SE539893C2 - Radar method and system for monitoring a region of interest - Google Patents

Radar method and system for monitoring a region of interest Download PDF

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Publication number
SE539893C2
SE539893C2 SE1530158A SE1530158A SE539893C2 SE 539893 C2 SE539893 C2 SE 539893C2 SE 1530158 A SE1530158 A SE 1530158A SE 1530158 A SE1530158 A SE 1530158A SE 539893 C2 SE539893 C2 SE 539893C2
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SE
Sweden
Prior art keywords
radar
interest
radar system
region
roi
Prior art date
Application number
SE1530158A
Other languages
Swedish (sv)
Other versions
SE1530158A1 (en
Inventor
Smith Jonforsen Gary
Pernstål Thomas
Original Assignee
Qamcom Tech Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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 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 trains
    • B61L23/04—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or 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

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

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.

Description

RADAR METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORI NG A REGION OFINTEREST Technical Field The present disclosure relates to radar systems, for example a radar systemthat is operable to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation at a frequencyof substantially 77 GHz for interrogating a spatial region. l\/loreover, thepresent disclosure concerns methods of operating aforesaid radar systems.Furthermore, the present disclosure is concerned with computer programproducts comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving com puter-readable instructions stored thereon, the com puter-readableinstructions being executable by a Computerized device com prising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods.
Background ln overview, radar systems are well known in the art. Typically, a radar systemincludes an emitting arrangem ent for emitting electromagnetic radiationtowards a region of interest (ROI) and a receiving arrangement for receivinga portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation that is reflected back fromthe region of interest (ROI). On account of the emitting arrangement and/orthe receiving arrangement having polar characteristics having directions ofgreater gain, the radar system is capable of mapping out the region of interest(ROI). included in the portion of the emitted electromagnetic radiation that is Moreover, time-of-flight and Doppler frequency shift information reflected back from the region of interest (ROI) enables one or more objects in the region of interest (ROI) to be monitored, for example as in Doppler radar systems for selectively measuring speeds of road vehicles. ln a European patent application EP 2394882 A1, “Scanner with Secured Function" (inventor: Heinrich Laumen; applicant: Scheidt & BachmannGmbH), there is described a method for monitoring a functionality of a scannersystem, for example, such as a radar scanner system and a laser scannersystem, that is used for inspection of security-relevant areas, for example,such as level crossings. Gates are positioned in scanning regions at definedpositions and detected by radar scanners. The method includes detecting andevaluating scanning signals of the scanning regions in a scanning process,where in evaluation of the scanning process, shows whether or not the gatesare detected at the defined positions. Accordingly, the scanning regions are adjusted. ln a Japanese patent JP 2006007940 (A), “Calibration l\/lethod of Radar Device,Radar Device, Monitoring System, and Program" (inventors: Satoshi lshii,Yoshikazu Doi, Hiroyuki Hachitsuka, Tetsuo Seki, l\/lasayoshi l\/loriya andKazusuke Hamada; applicant: Fujitsu Ltd.), there is described a method forcalibrating radar devices that are used to monitor a railroad crossing, wherea railroad and a road intersect. When installing the radar devices, the positionof the railroad is recognized by actually measuring a moving trajectory oftrains traveling on the railroad using the radar devices. During calibration ofa given radar device, a conversion matrix is generated to convertmeasurement data of an obstacle measured in a local coordinate system ofthe given radar device into a traffic road coordinate system of a side of therailroad. The calibration is performed autonomously at individual radar devices without requiring placement of a target reflector for calibration in the rail road crossing, 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 l\/lethod for Suppressing Close Clutter in a Radar System"(inventors: Timothy R.Holzheimer and Vernon R. Goodman; applicant: Raytheon Company, USA),there is described a system for processing electromagnetic waves in a radarsystem; the radar system is, for example, mounted upon a road vehicle whenin operation. The system includes a transmitter that is operable to transmitoperating waves and calibration waves. l\/loreover, the system includes one ormore receivers that are operable to receive reflected calibration waves andoperating waves. Furthermore, the system includes a system controller thatis operable to process the received calibration