JP2015190809A - Radar apparatus and radar method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radar device capable of improving efficiency.SOLUTION: A radar device includes an antenna unit in which a primary radiator of a lens antenna or a reflector antenna and a print antenna are mounted on the same substrate.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radar apparatus and a radar method.

  In recent years, with the diversification of safety device functions of automobiles, sensor devices with various specifications are required to achieve many applications. In the forward direction monitoring sensor, a reduction in cost and a space saving are simultaneously demanded while an extension of the detection distance and a wide angle of field of view are required as compared with the conventional apparatus.

  Here, “extension of detection distance” and “widening of the visual field range” have a contradictory relationship regardless of the type of sensor device. For example, multiple sensor devices are installed according to the monitoring area. It is possible to do. However, such a system cannot realize cost reduction and space saving. Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes a sensor device in which a plurality of sensors suitable for each region are modularized (see Patent Document 1). In this technique, in order to detect an object at a long distance, a radio wave type radar excellent in long-distance propagation and weather resistance and an ultrasonic sensor capable of covering a wide range at a relatively low cost are applied.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 2 proposes to unify two sensors by the same radio wave radar system (see Patent Document 2). In this technique, one common fixture is formed by integrating antennas suitable for two areas.

  By the way, as recent sensor mounting conditions, modularization into a vehicle interior or a side mirror has been promoted from the viewpoint of freedom of installation, design (designability), and sharing with camera sensor devices. Patent Document 3 proposes a method of installing a combined device of a radio wave radar and a camera sensor on an upper part of a windshield in a vehicle interior (see Patent Document 3). Patent Document 4 proposes a method of installing a device on a side mirror. Thus, the diversification of the installation place of an apparatus is progressing (refer patent document 4).

[About miniaturization and cost reduction of composite sensor device that can cover multiple detection areas]
There are several problems with composite sensor devices that can cover multiple detection (sensing) areas.
For example, in an example of the prior art (referred to as the first prior art), a plurality of sensors (radio wave radars) having different specifications are mounted. There is no degree and lacks in design. In addition, since a plurality of sensor units are required and the number of installation steps increases, the overall cost is unavoidable.
On the other hand, in another example of the conventional technique (referred to as the second conventional technique), a plurality of sensor devices having different detection areas are modularized. Unlike the first conventional technique, the sensor apparatus is configured by one sensor unit. Therefore, it is good in terms of space saving. However, the detection method according to this technique uses two types of radio wave radar and ultrasonic sensor, and the component configuration is completely different. Furthermore, since the parts used cannot be shared, the cost merit associated with modularization cannot be expected so much.

[Composite sensor performance and space saving]
In the second conventional technique, the two methods are modularized, and space is saved compared to the first conventional technique. However, since a relatively inexpensive ultrasonic sensor is used in the middle / short-distance region, it is not possible to ensure performance higher than that of the radio wave radar. Specifically, sound waves propagating in the air are significantly attenuated compared to radio waves, and are greatly affected by climatic conditions. In addition, in the case of an ultrasonic sensor, resolution higher than that of a general millimeter wave radio wave radar cannot be obtained in view of the element size and wavelength. Since sound waves have a slower propagation speed than radio waves, it can be said that these conditions are not suitable for medium and short-range sensors that require high-speed response in recent years.

  In another example of the prior art (referred to as “third prior art”), a method using a sensor for a plurality of regions, both of which are configured by radio wave radar, can share a printed circuit board array antenna as an antenna (antenna element). This saves more space than the first prior art. Further, in the third conventional technique, the problem described with respect to the second conventional technique can be solved for the middle and short distances. However, in the patch array antenna, since the radiation efficiency is remarkably lowered as compared with the first conventional technique, the system gain in the same aperture area is extremely low. Therefore, the third prior art is not suitable for long-distance stable detection. In order to increase the antenna gain, it is necessary to increase the aperture of the antenna, but it is easy to increase the gain of the antenna by sharpening the beam that does not meet the specifications, narrowing the field of view, generating an antenna grating lobe, etc. I can't. Further, in the third prior art, structural complexity is also a problem, such as a common substrate, but different substrate specifications for each antenna.

[Installation and degree of freedom of compound sensor device]
For example, when a sensor device is installed in a vehicle interior, a side mirror, or the like, the area in the direction in which the sensor is installed is greatly limited from the viewpoints of visibility (considering laws and regulations) and design. On the contrary, there is a tendency that a relatively margin is generated in the depth dimension. From this condition, it can be said that it is physically difficult to apply the first conventional technique to the passenger compartment or the like.
Note that when a radiating element is installed in a vehicle interior or side mirror, a dielectric cover (such as a windshield or resin cover) is always present in front of the radiating element. Considering this, it is necessary to further increase the size of the antenna aperture in order to apply the third prior art, and it can be said that it is difficult to apply under the present conditions that require a particularly low profile. Similarly, in the ultrasonic sensor, since the sound wave is significantly attenuated by the dielectric cover, further reduction in resolution and sensitivity is inevitable.

  Therefore, as a method for suppressing attenuation by the dielectric cover, Patent Document 3 proposes reduction of attenuation by a reflection matching refractive block or a conductive plate, but these are in the vicinity of the radiating element. Since the occupying volume of the radiating element is reduced, the maximum antenna aperture cannot be secured, resulting in a decrease in gain. Similarly, in Patent Document 4, it is difficult to cover a region far from the side mirror in a radar device to which a planar antenna using a high-frequency substrate is applied, and furthermore, it is possible to control the reflection loss due to the resin cover of the side mirror. Can not.

International Publication No. 2006/034893 JP 2013-088364 A Special table 2012-505115 gazette JP 2013-160607 A

  As described above, the conventional radar apparatus is required to reduce cost and save space.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a radar apparatus and a radar method capable of improving efficiency.

  (1) In order to solve the above problems, a radar apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes an antenna apparatus in which a primary radiator of a lens antenna or a reflector antenna and a printed antenna are mounted on the same substrate.

  (2) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to (1) described above, the substrate includes one or both of a transmission unit and a reception unit using an MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit). Also good.

  (3) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to (1) or (2) described above, the transmission unit includes two or more antenna units, and the reception unit includes one or more antenna units. It is good also as a structure provided.

  (4) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to (3), at least one of the two or more antenna units of the transmission unit is a narrow-width region with a distant distance. It is good also as a structure containing the lens antenna or reflector antenna corresponding to.

  (5) One aspect of the present invention is the radar device according to (3) or (4) described above, wherein at least one of the two or more antenna units of the transmission unit is It is good also as a structure containing the printed antenna corresponding to the area | region of a short distance and a wide angle.

  (6) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (3) to (5) described above, at least one antenna of one or more antenna units of the receiving unit The unit may be configured to include a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region with a middle / near distance.

  (7) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (3) to (5), the reception unit includes two or more antenna units, and the reception unit The two or more antenna portions may include a lens antenna or a reflector antenna corresponding to a far-distance region, and may include an arrayed printed antenna corresponding to a middle- or near-distance region.

  (8) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (3) to (7), the two or more antenna units of the transmission unit have polarization characteristics. Set to be orthogonal relationship of linearly polarized waves or reverse swirl relationship of circularly polarized waves, or the modulation characteristic is set to be a relationship that does not interfere with practical use, or A configuration in which both the polarization characteristic and the modulation characteristic are set may be employed.

