Radar Velocity Correction Using Clutter Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ship-based Radar systems face challenges in obtaining reliable and accurate navigation reference data, particularly in fault conditions where course and speed data may be unavailable or inaccurate, leading to compromised object motion compensation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect objects with velocities below a predefined threshold, calculate an average velocity vector from these objects, and compare it to vessel speed and course data to correct any discrepancies, utilizing clutter signals from stationary or slow-moving objects to infer the vessel's velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ship's navigation reference data (course and speed) is used for Radar motion compensation, then object motion compensation is enabled, but accuracy is compromised under fault conditions when data may be unavailable or inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses detected stationary objects to generate feedback about the vessel's actual velocity, which is then compared with navigation system data and used to correct discrepancies. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the Radar maintains accurate motion compensation even when navigation reference data is faulty or unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The Radar system performs self-verification by using its own detection capabilities to measure the velocity of stationary objects, thereby determining the vessel's velocity independently of external navigation systems. This self-service approach allows the system to validate and correct its own operational parameters.
2Ease of operation
If navigation reference data is assumed reliable under normal operation, then system operation is simplified, but accuracy is lost when fault conditions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects and monitors stationary objects in the background, maintaining a ready supply of velocity reference data before fault conditions occur. This preliminary action ensures that when navigation data becomes unreliable, the correction mechanism is already prepared and can immediately improve accuracy without complicating operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple stationary objects are used to calculate average velocity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines velocity measurements from multiple stationary objects by calculating their average, merging individual measurements into a single more reliable velocity value. This merging approach improves accuracy through statistical averaging while keeping the processing methodology straightforward and manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of determining a velocity of a vessel, comprising the steps of: detecting objects in the vicinity of the vessel; selecting an object having a velocity relative to the vessel which is below a predefined threshold; and determining the velocity of the vessel to be opposite to the velocity of the object. Also disclosed is an apparatus arranged to perform the method.