OBJECT DETECTION METHOD

A dummy target is set in a direction which is the same direction as that of a detected target and at the position whose distance is double that of the detected target; a second-order wave target detection area is set in the predetermined area including the position of the dummy target; the target detected in the second-order wave target detection area is judged as being a second-order wave target; a interpolated target is set in the direction which is the same as that of the second-order wave target, and at the position whose distance is half that of the second-order wave target; a fundamental wave target detection region is set in the predetermined area including the position of the interpolated target; and the interpolated target is outputted as a fundamental wave target in the case where no fundamental wave target is detected in the fundamental wave target detection region. Even if the fundamental wave target to be detected is undetected within a close range, data on the fundamental wave target is estimated and outputted on the basis of the interpolated target calculated from the second-order wave target which continues being detected, as described above. This makes it possible to continue detecting the fundamental wave target without interruption. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an object detection method which enables an object in a close range to be detected securely by a radar device.