Radar Masking for Unknown Target Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RADAR systems struggle to clearly distinguish unknown targets from known objects, such as land targets, floating objects, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) targets, in the RADAR image display, especially when objects overlap.
Innovation Solution
A RADAR apparatus and method that enhance the visibility of echo images by merging data from electronic chart objects, AIS targets, and other sources, and applying a mask to known objects, allowing unknown objects to be easily identified through dilation of the mask based on user-defined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data from multiple sources (electronic chart objects, AIS targets, etc.) are merged and displayed on the display unit, then the information completeness is improved, but the difficulty of identifying unknown targets worsens due to object overlay and visual clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information by applying different visual treatments to different object types. Known objects (land targets, floating objects, AIS targets) are masked with specific patterns or colors, while unknown objects remain unmasked or receive different treatment. This segmentation allows the observer to visually separate known from unknown targets despite the merging of multiple data sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different visual properties to different regions of the display. Specifically, masks are applied selectively to certain objects based on their classification (known vs. unknown), creating local visual differences that help identification. The mask characteristics (color, pattern, transparency) are customized locally for each object type.
2Loss of information
If multiple objects are displayed together on the display unit, then the comprehensive situational awareness is improved, but the visibility of individual objects worsens due to overlay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes as a key mechanism to differentiate objects. Masks are applied with specific colors or patterns to known objects, while unknown objects maintain their original appearance or receive different color treatment. This color differentiation maintains visibility of all objects simultaneously while enabling easy distinction between known and unknown targets.
3Ease of operation
If masks are applied to known objects to improve identification, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-classifying objects into known and unknown categories before display, and pre-applying appropriate masks to known objects. The system automatically identifies AIS targets, land targets, and floating objects from the merged data, applies corresponding masks based on object type, and presents the finalized display. This preliminary processing automates what would otherwise require manual effort, improving ease of operation despite the added processing complexity.
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
The solution improves the visibility of target objects in RADAR images, enabling users to easily differentiate unknown objects from known ones, even in overlapping scenarios, thereby enhancing situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatuses transmit electromagnetic waves, sweeping the marine environment for other objects or bodies. The electromagnetic waves are reflected from one or more target objects, for example, a target ship, a vessel, or a stationary monitoring station. The reflected electromagnetic waves received by the aforementioned apparatuses are called echoes.
Data Source
AI summary
A RADAR apparatus and a method for generating echo images and enhancing the visibility of echo images on a display unit are disclosed. The RADAR apparatus has an antenna configured to receive echo information of a plurality of electromagnetic waves at a vessel, from a plurality of objects. The plurality of objects includes land objects, Automatic Identification Systems (AISs), and floating objects. A smart RADAR is configured to generate a display output based on the echo information, electronic chart information extracted from a storage module, and AIS information received from the AIS. The smart RADAR applies a mask to the plurality of objects in the display output, based on mask information received from a user, to identify at least one unknown object from the plurality of objects. The smart RADAR automatically applies dilation of the mask in the display output, based on a display parameter set by the user.