  (9) One aspect of the present invention is the radar device according to (8) described above, wherein one or both of the polarization characteristics and the modulation characteristics are out of one or more antenna sections of the reception section. The at least one antenna unit may be configured to be able to correspond to any of the two or more antenna units of the transmission unit.

  (10) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to (8) described above, the receiving unit includes two or more antenna units, and one or both of the polarization characteristic and the modulation characteristic are At least one antenna unit of the transmission unit and at least one antenna unit of the reception unit are matched to one characteristic, and at least one other antenna unit of the transmission unit and at least one other antenna unit of the reception unit It is good also as a structure matched with the other one characteristic.

  (11) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (1) and (2) described above, the transmission unit includes one or more antenna units, and two reception units. It is good also as a structure provided with the above antenna part.

  (12) One aspect of the present invention is the radar apparatus according to (11) described above, wherein at least one of the two or more antenna units of the reception unit is a narrow-width region with a distant distance. It is good also as a structure containing the lens antenna or reflector antenna corresponding to.

  (13) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (11) and (12), at least one antenna of two or more antenna units of the reception unit The unit may be configured to include a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region with a middle / near distance.

  (14) One aspect of the present invention is the radar device according to any one of (11) to (13) described above, wherein at least one antenna of one or more antenna units of the transmission unit is provided. The unit may be configured to include a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region with a middle / near distance.

  (15) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (11) to (13), the transmission unit includes two or more antenna units, and the transmission unit The two or more antenna portions may include a lens antenna or a reflector antenna corresponding to a far-distance region, and may include an arrayed printed antenna corresponding to a middle- or near-distance region.

  (16) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (11) to (15), the two or more antenna units of the reception unit have polarization characteristics. Set to be orthogonal relationship of linearly polarized waves or reverse swirl relationship of circularly polarized waves, or the modulation characteristic is set to be a relationship that does not interfere with practical use, or A configuration in which both the polarization characteristic and the modulation characteristic are set may be employed.

  (17) One aspect of the present invention is the radar device according to (16) described above, wherein one or both of the polarization characteristics and the modulation characteristics are out of one or more antenna sections of the transmission section. The at least one antenna unit may be configured to be able to correspond to any of the two or more antenna units of the receiving unit.

  (18) In one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to (16), the transmission unit includes two or more antenna units, and one or both of a polarization characteristic and a modulation characteristic are The at least one antenna unit of the receiving unit and the at least one antenna unit of the transmitting unit are matched to one characteristic, and at least one other antenna unit of the receiving unit and at least one other antenna unit of the transmitting unit It is good also as a structure matched with the other one characteristic.

  (19) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (1) to (18), the radar apparatus includes one or more lens antennas or reflector antennas. The reflector antenna may include a primary radiator printed on the substrate and a lens or a reflector made of a dielectric.

  (20) One aspect of the present invention is the radar device according to any one of (1) to (19) described above, including one or more lens antennas or reflector antennas, It is good also as a structure provided with the antenna included in the lens included in the said reflective mirror antenna, or a reflective mirror.

  (21) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar apparatus according to any one of (1) to (20) described above, the radar apparatus includes one or more printed antennas, and the printed antennas are formed as array antennas. The directivity control may be performed by hardware, or the directivity control may be performed by software.

  (22) According to one aspect of the present invention, in the radar device according to any one of (1) to (21), the radar device includes one or more printed antennas, and the printed antenna has directivity or It is good also as a structure provided with the component for controlling a gain.

  (23) In order to solve the above-described problem, a radar method according to an aspect of the present invention includes an antenna device in which a primary radiator of a lens antenna or a reflector antenna and a printed antenna are mounted on the same substrate. The beam is communicated by the antenna device of the radar device.

  According to the present invention, efficiency can be improved in the radar apparatus and the radar method.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an example of the board | substrate of the radar apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of another example of the antenna group mounted in the board | substrate of the radar apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of another example of the antenna group mounted in the board | substrate of the radar apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an example of the circuit part of transmission / reception of the radar apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a front view in the schematic structure of an example of the lens and antenna cover which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, (B) is schematic of an example of the lens and antenna cover which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the directivity of the 1st transmission part which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and a 2nd transmission part. It is a figure which shows an example of the electric power feeding structure which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the principle of operation | movement of the lens antenna which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of an example of the lens antenna which performs directivity control by the loading components which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the condition using the polarization diversity which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the example of the setting of the polarization which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. (A) And (B) is a figure which shows the specific example of the setting of the polarization which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the effect of the polarization diversity which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the other example of the circuit part of transmission / reception of the radar apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the other vehicle which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Outline of vehicle equipped with radar device according to this embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is an automobile and includes a windshield 11 and side mirrors 12 and 13. In the present embodiment, the windshield 11 of the vehicle 1 includes the radar device 21 according to the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, the radar device 21 is provided in the central portion (or substantially central portion) in the left-right direction of the windshield 11 and in the central portion or the upper portion in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the radar device 21 is provided on the side of the vehicle interior of the windshield 11.
The radar device 21 may be provided at various positions on the windshield 11.

[Outline of radar apparatus according to this embodiment]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of the substrate 101 of the radar apparatus 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment is for in-vehicle use and has a function of a radio wave radar composite sensor. A printed circuit board is used as the substrate 101.
On the substrate 101 of the radar apparatus 21, the components 111, 112, 141-1 to 141-4, 142, 171, and 172 shown in FIG. 2 are mounted on the same substrate (the substrate 101). Thereby, an example of an antenna group is mounted on the substrate 101.

Specifically, the substrate 101 of the radar device 21 includes a lens antenna 111 and a transmission unit (far region transmission unit) 112 as components for detecting a far distance region. As the first transmitting antenna group, the lens antenna 111 includes a primary radiator 121 and a lens 122 (for example, one integrated with a redum cover).
The far-field transmitter 112 and the primary radiator 121 are connected via a microstrip line (MSL).
The far-area transmitter 112 can transmit a signal of one channel (for example, transmission 2ch) using the lens antenna 111.
As the far-area transmission unit 112, a component of an MMIC element is used.

The substrate 101 of the radar apparatus 21 includes an array antenna 171 and a transmission unit (medium / near region transmission unit) 172 as components for detecting a middle / near distance region.
As the second transmitting antenna group, the array antenna 171 is a printed array antenna that is configured by connecting a plurality of antennas (only one antenna 181 is provided with a reference numeral) in a column.
The array antenna 171 and the middle / near region transmitter 172 are connected via a microstrip line.
The middle / near region transmitter 172 can transmit a signal of one channel (for example, transmission 1ch) using the array antenna 171.
As the middle / near region transmitter 172, a component of the MMIC element is used.

A plurality of (four in the example of FIG. 2) array antennas 141-are arranged on the substrate 101 of the radar apparatus 21 as components for detecting a distant area and a middle / near distance area. 1 to 141-4 and a receiving unit (common receiving unit) 142. The plurality of array antennas 141-1 to 141-4 constitute a single (one) receiving antenna group.
The array antenna 141-1 is configured by connecting a plurality of antennas (only one antenna 151 has a reference numeral) in a column, and is a printed array antenna.
The array antenna 141-2 is configured by connecting a plurality of antennas (only one antenna 152 has a reference numeral) in a column, and is a printed array antenna.
The array antenna 141-3 is configured by connecting a plurality of antennas (only one antenna 153 is labeled) in a column, and is a printed array antenna.
The array antenna 141-4 is configured by connecting a plurality of antennas (only one antenna 154 has a reference numeral) in a column, and is a printed array antenna.
Each array antenna 141-1 to 141-4 and the common receiver 142 are connected via a microstrip line.
The common reception unit 142 can receive signals of four channels (for example, reception 1ch to reception 4ch) using the four array antennas 141-1 to 141-4.
As the common receiving unit 142, a component of an MMIC element is used.

