Radar Return Processing With Vector Histograms for Weak Targets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems face challenges in efficiently processing large volumes of data from ubiquitous radar systems, which require high processing capacity and often discard valuable low-amplitude target information due to high detection thresholds, leading to inefficient and volatile processing burdens.
Innovation Solution
A radar system utilizing a vector histogram data structure that processes return signals without explicit threshold tests, storing and processing all signal data, including low-amplitude information, to enable efficient parallel processing and maintain target information continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high detection thresholds are used to reduce processing burden, then processing load is reduced, but valuable low-amplitude target information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates low-amplitude signal processing from the main detection pipeline by using dedicated low-amplitude detection thresholds and separate processing paths. This allows low-amplitude target information to be preserved and processed independently without burdening the main processing system, thus resolving the contradiction between reducing processing load and preserving target information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple detection thresholds (high, medium, low) that can be dynamically selected based on signal amplitude characteristics. By changing the detection threshold parameter according to signal strength, the system can process strong signals efficiently while preserving weak signal information, thus resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and information preservation.
2Device complexity
If explicit threshold tests are used to filter signals, then processing is simplified, but target information continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of return signals into different amplitude categories before main processing. By pre-sorting signals into high, medium, and low amplitude groups with appropriate thresholds, the system simplifies subsequent processing while maintaining continuous tracking of targets across different amplitude states, thus resolving the contradiction between processing simplicity and information continuity.
3Loss of information
If high processing capacity is allocated to handle all signal data, then complete target information is preserved, but system resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial processing by using different detection thresholds and processing paths for different signal amplitude categories. Instead of processing all signals with the same high-capacity pipeline, the system applies appropriate processing levels to each signal type, preserving complete target information while optimizing resource consumption by avoiding excessive processing of signals that don't require it.
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 system retains valuable target information, reduces unpredictable processing loads, and enhances data analysis efficiency by allowing for more predictable and effective parallel processing of radar data.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radar transmitter configured to transmit a sequence of pulses to illuminate a volume of radar coverage
Implementation Method 2
at least one radar receiver configured to receive corresponding return signals reflected from within the volume of radar coverage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a radar system. At least one radar receiver is configured to receive return signals reflected from within a volume of radar coverage. Means for processing the return signals is configured to: extract characteristics from a return signal received in a corresponding coherent processing interval, the extracted characteristics comprising a set of frequencies and/or a set of times, each frequency and/or time having a respective extracted amplitude of a corresponding set of extracted amplitudes; determine a corresponding amplitude index for each extracted amplitude of the set of extracted amplitudes; and for each extracted amplitude: respectively store, in a memory location addressable via the corresponding amplitude index, a set of return signal related data comprising information for identifying the corresponding frequency and/or time, and an associated identifier for uniquely identifying, in combination with the amplitude index, that set of return signal related data.