Range-Doppler Processing for Unambiguous Target Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar systems face challenges in achieving unambiguous target detection and resolution in range and Doppler domains, particularly in next-generation networks like 5G and 6G, where sensory data is required for applications such as digital twins and autonomous vehicles.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a two-dimensional range-Doppler periodogram processing using back-to-back Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations in fast and slow time directions to efficiently estimate range and Doppler information, followed by constant false alarm rate (CFAR) processing to detect targets reliably.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional radar processing methods are used, then basic target detection is achieved, but unambiguous target detection and resolution in range and Doppler domains cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget detection accuracyVSAvoidunambiguous detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies two-dimensional range-Doppler periodogram processing that transforms the signal analysis into both range and Doppler frequency domains simultaneously. This dimensional transformation enables the system to resolve targets unambiguously by examining their characteristics in both dimensions, rather than relying on conventional one-dimensional processing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes back-to-back Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations to transform the received signal from the time domain to the frequency domain in both fast time (range) and slow time (Doppler) dimensions. This parameter transformation approach enables accurate estimation of range and Doppler information, resolving targets unambiguously by changing the analysis parameters from temporal to spectral domain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If FFT operations are performed in both fast and slow time directions, then range and Doppler information is accurately estimated, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange and Doppler estimation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) processing after the FFT operations to detect targets reliably. This preliminary action of transforming to frequency domain and then applying CFAR thresholding simplifies the overall processing by enabling efficient target detection based on periodogram analysis, rather than requiring more complex adaptive processing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or algorithmic target detection systems with a streamlined approach using back-to-back FFT operations followed by CFAR processing. This substitution of complex processing with efficient spectral transformation and threshold-based detection reduces computational complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If CFAR processing is applied, then targets are detected reliably, but false alarms may still occur in complex environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget detection reliabilityVSAvoidfalse alarm rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs Constant False Alarm Rate (CFAR) processing that dynamically adjusts detection thresholds based on the local background noise and clutter characteristics in the range-Doppler periodogram. This feedback mechanism continuously adapts the detection criteria to the current environmental conditions, maintaining a constant false alarm rate while reliably detecting targets in varying complex environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate and unambiguous target detection and resolution in range and Doppler domains, enhancing radar sensing capabilities in next-generation networks.

Implementation Method 1

obtain a range-Doppler periodogram of received sensing signals by performing back-to-back Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations in fast and slow time directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFast Fourier Transform:

Implementation Method 2

radio access network (RAN) infrastructure (e.g. base stations) will not only play a role in telecommunication, but they are also expected to be capable of sensing the environment surrounding the RAN

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS20260003060A1Methods and devices for range-doppler processing

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 INTEL CORP

AI summary

An apparatus including a memory and a processor configured to: obtain a range-Doppler periodogram of received sensing signals, wherein the range-Doppler periodogram is representative of one or more targets within a Doppler span; estimate a range-Doppler coordinate outside the Doppler span for the one or more targets; and selectively process a range-Doppler spectrum of the received sensing signals for the range-Doppler coordinate within a Doppler interval smaller than the Doppler span.