Here, patch antennas are used as the antennas (antennas 151 to 154 and 181) of all the array antennas 141-1 to 141-4 and 171 and the primary radiator (one of the antennas) 121.
In the example of FIG. 2, a vertically polarized component signal is transmitted by the lens antenna 111 for the far region. A signal of a component of horizontal polarization is transmitted by the array antenna 171 for the middle / near region. Signals of obliquely polarized components are received by the array antennas 141-1 to 141-4 common to the far region and the middle / near region. Thus, the common array antennas 141-1 to 141-4 transmit the reflected wave (reflected signal) of the signal transmitted from the lens antenna 111 for the far region and the array antenna 171 for the middle / near region. Both reflected waves (reflected signals) of the signal are received. Note that other combinations may be used as the types of the respective polarizations.

  All of the MMIC elements (the remote area transmitter 112, the common receiver 142, and the middle / near area transmitter 172) are mounted on the same surface of the substrate 101 (the surface in the example of FIG. 2). As a power supply method to the MMIC element, for example, a power supply method using wire bonding or a power supply method using a BGA method is used. Note that some or all of the MMIC elements may be mounted on the back surface of the substrate 101. In this case, as a power feeding method for the MMIC elements, a power feeding method using a slit or a power feeding method using a through hole is used. Power feeding is performed, for example, on an element or a transmission line.

The lens antenna 111 of the far-field transmitter 112 may use a single beam or, for example, use a multi-beam in the horizontal plane direction. In general, the lens antenna is highly efficient and can secure the maximum detection distance among many types of sensor systems. In general, when a lens antenna is used, it can be said that the maximum height can be reduced in the same area (however, a certain focal length (depth dimension) is required).
A patch antenna that can be widened and can cover any region is used for the middle / near region.
In the example of FIG. 2, array antennas 141-1 to 141-4 and 171 are configured in the vertical direction (vertical direction), and digital beam forming processing (for example, a common receiving unit) in the horizontal direction (lateral direction). 142 is performed). Here, in the example of FIG. 2, array antennas 141-1 to 141-4 and 171 having an element arrangement in a single direction in the vertical direction are used, but, for example, an array antenna in the horizontal direction may be used. In the example of FIG. 2, the configuration of the array antennas 141-1 to 141-4, 171 is used in the vertical direction for the purpose of narrowing (directing) the beam.

[Another example of antenna group]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the antenna group mounted on the substrate 101 of the radar apparatus 21 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the example of FIG. 3, as a group of antennas similar to the example of FIG. 2, the lens antenna 221 for the far region and the transmitter 222 for the far region, the array antenna 201 for the middle / near region, and the middle / near region are formed on the substrate 101. An area transmission unit 202 is mounted and provided.
In the example of FIG. 3, four array antennas 261-1 to 261-4 for a far region and a receiving unit for a far region 262 and four array antennas 241 for a middle region and a near region are provided on the substrate 101. 1 to 241-4 and a middle / near region receiving unit 242 are mounted and provided.
Here, the first transmitting antenna group is composed of a lens antenna 221 for a far region, the second transmitting antenna group is composed of an array antenna 201 for a middle / near region, and the first receiving antenna group is a far region. It is composed of four array antennas 261-1 to 261-4 for the area, and the second receiving antenna group is composed of four array antennas 241-1 to 241-4 for the middle / near area. .

  In the example of FIG. 3, for the far region, the far region transmitting unit 222 transmits a signal of one channel (for example, transmission 2ch) using the lens antenna 221, and the far region receiving unit 262 has four pieces. The array antennas 261-1 to 261-4 are used to receive signals of four channels (for example, reception 5ch to reception 8ch). In the example of FIG. 3, as these array antennas 261-1 to 261-4, both vertical and horizontal array antennas (arrangement of vertical antennas and horizontal antennas have more directivity). A configuration of a two-dimensional array antenna to be adjusted is used.

  For the middle / near region, the middle / near region transmitter 202 transmits the signal of one channel (for example, transmission 1ch) using the array antenna 201, and the middle / near region receiver 242 has four receivers 242. The array antennas 241-1 to 241-4 are used to receive signals of four channels (for example, reception 1ch to reception 4ch). In the example of FIG. 3, each of these array antennas 201 and 241-1 to 241-4 is an array antenna in the vertical direction (a one-dimensional array antenna that adjusts the directivity of the array in the vertical direction). Configuration is used.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the polarization directions of the signals are made to coincide with each other in the far-field transmission / reception antennas (the lens antenna 221 and the array antennas 261-1 to 261-4). Further, the polarization directions of the signals are made to coincide with each other in the middle / near region transmission / reception antennas (array antenna 201 and array antennas 241-1 to 241-4). In addition, antennas for transmission / reception for far areas (lens antenna 221 and array antennas 261-1 to 261-4) and antennas for transmission / reception for middle / near areas (array antenna 201 and array antennas 241-1 to 241-4). Thus, the polarization directions of the signals are orthogonal.

[Another example of antenna group]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another example of the antenna group mounted on the substrate 101 of the radar apparatus 21 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the example of FIG. 4, as a group of antennas similar to the example of FIG. 3, the lens antenna 341 for the far region and the transmission unit 342 for the far region, the array antenna 321 for the middle / near region, and the middle / near region are arranged on the substrate 101. An area transmitting unit 322, four array antennas 301-1 to 301-4 for the middle / near area, and a middle / near area receiving unit 302 are provided.
Further, in the example of FIG. 4, a lens antenna 361 for a far region and a receiving unit 362 for a far region are mounted and provided on the substrate 101. The far-field lens antenna 361 includes four antennas (antenna elements corresponding to primary radiators) 371-1 to 371-4 and lenses (multi-beam lenses) 372.
Here, the first transmitting antenna group is composed of a lens antenna 341 for a far region, the second transmitting antenna group is composed of an array antenna 321 for a middle / near region, and the first receiving antenna group is a far region. The multi-beam lens antenna 361 for the area is configured, and the second receiving antenna group is configured by four array antennas 301-1 to 301-4 for the middle and near areas.

  In the example of FIG. 4, for the far region, the far region transmitting unit 342 transmits a signal of one channel (for example, transmission 2ch) using the lens antenna 341, and the far region receiving unit 362 is a multi-beam. The four antennas 371-1 to 371-4 of the lens antenna 361 are used to receive signals of four channels (for example, reception 5 ch to reception 8 ch).

  For the middle / near region, the middle / near region transmitter 322 transmits a signal of one channel (for example, transmission 1ch) using the array antenna 321, and the middle / near region receiver 302 has four The array antennas 301-1 to 301-4 are used to receive signals of four channels (for example, reception 1ch to reception 4ch). In the example of FIG. 4, each of these array antennas 321 and 301-1 to 301-4 is an array antenna in the vertical direction (a one-dimensional array antenna that adjusts the directivity more than the vertical antenna). Configuration is used.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the polarization directions of the signals are made to coincide with each other in the far-field transmission / reception antennas (the lens antenna 341 and the lens antenna 361). Further, the polarization directions of the signals are made to coincide with each other in the middle / near region transmission / reception antennas (array antenna 321 and array antennas 301-1 to 301-4). Further, the transmission / reception antennas (the lens antenna 341 and the lens antenna 361) for the far region and the transmission / reception antennas for the middle / near region (the array antenna 321 and the array antennas 301-1 to 301-4) are used. The wave directions are orthogonal.

