SE1530158A1 - Radar system and method - Google Patents

Radar system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
SE1530158A1
SE1530158A1 SE1530158A SE1530158A SE1530158A1 SE 1530158 A1 SE1530158 A1 SE 1530158A1 SE 1530158 A SE1530158 A SE 1530158A SE 1530158 A SE1530158 A SE 1530158A SE 1530158 A1 SE1530158 A1 SE 1530158A1
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SE
Sweden
Prior art keywords
radar
radar system
interest
region
signals
Prior art date
Application number
SE1530158A
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Swedish (sv)
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SE539893C2 (en
Inventor
Smith Jonforsen Gary
Pernstål Thomas
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Qamcom Tech Ab
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Publication date
Application filed by Qamcom Tech Ab filed Critical Qamcom Tech Ab
Priority to SE1530158A priority Critical patent/SE539893C2/en
Priority to PCT/SE2016/050984 priority patent/WO2017065678A1/en
Publication of SE1530158A1 publication Critical patent/SE1530158A1/en
Publication of SE539893C2 publication Critical patent/SE539893C2/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/003—Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L23/00—Control, warning, or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains
    • B61L23/007—Safety arrangements on railway crossings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L23/00—Control, warning, or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains
    • B61L23/04—Control, warning, or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
    • B61L23/041—Obstacle detection
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L29/00—Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B61—RAILWAYS
    • B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
    • B61L29/00—Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
    • B61L29/24—Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning
    • B61L29/28—Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
    • B61L29/30—Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/86—Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/86—Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
    • G01S13/862—Combination of radar systems with sonar systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/87—Combinations of radar systems, e.g. primary radar and secondary radar
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/91—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for traffic control
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4004—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system
    • G01S7/4039—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system of sensor or antenna obstruction, e.g. dirt- or ice-coating
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4052—Means for monitoring or calibrating by simulation of echoes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4052—Means for monitoring or calibrating by simulation of echoes
    • G01S7/4082—Means for monitoring or calibrating by simulation of echoes using externally generated reference signals, e.g. via remote reflector or transponder
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4052—Means for monitoring or calibrating by simulation of echoes
    • G01S7/4082—Means for monitoring or calibrating by simulation of echoes using externally generated reference signals, e.g. via remote reflector or transponder
    • G01S7/4091—Means for monitoring or calibrating by simulation of echoes using externally generated reference signals, e.g. via remote reflector or transponder during normal radar operation
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/3208—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used
    • H01Q1/3216—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used where the road or rail vehicle is only used as transportation means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/3208—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used
    • H01Q1/3225—Cooperation with the rails or the road
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/44—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas using equipment having another main function to serve additionally as an antenna, e.g. means for giving an antenna an aesthetic aspect
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q15/00—Devices for reflection, refraction, diffraction or polarisation of waves radiated from an antenna, e.g. quasi-optical devices
    • H01Q15/14—Reflecting surfaces; Equivalent structures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q19/00—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic
    • H01Q19/10—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces
    • H01Q19/106—Combinations of primary active antenna elements and units with secondary devices, e.g. with quasi-optical devices, for giving the antenna a desired directional characteristic using reflecting surfaces using two or more intersecting plane surfaces, e.g. corner reflector antennas
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/86—Combinations of radar systems with non-radar systems, e.g. sonar, direction finder
    • G01S13/867—Combination of radar systems with cameras
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9316—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles combined with communication equipment with other vehicles or with base stations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9328—Rail vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G01S2013/9329—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles cooperating with reflectors or transponders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/40—Means for monitoring or calibrating
    • G01S7/4004—Means for monitoring or calibrating of parts of a radar system
    • G01S7/4026—Antenna boresight
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
    • H01Q1/1242—Rigid masts specially adapted for supporting an aerial
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/267—Phased-array testing or checking devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
    • H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
    • H01Q3/40—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with phasing matrix

Abstract