waves and operating waves.Optionally, the system controller processes the received waves by generatinga threshold signal based upon the calibration waves, and comparing thethreshold signal to the operating waves. Moreover, optionally, the systemcontroller also processes the operating waves and the calibration waves inaccordance with one or more signal conditioning algorithms. Furthermore,optionally, the system controller displays an image representing a target on adisplay by comparing the received operating waves with the generated threshold signal. ln a United States patent application US 2005/0128136 A1, “System andl\/lethod for Radar Detection and Calibration” (inventors: Peter S. Wittenbergand .John Hayn), there is described a system and method for radar detectionand calibration. By measuring a true range of a calibration target on entry toa radar system”s detection zone, an actual detection capability of the radarsystem in given atmospheric conditions can be determined. The radar systemis also described as being adapted to determine a sensed position at a sensed time of a target in the radar system's detection zone. A calibration target, for example an unmanned air vehicle (UAV), includes a position device fordetermining an actual spatial position of the calibration target. A calibrationdevice communicates with the radar system and the calibration target andreceives the sensed and actual positions of the calibration target. Thecalibration device calculates an error between the sensed position and theactual position and adjusts the radar system to reduce, for example tominimize, the error. The calibration target optionally includes a signalaugmentation device to augment an associated radar cross-section of thecalibration target to replicate radar cross-sections of targets of various types.ln such a manner, a true detection range of the radar system is determined for various types of targets under the given current atmospheric conditions. ln a European patent application EP 2722250 A1, “System and method forobject detection” (inventors: Alessandro Agostini, Andrea Ricci and Marco Tili),there is described a system and a method for detecting an object at a railwaycrossing. The system com prises radar transmitters for scanning a surveillancezone, a passive target to determine alignment of a scanning zone of eachradar transmitter, and a control unit to evaluate the energy signals receivedby the radar receivers. l\/loreover, the method comprises activating the radartransmitters, determining alignment of the scanning zone of each radartransmitter with a passive target and scanning a surveillance zone for an object upon positive determination of alignment. ln a United States patent application US 2012/0001767 A1, “Warning horncontrol system, radar system, and method” (inventors: Forrest H. Ballinger),there is described a radar system. The radar system includes an emittersystem and a reflection target placed opposite to the emitter system to definean area of interest. The radar system also includes a controller configured to identify a reflection from the reflection target, and to stop sending a radar check signal if the reflection is not identified. The radar system may be a partof a warning horn control system, where the radar check signal is used as a control input for activating a warning horn. ln a United States patent application US 2006/0028356 A1, “Microwavedetection system and method for detecting intrusion to an off-/imits zone”(inventors: l\/loreno Pieralli), there is described a system and method forautomatically detecting intrusion in an off-limits zone. The system includes atransmitter transmitting a signal along a path likely to encounter an intruder,and a modulating reflector for receiving the transmitted signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. ln a German patent application DE 29623877 U1, “Risk space monitoring"(applicant: Honeywell AG), there is described an arrangement for monitoringan area of danger including a rotating radar range sensor for horizontalscanning at edge of the area of danger, reference markers on boundary of thearea of danger, and a computer connected to the rotating radar range sensor.The computer contains data based on distance and angle of the reference markers, and sector wise reference data of scanned area. ln a United States patent application US 2007/0040070 A1, “Rai/road crossingsurvei//ance and detection system” (inventors: Bob Stevenson, Paul Calixto),there is described a railroad remote monitoring and detection systememploying cameras, that may or may not be remotely positionable andrepositionable, and other motion and presence detection devices such asmillimeter wave radar and/or passive infrared and or ultrasound detectors.The system uses multiple sensor devices to reduce an occurrence of falsealarms. The system to detect employs software and logic circuits predetermined alarm conditions and then send a signal to a local or central command center and trains on the route. The system includes wirelessreceivers onboard the train that scan for monitor information one or moremonitor stations in advance of the trains progress to give the train engineer/ driver advanced warning of hazardous conditions on the trains route.