[Example of Transmission / Reception Circuit Unit of Radar Device According to this Embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a transmission / reception circuit unit 402 of the radar apparatus 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transmission / reception circuit portion 402 is formed using a printed circuit board.
The transmission / reception circuit unit 402 according to the present embodiment includes an amplifier 421-1, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 422-1, a distributor 423-1, and an amplifier 424-1 as a first transmission unit. And an antenna 425-1.
The transmission / reception circuit unit 402 includes an amplifier 421-2, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 422-2, a distributor 423-2, an amplifier 424-2, and an antenna 425-2 as a second transmission unit.

The transmission / reception circuit unit 402 includes four antennas 441-1 to 441-4, four amplifiers 442-1 to 442-4, and four mixers 443 as a single (one) receiving unit. 1 to 443-4, four amplifiers 444-1 to 444-4, and four filters 445-1 to 445-4. These constitute four similar sequences. In the example of FIG. 5, the four antennas 441-1 to 441-4 are arranged in series with adjacent antennas separated by a certain distance d1 (d1 is a value greater than 0).
As described above, the radar apparatus 21 according to the example of FIG. 5 includes two transmission antenna groups and one reception antenna group.
In the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the antenna group indicates a unit of the antenna, and for example, the antenna group includes not only a plurality of antennas but also a single (one) antenna. Including.

The transmission / reception circuit unit 402 includes an A / D converter (ADC: Analog to Digital Converter) 461, a control unit 462, and a signal processing unit 481.
The transmission / reception circuit unit 402 includes a lens 411.
Here, the radar apparatus 21 according to the example of FIG. 5 includes an antenna cover (lens and antenna cover) 401 integrated with the lens 411.

An example of the operation in the transmission / reception circuit unit 402 according to the example of FIG.
In the first transmission unit, the amplifier 421-1 amplifies the control signal output from the control unit 462, the VCO 422-1 is controlled by the amplified signal, and oscillates the signal. The amplifier 424-1 amplifies one distribution signal, and the antenna 425-1 transmits the amplified signal by radio.
In the second transmission unit, the amplifier 421-2 amplifies the control signal output from the control unit 462, the VCO 422-2 is controlled by the amplified signal, oscillates the signal, and the distributor 423-2 The amplifier 424-2 amplifies one of the distribution signals, and the antenna 425-2 transmits the amplified signal by radio.

  In the reception unit, each antenna 441-1 to 441-4 receives a wireless signal (a signal of a reflected wave of a signal transmitted from the transmission unit), and each amplifier 442-1 to 442-4 receives the received signal. Amplify. Each amplifier 444-1 to 444-4 amplifies the other signal distributed by the distributor (any of the distributors 423-1 to 423-2). Each mixer 443-1 to 443-4 mixes the signal amplified by each amplifier 442-1 to 442-4 and the signal amplified by each amplifier 444-1 to 444-4, and each filter 445-1 to 445-1. 445-4 filters the mixed signal and extracts a desired signal as a received signal.

The A / D converter 461 converts the reception signals extracted by the respective filters 445-1 to 445-4 from analog signals to digital signals, and the signal processing unit 481 processes the four reception signals converted into digital signals. Then, the distance, speed, direction, and the like of the object (target object) reflecting the signal transmitted from the transmission unit are detected.
The control unit 462 generates a control signal for the first transmission unit and outputs the control signal to the amplifier 421-1. The control unit 462 generates a control signal for the second transmission unit and outputs the control signal to the amplifier 421-2. The processing timing of the converter 461 is controlled. In addition, the control unit 462 switches the transmission of the signal by the first transmission unit and the transmission of the signal by the second transmission unit in a time division manner, and adjusts the transmission unit of each transmission unit according to the transmission of the signal by each transmission unit. It switches so that the signal (the other distribution signal) from divider | distributor 423-1 to 423-2 may be input into each amplifier 444-1 to 444-4. As a result, the signal processing unit 481 can detect each object in a time-division manner for the object reflecting the transmission signal from the first transmission unit and the object reflecting the transmission signal from the second transmission unit. it can.

FIG. 6A is a front view of a schematic configuration of an example of the lens and antenna cover 401 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B is a side view of a schematic configuration of an example of the lens and antenna cover 401 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The lens and antenna cover 401 according to the present embodiment integrally includes a lens 411 and a cover 412, and covers the entire transmission / reception circuit unit 402 (for example, a printed circuit board 501 on which the radar device 21 is provided). It is redom (cover). The lens 411 and the cover 412 are each configured using a dielectric material (for example, resin). The lens 411 and the cover 412 may be configured using the same material, or may be configured using different materials.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of directivity of the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the graph shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents the azimuth angle [deg], and the vertical axis represents the gain (Gain) [dB]. A directivity characteristic 2001 of a signal transmitted from the first transmission unit and a directivity characteristic 2002 of a signal transmitted from the second transmission unit are shown.
The direction in which the azimuth angle is 0 [deg] is the direction in front of the radar device 21, for example, the direction in front of the vehicle 1. The directivity characteristic 2001 of the first transmitting unit transmits a relatively strong signal (radio wave) in a relatively narrow angle range (narrow width region), and corresponds to the far region transmitting unit. The directivity characteristic 2002 of the second transmission unit transmits a relatively weak signal (radio wave) in a relatively wide angle range (wide range), and corresponds to the middle / near region transmission unit.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power feeding structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The power feeding structure according to this embodiment includes a single substrate (printed substrate) 501 and a lens / antenna cover 401. The lens / antenna cover 401 has a structure in which a lens 411 and a cover 412 are integrated.
The substrate 501 is formed with a feeding element that forms a lens antenna for a far region as the first transmission unit 511, and an antenna for the middle / near region as the second transmission unit 512 (in the example of FIG. Array antenna using the patch antenna of FIG.
As described above, the radiation source for the two regions is mounted on the common (shared) substrate 501, and the radiation source for one region (in the example of FIG. 8, the radiation source for the far region) is the lens antenna. Assigned to the primary radiator.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the principle of operation of the lens antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.
A signal (radio wave) is transmitted from the isotropic point source 551. This signal forms a spherical wave and forms the same phase plane on the spherical surface. This signal passes through the lens 552 and is converted into a plane wave 553 signal. A radiation pattern 554 is formed by the signal of the plane wave 553. With such a lens antenna, a highly efficient directional antenna is realized.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a lens antenna that performs directivity control using a loaded component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The lens antenna according to the example of FIG. 10 includes a patch antenna 611 formed on a printed board 601, a lens 613, and a dielectric rod 612 provided for controlling the directivity of the patch antenna 611. As shown in FIG. 10, the beam traveling path 651 in the absence of the dielectric rod 612 and the beam traveling path 652 in the presence of the dielectric rod 612, the beam is narrowed when the dielectric rod 612 is present.
Thus, by providing the primary radiator of the lens antenna (patch antenna 611 in the example of FIG. 10) with a dielectric waveguide or a metal flare component to adjust the directivity of the primary radiator. The beam emitted from the primary radiator can be narrowed down. Thereby, spillover is suppressed about the beam radiated | emitted from a primary radiator.

