Radar Device Stationary Object Separation Using Relative Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar devices face difficulties in detecting multiple stationary objects at the same distance due to interference from unnecessary waves from stationary objects like street lights, utility poles, and fences, making it challenging to accurately identify the positions of multiple stationary objects.
Innovation Solution
A radar device equipped with a radar unit, computing unit, and current position storage unit that acquires data on stationary objects, calculates their distances and relative velocities using a separation algorithm based on differences in relative velocities, and corrects object positions when the radar unit is stopped, allowing for separate detection of multiple stationary objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a radar device receives reflected waves from all directions to detect objects, then the detection range is wide, but stationary objects like street lights and utility poles generate unnecessary waves (clutter) that interfere with detecting multiple stationary objects at the same distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic state of the vehicle (moving or stopped) to differentiate between clutter and target objects. By detecting whether the vehicle is moving or stopped and applying different processing algorithms accordingly, the system dynamically adapts its detection strategy to separate stationary objects of interest from clutter based on the relative velocity information available in different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters based on the vehicle's motion state. When the vehicle is moving, it uses relative velocity information to separate objects; when stopped, it uses position correction algorithms. This parameter change approach allows the system to effectively distinguish between clutter and target objects by adapting the detection algorithm to the current operational context
2Measurement precision
If the radar device uses phase difference between reception elements to calculate object angle, then detection is performed, but it becomes difficult to detect multiple stationary objects being stationary at the same distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces additional dimensions for object identification beyond just angle calculation. By incorporating relative velocity (when moving) or position information (when stopped) as additional discriminatory dimensions, the system can distinguish between multiple stationary objects at the same distance that would otherwise be indistinguishable using phase difference alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection process into different modes based on vehicle state (moving vs. stopped). In moving mode, it segments objects by relative velocity; in stopped mode, it segments objects by corrected position. This segmentation strategy allows the system to handle multiple stationary objects at the same distance by using different segmentation criteria appropriate to the current operational state
3Measurement precision
If the radar unit is stopped to improve detection accuracy, then position measurement can be performed, but the ability to separate objects using relative velocity difference is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary position measurement while the vehicle is moving, storing position information for later correction. This preliminary action allows the system to have position data available even when the vehicle stops, enabling subsequent position correction and object identification without requiring continuous motion for separation
4Reliability
If the radar device continuously tracks objects to maintain position accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but computational resources and processing time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by processing objects in distinct phases based on vehicle state changes. Instead of continuous complex processing, it periodically switches between moving-mode processing (using relative velocity) and stopped-mode processing (using position correction), reducing overall computational burden while maintaining detection reliability through state-appropriate algorithms
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 the separate detection of multiple stationary objects by utilizing the difference in relative velocities, effectively separating clutter and improving the accuracy of object position identification, even in environments with numerous stationary objects.
Implementation Method 1
a radar unit 12 that acquires data on a plurality of objects 20 being stationary
Implementation Method 2
acquire, for each of the plurality of objects, a distance to the object, and a relative velocity between the radar unit and the object based on the data
Data Source
AI summary
A radar device includes a radar unit, a signal processing unit, a GPS receiver, and a storage unit. The signal processing unit acquires, for each target, a distance (R) to the target and a relative velocity (Veff) between the radar unit and the target when the radar unit is moving. The signal processing unit separately detects positions of a plurality of targets by using a separation algorithm in which a difference between the relative velocities (Veff) is used. When the radar unit is stopped, the signal processing unit corrects the position of each target detected when the radar unit has been moving, based on a current position of the radar unit stored in the storage unit, and identifies the positions of the plurality of targets.