A radar system for monitoring a region of interest (ROI) is provided. A signal processing arrangement of the radar system generates signals to drive an antenna arrangement of the radar system to emit electromagnetic radar radiation towards the ROI, and processes received signals resulting from reflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation from objects present in the ROI. The radar system is arranged such that at least one of the objects present in the ROI includes a planar radar radiation reflecting target. The signal processing arrangement is operable to determine a component of the received signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting target, and to monitor over a period of time changes in the component. Changes in the component greater than at least one threshold value are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system and/or a change in a status of the ROI that is potentially hazardous.FIG. 2 for the Abstract

Description

RADAR SYSTEM AND METHOD Technical Field The present disciosure relates to radar systems, for example a radar system that isoperable to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation at a frequency of substantially77 GHz for interrogating a spatial region. I\/|oreover, the present disciosure concernsmethods of operating aforesaid radar systems. Furthermore, the present disciosureis concerned with computer program products comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, thecomputer-readable instructions being executabie by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods.Background In overview, radar systems are well known in the art. Typically, a radar systemincludes an emitting arrangement for emitting electromagnetic radiation towards aregion of interest (ROI) and a receiving arrangement for receiving a portion of theemitted electromagnetic radiation that is reflected back from the region of interest(ROI).having polar characteristics having directions of greater gain, the radar system is On account of the emitting arrangement and/or the receiving arrangementcapable of mapping out the region of interest (ROI). I\/|oreover, time-of-flight andDoppler frequency shift information included in the portion of the emittedelectromagnetic radiation that is reflected back from the region of interest (ROI)enables one or more objects in the region of interest (ROI) to be monitored, forexample as in Doppler radar systems for selectively measuring speeds of road vehicles.
In a European patent application EP 2394882 A1, “Scanner with Secured Function”(inventor: Heinrich Laumen; applicant: Scheidt & Bachmann GmbH), there isdescribed a method for monitoring a functionality of a scanner system, for example,such as a radar scanner system and a laser scanner system, that is used for inspection of security-relevant areas, for example, such as level crossings. Gates are positioned in scanning regions at defined positions and detected by radarscanners. The method includes detecting and evaluating scanning signals of thescanning regions in a scanning process, wherein evaluation of the scanning processshows whether or not the gates are detected at the defined positions. Accordingly, the scanning regions are adjusted. ln a Japanese patent JP 2006007940 (A), “Ca/ibration Method of Radar Device,Radar Device, Monitoring System, and Program” (inventors: Satoshi lshii, YoshikazuDoi, Hiroyuki Hachitsuka, Tetsuo Seki, Masayoshi Moriya and Kazusuke Hamada;applicant: Fujitsu Ltd.), there is described a method for calibrating radar devices thatare used to monitor a railroad crossing, where a railroad and a road intersect. Wheninstalling the radar devices, the position of the railroad is recognized by actuallymeasuring a moving trajectory of trains traveling on the railroad using theradar devices. During calibration of a given radar device, a conversion matrix isgenerated to convert measurement data of an obstacle measured in a localcoordinate system of the given radar device into a traffic road coordinate system of aside of the railroad. The calibration is performed autonomously at individual radardevices without requiring placement of a target reflector for calibration in the railroadcrossing, and without increasing man-hours or time required in the calibration even if the number of installations of the radar devices is increased. ln a United States patent US 7, 969, 349 B2, “System and Method for SuppressingClose Clutter in a Radar System” (inventors: Timothy R. Holzheimer and Vernon R.Goodman; applicant: Raytheon Company, USA), there is described a system forprocessing electromagnetic waves in a radar system; the radar system is, forexample, mounted upon a road vehicle when in operation. The system includes atransmitter that is operable to transmit operating waves and calibration waves.Moreover, the system includes one or more receivers that are operable to receivereflected calibration waves and operating waves. Furthermore, the system includesa system controller that is operable to process the received calibration waves andoperating waves. Optionally, the system controller processes the received waves bygenerating a threshold signal based upon the calibration waves, and comparing thethreshold signal to the operating waves. Moreover, optionally, the system controlleralso processes the operating waves and the calibration waves in accordance with one or more signal Conditioning algorithms. Furthermore, optionally, the systemcontroller displays an image representing a target on a display by comparing the received operating waves with the generated threshold signal. ln a United States patent application US 2005/0128136 A1, “System and Method forRadar Detection and Ca/ibration” (inventors: Peter S. Wittenberg and John Hayn),there is described a system and method for radar detection and calibration. Bymeasuring a true range of a calibration target on entry to a radar system”s detectionzone, an actual detection capability of the radar system in given atmosphericconditions can be determined. The radar system is also described as being adaptedto determine a sensed position at a sensed time of a target in the radar system”sdetection zone. A calibration target, for example an unmanned air vehicle (UAV),includes a position device for determining an actual spatial position of the calibrationtarget. A calibration device communicates with the radar system and the calibrationThecalibration device calculates an error between the sensed position and the actual target and receives the sensed and actual positions of the calibration target. position and adjusts the radar system to reduce, for example to minimize, the error.The calibration target optionally includes a signal augmentation device to augment anassociated radar cross-section of the calibration target to replicate radar cross-sections of targets of various types. ln such a manner, a true detection range of theradar system is determined for various types of targets under the given currentatmospheric conditions.
