Vehicle Radar Transceiver Self-Diagnosis via Signal Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to assess how radar transceiver characteristics change after modifications, such as re-painting the bumper, without moving the vehicle and using low-cost equipment, as existing methods are either impractical or require expensive equipment.

Innovation Solution

A method involving transmitting radar signals and collecting data on detected signal levels from a target object moved along a measurement arc, determining if the signal level exceeds a minimum and changes within a certain limit, using a metal pipe or rod as a target object, and monitoring azimuth angles to ensure proper radar transceiver function.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If driving the vehicle at the repair shop to test radar performance, then accurate radar transceiver function assessment is achieved, but vehicle movement is required and testing cannot always be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradar transceiver function assessment accuracyVSAvoidvehicle mobility requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual test environment by recording radar signal characteristics from a target object at known positions and comparing them against recorded reference data. This copying approach eliminates the need to physically move the vehicle while maintaining assessment accuracy through data comparison rather than physical repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If using static measurement methods like ultrasonic probe to measure paint thickness, then equipment cost is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of radar function assessment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidradar function assessment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (ultrasonic probes) with an electromagnetic field-based radar signal analysis system. By using the radar transceiver's own electromagnetic signals to assess its performance through comparison with reference data, the system achieves both low cost and high measurement precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If using receiver equipment to measure radiated wave, then measurement precision is improved, but equipment cost increases and deployment flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiated wave measurement accuracyVSAvoidequipment cost and deployment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radar transceiver performs self-diagnosis by comparing its own transmitted signals and received reflections against pre-recorded reference data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for expensive external receiver equipment while maintaining measurement precision through automated signal analysis and comparison.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Shape

If re-painting the bumper to match original characteristics, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but radar transceiver performance may deteriorate due to paint characteristics affecting signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebumper appearance qualityVSAvoidradar detection range and azimuth angle estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary testing of the re-painted bumper by comparing radar signal characteristics against reference data before the vehicle is returned to service. This preliminary action identifies paint-related performance issues early, allowing corrections to be made while preventing degraded radar performance from affecting safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method allows for effective assessment of radar transceiver performance changes without moving the vehicle, using low-cost equipment, ensuring proper function and identifying potential issues like irregular paint characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

A radar transceiver (3) and a control unit (4) form a radar system (2). The radar transceiver (3) is adapted for transmission and reception of radar signals (5, 6) in a dedicated radar frequency band.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

collecting and storing target data comprising a received detected signal level obtained from the reflected radar signals (6)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20230194662A1Radar transceiver test method and system

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 MAGNA ELECTRONICS SWEDEN AB

AI summary

A method for controlling the function of a vehicle radar transceiver (3), where the method includes transmitting (S100) a radar signal (5) and collecting and storing (S300) target data comprising a received detected signal level obtained from the reflected radar signals (6) that have been reflected by at least one target object (7) during a measurement angular interval (21). The method further includes determining (S400) that the radar transceiver (3) is functioning properly when at least one of the following conditions is met: the detected signal level exceeds a minimum signal level (12) during an angular interval (θi) included in a measurement angular interval (21); and a detected signal level change for a certain angular change falls below a certain limit during an angular interval (θi) included in the measurement angular interval (21).