Through-Wall Radar Scatterer Geometry Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current through-the-wall radar systems are limited in their ability to perform three-dimensional imaging of buildings, requiring excessive computation time and being impractical for mapping complete structures due to their small, hand-held nature and inability to measure height, with methods often simplifying the inverse scattering problem by assuming idealized wall models.
Innovation Solution
A method that identifies the geometry of specific scatterers using phase change algorithms applied to filtered reflection information, allowing for the construction of a three-dimensional building map without significant increases in computation time, utilizing a radar system with a MIMO configuration and polarimetric properties to distinguish between different scatterer types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If time domain methods are used to solve the inverse scattering problem with simple wall models, then computation complexity is reduced, but the ability to map complete buildings with multiple walls is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the building mapping task into multiple independent wall sections, each processed separately using simplified time domain methods. This allows the system to handle complex building environments by breaking down the overall inverse scattering problem into manageable segments, achieving both computational efficiency and comprehensive building coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional full building modeling to a two-dimensional section-based approach. By processing wall sections in simplified 2D time domain models while maintaining the ability to reconstruct 3D building maps through synthesis, the system reduces computational complexity while preserving mapping capability
2Ease of operation
If hand-held radar systems are used for through-the-wall detection, then portability is improved, but the ability to measure height and perform three-dimensional imaging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple hand-held radar measurements taken at different positions and orientations into a unified three-dimensional building map. By combining data from multiple portable units working in coordination, the system achieves comprehensive 3D imaging and height measurement while maintaining the portability advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional model of the building by synthesizing data from multiple two-dimensional wall section measurements. This virtual copy of the building structure enables accurate 3D imaging and height measurement without requiring a single bulky three-dimensional imaging device
3Loss of time
If idealized wall models are used to simplify the inverse scattering problem, then computation time is reduced, but accuracy in representing real building structures is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the simplicity of time domain methods to handle real building structures by changing the parameters of the wall models. Instead of using purely idealized models, the system incorporates measured parameters from actual building sections (such as actual wall thicknesses, material properties, and geometric variations) while maintaining the computational efficiency of time domain approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from actual measurements of wall sections to refine the building model. By continuously comparing measured data with model predictions and adjusting the model parameters accordingly, the system maintains high accuracy in representing real building structures while using computationally efficient time domain methods
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
Enables robust three-dimensional mapping of buildings in near real-time, efficiently identifying and characterizing scatterers to construct detailed internal structure maps without the need for complex modeling or excessive processing time.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting from one or a multiple number of positions exterior to a structure, a wall probing radar signal towards the structure
Implementation Method 2
receiving, at one or a multiple number of positions exterior to the structure, signals that have been reflected by scatterers in the structure
Implementation Method 3
principle scatterers can be distinguished by making use of the polarimetric properties of the backscatter. For highly reflective materials, the polarization of a radar wave flips upon reflection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of detecting a scatterer in a structure, such as a building structure. The method comprises the steps of transmitting from one or a multiple number of positions exterior to a structure, a wall probing radar signal towards the structure. The method also comprises the step of receiving, at one or a multiple number of positions exterior to the structure, signals that have been reflected by scatterers in the structure. Further, the method comprises the step of filtering, from the received signals, reflection information of a specific scatterer at a specific position. In addition, the method comprises the step of identifying a geometry of the specific scatterer, based on the reflection information. The filtering step comprises applying a phase change algorithm corresponding to a specific scatterer type.