A technical problem that is often faced in conventional radar systems is how to guarantee correct operation of a radar system in a safety-critical situation, where various factors can influence performance of the radar system. Examples of such factors include: (i) vandalism, for example rotating a radar antenna to face away from a region ofinterest (ROI); (ii) failure of radar parts, lack of calibration, and/or unexpected occluding objectsplaced near or over a radar antenna arrangement; (iii) changing environmental circumstances, for example long-term growth of vegetation (for example, trees), snow, and ice; (iv) system failure, for example, such as a railway barrier being downpermanently, and a vehicle immobilized across rails at level-crossing in darkconditions where street illumination has failed; and (v) spurious interference from other sources of radar radiation, for example fromvehicle-mounted automatic radar braking systems and vehicle-mountedautomatic radar steering systems.
Guaranteeing correct operation of a radar system in a safety-critical situation represents a technical problem that the present disclosure seeks to address.
Summary The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved radar system that is morereliable in its operation of monitoring a region of interest (ROI). l\/loreover, the present disclosure seeks to provide an improved method of monitoringa region of interest (ROI) in a more reliable manner.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a radar system for monitoring a region ofinterest (ROI), wherein the radar system includes an antenna arrangement foremitting and receiving electromagnetic radar radiation and a signal processingarrangement for generating signals to be emitted in operation as correspondingelectromagnetic radar radiation from the antenna arrangement to the region ofinterest (ROI) and also for processing received signals resulting from reflections ofthe electromagnetic radar radiation from one or more objects present in the region ofinterest (ROI), characterized in that: (i) the radar system is arranged such that at least one of the one or more objectspresent in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radar radiationreflecting target; and (ii) the signal processing arrangement is operable to determine a component ofthe received signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflectingtarget, and to monitor over a period of time changes in the component of thereceived signals, wherein changes in the component greater than at least one threshold value are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system and/or achange in a status of the region of interest (ROI) that is potentially hazardous.
The present invention is of advantage in that changes in the component of thereceived signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting target enablethe radar system to identify malfunction in its operation and/or potentially hazardous situations in a more reliable manner.
Optionally, in the radar system, the planar radar radiation reflecting target isimplemented as a sheet or mesh of a conducting material whose plane issubstantially orthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest(ROI). Optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target also serves to functionas an advertising or visual information bill board.
Optionally, in the radar system, the planar radar radiation reflecting target comprisesa calibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whose radar crosssection versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system. l\/lore optionally, thepolyhedral structure is trihedral.
Optionally, the radar system is operable to generate the electromagnetic radarradiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz. More optionally, the radarsystem is operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation in a frequencyrange of 15 GHz to 150 GHz. Yet more optionally, the radar system is operable togenerate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 77 GHz.Alternatively, optionally, the radar system is operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 24 GHz.
Optionally, the radar system is operable to compare other sensor signals against oneor more associated threshold values to determine whether or not a malfunction orhazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the other sensor signals with anindication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by the component of the received signals.
