초록 ▼

A radar system is described for use in vehicular applications. The radar system is particularly suited to backup warning systems and lane-change warning systems. The radar minimizes many of the problems found in the prior art by providing programmable delays and programmable gain. The radar uses a r

A radar system is described for use in vehicular applications. The radar system is particularly suited to backup warning systems and lane-change warning systems. The radar minimizes many of the problems found in the prior art by providing programmable delays and programmable gain. The radar uses a range search algorithm to detect and sort targets at various ranges within the field of view of the radar. Each target range corresponds to a particular delay and gain setting. The radar searches for targets at the various ranges by running a target search algorithm. For each target range, the search algorithm causes the proper time delay and gain setting. Targets within the selected range are detected and catalogued. Speed of the targets is obtained through Doppler processing. A display is used to warn the driver of the vehicle of the presence of targets at the various ranges. The warning may be visual and/or audible. When used in a lane-change system, issuance of an audible warning is based on the speed of the vehicle.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [3.]3. A radar sensor for tracking and discriminating one or more Doppler shifted targets in downrange distance, said radar sensor comprising:a radio frequency transmitter which transmits pulses of radio frequency energy;a radio frequency receiver which receives said pulses of

[ What is claimed is:] [3.]3. A radar sensor for tracking and discriminating one or more Doppler shifted targets in downrange distance, said radar sensor comprising:a radio frequency transmitter which transmits pulses of radio frequency energy;a radio frequency receiver which receives said pulses of radio frequency energy and converts said pulses of radio frequency energy into an intermediate frequency signal;a digital to analog converter which converts said intermediate frequency signal into a stream of digital samples in response to a programmable time delay; anda controller unit which programs said programmable time delay to detect targets with a field of view of said sensor at different downrange distances, said distances measured according to a trailing edge of said pulses of radio frequency energy.