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 aregion of interest (FtO|); (ii) failure of radar parts, lack of calibration, and/or unexpected occludingobjects placed near or over a radar antenna arrangem ent; (iii) changing environmental circumstances, for example long-term growth of vegetation (for example, trees), snow, and ice; system failure, for example, such as a railway barrier being down permanently, and a vehicle immobilized across rails at level-crossing in dark conditions where street illumination has failed; and (v) spurious interference from other sources of radar radiation, for examplefrom vehicle-mounted automatic radar braking systems and vehicle-mounted automatic 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.
SummaryThe present disclosure seeks to provide an improved radar system that is more reliable in its operation of monitoring a region of interest (ROI). l\/loreover, the present disclosure seeks to provide an improved method of monitoring a region of interest (ROI) in a more reliable manner.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a radar system for monitoring aregion of interest (ROI), wherein the radar system includes an antennaarrangem ent for emitting and receiving electromagnetic radar radiation and asignal processing arrangement for generating signals to be emitted inoperation as corresponding electromagnetic radar radiation from the antennaarrangement to the region of interest (ROI) and also for processing receivedsignals resulting from reflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation fromone or more objects present in the region of interest (ROI), characterized in that: (i) the radar system is arranged such that at least one of the one or moreobjects present in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radarradiation reflecting target; (ii) the signal processing arrangement is operable to determine acomponent of the received signals corresponding to the planar radarradiation reflecting target, and to monitor over a period of time changesin the component of the received signals, wherein changes in thecomponent greater than at least one threshold value are indicative of amalfunction of the radar system and/or a change in a status of theregion of interest (ROI) that is potentially hazardous; (iii) the radar system is operable to compare other sensor signals againstone or more associated threshold values to determine whether or not amalfunction or hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the othersensor signals with an indication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by the component of the received signals; and (iv) the radar system is arranged such that cued search capabilities are em ployed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
The present invention is of advantage in that changes in the component of thereceived signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting targetenable the 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 ofinterest (ROI). Optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target also serves to function as an advertising or visual information bill board.
Optionally, in the radar system, the planar radar radiation reflecting targetcom prises a calibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whoseradar cross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system. l\/lore optionally, the polyhedral structure is trihedral.
Optionally, the radar system is operable to generate the electromagnetic radarradiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz. l\/lore optionally, theradar system is operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation in afrequency range of 15 GHz to 150 GHz. Yet more optionally, the radar systemis operable to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency ofsubstantially 77 GHz. Alternatively, optionally, the radar system is operableto generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 24 GHz.
Optionally, in the radar system, the other sensor signals include at least oneof: (a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROl); (b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROl); 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 toprovide wirelessly a warning of one or more potential obstacles at the regionof interest (ROI) to trains approaching the region of interest (ROI), so as toenable 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 oneof: (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 aregion of interest (ROI) via a radar system, wherein the radar system includesan antenna arrangement for emitting and receiving electromagnetic radarradiation and a signal processing arrangement for generating signals to beemitted in operation as corresponding electromagnetic radar radiation fromthe antenna arrangement to the region of interest (ROI) and also forprocessing received signals resulting from reflections of the electromagneticradar radiation from one or more objects present in the region of interest (ROI), characterized in that the method includes: (m) arranging the radar system such that at least one of the one or moreobjects present in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radarradiation refiecting target; operating the signal processing arrangement to determine a componentof the received signals corresponding to the planar radar radiationrefiecting target, and to monitor over a period of time changes in thecomponent of the received signals, wherein changes in the componentgreater than at least one threshold value are indicative of a malfunctionof the radar system and/or a change in a status of the region of interest(ROI) that is potentially hazardous; operating the radar system to compare other sensor signals against oneor more associated threshold values to determine whether or not amalfunction or hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the othersensor signals with an indication of the malfunction or hazardoussituation as generated by the component of the received signals; andarranging the radar system such that cued search capabilities are em ployed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
Optionally, the method includes implementing the planar radar radiation refiecting target as a sheet or mesh of a conducting material whose plane is substantially orthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest (ROI). Optionally, the method includes arranging for the planar radar radiation refiecting target to serve to function as an advertising or visual information bill board.
