Angular resolution antenna system

• US 7,268,722 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2003
• Issued: 09/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Gottwald, Frank, Schlick, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Sotomayor; John B
• Application Number:
  US10/527,150
• Publication Number:
  US 20060164294A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,420 Days
• Field of Search: 342 70- 72, 342/79, 342/127, 342133-135, 342/139, 342/146, 342/147, 342/154, 342/155, 342/157, 342/158
• US Class Current: 342/70
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/426 Scanning radar, e.g. 3D radar G01S13/66 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/4445 amplitude comparisons monopulse, i.e. comparing the echo signals received by an antenna arrangement with overlapping squinted beams
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/878 Combination of several spaced transmitters or receivers of known location for determining the position of a transponder or a reflector G01S13/874 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/0254 Active array antenna
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9321 Velocity regulation, e.g. cruise control
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93271 in the front of the vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 25/00 Antennas or antenna systems providing at least two radiating patterns arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern H01Q3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/247 by switching different parts of a primary active element
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/2694 using also variable phase-shifters H01Q3/2688 takes precedence

Abstract

For an angle-resolving antenna system, only two radar sensors are provided including separate transmitting and receiving antennas. The receiving antennas of the two radar sensors are switchable with reference to their main beam direction as well as to their beam width.

Claims

1. An angle-resolving antenna system for pulse radar applications in automotive technology, comprising:

two radar sensors for determination of distance information and angular deviation, each of the two radar sensors including a separate transmitting antenna and receiving antenna;

an evaluation unit for obtaining the angular deviation from receiving signals of the two radar sensors in unlike switching states; and

at least one column of antenna exciters that is capable of being switched on and off for switching the beam width;

wherein receiving antennas of the two radar sensors are configured to be switchable with regard to main beam direction and beam width.

2. The angle-resolving antenna system of claim 1, wherein a phase control of at least two columns of antenna exciters for switching the main beam direction.

3. The angle-resolving antenna system of claim 1, wherein the receiving antennas of the two radar sensors with a narrow beam width with reference to the main beam direction are directed outward away from a midperpendicular of the two radar sensors in order to obtain precise detection at edges of a vehicle path in at least one a forward direction and a reverse direction.

4. The angle-resolving antenna system of claim 1, wherein the receiving antennas of the two radar sensors with a narrow beam width with reference to the main beam direction are inclined toward a midperpendicular of the two radar sensors in order to obtain an increased range in a driving direction.

5. An angle-resolving antenna system for pulse radar applications in automotive technology, comprising:

two radar sensors for determination of distance information and angular deviation, each of the two radar sensors including a separate transmitting antenna and receiving antenna;

an evaluation unit for obtaining the angular deviation from receiving signals of the two radar sensors in unlike switching states; and

plurality of receiving antenna exciters columns that are combined into one antenna array in order to achieve beam shaping in an azimuth direction;

wherein receiving antennas of the two radar sensors are configured to be switchable with regard to main beam direction and beam width.