Optionally, the radar system is arranged such that cued search capabilities areemployed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
Optionally, in the radar system, the other sensor signals include at least one of:(a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI);(b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI); and/or (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI).
Optionally, the radar system is coupled via a data communication network to providewirelessly a warning of one or more potential obstacles at the region of interest (ROI)to trains approaching the region of interest (ROI), so as to enable the trains to takecollision-avoidance actions, wherein the region of interest (ROI) includes a railway level-crossing.
Optionally, in this regard, the collision-avoidance actions include at least one of:(i) applying brakes of a train approaching the railway level-crossing; (ii) stopping the train in advance of the railway level-crossing; and/or (iii) slowing down a velocity of the train.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of monitoring a region ofinterest (ROI) via a radar system, wherein the radar system includes an antennaarrangement for emitting and receiving electromagnetic radar radiation and a signalprocessing arrangement for generating signals to be emitted in operation ascorresponding electromagnetic radar radiation from the antenna arrangement to theregion of interest (ROI) and also for processing received signals resulting fromreflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation from one or more objects present inthe region of interest (ROI), characterized in that the method includes: (i) arranging the radar system such that at least one of the one or more objectspresent in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radar radiationreflecting target; and (ii) operating the signal processing arrangement to determine a component of thereceived signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting target,and to monitor over a period of time changes in the component of the received signals, wherein changes in the component greater than at least one thresholdvalue are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system and/or a change in a status of the region of interest (ROI) that is potentially hazardous.
Optionally, the method includes implementing the planar radar radiation reflectingtarget as a sheet or mesh of a conducting material whose plane is substantiallyorthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest (ROI).Optionally, the method includes arranging for the planar radar radiation reflectingtarget to serve to function as an advertising or visual information bill board.
Optionally, the method includes arranging for the planar radar radiation reflectingtarget to comprise a calibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whoseradar cross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system. l\/loreoptionally, the polyhedral structure is trihedral.
Optionally, the method includes operating the radar system to generate theelectromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz. Moreoptionally, the method includes operating the radar system to generate theelectromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 15 GHz to 150 GHz. Yetmore optionally, the method includes operating the radar system to generate theelectromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 77 GHz. Alternatively,optionally, the method includes operating the radar system to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 24 GHz.
Optionally, the method includes operating the radar system to compare other sensorsignals against one or more associated threshold values to determine whether or nota malfunction or hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the other sensor signalswith an indication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by thecomponent of the received signals.
Optionally, the method includes arranging the radar system such that cued search capabilities are employed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
Optionally, in the method, the other sensor signals include at least one of: (a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI);(b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI); and/or (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI).
Optionally, the method includes arranging for the radar system to be coupled via adata communication network to provide wirelessly a warning of one or more potentialobstacles at the region of interest (ROI) to trains approaching the region of interest(ROI), so as to enable the trains to take collision-avoidance actions, wherein the region of interest (ROI) includes a railway level-crossing.
Optionally, in this regard, the collision-avoidance actions include at least one of:(i) applying brakes of a train approaching the railway level-crossing; (ii) stopping the train in advance of the railway level-crossing; and/or (iii) slowing down a velocity of the train.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program productcomprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions beingexecutable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute amethod pursuant to the second aspect.
