Vehicle Radar 3D Information Extraction Using 2D Transmit Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle radar systems primarily provide two-dimensional information, which is insufficient for advanced driving assistance systems and future autonomous vehicles that require reliable three-dimensional environmental data for accurate obstacle detection and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle radar apparatus that combines a 2D transmitting antenna array with delay devices to perform a 2D scan and a 1D receiving antenna array to extract three-dimensional information, including distance, azimuth angle, and height of objects, using digital beamforming to process the received signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 2D transmitting antenna array with delay devices is used to perform 2D scan, then three-dimensional information extraction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting antenna array is segmented into multiple rows and columns with independent delay devices for each antenna element. This segmentation enables 2D scanning capability by independently controlling the phase of each antenna element, allowing extraction of 3D information (azimuth, elevation, and range) while managing complexity through modular organization of delay devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 1D or 2D scanning to full 3D scanning by adding elevation angle measurement capability through the 2D antenna array configuration. The delay devices enable phase control in both azimuth and elevation directions, adding a dimensional aspect to the scanning capability that transforms 2D radar into 3D radar.
2Reliability
If digital beamforming is used to process received signals, then noise reduction and signal focusing capability is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Digital beamforming implements feedback mechanisms where the signal processor continuously adjusts the phase and amplitude weights of received signals from different antenna elements to focus energy on target directions. This feedback-based adaptive processing enhances noise reduction capability by dynamically optimizing signal reception based on detected target positions and characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processor creates multiple virtual copies of the received signal by applying different phase shifts and weighting factors to signals from individual antenna elements. These copied and processed signals are then combined to form focused beam patterns in different spatial directions, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple areas while reducing noise through coherent integration.
3Area of stationary object
If the transmitter performs 2D scan while receiver performs 1D scan, then comprehensive 3D coverage is improved, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitting antenna array performs periodic 2D scanning by sequentially activating different rows and columns of antennas with controlled phase delays. This periodic activation pattern allows systematic coverage of the entire 3D environment while maintaining a structured timing sequence that optimizes the scanning speed and ensures comprehensive spatial coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping the transmitter's 2D scan cycle with the receiver's 1D scan operations. The signal processor continuously processes received signals from all antenna elements, ensuring that data collection is ongoing throughout the scanning period, thereby maximizing environmental coverage without proportionally increasing total scanning time.
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 the extraction of comprehensive 3D information about the environment, enhancing obstacle detection and navigation capabilities without increasing the receiver antenna array size, and reducing noise by focusing electromagnetic beams on narrow areas.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic waves to an environment by performing a two-dimensional (2D) scan
Implementation Method 2
a receiver configured to receive reflected electromagnetic waves by performing a one-dimensional (1D) scan
Implementation Method 3
extract three-dimensional (3D) information about the environment based on the reflected electromagnetic waves received by the receiver
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of delay devices are further configured to delay the transmission signals by different delay amounts according to respective positions of the plurality of transmitting antenna elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a vehicle radar apparatus for providing three-dimensional (3D) information about an environment. The vehicle radar apparatus may include a transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic waves, a receiver configured to receive reflected electromagnetic waves, and a signal processor configured to extract 3D information about the environment based on the reflected electromagnetic waves. The transmitter may transmit electromagnetic waves to the environment by performing a two-dimensional (2D) scan, and the receiver may receive the reflected electromagnetic waves by performing a one-dimensional (1 D) scan. Alternatively, the transmitter may transmit the electromagnetic waves to the environment by performing a 1 D scan, and the receiver may receive the reflected electromagnetic waves by performing a 2D scan.