SAR Change Detection Using Multi-Polarization PS-InSAR

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current PS-InSAR techniques face limitations in measuring displacement at artificial structures due to the reliance on a single combination of transmission and reception polarizations, which restricts the number of measurable points and reduces measurement accuracy, especially for structures with low reflection intensity.

Innovation Solution

A multi-polarization observation mode using four basic polarization pairs (HH, HV, VH, VV) is employed to measure reflection intensities and relative phases simultaneously, allowing for the detection of an optimum polarization pair for each pixel, thereby increasing the number of measurable points and improving measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single combination of transmission and reception polarizations is used in PS-InSAR, then the measurement process is simple, but the number of measurable points is limited and measurement accuracy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpolarization observation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the polarization observation into four distinct basic polarization pairs (HH, HV, VH, VV), where each pair corresponds to a specific combination of transmission and reception polarizations. By dividing the overall observation into these segmented components, the system can selectively apply different polarization combinations to different pixels based on their specific scattering characteristics, thereby improving measurement accuracy for diverse artificial structures without requiring a single complex observation mode for all cases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism where the optimal polarization pair is determined adaptively for each pixel based on its backscattering characteristics. The system dynamically selects which of the four basic polarization pairs to use for measuring displacement at each pixel location, allowing the observation strategy to adapt to the specific properties of different artificial structures (such as buildings, bridges, or roads) rather than using a fixed single polarization mode for all targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If only one polarization combination is used, then the observation process is straightforward, but subtle changes in artificial structures cannot be detected accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechange detection sensitivityVSAvoidmulti-polarization processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the polarization observation characteristics to match the specific scattering properties of artificial structures at each pixel location. Different artificial structures (buildings, bridges, roads) have different scattering mechanisms that are optimally observed with different polarization pairs. By assigning the most appropriate polarization combination to each local region based on its scattering characteristics, the system enhances the sensitivity for detecting subtle changes in each specific structure type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the polarization state parameters (transmission and reception polarization combinations) to optimize the detection of displacement at each pixel. By changing the polarization parameters according to the backscattering characteristics of different artificial structures, the system maximizes the signal strength and detectability of subtle changes, transforming the limitation of low reflection intensity into an opportunity for optimized observation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enhances the sensitivity of change detection by enabling the measurement of displacement at more points without missing them, leading to improved accuracy in detecting subtle changes in artificial structures like roads, railways, and bridges.

Implementation Method 1

a technique for measuring displacement at a point on the ground surface or a certain object by applying interferometry to SAR data which is data obtained with respect to a point having PS (Permanent/Persistent Scatters) properties by a synthetic aperture radar (SAR)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio wave scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

measuring displacement at a point on the ground surface or a certain object by applying interferometry to SAR data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterferometry: Interference

Implementation Method 3

polarization rotation processing unit that uses at least one SAR image set to calculate a reflection intensity obtained by an arbitrary combination of transmission and reception polarizations at the spot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization rotation: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentEP2942637B1Change detection device, change detection method and recording medium
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 NEC CORP
  • EP2942637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2942637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2942637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The change detection device (1) of the present invention inputs at least two SAR image sets (501) each holding at least information indicative of a reflection intensity and a phase so as to be associated with each of pixels corresponding to a resolution cell within a field of vision for image capturing including a specific region. The information is generated from observation data formed of four basic polarization pairs, i.e. HH, HV, VH and VV polarization pairs observed by a synthetic aperture radar at generally the same time. The change detection device (1) determines a polarization pair (502) whose reflection intensity is not less than a predetermined value or the highest with respect to each of target pixels by using at least one SAR image set among input SAR image sets, and measures displacement (503) at a spot corresponding to the target pixel based on a determined polarization pair and an input SAR image set.