Airborne Radar Imaging Trajectory Planning for Stable SAR Shots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current airborne radar imaging systems rely heavily on pilot experience and attention to achieve optimal image quality, which is not guaranteed and limits the anticipation and quality of SAR and ISAR images, especially due to varying shooting conditions, and hinders the use of images for automatic target recognition.

Innovation Solution

A method for optimizing radar imaging by calculating a flight trajectory with three phases: determining the optimal shooting segment, adding a carrier stabilization segment, and considering safety and survival constraints, allowing for precise and automated flight planning to ensure optimal SAR or ISAR image capture based on target and radar positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pilot manually controls the carrier positioning based on current position and target direction prompts, then the pilot receives guidance on the domain where image capture is possible, but the entire shooting procedure cannot be anticipated and optimal image quality is not guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepilot guidanceVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates the optimal flight trajectory in advance before the actual imaging operation. The mission system determines the complete shooting procedure including approach phase, stabilization phase, and shooting phase, allowing the entire imaging process to be anticipated and executed automatically without relying on pilot experience during the actual capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the carrier's position and orientation relative to the target, and automatically adjusts the flight trajectory to maintain optimal imaging conditions. The mission system provides real-time feedback on whether the carrier is within the acceptable domain for image capture and makes automated corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the pilot relies on experience and attention to maintain positioning constraints, then image capture guidance is provided, but the procedure relies heavily on pilot experience and attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational guidanceVSAvoidautomatic control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The mission system automatically manages the entire imaging process without requiring continuous pilot intervention. The system self-regulates by automatically calculating trajectories, determining when imaging conditions are optimal, and controlling the timing and execution of image capture based on real-time carrier position and target information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optimal flight trajectory is calculated in advance, including all phases of the imaging procedure. This preliminary calculation eliminates the need for pilot experience during execution, as the system simply follows the pre-determined automated path that guarantees optimal imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If shooting conditions vary during manual operation, then the pilot can adapt to different scenarios, but the obtained images cannot be reliably used for automatic target recognition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidimage consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system systematically controls and standardizes the imaging parameters by automatically maintaining the carrier within the optimal domain. By precisely controlling position, orientation, and velocity parameters through automated trajectory management, the system ensures consistent image quality that is suitable for automatic target recognition while still adapting to different targets and environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3236331B1Method for optimising images taken by an airborne radar imaging device, and mission system implementing such a method
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 THALES SA
  • EP3236331B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3236331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3236331B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The radar imaging device having the task of producing a radar image of a given target (20), characterized in that it comprises a step (42) for determining the trajectory (21, 22) of the wearer of said device imaging comprising at least: - A phase of determining a segment (25, 26) of trajectory for shooting, depending on the position of said target and the type of image to be produced, said shooting segment view being dedicated to the shooting of said target by said imaging device; - A phase of adding a segment (27, 28) of carrier stabilization trajectory, located upstream in the extension of said shooting segment; - A phase of adding a segment (291, 292) of the carriers rallying trajectory to said stabilization segment.