DE102007042395A1 - Portable radar environment monitoring device for visually impaired human, has signal processing unit designed according to similarity criteria to examine existence of similarity between electrical signal sequence and sequence samples - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (100) has a radar-front-end (102) formed to scan a spatial environment by sending radar radiation and to receive and output electrical signal sequences. A signal processing unit (112) is designed according to pre-defined similarity criteria to examine existence of similarity between an electrical signal sequence received from the radar-front-end and pre-recorded electrical signal sequence samples stored in a memory unit (116) i.e. environment database, which outputs output signals assigned to concerned sequence sample to an output unit (114) during existence of the similarity. An independent claim is also included for a method for monitoring environment with a portable radar environment monitoring device.

Description

Field of the invention

The This invention relates to a radar environmental examination apparatus and a method for studying the environment.

Background of the invention

It There are many applications where it is helpful to get information about to win the environment. An important area is the support of visually impaired people. You can through a device which gives information about the shape of the environment, get supported. For this purpose devices are known which z. B. measure distances to objects and output this via a sound signal. The variation of pitch is a measure of the distance of the next Object.

For The measurements made in the framework of it are different Approaches. There is the possibility ultrasound measurements for determining the distance of objects perform. However, these have the disadvantage that the Propagation speed of sound is low, and thus the Measurements have a big delay. Farther Ultrasonic measurements are susceptible to interference by sound from the environment. An improvement to create devices, perform the optical measurements because optical measurements are faster. However, optical measurements are prone to failure for light from the environment and can through a cloudy atmosphere between meter and Subject to be disturbed.

From the EP 0 766 833 is an electronic visual aid known that works with radar distance measurements. It can also be used in situations where visibility is obstructed, such as in smoky buildings. Thus, the device is also suitable as a support for firefighters. The known device is small and lightweight, so that it can be carried out in the form of glasses. A radar scanning beam of the visual aid has a very small opening angle. This can be measured with the visual aid and the distance to small objects.

Of the Disadvantage of the described electronic vision aid is that of Users of the visual aid only over distances to next Objects in a respective, current scanning direction is informed. The user receives no guidance, the over the distances to the next Objects in the environment goes beyond.

Disclosure of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention, the above-mentioned disadvantages partially or completely overcome.

• – einem Radar-Frontend zum Aussenden von Radarstrahlung und zum Empfangen eines Radarechos, einer Ausgabeeinheit zur Ausgabe von Ausga besignalen, und einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit, die mit dem Radar-Frontend und der Ausgabeeinheit verbunden ist, gelöst, wobei
• – das Radar-Frontend ausgebildet ist, eine räumliche Umgebung durch Aussenden von Radarwellen abzutasten und den empfangenen Radarechos entsprechende elektrische Signalsequenzen zu erzeugen und auszugeben,
• – die Signalverarbeitungseinheit Zugriff auf eine geräteinterne oder geräteexterne Speichereinheit hat, die ausgebildet ist, eine Vielzahl von voraufgezeichneten elektrischen Signalsequenz-Mustern zu speichern, die jeweils einem für eine jeweilige räumliche Umgebung charakteristischen Radarecho entsprechen, und den Signalsequenz-Mustern jeweils zugeordnete Ausgabesignale zu speichern, die bei einer Ausgabe über die Ausgabeeinheit die betreffenden Umgebungen für einen Benutzer wahrnehmbar identifizieren,
• – die Signalverarbeitungseinheit ausgebildet ist, nach vordefinierten Ähnlichkeitskriterien das Vorliegen einer Ähnlichkeit zwischen der vom Radar-Frontend empfangenen elektrischen Signalsequenz und den in der Speichereinheit abgelegten Signalsequenz-Mustern zu prüfen und bei Vorliegen einer Ähnlichkeit die Speichereinheit zur Ausgabe des dem betreffenden Signalsequenz-Muster zugeordneten Ausgabesignals an die Ausgabeeinheit zu veranlassen.

The object is according to a first aspect of the invention, by a portable radar environment examination apparatus with

• A radar front-end for emitting radar radiation and for receiving a radar echo, an output unit for outputting output signals, and a signal processing unit connected to the radar front-end and the output unit, wherein
• The radar front-end is designed to scan a spatial environment by emitting radar waves and to generate and output electrical signal sequences corresponding to the received radar echoes,
• The signal processing unit has access to an in-memory or out-of-memory storage unit configured to store a plurality of prerecorded electrical signal sequence patterns, each corresponding to a radar echo characteristic of a particular spatial environment, and to store respective output signals associated with the signal sequence patterns, which, in the case of an output via the output unit, perceptibly identify the environments in question for a user,
• - The signal processing unit is adapted to check according to predefined similarity criteria, the presence of a similarity between the received from the radar front end electrical signal sequence and stored in the memory unit signal sequence patterns and, if a similarity, the memory unit for outputting the signal sequence pattern associated output signal to cause to the output unit.

Of the technical effect of this Radar Environment Examiner is that it can recognize known environments and thereby the User with an output characterizing the environment which environment is perceived by the user identified. The Radar Environment Examiner is According to the invention designed so small and light that it can be worn by the user.

