Synthetic aperture radar for lane boundary detection in driver assistance systems

In this paper we investigate the feasibility for using a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to detect radar scatterers in support of advanced driver assistance systems. Specifically, we consider the detection of radar scatterers physically embedded into lane and carriageway boundaries similar to way optical retroreflectors (cats eyes) are used in present infrastructure. We use simulations to generate high resolution SAR images for detecting and localizing radar scatterers. The simulated results presented here highlight the feasibility of the technique and provide a platform for further investigation. This paper facilitates the realization of the role of modified infrastructure for improving the sensing capability of highly assisted and autonomous vehicles.