Drone-Calibrated Radar Free Surface Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine radar technologies provide indirect and inaccurate measurements of free surface elevation due to modulation complexities and interference from factors like shadow effects, microbreaking waves, and meteorological conditions, requiring additional sensors for calibration and resulting in complex measurement procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method using a drone equipped with sensors for localized measurements to calibrate a free surface elevation reconstruction model, which is then applied to radar measurements for accurate real-time determination of free surface elevation, enabling adaptation to varying conditions and access to hard-to-reach areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If marine radar is used for remote wave measurement, then measurement coverage area is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect measurement and signal modulation complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calibration process using instrumented buoys that directly measure wave parameters. These buoy measurements serve as a reference to calibrate the radar's indirect measurements, bridging the gap between radar coverage and measurement accuracy. The calibration establishes a relationship between radar backscatter signals and actual wave elevations measured by the buoy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the radar system by adjusting transmission power, pulse duration, and signal processing algorithms to optimize the relationship between radar backscatter intensity and wave elevation. This parameter optimization improves the precision of free surface elevation measurements while maintaining wide coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the instrumented buoy serve multiple functions: it directly measures wave parameters for calibration, validates radar measurements, and provides reference data for algorithm development. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated calibration equipment, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If radar signal processing is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to shadow effects and microbreaking waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary signal processing corrections to compensate for shadow effects and microbreaking wave interference before final wave parameter extraction. By pre-correcting these known interference patterns, the system maintains measurement precision while keeping the overall processing algorithm relatively simple and easy to operate.
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
This approach allows for precise and real-time determination of free surface elevation at any point in a water body zone, improving the accuracy and feasibility of wave monitoring and control systems, particularly in challenging meteorological conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the principle of wave measurement by radar is as follows: the electromagnetic waves emitted by the radar interact, according to Bragg's law, with the sea surface ripples (height variations)
Implementation Method 2
The backscatter of this rough surface reveals the underlying shape of the waves. The radar images therefore show patterns that look like waves
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a method of determining a free surface elevation (ESL) of a water body zone. The method involves measurement by radar (MRA) and localized measurement using a drone (MDR) equipped with a sensor, in order to calibrate (CAL) a free surface elevation reconstruction model (MOD) in the considered zone. The calibrated model (MOD CAL) is subsequently applied to real-time radar measurements (MRA) in order to determine free surface elevation (ESL).