Investigation of the Feasibility of Extracting the Characteristics of Sealed Boxes Using an Automotive FMCW Radar

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of extracting the characteristics of sealed paper boxes based on range profiles using a millimeter-wave automotive FMCW radar. Radar is one of the key basic sensors for driving assistance and collision avoidance. Target classification using radar has been studied extensively, yet the detection of sealed material requires further investigation to improve situational awareness for better judgment. We suggest the classification of sealed paper boxes with different materials based on range-profile plots, which capture wave reflection from the box and wave attenuation when traveling through a lossy material. We measure the range profiles of sealed boxes encompassing paper in five different quantities using a millimeter-wave FMCW radar. A theoretical approach is used as a proof of concept, which supports the results of the range-profile measurements. The range profiles of the box with several other materials are also obtained and their characteristics are compared.

Keywords

• FMCW radar
• automotive radar
• range profile
• permittivity
• conductivity
• reflection coefficient