US 6,556,166 B1Granted

Method of measuring elevational mis-alignment of an automotive radar sensor

AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc.

InventorsJames Fredrick Searcy, David Leo Hart, Stephen William Alland

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Abstract

A method of measuring elevational misalignment of an automotive radar sensor in a factory or service setting utilizes two or more targets that can be discriminated by the radar system. The targets are positioned at different elevational angles with respect to the desired elevation axis, and the degree of elevational misalignment is determined according to the ratio or difference in return signal amplitude for the two targets. Discrimination of the targets may be ensured by differences in range, azimuth angle or Doppler. Since the amplitude difference is a measure of misalignment, the measurement may be used to verify proper alignment or to indicate the amount of adjustment required to achieve proper alignment.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A method of determining elevational misalignment of a radar sensor with respect to a desired elevation angle comprising the steps of:

positioning first and second distinguishable targets in a target detection zone of said sensor but at different elevation angles with respect to said desired elevation angle;
activating said radar sensor to emit radar energy in said target detection zone and to detect first and second return energy signals corresponding to said first and second targets;
determining magnitudes of said first and second return energy signals and forming an alignment value according to a ratio or difference of said magnitudes;
and
determining the elevational misalignment of said radar sensor based on a comparison of said alignment value with a reference value that occurs when said radar sensor is aligned with said desired elevation angle.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.