Optionally, the method includes arranging for the planar radar radiation refiecting target to com prise a calibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whose radar cross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system. l\/lore optionally, the polyhedral structure is trihedral. 11 Optionally, the method includes operating the radar system to generate theelectromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz.l\/lore optionally, the method includes operating the radar system to generatethe electromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 15 GHz to 150Gl-Iz. Yet more optionally, the method includes operating the radar system togenerate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially77 GHz. Alternatively, optionally, the method includes operating the radarsystem to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency ofsubstantially 24 GHz.
Optionally, in the method, the other sensor signals include at least one of:(a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROl);(b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROl); 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 coupledvia a data communication network to provide wirelessly a warning of one ormore potential obstacles at the region of interest (ROI) to trains approachingthe 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 oneof: (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 According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer program productcomprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium havingcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readableinstructions being executable by a com puterized device com prising processing hardware to execute a method pursuant to the second aspect.
Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate or at leastpartially address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, without com plicating a radar system or adding significantly to its cost.
Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosurewould be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description ofthe illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow. lt will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptibleto being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claim s.
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 issuitable for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example implementation of a radarsystem, in accordance with an em bodiment of the present disclosure; and 13 FlGs. 3A and SB collectively are a schematic illustration of a radar system, in accordance with an em bodim ent of the present disciosure. ln the accompanying diagrams, an underiined number is employed torepresent an item over which the underiined number is positioned or an itemto which the underiined number is adjacent. A non-underiined number relatesto an item identified by a line linking the non-underiined number to the item.When a number is non-underiined and accompanied by an associated arrow,the non-underiined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
Description of Em bodiments of the lnvention ln overview, em bodiments of the present disciosure provide a radar systemfor monitoring a region of interest (ROI) in a more reliable manner, ascompared to conventional radar systems. The radar system includes anantenna arrangement for emitting and receiving electromagnetic radarradiation, and a signal processing arrangem ent for generating signals to drivethe antenna arrangement to emit corresponding electromagnetic radarradiation to the region of interest (ROI) and also for processing receivedsignals resulting from reflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation fromone or more objects present in the region of interest (ROI). The radar systemis 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 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 ofthe received signals. Changes in the component greater than at least one threshold value are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system and/or a 14 change in a status of the region of interest (ROI) that is potentiallyhazardous. Thus, a technical field of use of the radar system is formonitoring busy safety-critical regions, for example, such as railway level- crossings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example network environment 100that is suitable for practicing embodiments of the present disclosure. Thenetwork environment 100 includes at least one radar system, depicted asa radar system102a, a radar system 102b and a radar system 102c in FIG.1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as radar systems 102), a serverarrangement 104, a database 106 associated with the server arrangement104, and a data communication network 108.
The network environment 100 can be implemented in various ways, depending on various possible scenarios. ln one implementation, thenetwork environment 100 is implemented by way of a spatially collocatedarrangement of the server arrangement 104 and the database 106. lnanother implementation, the network environment 100 is implemented byway of a spatially distributed arrangement of the server arrangement 104and the database 106 coupled mutually in communication via a datacommunication network, for example, such as the data communicationnetwork 108. ln yet another implementation, the server arrangement 104and the database106 are implemented via cloud-based computing services.The data communication network 108 couples the radar systems 102 tothe server arrangement 104, and provides a communication mediumbetween the radar systems 102 and the server arrangement 104 for exchanging data therebetween.
The data communication network 108 can be a collection of individualnetworks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single largenetwork. Such individual networks may be wired, wireless, or a combinationthereof. Examples of such individual networks include, but are not limitedto, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), MetropolitanArea Networks (MANs), Wireless LANs (WLANs), Wireless WANs (WWANs),l\/lANs (Wl\/lANs), the (2G) telecom m unication networks, telecom m unication Wireless Internet, second generation(BG) telecom m unication networks, satellite- third generationnetworks, fourth generation (4G)based telecommunication networks, and Worldwide lnteroperability for l\/licrowave Access (Wil\/IAX) networks.
The radar systems 102 are installed and arranged to monitor their respective regions of interest (ROFs).