The user can thus orientate himself spatially with the aid of the radar environment examination apparatus because the output signal contains the information as to where he is at the moment. This information may be intelligibly coded in various forms for the user. Thus, the information may be coded by sounds, noise, speech or haptic perceptible signals. This is convenient for a visually impaired user. Furthermore, an optical output of the output signal is possible. For a projection of the output signal would be in one Glasses possible. It is important that the user connects a respective output signal mentally with an environment.

Preferably the Radar Environment Examiner is so small and lightly designed so that it can be attached to the user's head. The Radar Environment Examiner may also consist of two Parts of which a part containing the radar frontend, fastened to the head of the user, and the other part, the one Power supply of the radar environmental examination apparatus, as a battery contains, at another body site the user, as on the back or on the belt, fastened is.

The Recognition of the environment is preferably done with a known one Type of pattern recognition performed. To do this checks the signal processing unit by means of a pattern recognition method, whether a similarity between the current electrical Signal sequence and a stored signal sequence pattern exists.

Examples known pattern recognition methods include speech recognition, optical character recognition, object recognition, face recognition or also fingerprint recognition. The pattern recognition belongs to the field of artificial intelligence and is preferred digitally performed.

Therefore In a preferred embodiment, the signal processing unit a digital signal processing unit and the electrical signal sequences are digitized signal sequences. The Radar Environment Examiner contains therefore between the radar front end and the signal processing unit an analog-to-digital converter that captures the signal sequences of the radar front-end digitized.

there are the signal sequence patterns stored in the memory unit Pictures of the electrical signal sequences. Preferably the signal sequence patterns simplified pictures of the electrical Signal sequences. A distance profile of the environment is an illustration the electrical signal sequences, which stands for the Recognition of the environment through a pattern recognition process suitable. A distance profile is a signal sequence, the distances to objects in the environment as information.

The Pattern recognition works in a particularly preferred embodiment with classification. These are the digitized electrical signal sequences appropriately simplified with the signal processing unit and with compared to the simplified signal sequence patterns in the storage unit. The signal processing unit then finds matches between the simplified electrical signal sequences and the Signal sequence patterns. At a certain predetermined degree of agreement classifies the signal processing unit the current electrical Signal sequence as a known signal sequence pattern associated and outputs the assigned output signal.

In In one embodiment, the signal processing unit formed in the pattern recognition, the signal sequence with the signal sequence patterns to correlate.

In In a preferred embodiment, the Signal processing unit the classification with an algorithm based on artificial neural networks.

The Radar environment examiner is in one embodiment formed as output signal a speech signal with spoken language output, wherein the speech signal characterizing the environment Content has. Thus, the radar environment examination device, the Name the environment. The output signal identifies the environment perceptible to the user.

The Environment detection is explained below with an example become. In the memory unit are known electrical signal sequences filed, which are characteristic of a room, the in this example is called living room. If the user Radar Environmental Examiner enters this room, scanned the Radar Environment Examiner creates the environment a distance profile of the room and compares the electrical Signal sequences of the measured distance profile with those in the Memory unit stored signal sequence patterns of electrical signal sequences of distance profiles. The Radar Environment Examiner represents a similarity of a signal sequence pattern in the memory unit with the currently measured signal sequence pattern of the distance profile. Then there is the Radar Environment Examiner an output signal associated with this signal sequence pattern, in this example a voice signal with the content "living room" is.

In one embodiment, the radar environmental examiner is configured to recognize objects in the environment when recognizing the environment. These objects are usually furniture or commodities. Examples of everyday objects are cups, plates, shoes and other household items. Other objects that can be detected can be traffic lights, on gangways or vehicles. The type of objects that are detected depends on the benefit to the user.

at a particularly preferred embodiment is the radar environment examination device formed, sequentially a Abstrahlwinkelbereich with a scanning beam to paint over. This process is usually referred to as scanning. The Radar Environment Examiner bundles the radar waves when sending radar radiation to a scanning beam with a small opening angle. Of the Scanning beam then becomes horizontal or / and vertical an angle range over the environment out. For this purpose, the radar environmental examination device is designed, a To change the beam direction of the scanning beam. Known Possibilities for beam guidance are z. B. beam guidance by means of a phased array antenna. This consists of several antenna elements. The Beam direction and the degree of bundling can electronically controlled in this type of antenna. The bundling and beam guidance is achieved by interference. Separate Antenna elements are used for beam guidance with different Phase of a transmission signal driven. To do this, the Radar Environment Examiner has preferably a plurality of phase shifters with which the transmission signal shifted in its phase position for each antenna element becomes.

The backscattered radar echo is then from the same or receive a second receiving antenna. Another possibility The beam guide is a pivotable parabolic antenna. The advantage of using a phased array antenna is that the beam can be swiveled very fast and no moving Parts are necessary.

The Determining the distances for the distance profile can known dimensions in the pulse mode of the radar by means of a Signal runtime measurement or in continuous wave mode with frequency modulation done. The person skilled in the radar distance measuring methods are known.

at In a preferred embodiment, the radar frontend operates in continuous wave mode and the radar signal is transmitted with a sawtooth signal modulated. For continuous wave operation, there are two antennas necessary. In continuous wave operation sends a radar device continuously and continuously receives the radar echoes. One benefit of CW operation is that it also speeds up An object can be measured, which scatters back the radar radiation. The speed measurement is based on a frequency shift measurement due to the Doppler effect. The speed measurements can support the environment detection. For example, would be a distinctive feature of a "road" environment, that many objects, such as cars move. On the other hand, When the entire environment moves, it will be recognized the user is in a vehicle and could as an output signal issued information about the relative speed become. This is especially useful because speeds in inertial systems do not feel directly, im Contrast to acceleration.

at an embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus the signal processing unit is formed, the output unit to supply an output signal that matches the distance to an in Direction of a scan direction and within range of the Radar Environment Examiner lying, next object varies.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that a combination of environment detection and direct distance determination is reached. The variation of a part of the output signal is based while on the distance determination.

