Radar Target Angle Calibration via Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems face challenges in precisely determining the target angle of external objects due to systematic errors caused by installation tolerances and aging of components, which affect the accuracy of phase monopulse measurements.

Innovation Solution

A driver assistance device that calculates the target angle using a combination of distance measurements from a radar device and a separate sensor, allowing for the correction of the target angle parameter characteristic during operation, thereby reducing systematic errors and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If phase monopulse measurement is used to determine target angle, then measurement precision is improved, but systematic errors occur due to installation tolerances and component aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget angle measurement precisionVSAvoidsystematic error stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses distance measurements from both radar and sensor to calculate target angle, then feeds back this calculated angle to correct the target angle-phase difference characteristic curve, compensating for systematic errors caused by installation tolerances and component aging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration by using its own distance measurement capabilities to generate correction data for the target angle characteristic curve, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If target angle is determined using stored characteristic curve, then determination speed is improved, but accuracy deteriorates due to curve distortion from installation tolerances and aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget angle determination speedVSAvoidtarget angle accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores the target angle-phase difference characteristic curve for quick reference, then applies real-time corrections based on actual distance measurements to maintain accuracy without sacrificing determination speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the stored characteristic curve parameters by applying correction values derived from actual distance measurements, transforming the static curve into an adaptive reference that maintains accuracy under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If separate sensor is added for distance measurement, then target angle determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget angle determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separate sensor serves multiple functions: providing distance measurements for target angle calculation, enabling correction of the characteristic curve, and serving as a backup measurement source, thereby justifying the added component through multi-functional utility

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

Solution Approach 2:

The separate sensor acts as an intermediary measurement device that provides independent distance data, which is then used to mediate and correct the target angle measurements from the radar system, improving overall accuracy without requiring direct modification of the radar hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables precise determination of the target angle with reduced systematic errors, using the high variance of distance-based calculations to filter out random errors and achieve accurate measurements over time, allowing for continuous calibration and improved system performance.

Implementation Method 1

The radar unit comprises at least one receiving antenna unit for receiving signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation reception: Radar

Implementation Method 2

The aiming angle is determined based on the phase shift between the received signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference measurement: Interference

Data Source

PatentEP2438460B1Driver assistance device and method for correcting a target angle parameter characteristic curve
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 VALEO SCHALTER & SENSOREN GMBH
  • EP2438460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2438460B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2438460B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to calibrating a phase monopole characteristic (I) of a radar device (3) of a driver assistance device (2). A driver assistance device (2) and a method are provided, wherein a distance (R1) of an object (10, 32) from the radar device (3) and a distance (R2) of the same object (10, 32) from a separate sensor (4) are measured. The target angle (a) is calculated from said measured values (R1, R2) according to the trilateration method. The phase monopole characteristic (I) is then corrected as a function of the result of said calculation.