Optionally, when a given radar system 102 identifies a situation that ispotentially hazardous, for example, such as a malfunction in its operationand/or a change in a status of its region of interest (ROI) that is potentiallyhazardous, the given radar system 102 sends to the server arrangem ent 104information pertaining to the identified situation. Optionally, the serverarrangement 104 then sends a notification about the identified situation to a concerned party.
Optionally, in this regard, the server arrangement 104 sends a notificationto alert service personnel to perform a required maintenance action.
Optionally, the maintenance action includes at least one of: (i) resolving a malfunction in the operation of the given radar system 102; 16 (ii) rotating an antenna arrangem ent of the given radar system 102 to facetowards its region of interest (ROI); (iii) removing occluding objects, for example, such as growing vegetation,snow and ice, placed near or over the given radar system 102 and/orits corresponding planar radar radiation reflecting target present in theregion of interest (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, the given radar system 102 is coupled via the data communicationnetwork 108 to provide wirelessly a warning of one or more potentialobstacles at the railway level-crossing to trains approaching the railway level-crossing. This enables the trains to take collision-avoidance actions.
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) topping 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 oneor more potential obstacles at the railway level-crossing to the trains, via the server arrangement 104.
Optionally, the given radar 102 receives, from the server 104, information pertaining to trains approaching its region of interest (ROI). system arrangement train schedule information, for example including 17 Optionally, the given radar system 102 also receives, from the server arrangement 104, software updates for updating a software productemployed by a signal processing arrangement of the given radar system 102.
FIG. 1 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope ofthe ciaims herein. lt is to be understood that the specific designation for thenetwork environment 100 is provided as an example and is not to beconstrued as limiting the network environment100 to specific numbers,types, or arrangements of radar systems, server arrangements, databases,and data communication networks. A person skilled in the art will recognizemany variations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example implementation of a radarsystem 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.With reference to FIG. 2, the radar system 202 is mounted on a pole, and isarranged to monitor a region of interest (ROI) 204. The region of interest(ROI) 204 includes a railway 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 a portion of the electromagnetic radar radiation is reflected back tothe antenna arrangement from one or more objects present in the regionof interest (ROI) 204. Subsequently, a signal processing arrangement ofthe radar system 202 processes received signals resulting from received reflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation. 18 The radar system 202 is arranged such that at least one of the one or moreobjects present in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radarradiation reflecting target, depicted as a planar radar radiation reflectingtarget 206 in FIG. 2. Correspondingly, the signal processing arrangement ofthe radar system 202 is operable to determine a component of the receivedsignals correspondingtothe planar radar radiation reflecting target 206,and to monitor over a period oftime changes in the component of thereceived signals. Changes in the component greater than at least onethreshold value are indicative of a malfunction of the radar system 202and/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 radarradiation reflecting target 206 reflects a portion of the electromagnetic radar radiation in a predictable manner.
The component of the received signals corresponding to the planar radarradiation reflecting target 206, namely signals corresponding to reflectionsfrom the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206, are distinguished fromother components of the received signals, namely signals corresponding toreflections from the remainder of the 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 beam forming, of the radar system 202.
Optionally, the signature encoded onto the electromagnetic radar radiation is a sequence of frequency shifts and/or amplitude shifts. Optionally, in this 19 regard, the signal processing arrangement of the radar system 202 is operable to correlate a delayed signature received at the antennaarrangem ent of the radar system 202 with a copy of the signature to measurea time-of-flight, namely a distance from the radar system 202 to the railway level-crossing and to the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206. l\/loreover, optionally, the signal processing arrangement of the radar system202 is operable to render the radar system 202 less prone to interferencefrom, for example, vehicle-mounted radar apparatus that may also beoperating at radar radiation frequencies similar to those of the radar system202. Otherwise, such vehicle-mounted radar apparatus could result in falseidentification of obstacles, which could result in train delays and associated COSÉS.
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 ofinterest (ROI) 204. l\/lore optionally, the conducting material is a metal.
Optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206 serves tofunction as an advertising or visual information bill board. Additionally oralternatively, optionally, the planar radar radiation reflecting target 206serves 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 acalibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whose radarcross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system 202.
More optionally, the polyhedral structure is trihedral.
