Vehicle Radar Transceiver Alignment Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating vehicle radar transceivers are time-consuming, costly, and require re-calibration due to manufacturing and assembly variations, making it challenging to accurately determine alignment and detect misalignment, especially when the transceiver is not accessible.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system that includes a radar transceiver and a control unit, using multiple target objects positioned at specific azimuth and elevation angles to transmit and receive radar signals, estimate pitch, yaw, and roll angles relative to a fixed coordinate system, and compare these angles to predefined thresholds to detect misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional factory calibration methods are used for radar transceivers, then manufacturing precision can be ensured, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The radar transceiver performs self-alignment measurement by automatically measuring angles to target objects and calculating its own pitch, yaw, and roll angles without requiring external calibration equipment or factory intervention. The control unit executes the measurement and calculation processes autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines the positions and angles of multiple target objects before measurement begins. By having the target object positions predetermined, the radar transceiver can quickly compare measured angles against expected values to determine alignment status without time-consuming iterative calibration processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional factory calibration methods are used for radar transceivers, then alignment accuracy can be achieved, but calibration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radar transceiver performs self-alignment measurement by automatically measuring angles to target objects and calculating its own pitch, yaw, and roll angles without requiring external calibration equipment or factory intervention. The control unit executes the measurement and calculation processes autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces target objects as intermediary elements that enable alignment measurement. These target objects serve as reference points that the radar transceiver measures angles to, allowing indirect determination of the transceiver's alignment status without direct factory calibration equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration parameters are optimized during manufacturing, then initial alignment accuracy is improved, but re-calibration is needed when parameters change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The radar transceiver continuously monitors its alignment status by measuring angles to target objects and comparing them against expected values. The control unit calculates current pitch, yaw, and roll angles and can detect when calibration parameters have drifted or changed, enabling timely re-calibration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static factory calibration to dynamic self-measurement capability. The radar transceiver can perform alignment measurements at any time during its operational life, adapting to parameter changes over time through on-demand self-calibration rather than fixed initial calibration only.
4Ease of operation
If the radar transceiver is made inaccessible for alignment testing, then installation flexibility is improved, but detection of misalignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The radar transceiver performs self-alignment measurement by automatically measuring angles to target objects and calculating its own pitch, yaw, and roll angles without requiring external calibration equipment or factory intervention. The control unit executes the measurement and calculation processes autonomously.
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 efficient and less complicated detection of radar transceiver alignment and misalignment, allowing for real-time adjustments and reducing the need for frequent re-calibration, even when the transceiver is inaccessible.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system (2) that in turn comprises a radar transceiver (3) and a control unit (4). The measuring system (12) is adapted to transmit radar signals (5), receive reflected radar signals (6) that have been reflected by the target objects (7a, 7b)
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a measuring system (12) for determining the alignment, defined by means of a pitch angle (ϕp) a yaw angle (ϕy) and a roll angle (ϕr), of a vehicle radar transceiver (3). The measuring system (12) comprises a radar system (2) that in turn comprises the radar transceiver (3) and a control unit (4). The measuring system (12) further comprises at least a first target object (7a) positioned at a first azimuth angle/elevation angle (α1, ΦA), and a second target object (7b) positioned at a second azimuth/elevation angle (α2, (ΦB) relative a corresponding reference line (L, L'). The measuring system (12) is adapted to: - transmit radar signals (5); - receive reflected radar signals (6) from the target objects (7a, 7b); - determine a first and second measured azimuth angles (β1, β2) and elevation angles (θA, θB) to a first and second measured target object (7'a, 7'b), and - estimate pitch angle (ϕp), yaw angle (ϕy) and roll angle (ϕr) of the radar transceiver (3) with respect to a fixed coordinate system (x, y, z) based on the measured angles (β1,β1; θA, θB) and the corresponding position angles (α1, α2; (ΦA, Φβ).