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at least partiallyaddress the aforementioned problems in the prior art, without complicating a radarsystem or adding significantly to its cost.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure wouldbe made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. lt will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to beingcombined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Description of the Diagrams Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example network environment that is suitablefor practicing embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example implementation of a radar system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FlGs. 3A and SB collectively are a schematic illustration of a radar system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. ln the accompanying diagrams, an underlined number is employed to represent anitem over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which theunderlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identifiedby a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
Description of Embodiments of the lnvention ln overview, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a radar system formonitoring a region of interest (ROI) in a more reliable manner, as compared toconventional radar systems. The radar system includes an antenna arrangement foremitting and receiving electromagnetic radar radiation, and a signal processingarrangement for generating signals to drive the antenna arrangement to emitcorresponding electromagnetic radar radiation to the region of interest (ROI) and alsofor processing received signals resulting from reflections of the electromagnetic radarradiation from one or more objects present in the region of interest (ROI). The radarsystem is arranged such that at least one of the one or more objects present in theregion of interest (ROI) includes a planar radar radiation reflecting target. The signalprocessing arrangement is operable to determine a component of the receivedsignals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting target, and to monitorover a period of time changes in the component of the received signals. Changes in _10- the component greater than at least one threshold value are indicative of amalfunction of the radar system and/or a change in a status of the region of interest(ROI) that is potentially hazardous. Thus, a technical field of use of the radar systemis for monitoring busy safety-critical regions, for example, such as railway level- crossings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example network environment 100 that issuitable for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure. The networkenvironment 100 includes at least one radar system, depicted as a radar system102a, a radar system 102b and a radar system 102c in FIG. 1 (hereinaftercollectively referred to as radar systems 102), a server arrangement 104, a database106 associated with the server arrangement 104, and a data communication network 108.
The network environment 100 can be implemented in various ways, depending onvarious possible scenarios. ln one implementation, the network environment 100 isimplemented by way of a spatially collocated arrangement of the server arrangement104 and the database 106. ln another implementation, the network environment 100is implemented by way of a spatially distributed arrangement of the serverarrangement 104 and the database 106 coupled mutually in communication via adata communication network, for example, such as the data communication network108. 106 are implemented via cloud-based computing services. ln yet another implementation, the server arrangement 104 and the database The data communication network 108 couples the radar systems 102 to the serverarrangement 104, and provides a communication medium between the radar systems 102 and the server arrangement 104 for exchanging data therebetween.
The data communication network 108 can be a collection of individual networks,interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network. Suchindividual networks may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. Examples ofsuch individual networks include, but are not limited to, Local Area Networks (LANs),Wide Area Networks (WANs), l\/letropolitan Area Networks (l\/lANs), Wireless LANs(WLANs), Wireless WANs (WWANs), Wireless l\/lANs (Wl\/lANs), the lnternet, second _11- generation (2G) telecommunication third (SG) telecommunication networks, fourth generation (4G) telecommunication networks, networks, generationsatellite-based telecommunication networks, and Worldwide Interoperability forI\/|icrowave Access (Wil\/IAX) networks.
The radar systems 102 are installed and arranged to monitor their respective regionsof interest (ROFs).
Optionally, when a given radar system 102 identifies a situation that is potentiallyhazardous, for example, such as a malfunction in its operation and/or a change in astatus of its region of interest (ROI) that is potentially hazardous, the given radarsystem 102 sends to the server arrangement 104 information pertaining to theidentified situation. Optionally, the server arrangement 104 then sends a notificationabout the identified situation to a concerned party.
Optionally, in this regard, the server arrangement 104 sends a notification to alertservice personnel to perform a required maintenance action. Optionally, themaintenance action includes at least one of: (i) resolving a malfunction in the operation of the given radar system 102; (ii) rotating an antenna arrangement of the given radar system 102 to facetowards its region of interest (ROI); (iii) removing occluding objects, for example, such as growing vegetation, snowand ice, placed near or over the given radar system 102 and/or itscorresponding planar radar radiation reflecting target present in the region ofinterest (ROI); (iv) replacing a part of the given radar system 102; and/or (v) replacing the given radar system 102.
Optionally, when the region of interest (ROI) includes a railway level-crossing, thegiven radar system 102 is coupled via the data communication network 108 toprovide wirelessly a warning of one or more potential obstacles at the railway level-crossing to trains approaching the railway level-crossing. This enables the trains totake collision-avoidance actions. _12- Optionally, in this regard, the collision-avoidance actions include at least one of:(i) applying brakes of a train approaching the railway level-crossing; (ii) stopping the train in advance of the railway level-crossing; and/or (iii) slowing down a velocity of the train.
Optionally, the given radar system 102 provides the warning of the one or morepotential obstacles at the railway level-crossing to the trains, via the serverarrangement 104.
