LFMCW Radar Hidden Chamber Detection with TDMA MIMO Antenna Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for detecting hidden chambers are inefficient and dependent on human expertise, and radar systems with narrow band receivers have limited coverage and low detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hidden chamber detector utilizing a linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) radar with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging processor and a time division multiple access (TDMA) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna array, which selects Tx-Rx antenna pairs to transmit and receive signals, converting echo signals to baseband samples for SAR image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a narrow band receiver radar is used to detect hidden chambers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection efficiency and coverage range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the receiver from a narrow band type to a wide band receiver, fundamentally altering the operational parameters of the radar system. This parameter change enables the system to process broader frequency spectra, thereby improving detection efficiency and coverage range while maintaining acceptable device complexity through integrated wide band signal processing architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If human inspectors are used to detect hidden chambers, then the detection method is simple to implement, but the detection efficiency and accuracy depend on inspector experience requiring complex training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (human inspectors physically examining surfaces) with an electromagnetic field-based radar system. This substitution eliminates the dependency on human expertise and experience while maintaining ease of implementation through automated scanning and processing, thereby significantly improving detection efficiency and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system performs self-detection and self-analysis of hidden chambers through automated signal processing and image reconstruction algorithms. The system independently processes the collected echo signals to generate detection results without requiring human intervention or interpretation, thereby achieving high detection efficiency while keeping the system simple to operate.
3Reliability
If LFMCW radar with TDMA MIMO antenna array is used, then the sensitivity and coverage range are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar system into multiple transmitting and receiving antenna elements arranged in a TDMA MIMO array configuration. Each antenna element operates independently to transmit or receive signals at different time slots, and the combined signals provide enhanced detection sensitivity and coverage through spatial diversity and signal integration, managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) mechanism implements periodic switching between different antenna elements for transmitting and receiving operations. Each antenna pair operates in periodic time slots, allowing the system to achieve MIMO functionality with simpler hardware by sequentially activating different antenna combinations, thereby improving sensitivity while controlling device complexity.
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
The system achieves high sensitivity and large coverage range, significantly improving detection efficiency and speed by forming detailed SAR images, reducing the need for complex human training and allowing for automatic detection of hidden chambers.
Implementation Method 1
a linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) radar
Implementation Method 2
transmit an illumination signal through the Tx antenna, receive an echo signal through the Rx antenna
Implementation Method 3
form an SAR image based on the collected samples, the structure/configuration of the TDMA MIMO antenna array, and the radar range scanning information
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden chamber detector includes a linear frequency modulated continuous wave (LFMCW) radar, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging processor, and a time division multiple access (TDMA) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna array, including a plurality of transmitting and receiving (Tx-Rx) antenna pairs. A Tx-Rx antenna pair is selected, in a time division manner, as a Tx antenna and an Rx antenna for the LFMCW radar. The LFMCW radar is configured to transmit an illumination signal, receive an echo signal, convert the echo signal to a baseband signal, collect baseband samples, and send the collected samples to the SAR imaging processor. The SAR imaging processor is configured to receive the collected samples, collect structure/configuration of the antenna array and scanning information, and form an SAR image based on the collected samples, the structure/configuration of the antenna array, and the scanning information.