Virtual Antenna Array Radar for High-Resolution Surroundings Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems struggle to capture target objects in their surroundings with sufficient precision and efficiency, particularly in varying weather conditions, and conventional radar technology lacks the resolution needed for advanced automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sensor system with multiple transmitting and receiving antennas that emit frequency-shifted signals to create a virtual antenna array, allowing for a comprehensive surroundings reconstruction and improved target information capture, utilizing electronic-photonic integrated chips for high-resolution signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar technology is used, then the sensor system is simple and cost-effective, but the resolution and precision for capturing target objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into multiple independent transmitting antennas and receiving antennas, each capable of emitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution through multiple measurement points while maintaining individual component simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual antenna array dimension by combining signals from multiple physical antennas through signal processing. This creates additional measurement dimensions without adding physical components, thereby improving resolution while avoiding increased hardware complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple transmitting and receiving antennas are used to create a virtual antenna array, then the resolution and surrounding view are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transmitting antenna and receiving antenna serves multiple functions: they participate in both transmission and reception, and their signals are utilized for creating multiple virtual antenna elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of antenna elements through signal processing. Multiple physical antennas generate multiple virtual antenna array elements by combining and processing their signals, effectively copying the functionality of additional physical antennas without adding them
3Measurement precision
If frequency-shifted signals are emitted simultaneously by multiple antennas, then the surroundings reconstruction is enhanced, but the signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency shifting as a parameter transformation to encode spatial information. By varying the frequency of signals emitted by different antennas, the system creates distinguishable signal patterns that simplify the separation and processing of signals from different directions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously emits frequency-shifted signals and processes reflections to maintain real-time surroundings reconstruction. The continuous nature of the measurement process allows for efficient signal accumulation and processing, reducing the complexity of individual processing steps
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 resolution and reliability of capturing the vehicle's surroundings, enabling precise detection of objects with a 360-degree view, overcoming weather limitations and reducing costs through efficient signal processing and integration of photonic components.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system which has multiple transmitting antennas and multiple receiving antennas
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for determining at least one item of target information of a target object of a sensor system, which has multiple transmitting antennas and multiple receiving antennas, wherein in a transmission process, multiple electrical emitted signals, which are frequency shifted relative to one another, are emitted simultaneously by the multiple transmitting antennas into the surroundings, electrical receive signals, which are based on the emitted signals, are received by the multiple receiving antennas, a virtual antenna array which has multiple virtual receiving antennas is generated by antenna positions of the multiple transmitting antennas and by antenna positions of the multiple receiving antennas, on the basis of the received electrical receive signals, a surroundings reconstruction of the surroundings is performed on the basis of the virtual antenna array, and the at least one item of target information is determined on the basis of the surroundings reconstruction.