Radar-Lidar Fusion for Atmospheric Signal Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face degradation in imaging capability at longer ranges and in the presence of obscuring covers due to signal distortion, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a lidar system with a radar system, where the lidar system provides redundant images and slant range vectors to correct radar response signals, and the fusion of these corrected images to enhance imaging accuracy and penetration through obscuring covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If radar systems operate at longer ranges, then detection coverage is improved, but signal distortion increases due to atmospheric effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lidar as an intermediary system to measure atmospheric conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity) along the radar signal path. These atmospheric parameters serve as mediators that enable correction of radar signal distortion, allowing long-range detection to maintain both coverage and accuracy by compensating for atmospheric effects on electromagnetic wave propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using lidar measurements to continuously monitor and characterize atmospheric conditions, then feeding this information back to correct radar signal processing. The atmospheric parameters obtained from lidar form a feedback loop that dynamically adjusts radar signal interpretation, maintaining measurement precision across varying environmental conditions and ranges
2Reliability
If radar systems operate through obscuring covers, then object detection capability is improved, but signal distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Lidar acts as an intermediary probe that measures atmospheric conditions in the presence of obscuring covers (fog, smoke, precipitation). These measurements serve as mediators that characterize the medium through which radar signals propagate, enabling correction of signal distortion caused by the obscuring cover while maintaining reliable object detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct radar signal-based medium characterization with lidar-based optical measurement. Instead of relying on radar signal returns that are distorted by obscuring covers, the system uses lidar to optically probe and measure atmospheric conditions, substituting the measurement mechanism to avoid the distortion problem while maintaining detection reliability
3Measurement precision
If lidar and radar systems are integrated, then imaging accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by having the processor perform multiple functions: it processes both raw radar signals and lidar atmospheric measurements, integrates these different data types, and produces corrected radar images. This multi-functional approach improves imaging accuracy by combining complementary information sources while managing complexity through unified signal processing architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges lidar atmospheric measurements with radar signal processing in a unified correction framework. By combining the atmospheric parameter data from lidar with the radar response signals, the system creates an integrated processing pipeline that corrects radar images using both data sources, improving accuracy while consolidating functions rather than operating systems separately
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 radar imaging by correcting signal distortions at longer ranges and through obscuring covers, resulting in clearer and more accurate object detection and identification.
Implementation Method 1
A radar system, such as a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system operating at millimeter wave (MMW) frequencies, can be utilized to image a target area
Implementation Method 2
If the object is present within the target area, the object can reflect a portion of the transmitted electromagnetic signal back to the radar system
Implementation Method 3
The radar response signals being corrected based on at least a portion of lidar response signals that are received from a lidar system corresponding to backscattered lidar signals reflected from the target area
Implementation Method 4
backscattered lidar signals reflected from the target area
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment describes an imaging system. The system includes a first imaging system configured to provide first signals to a target area and to receive first response signals. The system also includes a second imaging system configured to provide second signals to the target area and to receive second response signals. The first and second signals can have separate frequency bands. The system further includes a processor configured to correct the first response signals based on the second response signals, and to generate an image based on the corrected first response signals.