Radar Image Processing Ghost Suppression via Focus Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radar image processing devices struggle to suppress ghost images without affecting true images, as they often blur or distort true image signals when attempting to remove ghost images, leading to incomplete or inaccurate image reproduction.

Innovation Solution

A radar image processing device that determines and isolates ghost images by changing the focus of the radar image, allowing for the suppression of ghost images while preserving true images by replacing the pixel values of ghost images with zero or averaging surrounding pixel values, thereby distinguishing and removing only the ghost image components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If ghost image suppression is performed by replacing pixel values in the original focused image, then ghost images are removed, but true images are also blurred or distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveghost image suppressionVSAvoidimage reproduction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image processing by creating multiple focused images at different focal points. The original focused image and at least one additional focused image with a different focus are generated, allowing separate analysis and processing of ghost image components from true image components in the frequency domain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary process using Fourier transformation to convert spatial domain images to frequency domain representations. This intermediary frequency domain processing allows selective manipulation of ghost image components without directly affecting true image structures in the spatial domain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the imaging area is expanded to capture more targets, then more objects are detected, but aliasing and multi-order echoes increase causing more ghost images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging area coverageVSAvoidazimuth ambiguity and range ambiguity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by iteratively processing multiple focused images and using the results to identify and suppress ghost images. The system continuously refines the image reconstruction by comparing processed results with expected image characteristics and adjusting suppression parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes processing parameters by applying different focal points and using Fourier transformation parameters to separate ghost image components from true image components. By varying the focus parameter and frequency domain processing parameters, the system can selectively target and remove ambiguity artifacts while preserving true targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3751309B1Radar image processing device and radar image processing method
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3751309B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3751309B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3751309B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A radar image processing device (1) performs determination of a pixel including a ghost image and changes the value of the pixel which is determined to include the ghost image on a radar image the focus of which has been changed.