The Output of the environmental detection output signal can be simultaneous done with the output signal of the distance determination. For example, a can Sound with the distance of the next object in its pitch can be varied, and at the same time can be with a voice signal the environment will be named. It is also conceivable that a certain sound carpet, such as a noise, has a certain Music, etc., assigned to a specific environment and output becomes.

at In one embodiment, the scanning direction is a frontal Direction. The frontal direction is with a phased array antenna, which is designed as a surface, perpendicular to this Area. Preferably, the frontal direction is the viewing direction the user. The scanning beam can be highly concentrated, to be able to detect distances to small objects.

at In one embodiment, the scan direction is swept of the angular range with the scanning beam. The distance in the frontal direction is thus after each scan of the Angular range known and can by the signal processing unit be used to generate the varying output signal.

In an alternative embodiment, the radar environment survey device has a second radar front-end for scanning the distance to the next object in the frontal direction. In this embodiment, the radar environment survey device may measure the distance Perform measurements in a frontal direction continuously.

The Combining the distance measurement with the environment detection has the Advantage that different operating modes of the distance measurements adjusted to the respective environment, can be set automatically. For example, if the user is outside and the environment was recognized as "outside" Operating mode can be set, in which the distance measurement on Scanning beam used with a larger opening angle becomes as if the user is in a room. Then could for the distance measurement, a scanning beam with a smaller opening angle be used. This would mean smaller objects in the room detectable and outside would be a bigger one Field considered.

at In one embodiment, the radar environmental examiner has a user interface connected to the signal processing unit is, and the signal processing unit is adapted to input a user in a learning mode of operation the current, electrical Signal sequence in a characteristic of the environment electrical signal sequence pattern to transform the current electrical Store signal sequence as a new signal sequence pattern in the memory unit and an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern in to allocate to the storage unit. This is the Radar Environment Examiner formed, a signal characterizing the environment signal sequence to learn to recognize the environment.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that not only predefined environments can be detected, but The Radar Environment Investigator can explore new unknown environments to learn to recognize. Learning is a well-known process in the pattern recognition. The current electrical signal sequences can be compressed as a new signal sequence pattern before dropping be reduced or reduced to features, or simplified. The Radar Environment Examiner can then do the new Classify environment by pattern recognition.

The Learning a new environment can also be supported by the user if this evaluates a correct classification, that is in a rehearsal phase the classification teaches several times. Such learning algorithms are known in the art.

A Entering the user can be a keystroke or a linguist Control command, etc. The user interface can therefore be used as Pushbutton switch or z. B. formed as a speech recognition module be.

at a further embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus If the signal processing unit is designed to store it after it has been deposited a new signal sequence pattern in the storage unit to the user to allow a signal sequence pattern corresponding Select output signal and in the memory unit the Assign signal sequence pattern.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that of User select an output signal suitable for the environment can. It would be z. B. conceivable that the user in a Listening menu choices for Has output signals.

at a preferred embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus the signal processing unit is formed, after depositing a new signal sequence pattern in the memory a signal sequence pattern corresponding voice output signal of the user with a recording device to record, store in the storage unit and in the storage unit to associate with the new signal sequence pattern.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that of User a very personalized output signal in the form of a self recorded voice output signal for identifying a radar environment examination apparatus learned new environment can choose. The advantage here is that the user can choose a voice signal that immediately describes the environment. Examples of such Speech output signals are living room, entrance by dr. K, street name and other place names.

at An exemplary embodiment includes the radar environmental examination device a transceiver unit and the storage unit as remote As tenverarbeitungsanlage trained with the signal processing unit is wirelessly connected, and the signal processing unit is designed the electrical signal sequences with a transmitting unit to a Data processing system to send and with a receiving unit an output signal associated with the electrical signal sequences to receive and transmit to the output unit.

The technical effect of this embodiment is that the signal processing unit of the radar environment inspection apparatus can be made simpler because the signal sequence pattern recognition is performed in a data processing equipment remote from the radar environment inspection apparatus. The remote data processing The system can be much more powerful in terms of computing power than the signal processing unit of the portable part of the radar environment examination device.

The Signal processing unit may be the electrical signal sequences before sending, simplify or compress or take a picture in calculate a feature space, which equates to an information reduction.

One Next advantage is that the storage capacity of the remote Data processing system can be much higher, and with it stored and recognized more different environments can be.

Of the Part of the data processing system and the portable part of the Radar Ambient Investigator can in a variant with each other via usual Mobile networks communicate. This allows the Radar Environment Examiner work in the entire coverage area of the mobile network.

at In one embodiment, a plurality of portable Radar environmental examination equipment on the same data processing system access.

