Vehicle Radar Sensor Using Third-Party Signals for Occluded Object Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar sensors face challenges in detecting small objects at greater distances due to low backscatter cross-section and energy loss, especially when concealed behind vehicle components, leading to poor detection of fast-moving objects like motorcycles, which are critical for collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a radar sensor system that emits and receives radar signals to detect objects, and also 'listens' for third-party radar signals from other road users to identify undetected objects by analyzing signal propagation, frequency shifts, and angular directions, thereby enhancing detection reliability, especially for concealed or distant objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If radar sensors are concealed behind vehicle components, then the aesthetic appearance and integration of the vehicle are improved, but the detection capability for small objects at greater distances deteriorates due to energy loss and low backscatter cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection task by using multiple radar sensors positioned at different locations (concealed and non-concealed). Each sensor contributes to detecting different portions of the surroundings, with concealed sensors handling near-field detection and non-concealed sensors handling far-field detection, thereby resolving the contradiction between integration and detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing unit that combines detection results from multiple radar sensors. This intermediary component synthesizes data from concealed sensors (good for near objects) and non-concealed sensors (good for far objects), creating a comprehensive detection result that overcomes the limitations of individual concealed sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radar sensors are concealed behind vehicle components, then the vehicle design flexibility is improved, but the received radar energy deteriorates due to attenuation and blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functionality of multiple radar sensors, combining concealed sensors (which maintain design flexibility) with non-concealed sensors (which provide sufficient received energy). The combined system achieves both vehicle design flexibility and adequate energy reception for reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension solution (concealed vs. non-concealed) to a multi-dimensional approach by utilizing sensors at different spatial positions and orientations. This allows the system to maintain design flexibility in some areas while ensuring adequate energy reception in critical detection zones.
3Measurement precision
If radar sensors use higher transmission power to detect distant objects, then the detection range is improved, but the energy consumption and interference with other road users' radar sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines results from multiple radar sensors operating at different power levels. Concealed sensors operate at lower power for near-field detection, while non-concealed sensors operate at higher power for far-field detection. This merging approach achieves extended detection range without requiring all sensors to consume high energy continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using high transmission power only for specific non-concealed sensors that require it for far-field detection, rather than increasing power for all sensors. This selective approach extends detection range where needed while minimizing overall energy consumption and interference.
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 allows for more reliable detection of small and distant objects, including those concealed behind vehicle components, by leveraging third-party radar signals, which improves the accuracy of driver assistance systems and collision avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a radar signal with a radar sensor of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes receiving the radar signal reflected in the surroundings by way of the radar sensor
Implementation Method 2
The determination of the signal duration, the frequency or the frequency shift, the spatial phase and/or amplitude conditions of the received radar signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting surroundings of a vehicle includes emitting a radar signal using a radar sensor of the vehicle, receiving the radar signal reflected in the surroundings by way of the radar sensor, detecting objects in the surroundings based on the received radar signal, receiving surroundings signals from the surroundings using the radar sensor, checking the presence of a third-party radar signal from a third-party radar sensor of another road user in the surroundings signals, and assuming that there is an object in the surroundings that is not detected at present for the radar sensor based on the radar signal if the third-party radar signal is present.