Broadband RF Imaging Surface With Local Receiver Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband RF imaging systems face challenges in achieving high spatial and temporal resolution due to the need for large bandwidths, high data acquisition rates, and data storage limitations, particularly in capturing RF signals from 600 MHz to 8 GHz, which results in significant data volumes exceeding typical internet connection bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
A broadband RF imaging device comprising a differential segmented aperture (DSA) with a 2D array of electrically conductive tapered projections, RF receivers with short RF connections for local digitization and storage, and a computer for post-processing, utilizing a calibration signal for frequency and phase correction, enabling high-resolution RF image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broadband RF signal capture over 700 MHz bandwidth is implemented, then imaging resolution is improved, but data volume increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband RF signal capture is divided into multiple frequency sub-bands, with each array element or subset of elements capturing a specific sub-band. This segmentation allows the total broadband signal to be processed in manageable portions, reducing the computational burden while maintaining overall imaging resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency as an additional dimension for signal processing. By capturing and processing RF signals across multiple frequency sub-bands simultaneously, the system transforms a single high-dimensional problem into multiple lower-dimensional problems that can be solved more efficiently, thereby managing data volume while preserving imaging resolution.
2Productivity
If high data acquisition rate is used for broadband RF imaging, then temporal resolution is improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary frequency sub-band division and signal processing before full data storage is required. By pre-processing the broadband RF signals into sub-bands and extracting relevant features early in the acquisition process, the system reduces the volume of data that needs to be stored while maintaining temporal resolution for imaging reconstruction.
3Measurement precision
If large bandwidth RF aperture array is deployed, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF aperture array is segmented into multiple subsets, with each subset responsible for capturing signals in a specific frequency sub-band. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual array elements while maintaining the overall spatial resolution through coherent integration of sub-band signals during image reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the RF aperture array with universal elements that can operate across multiple frequency sub-bands. Each array element is designed to be multi-functional, capable of capturing signals across the broadband range when combined with other elements, thereby reducing the total number of specialized components needed while maintaining spatial resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband RF imaging device includes a broadband RF aperture array, at least one RF receiver, and a computer. The at least one RF receiver has short RF connections with the broadband RF aperture array, e.g. length 10 meters or less. The computer has a digital data connection to the at least one RF receiver. Each RF receiver is configured to receive broadband RF signal data over a sampling time interval from the broadband RF aperture array, and to digitize the broadband RF signal data to generate digitized broadband RF signal data, and to store the digitized broadband RF signal data locally at the RF receiver. The computer receives the digitized broadband RF signal data stored locally at the at least one RF receiver, and is programmed to reconstruct an RF image from the digitized broadband RF signal data received from the at least one RF receiver.