Optionally, the given radar system 102 receives, from the server arrangement 104,train schedule information, for example including information pertaining to trainsapproaching its region of interest (ROI). Optionally, the given radar system 102 alsoreceives, from the server arrangement 104, software updates for updating a softwareproduct employed by a signal processing arrangement of the given radar system102.
FIG. 1 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claimsherein. lt is to be understood that the specific designation for the networkenvironment 100 is provided as an example and is not to be construed as limiting thenetwork environment 100 to specific numbers, types, or arrangements of radarsystems, server arrangements, databases, and data communication networks. Aperson skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example implementation of a radar system202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
With reference to FIG. 2, the radar system 202 is mounted on a pole, and is arrangedto monitor a region of interest (ROI) 204. The region of interest (ROI) 204 includes arailway level-crossing, where a road and a railway track intersect. ln operation, when an antenna arrangement of the radar system 202 emitselectromagnetic radar radiation towards the region of interest (ROI) 204, at least aportion of the electromagnetic radar radiation is reflected back to the antenna _13- arrangement from one or more objects present in the region of interest (ROI) 204.Subsequently, a signal processing arrangement of the radar system 202 processesreceived signals resulting from received reflections of the electromagnetic radarradiation.
The radar system 202 is arranged such that at least one of the one or more objectspresent in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radar radiation reflectingtarget, depicted as a planar radar radiation reflecting target 206 in FIG. 2.Correspondingly, the signal processing arrangement of the radar system 202 isoperable to determine a component of the received signals corresponding to theplanar radar radiation reflecting target 206, and to monitor over a period of timechanges in the component of the received signals. Changes in the componentgreater than at least one threshold value are indicative of a malfunction of the radarsystem 202 and/or a change in a status of the region of interest (ROI) 204 that is potentially hazardous. lt will be appreciated that, in correct operating conditions, the planar radar radiationreflecting target 206 reflects a portion of the electromagnetic radar radiation in apredictable manner.
The component of the received signals corresponding to the planar radar radiationreflecting target 206, namely signals corresponding to reflections from the planarradar radiation reflecting target 206, are distinguished from other components of thereceived signals, namely signals corresponding to reflections from the remainder ofthe region of interest (ROI), by using at least one of: (i) a signature encoded onto the electromagnetic radar radiation, and/or (ii) a steered sensing directionality, namely digital beamforming, of the radar system 202.
Optionally, the signature encoded onto the electromagnetic radar radiation is asequence of frequency shifts and/or amplitude shifts. Optionally, in this regard, thesignal processing arrangement of the radar system 202 is operable to correlate adelayed signature received at the antenna arrangement of the radar system 202 witha copy of the signature to measure a time-of-flight, namely a distance from the radar _14- system 202 to the railway level-crossing and to the planar radar radiation reflectingtarget 206. l\/loreover, optionally, the signal processing arrangement of the radar system 202 isoperable to render the radar system 202 less prone to interference from, for example,vehicle-mounted radar apparatus that may also be operating at radar radiationfrequencies similar to those of the radar system 202. Otherwise, such vehicle-mounted radar apparatus could result in false identification of obstacles, which couldresult in train delays and associated costs.
Furthermore, optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206 isimplemented as a sheet or mesh of a conducting material whose plane issubstantially orthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest (ROI) 204. l\/lore optionally, the conducting material is a metal.
Optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206 serves to function as anadvertising or visual information bill board. Additionally or alternatively, optionally,the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206 serves to function as a shield from snow deposition onto the railway level-crossing, for example in cold climates.
Optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206 comprises a calibratedradar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whose radar cross section versusangle of incidence is known to the radar system 202. l\/lore optionally, the polyhedralstructure is trihedral.
Optionally, the radar system 202 is operable to compare other sensor signals againstone or more associated threshold values to determine whether or not a malfunctionor hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the other sensor signals with anindication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by the componentof the received signals.
Optionally, in this regard, the other sensor signals include at least one of:(a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI) 204;(b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI) 204; and/or _15- (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI) 204.
Optionally, the other sensor signals are captured by sensors that are coupled to theradar system 202. Examples of the sensors include, but are not limited to, audio sensors, optical sensors and ultrasonic sensors.