Of the Advantage is that there are several portable radar environmental examination equipment share a data processing system and therefore not every user must be in possession of a data processing system.

at An exemplary embodiment includes the radar environmental examination device a transceiver unit and a user interface and the Storage unit is designed as a remote data processing system, which is wirelessly connected to the signal processing unit, and the signal processing unit is configured to input the User the current electrical signal sequences with a Send unit to the data processing system as a new Store signal sequence pattern in the data processing system and in the data processing system corresponding to the signal sequence pattern Assign output signal.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that the learning of new environments in the form of signal sequence patterns is performed on the data processing system. This has the particular advantage of having multiple portable radar environment survey device access to the same data processing system, the data processing system can learn from all users. This can be portable Radar Environment Investigators also detect environments in which they have not yet found each other. It is thus a Environment database built by all users and that everyone can use.

A Variant of this embodiment is that the signal processing unit is formed to be assigned to a new signal sequence pattern Voice output signal of a user with a recording device record and then store it in the data processing system and in the data processing system the signal sequence pattern as Assign output signal.

Of the Effect is that very diverse information in the Data processing system can be stored because itself through speech information very accurate describing the environment Store information.

These Variant is also advantageous when multiple users access the data processing system, because then the environments are explicitly described or named can, and each user the information of other users can understand.

there For example, the data processing system may have signal sequence patterns of public environments store, and the storage unit in the Radar Environment Examiner can the signal sequence patterns of personal spaces and store items of the user. It is also conceivable that on the data processing system special memory areas depict the personal area of the user, and in general accessible storage areas the public Map environments. Mapping means that for each Environments characteristic signal sequence pattern preprocessed are stored as a figure.

at an embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus The electrical signal sequences depend on the material, the Size or spatial location or the Speed of objects in the area.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that capture more information with the electrical signal sequences become. For example, if the materials of the environment are in can reflect the electrical signal sequences Environments are even easier to classify, so even safer be recognized.

It is known that various materials have different reflection properties and radiant-radiation absorption properties. This can be with the radar environment examination device information about the Gain material and, if necessary, inform the user.

The The size of an item affects its reflective properties for radar radiation. Thus, the Radar Environment Examiner Information about the size of an object obtain and communicate to the user by the output signal.

The spatial location of objects can by the Scanning process to be detected. Thus, the signal processing unit Use the distance profile to determine in which direction the objects are relative to the frontal direction.

The Speed of objects relative to the radar environment survey device can be determined from the electrical signal sequences, if the radar frontend in continuous wave mode with frequency modulation is working. The person skilled in the art is aware of speeds with a radar device be determined. The determined speeds of objects can also be used in addition to pattern recognition and to recognize the environment. This additional information make determining the similarity between signal sequences and signal sequence patterns more reliable.

at an embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus If the output unit is designed as a sound output signal different pitch or a sequence of tones in different measure or stereo tones of different volume on a particular ear of the user or a vibration different Output frequency or a vibration of different amplitude.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that radar environmental examination device is designed to output output signals for users with a visual impairment are perceptible.

at a further embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus is the signal processing unit formed, objects in Detect removal profile and the output unit an output signal to convey that with the direction in which a next Subject opposite the radar environment examination device is, varies. The output unit is designed as Output signal to output a stereo sound whose volume on a particular ear of the user different with the direction of the Subject varies, or two vibrations as output signal Vibration transmitters attached to different places on the user are on, with different frequency or different amplitude the respective vibration generator depending on the direction of the object issue.

Of the technical effect is that a visually impaired user information about the direction in which an object is perceived, either acoustically or haptically perceptibly announced.

at a further embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus is the signal processing unit formed, objects in Detect removal profile and the output unit an output signal to convey that with the size, which the next one Subject in the scanning direction has varied. The output unit is formed in this case to output a sound as an output signal, its pitch or its volume with the Size of the item varies.

Of the technical effect is that a visually impaired user information about the size of an object is perceptibly audible or tactile can be announced.

at In another embodiment, the signal processing unit designed to detect objects in the distance profile and to provide the output unit with an output signal associated with the output device Distance, which is the next object in the scanning direction has, varied. The output unit is designed here as an output signal to output a sound, its pitch or its volume varies with the distance of the object.

Of the technical effect is that a visually impaired user information about to perceive the distance to an object perceptibly acoustically can. Again, a haptic perceptible issue is conceivable.

at an embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus is the signal processing unit formed, objects and with a similarity of the signal sequence pattern the electrical signal sequences with a in the memory unit stored signal sequence pattern assigned to one material to the next one Subject in the emission direction to assign a material, and the Output unit an output signal corresponding to the detected material be forwarded.

there For example, the output signal may be a voice signal stored in the memory unit stored assigned to the corresponding signal sequence pattern. Thus, the radar environment examination apparatus can recognize the detected Explicitly name material.

In One embodiment includes the radar environment survey device a satellite location module associated with the signal processing unit is formed, which is formed by the satellite positioning module obtained spatial coordinates corresponding output signal to generate, based on the spatial coordinates, the recognition of the Environment to support or plausibility of Check environment detection.

Satellite tracking devices are z. B. known under the name Global Positioning System (GPS). These provide information about the spatial location of the satellite positioning module in the form of coordinates, which consists of a Longitude and latitude are composed.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that a coarser locating with the radar environmental investigation device can be performed, which is the more accurate spatial Support position determination by recognizing the environment can.

