Automotive radar technology for detecting low-friction spots caused by water, ice or snow on asphalt. Low friction spots can be detected with radar by comparing backscattered signals at different polarizations. Requirements for the radar are considered and 24 GHz radar for road condition recognition is found feasible. Automotive radars are expected to increase safety and drivers–¡comfort by improving drivers–¡ability to perceive objects in low - visibility conditions or objects hidden in blind spots. It is invented, that automotive radars could also be used for detecting road conditions, such as lowered friction due to water or ice on the road. Currently water and ice is detected with infrared optical sensors which are not cost effective for ordinary passenger cars. The advantage of radar sensors over optical would be that forward looking radars could detect low friction spots from a long range whereas optical sensors detection range is a few meters only. In addition, when using multipurpose radar sensors the total number of sensors is not increased giving also cost benefits.
展开▼