Optionally, at least one of the sensors is included within the radar system 202.
Optionally, the aforementioned sensor fusion is performed by employing a Kalmanfilter or other suitable filters. l\/loreover, optionally, the radar system 202 is arranged such that cued searchcapabilities are employed in the radar system 202 using at least one of the othersensor signals. ln such a case, the radar system 202 is not operated continuously,and is operated only when required. As an example, an audio sensor can be used toswitch on/off the radar system 202 in order to relax computational demands and power consumption of the radar system 202. l\/loreover, optionally, when one or more potential obstacles are identified in theregion of interest (ROI) 204, the radar system 202 is used to switch “on” an opticalillumination of the railway level-crossing, which is otherwise switched “off” to conserve energy.
Furthermore, optionally, to verify whether or not the radar system 202 is facingtowards the region of interest (ROI) 204, a reflector is mounted on a railway crossingbarrier positioned at the railway level-crossing. When the railway crossing barrier islowered, the reflector reflects a portion of the electromagnetic radar radiation in a predictable manner. l\/loreover, when an obstacle, for example, such as a lorry stands adjacent to therailway crossing barrier, the signal processing arrangement of the radar system 202is operable to determine whether or not the obstacle is outside the railway level- crossing. _16- FIG. 2 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claimsherein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many Variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
FlGs. 3A and 3B collectively are a schematic illustration of a radar system 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The radar system 300 includes an antenna arrangement 302, an array of driver(H) 306, a signalarrangement (“digita/ signal processingï DSP) 308, and an array of receiver modules310. modules 304, high-speed heterodyne circuits processing Optionally, the antenna arrangement 302 is implemented by way of an antenna arrayarrangement that includes a plurality of antenna sub-elements 30.
The driver modules 304 are coupled to the individual antenna sub-elements 30 of theantenna arrangement 302 for driving the antenna sub-elements 30 to emitelectromagnetic radar radiation. The driver modules 304 allow for adjustment ofphase (6) and/or amplitude (G) of drive signals applied to the individual antenna sub- elements 30 to achieve a desired polar characteristic of emission.
The receiver modules 310 are coupled to the individual antenna sub-elements 30 ofthe antenna arrangement 302. The receiver modules 310 allow for adjustment ofphase (6) and/or amplitude (G) of signals received thereat from their respective antenna sub-elements 30 to achieve a desired polar characteristic of reception.
Optionally, phase (6) and/or amplitude (G) adjustments applied by the driver modules304 and/or the receiver modules 310 are controlled by the signal processingarrangement (“digita/ signal processingï DSP) 308.
Optionally, the signal processing arrangement (“digita/ signal processingfl DSP) 308is implemented using one or more reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors of a digital signal processing (DSP) apparatus. Optionally, the signal _17- processing arrangement (“digita/ signal processingï DSP) 308 includes computinghardware and is operable to execute one or more software products to control its operation. l\/loreover, the driver modules 304 and/or the receiver modules 310 are coup|ed viathe high-speed heterodyne circuits (H) 306, to shift their signals from a lower base-band frequency to a high operating radar frequency, and/or to shift their signals froma high operating radar frequency to a lower base-band frequency, respectively, sothat base-band signals can be handled via the signal processing arrangement(“digital signal processingï DSP) 308.
Optionally, the radar system 300 is operable to generate the electromagnetic radarradiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz. More optionally, the radarsystem 300 is operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation in afrequency range of 15 GHz to 150 GHz. Yet more optionally, the radar system 300 isoperable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency ofsubstantially 77 GHz. Alternatively, optionally, the radar system 300 is operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 24 GHz.