[About polarization diversity]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a situation (situation) using polarization diversity according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A vehicle 1 according to this embodiment travels on a road 701. The radar device 21 of the vehicle 1 can detect an object (target object) by transmitting a signal (radio wave) having a directivity characteristic 721 for a far region to the front of the vehicle 1 by the first transmission unit. In addition, a signal (radio wave) having a directivity characteristic 722 for the middle / near region is transmitted by the second transmission unit to enable detection of an object (object). The radar device 21 detects a distant object (for example, another vehicle 711) by a signal for a far region, and exists at a middle / short distance (medium distance or short distance) by a signal for a middle / near region. An object (for example, a person 712 who is a pedestrian) is detected.
In the example of FIG. 11, polarization diversity is applied to communication for two areas, and the effect is used.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are diagrams showing an example of polarization setting according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 12A, the radar apparatus 21 includes a first transmission unit (first transmission antenna group), a second transmission unit (second transmission antenna group), and a single reception unit (single reception antenna group). In the case, <Setting Example 1> to <Setting Example 3> are shown as examples of the polarization set to each antenna group. In each of setting examples 1 to 3, polarized waves orthogonal to each other are set in the first transmission antenna group and the second transmission antenna group, and the first transmission antenna group and the second transmission antenna group are set in a single reception antenna group. Polarization capable of receiving both signals is set.

In <Setting Example 1>, the polarizations of the first transmission antenna group, the second transmission antenna group, and the single reception antenna group are horizontal, vertical, diagonal (+45 deg or −45 deg), vertical, horizontal, Oblique, horizontal, vertical, circle (left-handed circularly polarized wave or right-handed circularly polarized wave), or vertical, horizontal, circular.
In <Setting Example 2>, the polarizations of the first transmission antenna group, the second transmission antenna group, and the single reception antenna group are +45 deg, −45 deg, horizontal or vertical, or −45 deg, +45 deg, horizontal or vertical, respectively. Or, it is +45 deg, −45 deg, circle (left-handed circularly polarized wave or right-handed circularly polarized wave), or −45 deg, +45 deg, circle (left-handed circularly polarized wave or right-handed circularly polarized wave).
In Setting Example 3, the polarizations of the first transmission antenna group, the second transmission antenna group, and the single reception antenna group are respectively right-handed circularly polarized light, left-handed circularly polarized light, horizontal or vertical, or left-handed circularly polarized light. Wave, right-handed circularly polarized wave, horizontal or vertical, right-handed circularly polarized wave, left-handed circularly polarized wave, oblique (+45 deg or -45 deg), or left-handed circularly polarized wave, right-handed circularly polarized wave, oblique ( +45 deg or -45 deg).

  12B, the radar device 21 includes a first transmission unit (first transmission antenna group), a second transmission unit (second transmission antenna group), a first reception unit (first reception antenna group), and a second transmission unit. <Setting Example 4> to <Setting Example 6> are shown as examples of polarizations set in each antenna group when the receiving unit (second receiving antenna group) is provided. In each of the setting examples 4 to 6, the first transmission antenna group and the second transmission antenna group are set to orthogonal polarizations, the first transmission antenna group and the first reception antenna group are set to the same polarization, The same polarization is set for the second transmitting antenna group and the second receiving antenna group.

In <Setting Example 4>, the polarizations of the first transmission antenna group, the second transmission antenna group, the first reception antenna group, and the second reception antenna group are horizontal, vertical, horizontal, vertical, or vertical, horizontal, Vertical and horizontal.
In Setting Example 5, the polarizations of the first transmission antenna group, the second transmission antenna group, the first reception antenna group, and the second reception antenna group are +45 deg, −45 deg, +45 deg, −45 deg, and −45 deg, respectively. , +45 deg, −45 deg, +45 deg.
In <Setting Example 6>, the polarizations of the first transmission antenna group, the second transmission antenna group, the first reception antenna group, and the second reception antenna group are respectively right-handed circularly polarized wave, left-handed circularly polarized wave, and right-handed circular circle. Polarization, left-hand circular polarization, or left-hand circular polarization, right-hand circular polarization, left-hand circular polarization, right-hand circular polarization.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating specific examples of setting of polarization according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of the mounting direction of an antenna (in this example, a patch antenna) corresponding to <Setting Example 1> shown in FIG.
The first transmitting antenna group (lens antenna 801) of the first transmitting unit is vertically polarized, the second transmitting antenna group (array antenna 821) of the second transmitting unit is horizontally polarized, and the single transmitting unit A single receiving antenna group (four array antennas 811-1 to 811-4) is obliquely polarized.

FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the mounting direction of an antenna (in this example, a patch antenna) corresponding to <Setting Example 5> shown in FIG.
The first transmission antenna group (lens antenna 911) of the first transmission unit is +45 deg polarization, the second transmission antenna group (array antenna 901) of the second transmission unit is -45 deg polarization, and The first receiving antenna group (four array antennas 931-1 to 931-4) is +45 deg polarized wave, and the second receiving antenna group (four array antennas 921-1 to 921-4) of the second receiving unit. Is -45 deg polarization.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect of polarization diversity according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the graph shown in FIG. 14, the horizontal axis represents the distance (transmission / reception distance) [m] between the transmission position and the reception position, and the vertical axis represents the power attenuation [dB] of the signal (radio wave). ing. An attenuation characteristic 2011 when a signal propagates (propagates) in free space, an attenuation characteristic 2012 of a vertically polarized signal, and an attenuation characteristic 2013 of a horizontally polarized signal are shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the radar apparatus 21 transmits these signals having a directivity characteristic 721 for a far region and a signal having a directivity characteristic 722 for a middle / near region. In the region where the characteristics of the two signals (regions where the signal reaches) overlap, the effect of polarization diversity can be obtained. Specifically, in the radar device 21, for a region where the characteristics of these two signals (regions where the signals reach) overlap, for example, one of the received signals corresponding to each of these two signals is better. An object can be detected using the received signal, or a received signal corresponding to each of these two signals can be combined, and the object can be detected using the combined signal. In this case, since the polarization states of these two signals are orthogonal to each other, the power drop of each signal due to road surface multipath or the like can be compensated for each other, thereby maintaining good received power. it can. Further, since the polarization states of these two signals are orthogonal to each other, for example, it is possible to enhance the reflection stability performance of an object (object) that reflects the signal.

Here, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which signals having polarization characteristics orthogonal to each other are transmitted by two transmission antenna groups is shown. However, as another configuration example, a modulation characteristic is used instead of the polarization characteristic. May be used, or both polarization and modulation characteristics may be used. That is, with respect to modulation, signals that have undergone modulation that do not interfere with each other in practice are transmitted from the two transmitting antenna groups, so that signals having polarizations orthogonal to each other are transmitted from the two transmitting antenna groups. The same effect as in the case of
Here, modulated signals that do not interfere with each other practically are modulated wave signals that do not interfere with each other practically. Even if this kind of interference occurs, it is included that does not cause any practical problems. Specific examples of modulation waves that do not interfere with each other in practice include modulation waves that are orthogonal to each other, modulation waves that have different bands, modulation waves that have different beat frequencies (different inclinations of triangular waves during modulation), and compression A modulated wave having a different compression frequency in the pulse, a modulated wave having a different compression center frequency in the compressed pulse, or the like may be used.

