Variable Radar Range and Frame-Rate Control for Automated Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems for automated vehicles lack the ability to optimally utilize adjustable features such as range-setting, field-of-view, and frame-rate, which are necessary for effective object detection in varying roadway conditions.
Innovation Solution
A radar system that includes a digital map to indicate roadway characteristics, a variable range-setting radar, and a controller to selectively adjust radar settings based on these characteristics, ensuring optimal object detection and processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the radar uses a fixed range-setting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different roadway conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system dynamically adjusts its range-setting based on roadway characteristics. The controller receives roadway information (such as speed limits, road type, curvature) and automatically configures the radar's range parameter to match the specific driving conditions, transforming a static system into an adaptive one without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the radar's operational parameters (range-setting) according to the detected roadway characteristics. By modifying the range parameter based on inputs like maximum speed limit or road geometry, the radar optimizes its detection capabilities for each specific roadway scenario while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture
2Measurement precision
If the radar adjusts range-setting based on roadway characteristics, then the object detection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes roadway characteristic data, determines appropriate radar settings, and configures the radar system. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve adaptive object detection without adding dedicated specialized components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the roadway characteristic data and the radar system. It translates roadway information into appropriate radar configuration parameters, enabling precise object detection while keeping the radar hardware itself relatively simple by introducing a software-based mediation layer
3Productivity
If the radar uses variable frame-rate, then the processing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system dynamically adjusts its frame-rate based on roadway characteristics and detection requirements. During high-speed operation or on complex roadways, the frame-rate increases to provide more frequent updates, while during stable conditions it reduces frame-rate to optimize processing efficiency, creating a dynamically responsive system
Solution Approach 2:
The radar employs periodic scanning with variable frame-rates adapted to roadway conditions. By adjusting the pulse repetition frequency and frame-rate according to the specific driving scenario, the system optimizes the balance between detection coverage and processing load, achieving high productivity when needed while maintaining simpler operation during routine conditions
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
The system effectively detects and classifies objects by adjusting radar settings according to roadway conditions, enhancing the vehicle's ability to navigate safely in different environments, from high-speed roads to urban settings.
Implementation Method 1
The radar detects objects proximate to the host-vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A radar system for an automated vehicle includes a digital-map, a radar, and a controller. The digital-map indicates a characteristic of a roadway traveled by a host-vehicle. The radar detects objects proximate to the host-vehicle. The radar is equipped with a range-setting that is selectively variable. The controller is in communication with the digital-map and the radar. The controller is configured to select the range-setting of the radar based on the characteristic of the roadway. The characteristic may be based on speed-limit, road-shape (e.g. curve-radius), a horizon-distance, and/or an obstruction (e.g. hill, sign, or building). The radar may be equipped with a frame-rate-setting (i.e. pulse repetition frequency or PRF) that is selectively variable, and the controller may be further configured to select the frame-rate-setting based on the characteristic of the roadway.