SAR Image Data Format for Full Resolution Phase Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional SAR image processing is time-consuming and requires specialized tools due to the need for complex calculations and loss of resolution and phase information in multilooked GRD images, limiting user accessibility and utility.

Innovation Solution

A novel file format storing SAR image data in amplitude and phase bands within a GeoTIFF container, enabling rapid viewing and manipulation using conventional GIS software, allowing users to retain full resolution and phase information without additional calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional SAR image processing methods are used, then SAR images can be generated, but the processing is time-consuming and requires specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing speedVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores amplitude and phase values for each pixel in the SAR image data structure before actual image processing or display. This preliminary organization of data allows conventional GIS software to quickly retrieve and display image information without performing complex real-time calculations, thereby significantly improving processing speed while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the SAR image data into separate amplitude and phase components, with each pixel represented by distinct amplitude and phase values. This segmentation allows independent processing and storage of different image characteristics, enabling efficient manipulation by conventional software while maintaining full resolution and phase information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If multilooked GRD images are used to reduce processing complexity, then processing becomes simpler, but resolution and phase information are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing complexityVSAvoidresolution and phase information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data representation parameters by storing explicit amplitude and phase values for each pixel instead of using complex processed formats. This parameter transformation allows conventional GIS software to handle the data easily while preserving all original resolution and phase information, avoiding the information loss associated with multilooked GRD images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If full SAR image data is processed to maintain full resolution, then image quality is preserved, but processing becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization of full-resolution SAR data into a standardized format with separate amplitude and phase bands before processing or display operations. This pre-organization eliminates the need for time-consuming real-time calculations during actual image processing, allowing quick access and manipulation of full-resolution data by conventional software.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If conventional GIS software is used to view SAR images, then user accessibility is improved, but specialized SAR processing capabilities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidSAR processing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data structure that represents SAR image information in a format compatible with conventional GIS software while preserving all essential SAR characteristics including amplitude, phase, and full resolution. This multi-functional approach allows standard GIS tools to handle SAR data effectively, providing both ease of use and maintained processing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 quick and convenient viewing of SAR images with full resolution and phase information, facilitating advanced SAR applications like InSAR, while reducing speckle noise through dynamic zooming and maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

emitting radar signals from a SAR radar to image a target location on the Earth's surface; receiving reflected and backscattered returns of the radar signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

This is achieved by exploiting the Doppler effect created by the moving SAR platform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4530673A1Generating synthetic aperture radar image data

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 ICEYE OY

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AI summary

A method of generating synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image data includes obtaining SAR data and generating, based on the SAR data, the SAP image data. For each of a number of pixels, based on the SAR data, an amplitude value and a phase value are determined. The SAR image data is generated by storing in a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium an amplitude data band comprising, for each pixel, the amplitude value of the pixel, and a phase data band comprising, for each pixel, the phase value of the pixel.