Multifunction Laser Radar Mode Chaining for Target State Uncertainty

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser radar systems face challenges in efficiently selecting the optimal operational mode between incoherent and coherent functions based on target state uncertainty, leading to suboptimal performance and resource utilization, particularly in scenarios with high uncertainty and low signal observing conditions.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction laser radar system that dynamically selects between incoherent and coherent modes based on an uncertainty threshold, utilizing adaptive waveform design and real-time signal processing, and employs a target state estimator with a Kalman filter to adjust modes and waveform parameters for improved performance and resource optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the laser radar system operates in coherent mode to improve measurement precision, then target measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between coherent and incoherent modes based on real-time uncertainty estimates of target state parameters. The controller adjusts the operational mode adaptively, transitioning from coherent mode (higher precision) to incoherent mode (lower complexity) when uncertainty exceeds thresholds, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement accuracy and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different functional modes (coherent/incoherent) based on target state uncertainty. This parameter change allows the system to adapt its measurement precision and complexity levels according to the specific operational context and uncertainty conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the laser radar system uses incoherent mode to reduce computational complexity, then processing speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidtarget measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic mode selection where the controller switches between incoherent and coherent modes based on uncertainty thresholds. When uncertainty is low, the system uses incoherent mode for faster processing; when uncertainty exceeds thresholds, it transitions to coherent mode to maintain measurement precision, creating a dynamic adaptation strategy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from uncertainty estimation to control mode selection. The controller continuously monitors target state uncertainty and uses this feedback to determine whether to operate in incoherent or coherent mode, ensuring that processing speed and measurement precision are optimized based on actual operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system dynamically switches between modes based on uncertainty thresholds, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the operational space by defining distinct uncertainty thresholds that separate different operational regimes. By dividing the uncertainty range into regions (below threshold, above threshold), the system simplifies control logic while maintaining adaptability, avoiding the need for complex continuous optimization algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If the laser radar system operates in coherent mode with high uncertainty, then measurement precision can be maintained, but resource utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget measurement accuracyVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on real-time uncertainty assessment. When uncertainty exceeds predefined thresholds, the controller switches from coherent mode (high resource consumption) to incoherent mode (low resource consumption), optimizing resource utilization while maintaining measurement precision only when necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters by switching between coherent and incoherent modes based on uncertainty conditions. This parameter change allows the system to conserve computational and energy resources by using the simpler incoherent mode when high precision is not required, while maintaining the capability to switch to coherent mode when precision becomes critical

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20220373649A1Mode chaining for multifunction laser radar
Publication Date: 2022.11.24 RAYTHEON CO
  • US20220373649A1 patent drawing
  • US20220373649A1 patent drawing
  • US20220373649A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating a multifunction laser radar system including receiving a target state corresponding to parameters of a target, selecting a mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation for the laser radar system based on the target state, receiving returns reflected by the target via the laser radar system operating in the selected mode of operation, processing the returns to calculate at least one target measurement, and determining a filtered target state based on the at least one target measurement.