For example can in the environment detection a plausibility check be performed when coordinates a signal sequence pattern assigned to an environment stored in the memory unit. If the coordinates do not match those assigned to the signal sequence pattern Coordinates can be matched by the Radar Environment Examiner suppress the output of the output signal until a signal sequence pattern was found, whose assigned coordinates in the nearer Range of coordinates currently determined by the satellite location module lies.

at a further embodiment includes the Radar environment examination device an ultrasonic measuring device which is connected to the signal processing unit formed is, in addition to the sustained by the ultrasonic measuring device Signal sequences for environmental detection and / or distance determination to process.

With The ultrasound meter can help the Radar Ambient Investigator Gain information about the environment on measurements are based, which have a different physical basis.

To the Example can be with the ultrasonic meter the material of an item with a different one for radar examination physical principle to be investigated. Also distance measurements and environmental detection can be done by the ultrasonic meter get supported. This can be the reliability the respective measurement can be increased.

at In one embodiment, the radar environmental examiner is trained, depending on the detected environment in different Operating modes to work automatically depending on the detected environment to change the respective operating mode, while in another Operating mode the radar waves with different transmission energy, adapted to the respective environment, to send out or in an operating mode the radar waves, adapted to the respective environment, different to bundle or in another mode of operation the radar echoes, adapted to the respective environment, from different sized Receive receive angular ranges.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that the Radar Environment Examiner automatically sets the environmental investigation method adapt to the requirements of the current environment can. For example, it may be useful to transmit energy increase when the environment is called "outside" was detected, because here are longer distances to objects can be expected.

• 1) Abtasten einer Umgebung durch Aussenden von Radarstrahlen, und
• 2) Empfangen von zurückgestreuten Radarechos,
• 3) Erzeugen von den Radarechos entsprechenden elektrischen Signalsequenzen,
• 4) Prüfen des Vorliegens einer Ähnlichkeit nach Ähnlichkeitskriterien zwischen der elektrischen Signalsequenz und abgespeicherten Signalsequenz-Mustern,
• 5) bei einer Ähnlichkeit der elektrischen Signalsequenzen mit einem abgespeicherten Signalsequenz-Muster, Ausgeben eines dem Signalsequenz-Muster zugeordneten, für einen Benutzer wahrnehmbaren, gespeicherten Ausgabesignals.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the technical problem is solved by a method for environmental investigation with a portable radar environmental examination apparatus, which comprises the following steps:

• 1) scanning an environment by emitting radar beams, and
• 2) receiving backscattered radar echoes,
• 3) generating electrical signal sequences corresponding to the radar echoes,
• 4) examining the presence of similarity according to similarity criteria between the electrical signal sequence and stored signal sequence patterns,
• 5) upon a similarity of the electrical signal sequences to a stored signal sequence pattern, outputting a user-recordable output signal associated with the signal sequence pattern.

Of the technical effect of the procedure is that the procedure is a recognition the environment allows.

The Advantages of the method result from those of the radar environment examination apparatus and the corresponding embodiments.

• – Bestimmen einer Entfernung zu einem in Richtung einer Abtastrichtung und Reichweite des Radar-Umgebungs-Untersuchungsgeräts liegenden, nächsten Gegenstands
• – Variieren des Ausgabesignals entsprechend der bestimmten Entfernung.

In one embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• Determining a distance to a lying in the direction of a scanning direction and range of the radar environmental examination device, next item
• - varying the output signal according to the determined distance.

• – Auf Eingabe eines Benutzers Abspeichern der momentanen elektrischen Signalsequenzen als neues Signalsequenz-Muster, und
• – Zuordnen eines dem Signalsequenz-Muster entsprechenden Ausgabesignals.

In another embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• - Upon input of a user storing the current electrical signal sequences as a new signal sequence pattern, and
• - Assigning an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern.

Thereby The method allows the learning of new environments for Recognition.

• – Dem Benutzer ermöglichen, ein dem Signalsequenz-Muster entsprechendes Ausgabesignal auszuwählen, und
• – Zuordnen des Ausgabesignals zum neuen Signalsequenz-Muster.

In a further embodiment, the method for environmental examination with a portable radar environmental examination apparatus after storing a new signal sequence pattern includes the additional steps:

• Enable the user to select an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern, and
• - Assign the output signal to the new signal sequence pattern.

• – Aufnehmen eines dem Signalsequenz-Muster entsprechenden Sprach-Ausgabesignals des Benutzers
• – Abspeichern des Sprach-Ausgabesignals, und
• – Zuordnen des Sprach-Ausgabesignals zum neuen Signalsequenz-Muster.

In a further embodiment, the method for environmental examination with a portable radar environmental examination apparatus after storing a new signal sequence pattern includes the additional steps:

• - Recording of the signal sequence pattern corresponding voice output signal of the user
• - storing the voice output signal, and
• Associating the speech output signal with the new signal sequence pattern.

Thereby a user can explicitly recognize a detected environment through a voice signal be named.

• 3a) Senden der elektrischen Signalsequenzen an eine entfernte Datenverarbeitungsanlage,
• 4a) Empfangen eines den elektrischen Signalsequenzen entsprechenden Ausgabesignals von der Datenverarbeitungsanlage.

In one embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• 3a) sending the electrical signal sequences to a remote data processing system,
• 4a) receiving an output signal corresponding to the electrical signal sequences from the data processing system.

The Numbering with "number a)" means that the respective Step right after the step with the numbering "number") is performed.

