Passive Radar Tracking With Adaptive Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive radar systems rely on a single emitter and sensor, leading to complex systems and limited tracking performance, as they fail to effectively utilize multiple emitters and sensors for improved object tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method using a central controller to receive and process data from multiple radar sensors with adaptive antenna arrays, optimizing sensor parameters to combine signals from multiple emitters, iteratively adjusting beampatterns and adding/removing signals to enhance tracking accuracy, employing techniques like compressed sensing and the greedy algorithm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple emitters and sensors are used to improve tracking performance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking task into segments handled by individual sensors, each processing data from multiple emitters independently. The central controller then integrates results from multiple sensors through data fusion algorithms, breaking down the complex multi-emitter multi-sensor problem into manageable segments that can be processed in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple emitters and multiple sensors through a central controller that implements data fusion algorithms. By combining information from multiple sources and using adaptive antenna arrays across sensors, the system achieves improved tracking precision while managing complexity through coordinated integration rather than independent processing chains.
2Device complexity
If a single emitter and sensor are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor in the system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of receiving and processing signals from multiple different emitters simultaneously. The adaptive antenna arrays can dynamically reconfigure to track different emitters and targets, allowing the system to maintain high precision with standardized sensor units that serve multiple purposes rather than requiring specialized single-function components.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive antenna arrays are used with multiple sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic beamforming and adaptive antenna array processing where sensor parameters and beampatterns are continuously adjusted in real-time based on target position and emitter characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high precision tracking performance while using standardized sensor hardware, as the intelligence is distributed through software-based adaptive processing rather than fixed complex hardware configurations.
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 improves tracking performance by optimizing radar sensor parameters and beampatterns, increasing accuracy and reducing complexity by leveraging multiple emitters and sensors, allowing for more precise object identification and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
passive radar systems may perform similar identification and tracking functions. Their receivers rely on the reflection of EM emissions originating from existing sources
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking an object of interest with a passive radar system using multiple radar sensors. The method includes the steps of receiving, with at least one controller, radar sensor characteristics and radar sensor locations data for a plurality of radar receivers occupying an area of interest. Data indicative of direct or reflected radar return signals from emitters of opportunity received by the plurality of radar receivers is also received at the controller. From this data, objects of interest are identified. The controller is configured to calculate optimized radar sensor parameters for the plurality of radar receivers for each identified object of interest, and transmit the same to the plurality of radar receivers for implementation. Radar return data received by the plurality of radar receivers using the optimized sensor parameters is provided to the central controller, and updated optimized sensor parameters according to the updated received radar return data are calculated.