Vehicle Radar Antenna Layout for Precise Elevation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensor systems in vehicles struggle to accurately and reliably determine the elevation angles of objects in the surrounding area, leading to potential false triggers in emergency braking systems due to objects like manhole covers or sign gantries being misclassified as obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A radar sensor device with an antenna configuration comprising at least two transmitting antennas with different elevation and azimuth angles, and separate receiving antennas with varying elevation angles, allowing for precise azimuth and elevation angle measurements using digital beamforming, and incorporating a control system to detect blockages and misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple transmitting antennas with different elevation and azimuth angles are used, then measurement precision of elevation and azimuth angles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna configuration is segmented into multiple transmitting antennas (at least two) with distinct elevation and azimuth angles, allowing the system to divide the measurement task across multiple antenna beams. This segmentation enables precise angle measurement by comparing signals from different antenna perspectives without requiring a single complex antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple spatial dimensions (elevation and azimuth angles) by configuring transmitting antennas at different angular positions. This dimensional expansion allows the radar system to measure object angles more precisely by utilizing the additional spatial information from multiple antenna orientations.
2Reliability
If separate receiving antennas with different elevation angles are used, then reliability of object classification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving antenna system is segmented into at least two separate receiving antennas with different elevation angles. This segmentation allows the system to independently receive and process reflected signals from different vertical perspectives, improving the reliability of object classification by providing multiple independent measurement channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate receiving antennas serve multiple functions: they receive reflected transmission signals, enable elevation angle measurement through digital beamforming, and provide redundant information for object classification. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring additional specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If digital beamforming is used for angle measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital beamforming process implements feedback mechanisms where the control device continuously adjusts beamforming weights and parameters based on received signal characteristics. This feedback loop optimizes the angle measurement process and minimizes information loss by adaptively processing signals to preserve relevant angular information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary signal processing and beamforming operations before final angle calculation. By pre-processing the received signals through digital beamforming with optimized weights, the system prepares the data in a form that maximizes measurement precision while minimizing subsequent information loss during analysis.
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
Enhances the accuracy of object detection by distinguishing between traversable and obstructing objects, preventing false emergency braking triggers and ensuring reliable operation by detecting blockages and misalignments.
Implementation Method 1
the radar sensor devices or radar sensors have transmitting antennas that emit signals in the form of electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
The transmitted signals are reflected by an object in the area surrounding the vehicle, and the reflected signals are received again as received signals or echo signals
Implementation Method 3
Information about the object, such as the position of the object in relation to the motor vehicle, the speed of the object, and the angle of the object in relation to the motor vehicle, can be obtained from the transmitted signals and the received signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a radar sensor device (4) for a motor vehicle (1) for detecting an object (01, 02) in a surrounding region (6) of the motor vehicle (1), comprising an antenna configuration (8) having at least two transmitter antennas (Tx1, Tx2) for transmitting transmission signals, wherein respective main radiation directions (HSx1, HSx2) have different elevation angles (Ω) and different azimuth angles (Ψ) from transmission characteristics (Sx1, Sx2) of the at least two transmitter antennas (Tx1, Tx2), wherein the antenna configuration (8) has at least two receiver antennas (Rx1, Rx2) that are separate from the transmitter antennas (Tx1, Tx2) for receiving the transmission signals reflected in the surrounding area (6) as receive signals, wherein respective main radiation directions (HDx1, HDx2) have different elevation angles (Ω) from receive characteristics (Dx1, Dx2) of the at least two receiver antenna (Rx1, Rx2). The invention also relates to a driver assistance system (2), a motor vehicle (1) and a method.