Multistatic Scanned Aperture Radar Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar imaging systems for detecting concealed weapons are computationally intensive, leading to high latency and non-ideal artifacts in image reconstruction, which hinders efficient threat detection in security screening.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multistatic scanned aperture imaging system with a sparse antenna array configuration and advanced data processing techniques, such as backprojection focusing at different resolutions, to enhance computational efficiency and image fidelity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radar imaging systems use standard reconstruction methods, then image fidelity is maintained, but computational intensity increases leading to high latency
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the reconstruction process into multiple resolution levels, processing data at different resolutions separately. This segmentation allows the system to maintain image fidelity through detailed processing while reducing overall computational time by handling lower resolution data faster, thereby resolving the latency issue without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts reconstruction parameters including resolution levels and processing depth based on computational resources and time constraints. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system can maintain high image fidelity when time permits while reducing processing time when latency is critical, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
2Speed
If faster reconstruction methods are used to reduce latency, then processing speed increases, but image quality deteriorates due to non-ideal artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The reconstruction process is segmented into multiple resolution stages. The system processes data at lower resolutions quickly to reduce latency, then progressively refines the image at higher resolutions to eliminate artifacts and improve quality. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast reconstruction and high image quality without compromising either aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reconstruction at lower resolutions to generate initial images quickly, then applies refinement algorithms to correct artifacts and improve quality. This preliminary action allows the system to achieve fast processing speed while maintaining image quality through subsequent refinement steps.
3Measurement precision
If higher resolution processing is applied, then image fidelity improves, but computational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational process is segmented into multiple resolution levels, allowing the system to perform detailed high-fidelity processing only where and when necessary. By segmenting the computation, the system maintains image fidelity through detailed processing at appropriate resolutions while reducing overall computational burden by avoiding unnecessary high-resolution processing throughout the entire dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters including resolution and computational depth based on the specific requirements of each processing stage. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system maintains high image fidelity when needed while optimizing computational efficiency by using lower processing intensity where high fidelity is not critical, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
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 significantly reduces computational burden, enabling faster and more accurate detection of concealed objects with improved image quality and reduced artifacts, facilitating real-time threat detection in security screening applications.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic energy toward a target imaging volume and receiving reflected electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 2
receiving reflected electromagnetic energy
Implementation Method 3
backprojection focusing of the radar data
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging systems and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an imaging system includes a printed circuit board, an interface configured to at least one of output and receive a plurality of electrical signals with respect to circuitry external of the printed circuit board, a plurality of antennas configured to at least one of transmit and receive electromagnetic energy with respect to a target imaging volume, a plurality of conductors configured to communicate the electrical signals between the interface and the antennas, switching circuitry configured to selectively couple the interface with different ones of the antennas and different ones of the conductors at a plurality of different moments in time, and a controller configured to control the switching circuitry to couple the different ones of the antennas with the interface to provide a plurality of different sampling points within an aperture of the imaging system.