Horizontal Subterranean Radar Array Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground penetrating radar systems require vertical or direct above-ground access to image subterranean regions, which is often impractical due to unstable terrain, conservation efforts, or legal restrictions, and existing seismic and acoustic systems lack the resolution for detailed mapping.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal radar array system comprising multiple radar units in underground columns forms a horizontal field of regard to image subterranean targets without above-ground access, using radar chains to transmit and receive signals and process them into high-resolution images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vertical ground penetrating radar systems are used to image subterranean regions, then high resolution imaging can be achieved, but vertical or direct above-ground access is required which is often impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical radar approach by implementing a horizontal radar array configuration. Instead of transmitting radar signals vertically from above-ground, the system places radar elements horizontally in predrilled boreholes to image subterranean targets laterally, eliminating the need for vertical access while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional vertical radar configuration to a three-dimensional horizontal array configuration. By distributing multiple radar elements horizontally across multiple boreholes and processing their combined signals, the system achieves tomographic imaging of subterranean regions without requiring vertical access
2Ease of operation
If seismic or acoustic sensing systems are used to detect large geological formations without vertical access, then access restrictions are avoided, but high resolution imaging for detailed mapping is unable to be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts ground penetrating radar technology, traditionally used for shallow subsurface imaging, to function in a horizontal borehole configuration for deep subterranean imaging. This multi-functional application allows the system to achieve both access flexibility and high resolution imaging by combining radar principles with borehole deployment and tomographic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite approach combining multiple radar elements from different boreholes into a unified horizontal array system. By integrating signals from multiple distributed sensors and processing them through tomographic algorithms, the system achieves high resolution imaging comparable to conventional vertical systems while maintaining access flexibility
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
Enables detailed imaging of subterranean areas for various applications, including structure detection, monitoring, and resource identification, without the need for vertical access, providing resolution comparable to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a radar signal from a first set of a plurality radar units horizontally toward the subterranean target area
Implementation Method 2
receiving by a second set of the plurality of radar units, a reflected signal from the subterranean target area
Data Source
AI summary
A subterranean radar array system and method for imaging a subterranean target area. In one example, the subterranean radar array includes a plurality of radar chains disposed in a plurality of underground columns, each radar chain including a plurality of radar units forming the plurality of radar chains and at least one processor coupled to a corresponding at least one of the plurality of radar chains and configured to generate an image of a subterranean target area from signals received from the at least one radar chain.