Radar Gap Filling via 3D Occultation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy radar systems often suffer from gaps in coverage due to terrain and manmade obstacles, leading to insufficient performance and the need for trial-and-error placement of additional units to fill these gaps effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for identifying gaps in legacy radar systems by creating a 3D occultation map, determining accessible sites for additional radar units, and selecting sites based on anticipated coverage and cost to predictably fill these gaps, using X-band, C-band, or S-band radar units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trial and error method is used to place radar units, then coverage gaps can be identified and filled, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computational analysis to predict radar coverage patterns and identify gaps before actual radar units are deployed. By calculating expected coverage areas and occultation patterns in advance, the system determines optimal placement locations without requiring trial-and-error field testing, thus saving time while ensuring reliable coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based computational model as an intermediary between the requirement for radar coverage and the physical placement of radar units. This intermediary system processes terrain data, calculates occultation effects, and generates placement recommendations, replacing the need for expensive and time-consuming experimental deployment methods.
2Reliability
If more radar units are deployed to fill coverage gaps, then detection capability improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by deploying radar units with specific characteristics at specific locations based on local terrain conditions and coverage gaps. Rather than uniformly deploying identical radar units throughout the area, the system tailors the placement and selection of radar units to the specific needs of each location, optimizing detection capability while minimizing the total number of units required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying radar operating parameters (such as frequency band selection between X-band, C-band, and S-band) and placement parameters based on local conditions. This allows the system to achieve adequate coverage with fewer units by optimizing each unit's performance characteristics for its specific deployment environment.
3Ease of manufacture
If comprehensive site evaluation is performed considering multiple factors, then optimal sites are selected, but the analysis process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal computer-based analysis system that handles multiple evaluation functions within a single integrated platform. The system simultaneously performs terrain analysis, occultation calculations, coverage predictions, and site accessibility evaluations, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate analysis tools into one multi-functional system, thereby improving site selection accuracy without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning a plurality of radar units in a defined area amongst one or more legacy radar units that provide legacy radar coverage in the defined area is disclosed. The steps of identifying a location of each legacy radar unit, setting a threshold altitude, and determining a legacy occultation of each legacy radar unit from a landscape level up to the threshold altitude are also disclosed. Mapping the legacy occultation of the legacy radar units to provide a three dimensional occultation map in the defined area and locating gaps below the threshold altitude in the legacy radar coverage as a function of the occultation map are also disclosed. Identifying a plurality of sites as a function of the gaps where the sites are accessible to receive a radar unit is also disclosed. Determining an anticipated radar coverage of a radar unit positioned at each of the sites and determining a reduction in the gaps as a function of the anticipated radar coverage are also disclosed. Selecting sites as a function of the reduced gaps is also disclosed. X band, C band or S band radar units can be positioned at the selected sites. The threshold altitude can be 10,000 or 15,000 feet. Affected populations and costs can also be considered in radar placement.