Radar Mode Interleaving Decision Method for Airborne Surveillance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radar mode interleaving methods for airborne maritime surveillance fail to effectively manage scanning patterns, resource allocation, and navigation influences, leading to inefficiencies in surveillance missions, especially with limited computing resources and complex constraints.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent and explainable method for deciding and evaluating radar mode interleaving using a hierarchical approach, involving utility value determination, validation of interleaving conditions, and sequencing, with fuzzy logic and reinforcement learning to optimize radar resource usage and adapt to changing mission objectives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If generic solutions are used to optimize radar task scheduling, then scanning pattern management is improved, but the specific needs of airborne radar with navigation influences are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradar task scheduling efficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to airborne surveillance constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the radar scheduling algorithm specifically to airborne surveillance constraints rather than using generic solutions. The system incorporates navigation data, aircraft position, and mission-specific objectives to create a customized scheduling approach that addresses the unique requirements of airborne radar operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between general scheduling efficiency and specific adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple radar modes are interleaved to meet surveillance objectives, then surveillance coverage is improved, but computing resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance coverage capabilityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively interleaving only the necessary radar modes required to meet specific surveillance objectives rather than continuously operating all available modes. The system evaluates mission requirements and dynamically activates only the minimal set of radar modes needed, thereby reducing computing resource consumption while maintaining adequate surveillance coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the interleaving sequence and timing of radar modes based on real-time mission objectives, aircraft position, and resource availability. The system modifies scheduling parameters such as mode selection, transition times, and coverage priorities to optimize the balance between surveillance coverage and computing resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If radar modes are interleaved to satisfy monitoring functions, then surveillance effectiveness is improved, but execution time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance effectivenessVSAvoidexecution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal radar mode interleaving sequences based on predicted mission requirements and aircraft trajectory. The system prepares scheduling decisions in advance using navigation data and mission objectives, reducing real-time computation delays and ensuring that radar mode transitions are executed efficiently without compromising surveillance effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4145173B1Method for deciding and assessing the interleaving of a plurality of radar modes, associated computer program and device
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 THALES SA
  • EP4145173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4145173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4145173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to such a method comprising: - obtaining (12) a mission comprising at least one objective; - determining (14), according to a set of constraints, radar modes corresponding to at least one objective; - for each mode, determining (16) a utility, per radar sector, for each objective; - from said modes and utilities, verifying (18) an interleaving condition: - with reiteration from the determination of modes according to a modified set of constraints, if validated; or - attempting to determine (20) the interleaving sequence, if validated: - with reiteration from the verification of another interleaving condition, and reiteration from the determination of radar modes according to another set of constraints, if unsuccessful; - obtaining said sequence, if successful.