In this embodiment, a lens antenna including a primary radiator (antenna) and a lens is used. As another configuration example, a reflector antenna (for example, a parabolic antenna) including a primary radiator (antenna) and a reflecting mirror is used. May be used.
An arbitrary number may be used as the number of transmission units. For example, a single (one) transmission unit may be provided, or a plurality of transmission units may be provided.
Any number of reception units may be used. For example, a single (one) reception unit may be provided, or a plurality of reception units may be provided.
Arbitrary antennas may be used in the transmitter and receiver in each region, for example, a single (single) antenna may be used, or an array antenna combining a plurality of antennas may be used. Or a lens antenna may be used, or a reflector antenna may be used.

In this embodiment, a patch type antenna (patch antenna) is used. As another configuration example, instead of the patch antenna or together with the patch antenna, a linear (eg, monopole or dipole) is used. An antenna may be used.
In the present embodiment, a distant region and a middle / near region are used as the two regions, but any two regions may be used as another configuration example. Three or more regions may be used.

[About the configuration in which the relationship between sending and receiving is reversed]
In FIG. 5, a plurality of (two in the example of FIG. 5) transmission units transmit signals that do not interfere with each other in practice, and are transmitted from these two transmission units by a common single reception unit. Although a configuration for receiving a signal is shown, a configuration in which a transmission / reception relationship is reversed may be used as another configuration example.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of another example of the transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 of the radar apparatus 21 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transmission / reception circuit portion 1002 is formed using a printed circuit board.
The transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 according to this embodiment includes an amplifier 1101, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 1102, a distributor 1103, an amplifier 1104, and an antenna 1105 as a single (one) transmission unit.

The transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 has four antennas 1121-1 to 1121-4, four amplifiers 1122-1 to 1122-4, and four mixers 1123-1 to 1123-4 as a first reception unit. And four amplifiers 1124-1 to 1124-4 and four filters 1125-1 to 1125-4. These constitute four similar sequences. In the example of FIG. 15, the four antennas 1121-1 to 1121-4 are arranged in series with adjacent antennas separated by a certain distance d2 (d2 is a value greater than 0).
The transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 serves as a second reception unit, including four antennas 1141-1 to 1141-4, four amplifiers 1142-1 to 1142-4, and four mixers 1143-1 to 1143-4. And four amplifiers 1144-1 to 1144-4 and four filters 1145-1 to 1145-4. These constitute four similar sequences. In the example of FIG. 15, the four antennas 1141-1 to 1141-4 are arranged in series with adjacent antennas separated by a certain distance d3 (d3 is a value greater than 0).
As described above, the radar apparatus 21 according to the example of FIG. 15 has one transmission antenna group and two reception antenna groups. The antenna interval d2 of the array antenna of the first receiving unit and the antenna interval d3 of the array antenna of the second receiving unit may be the same or different.

The transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 includes a first A / D converter (ADC) 1161, a second A / D converter 1162, a control unit 1171, and a signal processing unit 1181.
The transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 includes a lens 1011.
Here, the radar apparatus 21 according to the example of FIG. 15 includes an antenna cover (lens and antenna cover) 1001 integrated with the lens 1011.

An example of the operation in the transmission / reception circuit unit 1002 according to the example of FIG. 15 will be described.
In the transmission unit, the amplifier 1101 amplifies the control signal output from the control unit 1171, the VCO 1102 is controlled by the amplified signal and oscillates the signal, and the distributor 1103 distributes the signal into two, and the amplifier 1104 amplifies one of the distribution signals, and the antenna 1105 transmits the amplified signal wirelessly.

  In the first receiving unit, each of the antennas 1121-1 to 1121-4 receives a wireless signal (a reflected wave signal of the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit), and each of the amplifiers 1122-1 to 1122-4 receives the signal. Amplifies the received signal. Each amplifier 1124-1 to 1124-4 amplifies the other signal distributed by the distributor (distributor 1103). Each mixer 1123-1 to 1123-4 mixes the signal amplified by each amplifier 1122-1 to 1122-4 and the signal amplified by each amplifier 1124-1 to 1124-4, and each filter 1125-1 to 1125-1. 1125-4 filters the mixed signal and extracts a desired signal as a received signal.

  In the second receiving unit, each antenna 1141-1 to 1141-4 receives a radio signal (a reflected wave signal of a signal transmitted from the transmitting unit), and each amplifier 1142-1 to 1142-4 receives the signal. Amplifies the received signal. Each amplifier 1144-1 to 1144-4 amplifies the other signal distributed by the distributor (distributor 1103). Each mixer 1143-1 to 1143-4 mixes the signal amplified by each amplifier 1142-1 to 1142-4 and the signal amplified by each amplifier 1144-1 to 1144-4, and each filter 1145-1 to 1145-1. 1145-4 filters the mixed signal and extracts a desired signal as a received signal.

The first A / D converter 1161 converts the reception signals extracted by the respective filters 1125-1 to 1125-4 from analog signals to digital signals, and the signal processing unit 1181 converts the four receptions into digital signals. The signal is processed to detect the distance, speed, direction, and the like of an object (target object) that reflects the signal transmitted from the transmission unit.
The second A / D converter 1162 converts the reception signals extracted by the filters 1145-1 to 1145-4 from analog signals to digital signals, and the signal processing unit 1181 converts the four reception signals into digital signals. The signal is processed to detect the distance, speed, direction, and the like of an object (target object) that reflects the signal transmitted from the transmission unit.

The control unit 1171 generates a control signal for the transmission unit and outputs the control signal to the amplifier 1101, and controls the processing timing of each of the A / D converters 1161 and 1162. In addition, the control unit 1171 performs control so that, for example, signals having two different characteristics corresponding to the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit are transmitted from the transmitting unit.
Here, as the signals having two different characteristics corresponding to the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit, for example, one or both of the polarization and the modulation are not practically mixed with each other. May be used. In this case, the characteristics of the polarization (or modulation) of the first receiving antenna group of the first receiving unit and the characteristics of the polarization (or modulation) of the second receiving antenna group of the second receiving unit are: It is configured to be in a direction that does not interfere with each other practically.
As a result, the signal processing unit 1181 can detect an object reflecting each of the two types of signals transmitted from the transmission unit and having different characteristics.

[Outline of Other Vehicles Incorporating Radar Device According to this Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another vehicle 1A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
A vehicle 1A according to the present embodiment is an automobile and includes a windshield 11A and side mirrors 12A and 13A. In the present embodiment, the left side mirror 12A of the vehicle 1A includes the radar device 31 according to the present embodiment, and the right side mirror 13A of the vehicle 1A includes the radar device 32 according to the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, radar devices 31 and 32 are provided at the outer ends of the respective side mirrors 12A and 13A.
The radar devices 31 and 32 may be provided at various positions in the respective side mirrors 12A and 13A.

Here, in the present embodiment, the configuration example in which the radar device is provided on the windshield and the side mirror in the vehicle has been described. However, as another configuration example, the radar device may be provided elsewhere in the vehicle.
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the radar device is provided in the vehicle is shown. However, as another configuration example, the radar device may be provided in various places other than the vehicle.

