Colocated Radar-Camera Imaging for Reliable Navigation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote sensing systems face challenges in providing accurate and intuitive imagery for navigation, particularly in interpreting aggregations of remote sensor returns over time, and are often expensive and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A remote sensing imagery system that integrates radar and optical imagery, utilizing colocated imaging modules and orientation sensors to generate precise and reliable data, with a logic device that adjusts steering and propulsion systems based on sensor input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional remote sensing systems are used to provide navigation imagery, then the systems can detect environmental features, but the imagery is difficult to interpret reliably and requires high precision data that increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar and optical imaging systems into a single integrated remote sensing system. The radar assembly and optical imaging system share common mounting structures and coordinate systems, allowing data fusion that improves interpretability while reducing overall system complexity through component sharing and coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system that acts as an intermediary between the raw sensor data and the final imagery output. This processing system fuses radar and optical data, transforms coordinate systems, and generates interpretable imagery that is easier to use for navigation purposes.
2Loss of information
If conventional remote sensing systems provide aggregations of sensor returns over time, then the systems can capture environmental data, but the data is difficult to interpret and requires expensive high precision equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges radar and optical sensing capabilities into a single system that captures complementary information about the environment. The radar provides all-weather detection while optical imaging provides detailed visual data, and their fusion creates comprehensive environmental awareness that is more interpretable than either system alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processing system continuously refines the interpretation of sensor returns by comparing radar and optical data, adjusting for timing offsets and coordinate transformations. This feedback loop improves data interpretability while using commercially available sensors rather than expensive specialized equipment.
3Measurement precision
If radar and optical systems are integrated with common mounting and coordinate systems, then the systems provide synchronized and co-registered imagery, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal mounting structures and coordinate systems that serve multiple functions. The common mounting structure provides mechanical support, positional reference, and rotational alignment for both radar and optical systems simultaneously. This multi-functional approach achieves precise co-registration without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration and coordinate transformation setup during system installation and initialization. By pre-establishing the relationship between radar and optical coordinate systems and pre-synchronizing timing references, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex real-time adjustments during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides highly accurate and intuitive remote sensing data, reducing errors and costs by employing direct measurement methodologies and data fusion, enabling enhanced target detection and classification.
Implementation Method 1
A radar assembly may be provided which includes a transceiver configured to transmit a radar signal and receive a reflected radar signal
Implementation Method 2
A Doppler processor may be provided which is configured to determine a Doppler frequency of the reflected radar signal
Implementation Method 3
An optical imaging system may be provided which is configured to provide image data corresponding to the target
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide remote sensing imagery for mobile structures. A remote sensing imagery system includes a radar assembly mounted to a mobile structure and a coupled logic device. The radar assembly includes an imaging system coupled to or within the radar assembly and configured to provide image data associated with the radar assembly. The logic device is configured to receive radar returns corresponding to a detected target from the radar assembly and image data corresponding to the radar returns from the imaging system, and then generate radar image data based on the radar returns and the image data. Subsequent user input and/or the sensor data may be used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.