Mobile Radar Clutter Map Update via Motion Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar systems for mobile platforms face challenges in maintaining accurate clutter maps as the environment changes due to platform movement, leading to invalidation of previously computed clutter maps, especially in complex land environments with undulating terrain.

Innovation Solution

A radar system comprising a radar sensor and a motion sensor, coupled with a data processing system that generates a base clutter map based on initial data collection and updates it using subsequent data and platform motion data, allowing for continuous environment characterization and collision avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clutter map is generated based on initial radar data collection, then the system can characterize the surrounding environment for collision avoidance, but the clutter map becomes invalid when the mobile platform moves and the environment changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutter map validityVSAvoidtime for map updates
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clutter map is transformed from a static representation to a dynamic one that automatically updates as the mobile platform moves. The system continuously adjusts the clutter map by incorporating new radar data and motion information, ensuring the map remains valid and accurate throughout platform movement without requiring complete regeneration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using motion sensor data to detect platform movement and automatically triggering clutter map updates. The updated clutter map is fed back into the collision avoidance system, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy through continuous adaptation to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If Doppler radar is used to detect moving objects through Doppler shift, then the system can distinguish between clutter and moving objects, but the system becomes complex and expensive with high power and processing demands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidradar system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces motion sensor data as an intermediary element that provides platform motion information without requiring complex radar processing. This motion data serves as a mediator that simplifies the overall system by enabling clutter map updates through less demanding sensors while maintaining detection accuracy through the integrated approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the collision avoidance function into multiple components: a simplified radar sensor for basic data collection, a separate motion sensor for platform movement detection, and a processing system that integrates both data sources. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and less expensive while achieving the same overall measurement precision through their coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables effective clutter map updates, reducing processing complexity and cost, improving mobility and configurability of radar systems by eliminating the need for specialized hardware and simplifying real-time processing, thereby enhancing collision avoidance capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a radar sensor configured to collect data associated with an environment through which the mobile platform moves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the mobile platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS10788570B2Radar system for mobile platform and method of use
Publication Date: 2020.09.29 THE BOEING CO
  • US10788570B2 patent drawing
  • US10788570B2 patent drawing
  • US10788570B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radar system for a mobile platform and methods of operating the radar system are provided. The radar system includes a radar sensor configured to collect data associated with an environment through which the mobile platform moves, and a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the mobile platform. The radar system also includes a processor configured to generate a base clutter map based on a first data collection by the radar sensor, and update the base clutter map based on a second data collection and the motion of the mobile platform detected by the motion sensor.