Antenna Array Signal Correction for Electromagnetic Wave Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passive synthetic aperture electromagnetic wave imaging systems face challenges in imaging targets at varying distances and moving objects due to limitations in adjusting focal length, leading to blurred images and inability to capture short-range or moving targets effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic wave imaging system with an antenna array, signal processing unit, and distance measuring device that stores and applies correction factors based on measured distances to adjust focal length in real time, using formulas to calculate correction factors from calibration points for accurate imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed focal length correction method is used, then imaging accuracy at a specific distance is improved, but the system cannot image targets at varying distances or moving objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoiddistance adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic focal length adjustment by introducing a distance measuring device that continuously monitors target distance and automatically updates correction factors in real-time. This transforms the static correction method into a dynamic system that adapts to varying distances, enabling clear imaging of both static and moving targets at any distance within the measurement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the correction factor parameters based on measured target distance. By storing multiple correction factors corresponding to different distances and selecting the appropriate factor based on real-time distance measurement, the system optimizes imaging accuracy for the current target distance while maintaining the ability to image targets at various distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual re-correction is performed for each distance, then imaging accuracy at different distances can be achieved, but system complexity and operation difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-correction by automatically measuring target distance, selecting the appropriate correction factor from stored values, and applying it to the imaging data. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention in the correction process, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high imaging accuracy across different distances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The distance measuring device provides continuous feedback on target distance to the signal processing unit, which automatically adjusts the correction factor accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the correction factor always corresponds to the actual target distance, maintaining imaging accuracy without requiring manual re-correction for each distance change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual re-correction is performed for each distance, then imaging accuracy at different distances can be achieved, but operation time and efficiency are significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary correction factor calculations for multiple predetermined distances during the setup phase and stores these correction factors in advance. When imaging, the system simply retrieves the pre-calculated correction factor corresponding to the measured distance, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time calculations and manual re-correction procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic distance-based correction system performs real-time adjustment without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing the time loss associated with manual re-correction operations. The system continuously adapts to distance changes, ensuring imaging accuracy is maintained throughout the imaging process without operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3327463B1Electromagnetic wave imaging system and antenna array signal correction method
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3327463B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327463B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3327463B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electromagnetic wave imaging system and a method of correcting an antenna array signal are disclosed. In an example, the electromagnetic wave imaging system may include an antenna array, configured to receive electromagnetic wave from a target object and convert the electromagnetic wave into an electrical signal; a signal processing unit, configured to process the electrical signal to obtain an image of the target object; and a distance measuring device, configured to measure a distance of the target object from the antenna array, wherein the signal processing unit corrects the electrical signal based at least in part on the measured distance.