Optionally, the radar system 202 is operable to compare other sensor signalsagainst one or more associated threshold values to determine whether ornot a malfunction or hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the othersensor signals with an indication of the malfunction or hazardous situation as generated by the component of 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 (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI)204.
Optionally, the other sensor signals are captured by sensors that are coupledto the radar 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 aKalman filter or other suitable filters. l\/loreover, the radar system 202 is arranged such that cued searchcapabilities are employed in the radar system 202 using at least one ofthe other sensor signals. ln such a case, the radar system 202 is notoperated continuously, and is operated only when required. As an example, an audio sensor can be used to switch on/off the radar system 202 in order 21 to relax com putational demands and power consumption of the radar system202. l\/loreover, optionally, when one or more potential obstac|es are identifiedin the region of interest (ROI) 204, the radar system 202 is used to switch“on” an optical illumination of the railway level-crossing, which is otherwiseswitched ”off” to conserve energy. Furthermore, optionally, to verify whether or not the radar system 202 is facing towards the region ofinterest (ROI) 204, a reflector is mounted on a railway crossing barrierpositioned at the railway level-crossing. When the railway crossing barrieris lowered, the reflector reflects a portion of the electromagnetic radarradiation in a predictable manner. lVloreover, when an obstacle, forexample, such as a lorry stands adjacent to the railway crossing barrier,the signal processing arrangement of the radar system 202 is operable to determine whether or not the obstacle is outside the railway level-crossing.
FIG. 2 is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope ofthe claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of em bodiments of the present disclosure.
FIGs. 3A and 3B collectively are a schematic illustration of a radar system 300, in accordance with an em bodiment of the present disclosure.
The radar system 300 includes an antenna arrangement 302, an arrayof driver modules 304, high-speed heterodyne circuits (H) 306, a signalprocessing arrangem ent (“digitalsignalprocessing”, DSP) 308, and an array of receiver modules 310. 22 Optionally, the antenna arrangement 302 is implemented by way of anantenna array arrangem ent that includes a plurality of antenna sub-elements30.
The driver modules 304 are coupled to the individual antenna sub-elements30 of the antenna arrangement 302 for driving the antenna sub-elements 30to emit electromagnetic radar radiation. The driver modules 304 allow foradjustment of phase (6) and/or amplitude (G) of drive signals applied to theindividual 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 of the antenna arrangement 302. The receiver modules 310allow for adjustment of phase (9) and/or amplitude (G) of signals receivedthereat from their respective antenna sub-elements 30 to achieve a desired polar characteristic of reception.
Optionally, phase (9) and/or amplitude (G) adjustments applied by the drivermodules 304 and/or the receiver modules 310 are controlled by the signal processing arrangement (“digita/ signa/processing", DSP) 308.
Optionally, the signal processing arrangement (“digital signa/ processing",DSP) 308 is implemented using one or more reduced instruction set computer(RISC) (DSP) Optionally, the signal processing arrangement (“digital signal processingfi processors of a digital signal processing apparatus.
DSP) 308 includes computing hardware and is operable to execute one or more software products to control its operation. 23 l\/loreover, the driver modules 304 and/or the receiver modules 310 arecoupled viathe high-speed heterodyne circuits (P0 306, to shift their signalsfrom a lower base- band frequency to a high operating radar frequency,and/or to shift their signals from a high operating radar frequency to alower base-band frequency, respectively, so that base-band signals can behandled via the signal processing arrangement (“digital signa/ processing",DSP) 308.
