Near Field Radar Image Correction Using R4 Factor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near field radar imaging is affected by varying distances between the radar system and the object, leading to inconsistencies in signal strength that compromise the accuracy of quality control information, particularly in applications where distance differences are significant.

Innovation Solution

An improved correction factor, referred to as the R4 correction, is applied to adjust the image strength based on the geometric mean of the distances from the radar antenna to the attachment and launching points, ensuring accurate signal processing and image formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional radar imaging is used without correction, then the system is simple to operate, but the image strength accuracy deteriorates due to distance variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage strength accuracyVSAvoidcorrection processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction factors in a lookup table before actual imaging operations. The R4 correction factors are computed in advance based on geometric relationships between radar antenna positions and object points, then stored for rapid retrieval during imaging, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a lookup table that stores pre-computed correction factors. Instead of performing complex R4 correction calculations for every image point, the system copies the appropriate correction factor from the lookup table based on pre-stored geometric relationships, significantly simplifying the imaging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If R4 correction is applied to each image point, then image strength accuracy improves, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strength accuracyVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates processing time loss by performing all R4 correction calculations in advance and storing them in a lookup table. During actual imaging operations, the system only needs to retrieve pre-computed correction factors rather than performing complex calculations for each image point, dramatically reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying to retrieve pre-computed correction factors from the lookup table during imaging operations. Instead of recalculating R4 corrections for each image point, the system copies the appropriate correction factor from stored tables based on pre-determined geometric relationships, significantly accelerating image formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If distance differences are ignored in near field imaging, then the imaging process is simpler, but the quality control information accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality control information accuracyVSAvoidcorrection application complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures reliability by pre-calculating correction factors that account for distance variations in near field imaging. These correction factors are computed in advance based on the specific geometry of the imaging setup and stored for use during quality control inspections, ensuring accurate compensation for distance effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies copying by retrieving pre-computed correction factors from lookup tables during quality control imaging. The system copies the appropriate correction factor based on the relationship between the radar antenna and the specific point being imaged, ensuring accurate compensation without complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 R4 correction factor effectively compensates for distance variations, enhancing the accuracy of near field radar imaging and improving the quality control information provided, especially in scenarios where distance differences are substantial.

Implementation Method 1

Radar has been widely utilized in a number of applications for decades. In its traditional uses, radar has been utilized to identify a component a good distance away from the radar system.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

Near field radar imaging directs radar beams at an object, and processes the reflected signals to create an image of the component.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS7944391B2Correction for near field radar imaging
Publication Date: 2011.05.17 RTX CORP
  • US7944391B2 patent drawing
  • US7944391B2 patent drawing
  • US7944391B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A near field radar imaging system looks at the distance between the several points under evaluation, and corrects image strength based upon varying distances such that a more accurate image of the object under evaluation is provided.