FlGs. 3A and SB are merely examples, which should not unduly limit the scope of theclaims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives,and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. l\/lodifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanyingclaims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consistingof”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to beconstrued in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components orelements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is alsoto be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in theaccompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims (23)

We claim:
1. A radar system for monitoring a region of interest, wherein the radar systemincludes an antenna arrangement for emitting and receiving electromagnetic radarradiation and a signal processing arrangement for generating signals to be emitted inoperation as corresponding electromagnetic radar radiation from the antennaarrangement to the region of interest and also for processing received signalsresulting from reflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation from one or more objects present in the region of interest, characterized in that: (i) the radar system is arranged such that at least one of the one or more objectspresent in the region of interest includes a planar radar radiation reflectingtarget; and (ii) the signal processing arrangement is operable to determine a component ofthe received signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflectingtarget, and to monitor over a period of time changes in the component of thereceived signals, wherein changes in the component greater than at least onethreshold value are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system and/or achange in a status of the region of interest that is potentially hazardous.
2. A radar system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the planar radarradiation reflecting target is implemented as a sheet or mesh of a conducting materialwhose plane is substantially orthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the regionof interest.
3. A radar system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the planar radarradiation reflecting target also serves to function as an advertising or visualinformation bill board.
4. A radar system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the planar radarradiation reflecting target comprises a calibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral _19- structure, whose radar cross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radarsystem.
5. A radar system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the polyhedral structure is trihedral.
6. A radar system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the radar system is operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz.
7. A radar system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the radar system is operable to compare other sensor signals against one ormore associated threshold values to determine whether or not a malfunction orhazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the other sensor signals with anindication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by the component of the received signals.
8. A radar system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the radar system is arranged such that cued search capabilities are employed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
9. A radar system as claimed in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the othersensor signals include at least one of: (a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest; (b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest; and/or (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest.
10. A radar system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the radar system is coupled via a data communication network to providewirelessly a warning of one or more potential obstacles at the region of interest totrains approaching the region of interest, so as to enable the trains to take collision- avoidance actions, wherein the region of interest includes a railway level-crossing. _20-
11. A radar system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the collision-avoidance actions include at least one of: (i) applying brakes of a train approaching the railway level-crossing; (ii) stopping the train in advance of the railway level-crossing; and/or (iii) slowing down a velocity of the train.
12. A method of monitoring a region of interest via a radar system, wherein theradar system includes an antenna arrangement for emitting and receivingelectromagnetic radar radiation and a signal processing arrangement for generatingsignals to be emitted in operation as corresponding electromagnetic radar radiationfrom the antenna arrangement to the region of interest and also for processingreceived signals resulting from reflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation fromone or more objects present in the region of interest, characterized in that the method includes: (i) arranging the radar system such that at least one of the one or more objectspresent in the region of interest includes a planar radar radiation reflectingtarget; and (ii) operating the signal processing arrangement to determine a component of thereceived signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting target,and to monitor over a period of time changes in the component of the receivedsignals, wherein changes in the component greater than at least one thresholdvalue are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system and/or a change in astatus of the region of interest that is potentially hazardous.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the method includesimplementing the planar radar radiation reflecting target as a sheet or mesh of aconducting material whose plane is substantially orthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the method includesarranging for the planar radar radiation reflecting target to serve to function as anadvertising or visual information bill board.
15. A method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the method includesarranging for the planar radar radiation reflecting target to comprise a calibratedradar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whose radar cross section versusangle of incidence is known to the radar system.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the polyhedral structureis trihedral.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that themethod includes operating the radar system to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that themethod includes operating the radar system to compare other sensor signals againstone or more associated threshold values to determine whether or not a malfunctionor hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the other sensor signals with anindication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by the component of the received signals.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that themethod includes arranging the radar system such that cued search capabilities are employed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the other sensorsignals include at least one of: (a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest; (b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest; and/or (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that themethod includes arranging for the radar system to be coupled via a datacommunication network to provide wirelessly a warning of one or more potential obstacles at the region of interest to trains approaching the region of interest, so as _22- to enable the trains to take collision-avoidance actions, wherein the region of interest includes a railway level-crossing.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the collision-avoidanceactions include at least one of: (i) applying brakes of a train approaching the railway level-crossing; (ii) stopping the train in advance of the railway level-crossing; and/or (iii) slowing down a velocity of the train.
23. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, thecomputer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized devicecomprising processing hardware to execute a method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 22.
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