Radar Registration Using Mode S Transponder Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air traffic control radar systems require a Position Adjustable Range Reference Orientation Transponder (PARROT) for accurate registration, which is costly and not always available, especially in tactical situations.
Innovation Solution
The use of targets of opportunity, such as aircraft equipped with Mode S transponders, allows for accurate radar registration by converting reported latitude/longitude data to radar system polar coordinates, eliminating the need for a PARROT and enabling registration in scenarios where it is not available.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a PARROT transponder is used for accurate radar registration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the registration target function from the specialized PARROT transponder and applies it to ordinary aircraft transponders. By using existing aircraft transponders as registration targets, the system eliminates the need for separate PARROT devices while maintaining registration accuracy through coordinate transformation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes ordinary aircraft transponders serve dual purposes: both their original air traffic communication function and as registration targets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated PARROT transponders, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If a PARROT transponder is used for radar registration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to availability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses aircraft transponders that already provide their own location information through GPS and other navigation systems. By leveraging this self-provided location data, the radar system can perform autonomous registration without requiring external PARROT transponders or specialized surveying equipment, greatly simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the registration approach from physical parameter measurement (using surveyed PARROT positions) to computational parameter transformation (converting GPS coordinates to radar coordinates). This parameter change enables registration using readily available aircraft transponder data, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If PARROT is used in tactical situations, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to deployment constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aircraft transponders as intermediaries between the radar system and the registration process. These transponders serve as mobile reference points that can be readily deployed in various tactical situations without the logistical constraints of PARROT transponders, enhancing adaptability while maintaining measurement precision through coordinate transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for registering a radar system. The method includes obtaining first values for a location of a target relative to the radar system using radar system initiated signals, obtaining geo-referenced location data for and from the target, obtaining second values for the location of the target relative to the radar system using the geo-referenced location data, computing location registration bias errors for the radar system using the first and second values, and registering the radar system using the computed location registration bias errors.