Trailer Detection Radar Using ASC Clutter Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive radar systems struggle to detect the presence of trailers and accurately estimate their dimensions without physical electrical connections and can be hindered by clutter reflections.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Angle Self Calibration (ASC) quality analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data to differentiate between static infrastructure and trailer reflections, filtering detections based on amplitude and range to determine the presence and dimensions of a trailer, including width, length, and height, through radar sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electrical solution through an interface to the hitch is used to detect trailer presence, then trailer presence can be detected, but it requires a physical connection of the wire harness and cannot determine the dimension of the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical wire harness connection system with a radar-based detection system. The radar sensor emits electromagnetic waves that reflect off the trailer, enabling presence detection and dimension measurement without any physical electrical connection to the hitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radar waves as an intermediary medium between the detection system and the trailer. Instead of requiring direct electrical contact, the radar waves serve as a mediator that carries information about trailer presence and dimensions back to the detection system.
2Measurement precision
If radar return signals from trailer regions are used to detect trailer presence, then trailer presence and dimensions can be estimated, but clutter reflections from static infrastructure may interfere with detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radar detection process into distinct phases: capturing static infrastructure information in one detection cycle, then using that information to identify and filter clutter reflections in subsequent cycles. This temporal segmentation allows the system to differentiate between stationary clutter and moving trailer reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and storing information about static infrastructure before trailer detection occurs. This pre-captured clutter information is then used to suppress interference during the actual trailer detection process, improving measurement accuracy.
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 efficient detection and dimension estimation of trailers, improving the accuracy of trailer presence and size determination while minimizing clutter interference, and adjusts alert zones accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
automotive radar systems may detect targets which are within the radar system's field-of-view (FoV) and which produce radar return signals
Implementation Method 2
When a trailer is attached to a vehicle and is within a radar system's FoV, regions of the trailer will produce such radar return signals
Implementation Method 3
integrating Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data into a Doppler vs. monopulse angle image space
Implementation Method 4
integrating Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) data into a Doppler vs. monopulse angle image space
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for detecting and estimating the dimension of a trailer are presented. The method includes: capturing information on surrounding static infrastructure; determining the existence of a trailer based upon the captured information on the surrounding static infrastructure. When it is determined that a trailer is present, the method further includes: filtering detections associated with the existence of the trailer; identifying one or more regions on a trailer based upon the filtered detections, the regions corresponding to repeated reflections having an amplitude equal to or greater than a predetermined amplitude threshold with a substantially constant range relative to a fixed origin; and determining at least one of a width, length, and height of the trailer based on the identified regions.