Automotive Radar Single Beam Antenna Multipath Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive radar systems require complex multiple beam antennas to achieve sufficient sensitivity and angular coverage, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A radar system utilizing a combination of direct and indirect multipath signal components with a single beam antenna to detect objects, allowing for the use of a simpler and more cost-effective design that provides the necessary sensitivity and angular coverage for side object detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple beam antennas are used to provide wide coverage area and sufficient angular coverage, then object detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful multipath reflections (signals bouncing off vehicle body panels) into beneficial detection channels. By processing both direct line-of-sight signals and indirect multipath signals, the system achieves enhanced angular coverage and object detection capability without requiring multiple physical beam antennas. The multipath signals that were previously considered interference are now utilized to detect objects in blind spots and provide additional angular information.
2Measurement precision
If multiple beam antennas are used to achieve sufficient sensitivity and angular coverage, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters of the radar signal rather than changing the physical antenna configuration. By applying different processing techniques to direct and multipath signals (such as different gain adjustments, filtering, and signal combination methods), the system achieves sufficient angular coverage precision using a single beam antenna, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection precision.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple beam antennas are used to provide wide coverage area, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the temporal dimension to signal processing by utilizing signals arriving at different times through different paths (direct vs. multipath). Instead of expanding coverage through multiple spatial antenna elements, the system processes signals from a single antenna that arrive via different propagation paths, effectively using the time dimension to achieve wide angular coverage without increasing spatial complexity.
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
The system effectively detects objects in the blind spot and behind the vehicle using a single beam antenna, enhancing awareness and reducing the need for complex multiple beam systems, thereby improving collision avoidance capabilities while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a radar signal transmitted from a transmit unit of the automotive radar system may be detected as reflections from an object
Implementation Method 2
a direct receive signal reflected from the object and received at a receive unit of the automotive radar system
Implementation Method 3
an indirect receive signal that is reflected from the object onto a reflective panel of the vehicle and subsequently received at the receive unit
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system (44) for a vehicle (42) includes a transmit unit (56) and a receive unit (58). The transmit unit (56) includes a single beam antenna (72) for output of a radar signal (74) into a target zone (46). The receive unit (58) includes a single beam antenna (76) for receiving a direct receive signal (78) and an indirect receive signal (80). The receive signals (78, 80) are reflections of the radar signal (74) from an object (34, 36) in the target zone (46). The indirect receive signal (80) is reflected off the object (34, 36) toward a reflective panel (54) of the vehicle (42), and the indirect receive signal (80) is reflected off the reflective panel (54) for receipt at the receive antenna (76). The receive signals (78, 80) are summed to produce a detection signal (81) indicating presence of the object (34, 36) in the target zone (46).