Of the technical effect of this embodiment is that the user for pattern recognition on a remote device can access. This device can be a data processing system be that a larger storage capacity has, as the portable Radar Environment Examiner.

• – auf Eingabe eines Benutzers mit einer Benutzerschnittstelle die momentanen elektrischen Signalsequenzen als neues Signalsequenz-Muster an eine entfernte Datenverarbeitungsanlage senden,
• – Empfangen und Abspeichern des neuen Signalsequenz-Musters auf der Datenverarbeitungsanlage, und
• – Zuordnen eines dem Signalsequenz-Muster entsprechenden Ausgabesignals auf der Datenverarbeitungsanlage.

In another embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• Upon input of a user with a user interface, send the current electrical signal sequences as a new signal sequence pattern to a remote data processing system,
• Receiving and storing the new signal sequence pattern on the data processing system, and
• - Assigning an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern on the data processing system.

Thereby the method allows the learning of new signal sequences and thus new environments for recognition using a remote Plant, like a data processing unit.

at a further embodiment of the method for environmental investigation hang with a portable radar environment survey device the electrical signal sequences of material or size or the spatial position or speed of objects in the area.

at a further embodiment of the method for environmental investigation with a portable radar environment survey device as output signal a tone of different pitch or a sequence of tones in different measure or stereo tones different volume on a respective ear of the user or a vibration of different frequency or a vibration of different Amplitude output.

• – Bestimmen einer Richtung, in welcher sich ein nächster Gegenstand gegenüber dem Radar-Umgebungs-Untersuchungsgerät befindet, anhand der elektrischen Signalsequenzen,
• – Variieren des Ausgabesignals entsprechend der bestimmten Richtung, und
• – Ausgeben eines Stereo-Tons als Ausgabesignal, dessen Lautstärke auf einem jeweiligen Ohr des Benutzers unterschiedlich mit der bestimmten Richtung variiert oder
• – Ausgeben von zwei Vibrationen auf Vibrationsgebern als Ausgabesignal, die an verschiedenen Stellen am Benutzer angebracht sind, mit verschiedener Frequenz oder verschiedener Amplitude auf dem jeweiligen Vibrationsgeber je nach bestimmter Richtung des Gegenstands.

In one embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• Determining a direction in which a next object is located opposite the radar environment examination device, based on the electrical signal sequences,
• - varying the output signal according to the particular direction, and
• Outputting a stereo sound as an output signal whose volume on a respective ear of the user varies with the particular direction or
• - Outputting two vibrations on vibration transmitters as output signal, which are mounted in different places on the user, ver different frequency or different amplitude on the respective vibration generator depending on the particular direction of the object.

• – Bestimmen einer Größe eines sich in Abtastrichtung und in Reichweite des Radar-Umgebungs-Untersuchungsgeräts befindenden Gegenstands,
• – Variieren des Ausgabesignals entsprechend der bestimmten Größe, und
• – Ausgeben eines Tons variierender Tonhöhe oder Amplitude entsprechend der bestimmten Größe als Ausgabesignal.

In another embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• Determining a size of an object located in the scanning direction and within the range of the radar environmental examination apparatus,
• - varying the output signal according to the particular size, and
• Outputting a tone of varying pitch or amplitude corresponding to the particular size as the output signal.

• – Ausgeben eines Tons variierender Tonhöhe oder Amplitude entsprechend der bestimmten Entfernung.

In another embodiment, the environmental survey method includes a portable radar environmental survey device including the additional step of:

• Outputting a tone of varying pitch or amplitude corresponding to the determined distance.

• - Zuordnen eines Materials zum nächsten Gegenstand in Abstrahlrichtung bei einer Ähnlichkeit des Signalsequenz-Musters der elektrischen Signalsequenzen mit einem jeweiligen Material zugeordneten, abgespeicherten Signalsequenz-Muster, und
• – Ausgeben eines dem erkannten Material entsprechenden Ausgabesignals.

In one embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• Assigning a material to the next object in the emission direction in the case of a similarity of the signal sequence pattern of the electrical signal sequences with a stored signal sequence pattern assigned to a respective material, and
• Outputting an output signal corresponding to the detected material.

• – Erfassen von räumlichen Satelliten-Koordinaten
• – Ausgeben eines den Satelliten-Koordinaten entsprechenden Ausgangssignals oder
• – Prüfen der Plausibilität der Umgebungserkennung anhand der Satelliten-Koordinaten und der Umgebung zugeordneten Satelliten-Koordinaten.

In one embodiment, the environmental survey method with a portable radar environmental survey device includes the additional steps of:

• - Capture spatial satellite coordinates
• Outputting an output signal corresponding to the satellite coordinates or
• - Checking the plausibility of environment detection using satellite coordinates and satellite coordinates assigned to the environment.

following Be further embodiments with reference to the figures described.

1 schematically shows the structure of an embodiment of a radar environmental examination apparatus.

2 schematically shows another embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus with a radiation area in operation.

The Radar Environmental Examiner is explained below the figures explained in more detail.

