Inventors:
Stephen P. Lohmeier - Westford MA, US
Nguyen D. Nguyen - Dorchester MA, US
Assignee:
Valeo Radar Systems, Inc. - Hudson NH
International Classification:
G01S 13/00
US Classification:
342 89, 342104, 342118, 342147, 342175
Abstract:
A blockage detection system and method for use in a sensor such as a side object detection (SOD) sensor in an automotive radar system is described. The sensor emits signals and receives return signals (i. e. reflected signals) from a passing object. If the passing object is within a virtual detection zone, the sensor uses the information from the passing object to determine if a blockage condition exists in the sensor. The technique utilizes statistics related to the passing object to determine whether a blockage condition exists within the sensor. In one embodiment, a SOD sensor mounted in a first vehicle uses information from a second passing vehicle (e. g. radar return information) to determine whether a blockage condition exists within the SOD sensor itself.