[Summary of this embodiment]
As described above, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of antenna units (in this embodiment, the antenna group portions of the respective channels in transmission and reception) are mounted on the same substrate (this book). In the embodiment, the radar device 21 is a device on the part of the board on which the antenna unit is mounted, and includes a transmission unit and a reception unit. Thereby, in the radar device 21 according to the present embodiment, efficiency can be improved. As an example, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect an object at a long distance while allowing a wide angle detection of an object at a medium distance to a short distance, thereby improving efficiency. It is possible to realize a low-profile in-vehicle radar device that can perform the above.
In the present embodiment, the radar configuration and processing method (radar method) in the radar apparatus 21 can be provided.

<About the configuration of radar equipment>
(1-1 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar apparatus 21 is a print in which a primary radiator (antenna) of a lens antenna (or a reflector antenna) and a patch type (or linear) print antenna are mounted on one common substrate. An antenna device is provided.
(1-2 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes a transmission MMIC and a reception MMIC on the front surface or the back surface of a common substrate (printed antenna substrate). The radar device 21 supplies power to each element (each print element) or the transmission line.
(1-3 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes at least two (that is, two or more) antenna groups on the transmission side, and includes at least one (that is, one or more) antenna groups on the reception side.
(First-4 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar apparatus 21 includes a lens antenna (or a reflector antenna) for detecting a narrow area (narrow area) at a distant distance as the first transmission antenna group.

(First-5 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar apparatus 21 includes a patch type (or linear) printed antenna for detecting a wide-angle region (wide region) at a middle / near distance as the second transmitting antenna group.
(1-6 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar apparatus 21 has a patch system (or linear shape) corresponding to a wide-angle area (wide area) at a medium / near distance as the receiving antenna group when there is one receiving antenna group. Equipped with a printed antenna.
(1-7 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, when there are a plurality of reception antenna groups, the radar apparatus 21 includes a lens antenna (or a reflector antenna) for a long distance as the first reception antenna group, and the second reception antenna group. As an antenna group, a patch type (or linear) printed array antenna for middle and near distances is provided.
(1-8 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes a transmitting antenna group and a receiving antenna in any of the above-described (1-3 configuration example) to (1-7 configuration example) described above. It has the structure which replaced the structure with the group.

<Regarding the effects of the radar system configuration>
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, since antenna elements having two different specifications can be mounted on a printed antenna on a common substrate, for example, it is much lower than the first and second prior arts. The effects of cost reduction, space saving of the mounting area, simplification of the structure, and significant reduction in the number of parts can be obtained.
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, by using a printed antenna using a common substrate, for example, a lens antenna that can obtain the maximum aperture efficiency for a long distance can be used. Thereby, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for example, it is possible to realize efficient directivity formation and high gain design while having a remarkably small opening area compared to the third conventional technique. it can. With this technology, it is possible to efficiently detect a distant object in a vehicle interior sensor device that has a high demand for low profile.

In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to employ a wide-angle patch type (or linear) printed antenna for a middle / near region using a common printed circuit antenna. Thereby, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for example, the sensitivity and response speed sufficiently exceeding the performance of the ultrasonic sensor in the second conventional technology can be ensured. Further, in the radar device 21 according to the present embodiment, the antenna elements can be densely arranged, so that the resolution is dramatically increased.
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, the above-described two areas can be modularized using a common printed circuit antenna. Thereby, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for example, the problems of the first to third prior arts can be solved comprehensively, and the height can be reduced, and remote object detection and middle / It is possible to realize a vehicle interior sensor device in which wide-angle detection of nearby objects is shared.

In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for example, an impedance conversion mechanism is required for power feeding with different substrate materials as in the third prior art, whereas in the present embodiment, the same surface of a common substrate is used. An MMIC element can be mounted on (or the back surface), and such a problem can be solved. Thereby, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, the design flexibility of the power feeding method is high, and the mounting cost and power feeding loss can be reduced.
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, two patch antennas (or linear print antennas for the middle / near region, for example, are applied to the two reception antenna groups. It is possible to share the area (far area, middle / near area). In addition, the system gain can maintain a better gain (higher gain) than that of the conventional technique by employing, for example, a lens antenna.
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, when two or more receiving antenna groups are used, an antenna suitable for each region (far region, middle / near region) can be adopted as each receiving antenna group. All antennas share a board.

<About the characteristics of the antenna of the radar device>
(2-1 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes a lens (a lens constituting a lens antenna) or a reflecting mirror (a reflecting mirror constituting a reflector antenna) formed of a dielectric on the front surface of a printed antenna, and a common substrate. Power is fed from a primary radiator (an antenna constituting a lens antenna or an antenna constituting a reflector antenna) printed on the antenna.
(2-2 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes a dielectric lens antenna (its lens) or a dielectric reflector antenna (its) as a patch type (or linear) single or arrayed print antenna redom (protective cover). The antenna cover part is integrally formed so as to be the same part as the reflector.
(2-3 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar apparatus 21 may be an array antenna in order to control directivity and gain with respect to a patch type (or linear) printed antenna, or the directivity synthesis by hardware. Processing (for example, processing for forming desired directivity) may be performed, or directivity synthesis processing (for example, processing for forming desired directivity) is performed using digital beam forming by software. May be.
(Second-4 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes a patch type (or linear) printed antenna including components for controlling directivity and gain (for example, a dielectric waveguide or a metal flare component).
(2-5 configuration example)
As one configuration example, the radar apparatus 21 has an orthogonal relationship in which the polarization characteristics (polarization directions) of the first transmission antenna group and the second transmission antenna group are linearly polarized waves (for example, vertical, horizontal, and diagonal), or The reverse turning relationship of circularly polarized waves (for example, left and right).
(2-6 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, the radar apparatus 21 can cope with any polarization characteristic (polarization direction) of the first transmission antenna group and the second transmission antenna group when there is one reception antenna group. Polarization (which can be received) is set in the receiving antenna group.
(2-7 configuration example)
As an example of the configuration, when there are a plurality of reception antenna groups, the radar device 21 is configured such that the polarization is matched between the first transmission antenna group and the first reception antenna group, and the second transmission antenna group and the second reception antenna group To adjust the polarization.
(Example of 2-8 configuration)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 includes a transmitting antenna group and a receiving antenna in any of the above configuration examples (2-5 configuration example) to (2-7 configuration example) described above. It has the structure which replaced the structure with the group.
(2-9 configuration example)
As one configuration example, the radar device 21 has a configuration in which modulation is used instead of polarization in any configuration example from the above (second 2-5 configuration example) to the above (second 2-8 configuration example). Have.
(Example of 2-10 configuration)
As an example of the configuration, the radar device 21 has a configuration in which modulation is used together with the polarization in any of the above-described (second to fifth configuration examples) to (second to eighth configuration examples).

<Effects on characteristics of radar device antenna>
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for example, since the far-end lens antenna has a primary radiator on a common printed circuit board, cost reduction, space saving, simplification of the structure, significant reduction in the number of parts, etc. A high gain system can be realized while obtaining the above effects.
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for the redom (antenna cover), the dielectric lens and the redom are made the same component (integrated molding), for example, while having the function of the lens, A protective function can be provided. In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, for example, the effect of improving the system gain and reducing the number of components can be obtained.
In the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, the polarization characteristics of the first transmission antenna group and the second transmission antenna group are set to, for example, an orthogonal polarization or a counter-rotation polarization, thereby, for example, a shared area (medium -The effect of polarization diversity can be obtained for a near-field region having a viewing angle equivalent to that of a far-field region. Specifically, for example, stable reception of road surface multipath and reflection of an object is expected. In this case, as the setting of the polarization of the receiving antenna group, when one receiving antenna group is used, signals from both the first transmitting antenna group and the second transmitting antenna group can be received. When two reception antenna groups are used, the polarization direction is set to match between each reception antenna group and each transmission antenna group.
Further, in the radar apparatus 21 according to the present embodiment, it is also possible to use the modulation characteristic instead of the polarization characteristic or together with the polarization characteristic.