Optionally, the radar system 300 is operable to generate theelectromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200GHz. electromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 15 GHz to 150 GHz. l\/lore optionally, the radar system 300 is operable to generate theYet more optionally, the radar system 300 is operable to generate theelectromagnetic radar radiation at a frequency of substantially 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 thescope of the claims herein. A person skilled in the art will recognize manyvariations, alternatives, and modifications of embodiments of the present disclosure. l\/lodifications to em bodim ents of the invention described in the foregoing arepossible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined bythe accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including", “comprising",“incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim thepresent invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner,namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate 24 to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanyingclaims 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 (19)

Claims We claim:
1. A radar system for monitoring a region of interest (ROI), wherein theradar system includes an antenna arrangement for emitting and receivingelectromagnetic radar radiation and a signal processing arrangement forgenerating signals to be emitted in operation as correspondingelectromagnetic radar radiation from the antenna arrangement to the regionof interest (ROI) and also for processing received signals resulting fromreflections of the electromagnetic radar radiation from one or more objects present in the region of interest (ROI), characterized in that: (i) the radar system is arranged such that at least one of the one or moreobjects present in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radarradiation reflecting target; (ii) the signal processing arrangement is operable to determine acomponent of the received signals corresponding to the planar radarradiation reflecting target, and to monitor over a period of time changesin the component of the received signals, wherein changes in thecomponent greater than at least one threshold value are indicative of amalfunction of the radar system and/or a change in a status of theregion of interest (ROI) that is potentially hazardous; (iii) the radar system is operable to compare other sensor signals against one or more associated threshold values to determine whether or not a malfunction or hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the other sensor signals with an indication of the malfunction or hazardoussituation as generated by the component of the received signals; and (iv) the radar system is arranged such that cued search capabilities are em ployed in the radar system using other sensor signals. 26
2. A radar system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the planarradar radiation refiecting target is implemented as a sheet or mesh of aoonducting material whose plane is substantiaiiy orthogonai in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest.
3. A radar system as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the planarradar radiation refiecting target also serves to function as an advertising or visual information bill board.
4. A radar system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the planarradar radiation refiecting target com prises a calibrated radar corner reflectorof a polyhedral structure, whose radar cross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system.
5. A radar system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that thepolyhedral structure is trihedral.
6. A radar system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in 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 claim 1, 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. 27
8. A radar system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the radar system is coupled via a data communicationnetwork to provide wirelessly a warning of one or more potential obstacles atthe 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.
9. A radar system as claimed in claim 8, 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.
10. A method of monitoring a region of interest via a radar system, whereinthe radar system includes an antenna arrangem ent for emitting and receivingelectromagnetic radar radiation and a signal processing arrangement forgenerating signals to be emitted in operation as correspondingelectromagnetic radar radiation from the antenna arrangement to the regionof interest and also for processing received signals resulting from reflectionsof the electromagnetic radar radiation from one 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 moreobjects present in the region of interest (ROI) includes a planar radarradiation reflecting target; (ii) operating the signal processing arrangement to determine a componentof the received signals corresponding to the planar radar radiation reflecting target, and to monitor over a period of time changes in the 28 component of the received signals, wherein changes in the componentgreater than at least one threshold value are indicative of a malfunctionof the radar system and/or a change in a status of the region of interest(ROI) that is potentially hazardous; (iii) operating the radar system to compare other sensor signals against oneor more associated threshold values to determine whether or not amalfunction or hazardous situation has arisen, and to fuse the othersensor signals with an indication of the malfunction or hazardoussituation as generated by the component of the received signals; and (iv) arranging the radar system such that cued search capabilities are employed in the radar system using other sensor signals.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the methodincludes implementing the planar radar radiation reflecting target as a sheetor mesh of a conducting material whose plane is substantially orthogonal in operation to a ground surface in the region of interest.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the methodincludes arranging for the planar radar radiation reflecting target to serve to function as an advertising or visual information bill board.
13. A method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the methodincludes arranging for the planar radar radiation reflecting target to com prisea calibrated radar corner reflector of a polyhedral structure, whose radar cross section versus angle of incidence is known to the radar system.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the polyhedral structure is trihedral. 29
15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the method includes Operating the radar system to generate the electromagnetic radar radiation in a frequency range of 10 GHz to 200 GHz.
16. A method as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the other sensorsignals include at least one of: (a) audio signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROl); (b) optical signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROl); and/or (c) ultrasonic signals captured in respect of the region of interest (ROI).
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in thatthe method includes arranging for the radar system to be coupled via a datacommunication network to provide wirelessly a warning of one or morepotential obstacles at the region of interest (ROI) to trains approaching theregion 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.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, 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.
19. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions storedthereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by acom puterized device comprising processing hardware to execute a method as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18.
SE1530158A 2015-10-13 2015-10-13 Radar method and system for monitoring a region of interest SE539893C2 (en)

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