3D Monostatic Radar Imaging for Material Quality Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for occluded object detection and material quality inspection using radar-based techniques are complex and costly due to the need for large arrays of antennas and multiple radars, making them impractical for industrial use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a single static monostatic radar and a mechanical rotating platform, where the object under inspection undergoes a circular translation motion, allowing for non-intrusive material quality inspection through three-dimensional imaging. The method involves acquiring radar return data, performing preprocessing steps, applying range-doppler processing, and using a modified Delay-and-Sum algorithm to create transverse plane images and reconstruct a three-dimensional image of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large array of antennas and multiple radars are used for occluded object detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by using a single radar to capture radar return data at multiple different positions. Instead of using multiple radars simultaneously, the system divides the measurement process into sequential steps, acquiring data from different locations and then synthesizing the information to achieve comprehensive detection capability equivalent to or exceeding that of multiple radars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the radar system by processing data collected from multiple physical positions. Through signal processing techniques, the system synthesizes multiple virtual radar viewpoints from a single physical radar, enabling it to reconstruct three-dimensional images and detect occluded objects with the effectiveness of a multi-radar array while maintaining the simplicity of a single radar hardware setup.
2Reliability
If a large array of antennas and multiple radars are used for occluded object detection, then detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task by using a single radar to capture radar return data at multiple different positions. Instead of using multiple radars simultaneously, the system divides the measurement process into sequential steps, acquiring data from different locations and then synthesizing the information to achieve comprehensive detection capability equivalent to or exceeding that of multiple radars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the radar system by processing data collected from multiple physical positions. Through signal processing techniques, the system synthesizes multiple virtual radar viewpoints from a single physical radar, enabling it to reconstruct three-dimensional images and detect occluded objects with the effectiveness of a multi-radar array while maintaining the simplicity of a single radar hardware setup.
3Device complexity
If a single static radar is used with a rotating platform, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements into the measurement system by rotating the platform carrying the object under inspection. The object rotates to present different aspects and angles to the static radar, enabling the collection of radar return data from multiple effective positions. This dynamic approach compensates for the static radar's limited viewing angle and maintains high measurement precision while simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating platform serves as an intermediary between the static radar and the object under inspection. By introducing this intermediate rotating component, the system effectively transforms a single static viewing position into multiple measurement positions, enabling precise three-dimensional imaging without requiring the radar itself to move or be positioned at multiple locations.
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 enables efficient and cost-effective non-intrusive material quality inspection by reducing the complexity and cost of the inspection system while maintaining effective detection and imaging capabilities, even for objects with smaller radar cross-sections.
Implementation Method 1
a single static radar positioned at a predefined inclination from the object under inspection and the mechanical rotating platform... acquire, a first set of radar return data from a first reflected signal and a second set of radar return data from a second reflected signal, the first reflected signal being a signal reflected off a first sample setup and the second reflected signal being a signal reflected off a second sample setup in response to a transmitted signal from the single static radar
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to material quality inspection. Conventional approaches available for material quality inspection are unable to address concerns of complexity and cost involved. The technical problem of occluded object detection and material quality inspection for intrinsic defects identification is addressed in the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides a system and method for non-intrusive material quality inspection using three-dimensional monostatic radar based imaging, where the object under inspection undergoes a circular translation motion on a rotating platform. A modified delay-and-sum (m-DAS) algorithm is built by incorporating virtual antenna array to obtain a 3D image reconstruction of the object. From 3D reconstructed images, radial displacement as well as the angular locations of the object is identified which are further used for quality inspection of the material comprised in the object.