[Summary of the above embodiments]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

  Further, a program for realizing the functions of each device and each processing unit (for example, transmission unit, reception unit, control unit, signal processing unit) according to the above-described embodiment is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Then, the processing may be performed by causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.

The “computer system” herein may include hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices.
The “computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), A storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system.

Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (DRAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Dynamic Random Access Memory)) that holds a program for a certain period of time is also included.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
Further, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Further, the above program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-described functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 711 ... Vehicle, 11, 11A ... Windshield, 12, 12A, 13, 13A ... Side mirror, 21, 31-32 ... Radar device, 101 ... Substrate, 111, 221, 341, 361, 801, 911 ... Lens antenna, 112, 172, 202, 222, 322, 342 ... Transmitter (Tx), 121, 371-1 to 371-4 ... Primary radiator, 122, 411, 552, 613, 1011 ... Lens, 141- 1-141-4, 171, 201, 241-1 to 241-4, 261-1 to 261-4, 301-1 to 301-4, 321, 811-1 to 811-4, 821, 901, 921- 1 to 921-4, 931-1 to 931-4, 1121-1 to 1121-4, array antenna, 142, 242, 262, 302, 362, receiving unit (Rx , 151 to 154, 181, 425-1 to 425-2, 441-1 to 441-4, 1105, 1141-1 to 1141-4 ... antenna, 401, 1001 ... lens and antenna cover, 402, 1002 ... circuit portion 412 ... Cover, 421-1 to 421-2, 424-1 to 424-2, 442-1 to 442-4, 444-1 to 444-4, 1101, 1104, 1122-1 to 1122-4, 1124-1 to 1124-4, 1142-1 to 1142-4, 1144-1 to 1144-4... Amplifier, 422-1 to 422-2, 1102... Voltage controlled oscillator, 423-1 to 423-2, 1103. Distributor, 443-1 to 443-4, 1123-1 to 1123-4, 1143-1 to 1143-4, mixer, 445-1 to 445-4, 1125-1 to 11-11 5-4, 1145-1 to 1145-4 ... filter, 461, 1161-1116 ... A / D converter, 462, 1171 ... control unit, 481,1181 ... signal processing unit, 501,601 ... printed circuit board, 511- DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 512 ... Transmission part, 551 ... Point source, 553 ... Plane wave, 554 ... Radiation pattern, 611 ... Patch antenna, 612 ... Dielectric rod, 651-652 ... Beam traveling path, 701 ... Road, 712 ... Person, 721-722, 2001-2002 ... Characteristics

Claims (23)

An antenna device in which a primary radiator of a lens antenna or a reflector antenna and a printed antenna are mounted on the same substrate;
Radar device. The substrate includes one or both of a transmission unit and a reception unit using MMIC.
The radar apparatus according to claim 1. The transmission unit includes two or more antenna units,
The receiving unit includes one or more antenna units,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2. At least one of the two or more antenna units of the transmission unit includes a lens antenna or a reflector antenna corresponding to a narrow-width region at a distant distance.
The radar apparatus according to claim 3. At least one of the two or more antenna units of the transmission unit includes a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region at a medium / close distance,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 3 and 4. At least one of the one or more antenna units of the receiving unit includes a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region with a medium / close distance,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The receiving unit includes two or more antenna units,
The two or more antenna units of the receiving unit include a lens antenna or a reflector antenna corresponding to a far-distance region, and include an arrayed printed antenna corresponding to a middle / near-distance region.
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5. Two or more antenna units of the transmission unit are
The polarization characteristics are set to be an orthogonal relationship of linearly polarized waves or a reverse swirl relationship of circularly polarized waves,
Or
The modulation characteristics are set so that there is no interference in practical use.
Or
Both the polarization characteristics and the modulation characteristics are set,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7. For one or both of the polarization characteristics and the modulation characteristics,
At least one antenna unit among the one or more antenna units of the receiving unit is set to be able to correspond to any of the two or more antenna units of the transmitting unit,
The radar apparatus according to claim 8. The receiving unit includes two or more antenna units,
About one or both of the polarization characteristic and the modulation characteristic, at least one antenna unit of the transmission unit and at least one antenna unit of the reception unit are matched with one characteristic, and at least one other of the transmission unit The antenna unit and at least one other antenna unit of the receiving unit are adjusted to another characteristic,
The radar apparatus according to claim 8. The transmission unit includes one or more antenna units,
The receiving unit includes two or more antenna units,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2. At least one of the two or more antenna units of the reception unit includes a lens antenna or a reflector antenna corresponding to a narrow-width region at a distant distance.
The radar apparatus according to claim 11. At least one of the two or more antenna units of the receiving unit includes a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region with a medium / close distance,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 11 and 12. At least one of the one or more antenna units of the transmission unit includes a printed antenna corresponding to a wide angle region with a medium / close distance,
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13. The transmission unit includes two or more antenna units,
The two or more antenna units of the transmission unit include a lens antenna or a reflector antenna corresponding to a far-distance region, and include an arrayed printed antenna corresponding to a middle / near-distance region.
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13. Two or more antenna units of the receiving unit are
The polarization characteristics are set to be an orthogonal relationship of linearly polarized waves or a reverse swirl relationship of circularly polarized waves,
Or
The modulation characteristics are set so that there is no interference in practical use.
Or
Both the polarization characteristics and the modulation characteristics are set,
The radar device according to any one of claims 11 to 15. For one or both of the polarization characteristics and the modulation characteristics,
At least one antenna unit of the one or more antenna units of the transmission unit is set to be able to correspond to any of the two or more antenna units of the reception unit,
The radar apparatus according to claim 16. The transmission unit includes two or more antenna units,
About one or both of the polarization characteristic and the modulation characteristic, at least one antenna unit of the reception unit and at least one antenna unit of the transmission unit are matched with one characteristic, and at least another one of the reception units The antenna unit and at least one other antenna unit of the transmission unit are adjusted to another characteristic,
The radar apparatus according to claim 16. Comprising one or more lens antennas or reflector antennas;
The lens antenna or the reflector antenna includes a primary radiator printed on the substrate and a lens or a reflector formed of a dielectric.
The radar apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18. Comprising one or more lens antennas or reflector antennas;
An antenna cover integrated with the lens or the reflector included in the lens antenna or the reflector antenna;
The radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 19. With one or more printed antennas,
For the print antenna, it is made an array antenna, or directivity is controlled by hardware, or directivity is controlled by software.
The radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 20. With one or more printed antennas,
The printed antenna includes a component for controlling directivity or gain.
The radar device according to any one of claims 1 to 21. The beam is communicated by the antenna device of the radar device including the antenna device in which the primary radiator of the lens antenna or the reflector antenna and the printed antenna are mounted on the same substrate.
Radar method.

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