources on specific angular regions where targets are likely to be detected. Instead of performing exhaustive beamforming calculations at all possible angles, the system determines beam spread angles locally based on target position information, reducing overall calculation complexity while maintaining detection performance in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by determining target position information in advance and using it to pre-calculate optimal beam spread angles before actual target detection. This preliminary determination of angular parameters reduces the real-time calculation burden during target detection, resolving the contradiction between detection performance and calculation complexity.
3Device complexity
If beam spread angle is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but signal gain is insufficient when target is in vulnerable area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from a fixed beam spread angle configuration to a dynamic configuration that adjusts based on target position. The signal processing unit calculates appropriate beam spread angles in real-time based on detected target locations, ensuring adequate signal gain for targets in vulnerable areas while maintaining manageable device complexity through algorithmic adaptation rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a radar signal processing apparatus and a signal processing method thereof in which an additional beamforming is performed by reflecting an angle of a target that is positioned in front of the vehicle or by reflecting a surrounding clutter situation thereof in order to thereby improve the performance of detecting the target in front of the vehicle. According to an embodiment, a radar signal processing apparatus may include: a transmitting unit configured to transmit radar signals forward from the vehicle; a receiving unit configured to receive reflected signals among the radar signals transmitted by the transmitting unit; and a signal processing unit configured to extract a target in front of the vehicle based on the signals received by the receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit receives the radar signals by using an antenna array including a plurality of receiving antennas, the signal processing unit integrates the signals received by the plurality of receiving antennas to perform the beamforming for obtaining a desired gain, and, if there is no target in the formed beams, determines the angle of the target in front of the vehicle in order to thereby perform the additional beamforming to match the determined target angle.