Radar-Radiometric Imaging via Multi-Beam Antenna Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave imaging systems face limitations in terms of high cost, complex design, limited coverage sectors, low imaging speeds, and restricted operational modes, which hinder their full potential for applications such as security screening, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a radar-radiometric imaging method utilizing a highly directional multi-beam scanning antenna with circular scanning, allowing simultaneous formation of radar and radiometric images, which enhances imaging speed, extends the sector of viewing angles, and improves information content by joint processing of radar and radiometric data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional microwave imaging systems are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the systems suffer from high cost, complex design, limited coverage sectors, and low imaging speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two distinct operational modes: active radar mode for detecting reflected signals and passive radiometric mode for detecting emitted radiation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high imaging speeds by selectively operating in one mode while maintaining comprehensive detection capability, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can operate in both active radar mode and passive radiometric mode using the same hardware platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high imaging speeds by leveraging the strengths of both modes while avoiding the need for separate specialized systems, thus improving productivity without linearly increasing device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If conventional microwave imaging systems are used, then imaging capability is provided, but the systems have limited coverage sectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the coverage sector by adding the temporal dimension to the imaging process. The system captures images at multiple time points during the rotation cycle and synthesizes them to achieve comprehensive 360-degree coverage. This approach increases the covered area without proportionally increasing device complexity by utilizing time-based signal accumulation rather than adding more spatial sensors
3Loss of information
If single-mode imaging systems are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but information content and detection capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal separation and processing mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the dual-mode operations and the final image synthesis. This intermediary system efficiently manages the complex data from both active and passive modes, extracting complementary information from reflected and emitted signals. The result is enhanced information content and detection capability while keeping operational complexity manageable through automated processing
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 improves spatial resolution, scanning speed, and reduces production costs while enabling the simultaneous acquisition of additional information from reflection and emission signals, enhancing the system's capability to detect objects and interpret data accurately across varying environments.
Implementation Method 1
measurement and registration of spatial distributions of the intensity of received emissions/radiation produced/scattered by an object
Implementation Method 2
back scattering value (in active mode) of different objects
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, a radar-radiometric imaging method is disclosed that includes cyclical observation, with a time period T, of a selected space section due to antenna beam rotation with a period Ta (Ta≦T) around a rotation axis misaligned with the antenna's beam axis, along with the simultaneous change of the spatial orientation of this rotation axis using an antenna positioning device to ensure survey of the selected space domain for the time T without gaps.