1 schematically shows the structure of the radar environment examination apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The Radar Environment Examiner includes a radar frontend 102 that has a transmitter on a transmit path 106 and a receiver on a receive path 108 Has. The transmission path 106 and the reception path 108 are with antennas 104 connected. A digital signal pre-processing unit 110 is with the transmitter 106 and the receiver 108 connected. The digital signal preprocessing unit 110 provides a transmit signal to the transmitter and processes a receive signal from the receiver 108 to signal sequences. The transmission signal may be the modulation signal for a radar radiation generated by the transmitter. The transmission signal may be in the form of a sawtooth signal. The signal preprocessing unit digitizes the received signal from the receiver 108 and gives it to the signal processing unit 112 . 118 further. The signal processing unit performs with the signal sequences a pattern recognition with signal sequence patterns, which in the memory unit 116 are stored. The storage unit will also work with environment database 116 designated. When there is a similarity between the current signal sequence and a signal sequence pattern stored in the environment database, the signal processing unit issues 112 . 118 an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern in the memory unit 116 is assigned to the output unit 114 out. The output unit 114 For example, in a synthesis step, it may also output multiple output signals simultaneously, such as a voice output that identifies the environment and a varying frequency sound signal that varies with the measured distance. The output unit is with output transducers 120 . 122 connected, for example, headphones 120 or vibration generator 122 could be. When input by a user with a user interface, not shown, becomes a learning unit 118 , which is part of the signal processing unit 112 . 118 can be activated. The learning unit 118 then stores the current signal sequence as a new signal sequence pattern in the environment database 116 from. The signal processing unit then allows the user to record a speech signal with a microphone 124 , The signal processing unit then stores the speech signal associated with the new signal sequence pattern in the memory unit 116 from. If the signal processing unit has detected a similarity in a pattern recognition, it can in one operating mode information signals about the location of a satellite positioning module 124 or signals from an ultrasound meter 124 for pattern recognition with the signals to apply quench patterns and thus achieve greater reliability of environment recognition.

2 schematically shows an embodiment of the radar environment examination apparatus 202 with a radiation area 204 operational. The radar environment surveyor repeatedly sweeps an angular range with a radar beam 210 and sequentially receives the radar echoes from the objects 206 . 208 be scattered back. In addition, the radar environment inspector transmits a radar beam in a frontal scanning direction 212 out and evaluate the object 208 backscattered radar echoes. This is determined by the radar environmental examination device 202 the distance between the next item 208 in the frontal scanning direction and the radar environmental examination device 202 , The radar environment inspector issues a user with a distance characterizing output signal. The output signal varies according to the measured distance.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0766833 [0004]

Claims (32)

