Vehicle Radar Beam Layout for Trailer Multipath Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting objects due to multipath interference from RADAR systems, particularly when towing trailers, which leads to false detections and reduced detection range of smaller objects like motorcycles and pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a second RADAR beam with a narrower azimuthal component, directed primarily in one direction, to supplement the primary RADAR beam, reducing multipath interference and enhancing detection accuracy by focusing less energy on the trailer's sidewalls, thereby improving object detection in sensitive angular ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide azimuthal component RADAR beam is used to cover a broad angular range, then the detection coverage is improved, but multipath interference from trailer sidewalls increases causing false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the RADAR system into two separate RADAR sensors: a first RADAR sensor with a wide azimuthal component for broad coverage, and a second RADAR sensor with a narrow azimuthal component for targeted detection. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in different detection tasks, with the narrow beam sensor specifically addressing multipath interference issues in trailer-adjacent regions while the wide beam sensor provides overall environmental coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam characteristics to different spatial regions by using the narrow azimuthal component RADAR beam specifically for regions adjacent to the trailer where multipath interference occurs. The narrow beam concentrates energy in a focused direction, providing local quality enhancement in problematic areas without requiring the entire system to use narrow beams, thus maintaining overall detection coverage.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow azimuthal component RADAR beam is used to reduce multipath interference, then detection accuracy is improved, but the detection range for small objects decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function between two RADAR sensors: the first RADAR sensor with wide azimuthal component handles long-range detection of small objects, while the second RADAR sensor with narrow azimuthal component handles high-precision detection in specific angular ranges. This segmentation allows each sensor to optimize for its designated function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection capabilities of two RADAR sensors with different beam characteristics to achieve both long-range detection and high-precision detection. By combining the data from the wide beam sensor (which detects small objects at long ranges) and the narrow beam sensor (which provides accurate detection in trailer-adjacent regions), the system achieves comprehensive detection performance that neither sensor could achieve alone.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple RADAR beams are used to cover different angular ranges, then object detection coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each RADAR sensor multi-functional by designing them to handle different aspects of the same detection task. The first RADAR sensor with wide azimuthal component serves as the primary detection system for most of the environment, while the second RADAR sensor with narrow azimuthal component serves as a supplemental system for specific problematic regions. This universality allows the system to maintain comprehensive detection coverage without requiring numerous specialized sensors.
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 enhances the accuracy of sensor data, improves motion planning efficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and minimizes computing resource usage by reducing false detection points, allowing autonomous vehicles to navigate more effectively and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a second RADAR sensor configured to provide second RADAR data descriptive of the environment of the vehicle. The second RADAR sensor includes a second antenna configured to output a second RADAR beam
Implementation Method 2
The azimuthal components of a RADAR beam output by the MIMO RADAR system can reflect off the sidewalls of the trailer, providing false detections of objects, multipath ghosts, interference
Data Source
AI summary
A radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor system for vehicles, such as autonomous vehicles, includes a first RADAR sensor configured to provide first RADAR data descriptive of an environment of a vehicle having a first antenna configured to output a first RADAR beam having a first azimuthal component over a first angular range and a second RADAR sensor configured to provide second RADAR data descriptive of the environment of the vehicle, the second RADAR sensor having a second antenna configured to output a second RADAR beam having a second azimuthal component that is narrower than the first azimuthal component of the first RADAR beam, wherein the second RADAR sensor is configured to sweep the second RADAR beam over a second angular range closer to a rear of the vehicle than a front of the vehicle to obtain the second RADAR data.