Multistatic Detection Signal Level Estimation Using Precomputed Propagation Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multistatic object detection and tracking systems, estimating the detection signal level is complicated due to varying propagation loss depending on direction, requiring high calculation capability and making it difficult to measure target strength accurately.

Innovation Solution

A system that determines propagation loss as a function of distance and direction, using equations for spherical and cylindrical spreading, and absorption loss, to estimate the detection signal level, including a setting unit, transmission level obtaining unit, propagation loss function estimating unit, target strength obtaining unit, and detection signal level function estimating unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multistatic configuration is used with direction-dependent propagation loss, then detection accuracy is improved, but calculation complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores propagation loss values in a lookup table before actual detection operations. By performing the complex calculation work in advance and organizing results in a searchable format, the system avoids repeating complex calculations during real-time detection, thus maintaining high detection accuracy while reducing operational calculation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified model of propagation loss characteristics through pre-computed lookup tables that replicate the complex physical propagation patterns. This copied representation allows the system to query pre-established propagation characteristics without performing complex real-time calculations, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If complex numerical calculation methods are used to calculate propagation loss regions, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to high calculation load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropagation loss estimation precisionVSAvoidcalculation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs complex numerical calculations to determine propagation loss characteristics in advance, stores these results in lookup tables, and then uses these pre-computed data for rapid detection. This preliminary calculation approach maintains high measurement precision while dramatically improving calculation efficiency during actual detection operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic calculation strategy where the level of computational effort is adjusted based on operational requirements. Complex numerical calculations are performed once during setup to create lookup tables, while routine detection operations use these pre-computed tables for rapid results, optimizing the balance between precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy estimation of signal levels in multistatic configurations, allowing for improved detectability assessment by expressing regions with equal signal levels, simplifying calculations and enhancing object detection and tracking accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A sonar system, a radar system, and a lidar system detect and track objects using, respectively, sound waves, radio waves, and light waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

A sonar system, a radar system, and a lidar system detect and track objects using, respectively, sound waves, radio waves, and light waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

A sonar system, a radar system, and a lidar system detect and track objects using, respectively, sound waves, radio waves, and light waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight wave propagation: Light

Implementation Method 4

The TL can be expressed in a mathematical formula as cylindrical spreading in shallow waters and spherical spreading in deep waters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical spreading: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 5

The TL can be expressed in a mathematical formula as cylindrical spreading in shallow waters and spherical spreading in deep waters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCylindrical spreading: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 6

using equations for spherical and cylindrical spreading, and absorption loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption loss: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 7

The TS is different for each object, and can be ascertained by measuring it beforehand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 8

The TS is different for each object, and can be ascertained by measuring it beforehand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2503353B1Object detection and tracking support system, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 NEC CORP
  • EP2503353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2503353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2503353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object detection and tracking support system includes a setting unit, a transmission level obtaining unit, a propagation loss function estimating unit that, based on various information relating to a transmitter and a receiver stored in the setting unit, calculates the propagation loss as a propagation loss function expressed as a function of the distance and the direction viewed from the receiver, a target strength obtaining unit that, in regard to an object of object information stored in said setting unit , extracts a target strength of the object from an external database; and a detection signal level function estimating unit that, based on transmission level information obtained by said transmission level obtaining unit, a propagation loss function calculated by said propagation loss coefficient estimating unit, and a target strength extracted by said target strength obtaining unit, determines a detection signal level function, and makes an external display unit display it.