Portable Radar Environment Investigation Device, With - a radar frontend for sending radar radiation and for receiving a radar echo, an output unit for output of output signals, and a signal processing unit associated with the Radar front end and the output unit is connected, where - the Radar front end is formed, a spatial environment by scanning radar radiation and the received Radar echoes generate corresponding electrical signal sequences and spend - The signal processing unit access to a device-internal or device-external storage unit which is designed to have a variety of pre-recorded electrical Store signal sequence patterns, each one for a respective spatial environment characteristic radar echo correspond to the signal sequence patterns respectively associated output signals to save the output at the output unit perceive the environments in question to a user identify, - The signal processing unit formed is, according to predefined similarity criteria, the presence a similarity between that received by the radar frontend electrical signal sequence and stored in the memory unit Check signal sequence patterns and if there is a similarity the memory unit for outputting the relevant signal sequence pattern to cause associated output signal to the output unit. Radar environment examination apparatus according to claim 1, in which the signal processing unit is formed, the output unit to supply an output signal coincident with the distance to one in the direction a scanning direction and within reach of the radar environment examination device lying, next object varies. Radar environment examination apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, which has a user interface associated with the signal processing unit is connected, and the signal processing unit is formed, upon entering a user in a learning mode of operation, the current one electrical signal sequence in a characteristic of the environment electrical signal sequence pattern to convert and the current electrical Signal sequence as a new signal sequence pattern in the memory unit store and an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern in the memory unit. Radar environment examination apparatus according to claim 3, in which the signal processing unit is formed, according to depositing a new signal sequence pattern in the memory unit allow the user to follow the signal sequence pattern select appropriate output signal and in the memory unit attributable to the signal sequence pattern. Radar environment examination apparatus according to claim 3, in which the signal processing unit is formed, according to storing a new signal sequence pattern in memory Signal sequence pattern corresponding voice output signal of the user with a receiving device, in the storage unit store and in the memory unit the new signal sequence pattern assigned. Radar environment examiner after a of the preceding claims, which is a transceiver unit contains and in which the memory unit is designed as a remote data processing system which is wirelessly connected to the signal processing unit, and the signal processing unit is formed, the electrical Signal sequences with a transmitting unit to a data processing system to send and with a receiving unit associated with the electrical signal sequences Receive output signal and transmit to the output unit. Radar environment examination apparatus according to claim 3, which contains a transceiver unit and in which the Memory unit designed as a remote data processing system which is wirelessly connected to the signal processing unit, and the signal processing unit is adapted to input the user the current electrical signal sequences with a Sending unit to the data processing system, as a new signal sequence pattern in the data processing system and in the data processing system to associate with the signal sequence pattern corresponding output signal. Radar environment examiner after a of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical signal sequences of the material or the size or the spatial Location or speed of objects in the area depend. Radar environment examiner after a of the preceding claims, wherein the output unit is formed, as an output signal a tone of different pitch or a sequence of tones in different measure or Stereo sounds of different volume on one respective ear of the user or a vibration of different frequency or to output a vibration of different amplitude. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit is designed to detect objects in the distance profile and to provide the output unit with an output signal associated with the output device Direction in which a next object is opposite the Radar Ambient Investigator varies, and the output unit is formed as an output signal Stereo sound output, whose volume on a respective Ear of the user different with the direction of the object varies or the output unit is formed as an output signal two vibrations on vibration transmitters, in different places attached to the user, with different frequency or different Amplitude on the respective vibration generator depending on the direction of the Issue object. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit is designed to detect objects in the distance profile and to provide the output unit with an output signal associated with the output device Size, which is the next item in Scanning direction has, varies, and formed the output unit is to output a sound as an output signal whose pitch or its volume with the size of the object varies. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit is designed to detect objects in the distance profile and to provide the output unit with an output signal associated with the output device Distance, which is the next object in the scanning direction has, varies, and the output unit is formed as an output signal to output a sound, its pitch or its volume varies with the distance of the object. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit is designed to detect objects and at a similarity of the signal sequence pattern of the electrical Signal sequences with a stored in the memory unit, a Material assigned signal sequence pattern the next Subject in the emission direction to assign a material, and of the Output unit, an output signal associated with the detected material be forwarded. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, which is designed to be attached to the user in the direction of the user. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims integrated into a pair of spectacles is. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, which is a satellite location module contains that connected to the signal processing unit is formed, a spatial satellite obtained by the satellite positioning module Coordinates corresponding output signal to generate, based on the spatial coordinates to support the detection of the environment or to check a plausibility of environment detection. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, which is an ultrasonic measuring device contains the connected to the signal processing unit is, which is formed, in addition to the ultrasonic measuring device obtained signal sequences for environment detection and / or distance determination to process. Radar environment examiner after one of the preceding claims, which is designed depending on the detected environment in different Operating modes to work automatically depending on the detected environment to change the respective operating mode and thereby in one Operating mode the radar waves with different transmission energy, adapted to the respective environment, to send or in one Operating mode the radar waves, adapted to the respective environment, to bundle differently or in an operating mode the radar returns, adapted to the respective environment, from different receive large receive angular ranges. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar Environment Examiner, which contains the steps: 1) Scanning an environment by emitting radar beams, and 2) Receiving backscattered radar echoes, 3) Create from the radar echoes corresponding electrical signal sequences, 4) Examine the presence of similarity according to similarity criteria between the electrical signal sequence and stored signal sequence patterns, 5) at a similarity of the electrical signal sequences with a stored signal sequence pattern, outputting a Associated with signal sequence patterns, perceptible to a user, stored output signal. Method for environmental investigation with a portable radar environmental examination apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the additional steps: Determining a distance to a next object lying in the direction of a scanning direction and range of the radar environmental examination apparatus; varying the output signal corresponding to the determined distance. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, which additionally contains the steps: - on Entering a user Saving the current electrical Signal sequences as a new signal sequence pattern, and - Assign an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environmental examination apparatus according to claim 21, according to storing a new signal sequence pattern includes the steps of: - The Allow users to match the signal sequence pattern Select output signal, and - Assign the output signal to the new signal sequence pattern. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environmental examination apparatus according to claim 21, according to storing a new signal sequence pattern includes the steps of: - Take up a voice output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern the user Storing the voice output signal, and Associating the speech output signal with the new signal sequence pattern. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims that additionally contain the steps: 3a) Sending the electrical signal sequences to a remote data processing system, 4a) Receiving a signal corresponding to the electrical signal sequences Output signal from the data processing system. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims that additionally contain the steps: - on Entering a user with a user interface the current ones electrical signal sequences as a new signal sequence pattern to a remote Send data processing equipment, - Receive and save the new signal sequence pattern on the data processing system, and - Assign an output signal corresponding to the signal sequence pattern. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims in which the electrical signal sequences from the material or the size or the spatial location or depend on the speed of objects in the environment. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims in which the output signal is a sound of different Pitch or a sequence of tones in different Clock or stereo sounds of different volumes on a particular ear of the user or a vibration different Frequency or vibration of different amplitude is output. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims, with the additional steps: - Determine a direction in which a next object opposite the radar environment survey device located, based on the electrical signal sequences, - Vary the output signal corresponding to the particular direction, and - Output a stereo sound as an output signal whose volume on a particular ear of the user different with the particular one Direction varies or - Outputting two vibrations on vibration transmitters as an output signal, in different places attached to the user, with different frequency or different Amplitude on the respective vibration generator depending on specific Direction of the object. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims, with the additional steps: - Determine a size of one in the scanning direction and in Range of the Radar Environmental Examiner Article - Vary the output signal accordingly of the particular size, and - Output a tone of varying pitch or amplitude accordingly the particular size as an output signal. Method for environmental investigation with a portable radar environmental examination apparatus according to claim 20 with the additional step: Outputting a tone of varying pitch or amplitude corresponding to the determined distance. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims, with the additional steps: - Assign a material to the next object in the emission direction at a similarity of the signal sequence pattern of the electrical Signal sequences associated with a respective material, stored Signal sequence pattern, and - Issue one of the respective, detected material corresponding output signal. Environmental investigation method with a portable Radar environment examination apparatus according to one of the preceding Claims, with the additional steps: - To capture of spatial satellite coordinates - Output an output signal corresponding to the satellite coordinates or - Check the plausibility the environment recognition based on the satellite coordinates and the Environment associated satellite coordinates.