Signal Processing for Target Detection Scattering Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target detection systems face challenges in reducing the influence of scattering from mediums when continuously transmitting waves, as existing methods are ineffective in scenarios where transmitter and receiver separation or beam shaping are not feasible, leading to difficulties in accurately detecting targets.

Innovation Solution

A target detection device and method that includes a signal processing unit to estimate a lower limit distance where the intensity of scattered waves from the medium is below an allowable level, and removes scattered waves from the reflected signal within this range to isolate the target signal, allowing for effective detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the transmitter and receiver are installed at a predetermined distance apart to reduce scattering influence, then the scattering influence is reduced, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattering influenceVSAvoidinstallation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the scattered wave signal from the received composite signal through signal processing. The signal processing unit identifies and eliminates the scattered wave component, leaving only the reflected wave from the target, thereby reducing scattering influence without requiring physical separation of transmitter and receiver

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of wave transmission from continuous transmission to pulse transmission. By transmitting waves in pulses with specific time intervals, the system can distinguish between scattered waves (arriving earlier) and reflected waves from targets (arriving later), enabling scattering reduction through temporal parameter control rather than spatial separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If adaptive beamforming is used to change beam shape or direction to reduce scattering influence, then the scattering influence is reduced, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattering influenceVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The signal processing unit extracts the scattered wave component from the received signal and removes it, achieving scattering reduction through simple signal processing operations rather than complex beamforming operations. This maintains ease of operation while effectively reducing scattering influence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If pulse transmission is used to reduce scattering influence, then the scattering influence is reduced, but the productivity and duration of continuous target detection decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattering influenceVSAvoidcontinuous detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention dynamically switches between pulse transmission and continuous transmission modes. During initial detection or when scattering is problematic, pulse transmission is used to reduce scattering influence. Once targets are detected or when scattering is not an issue, continuous transmission can be used to maintain continuous detection capability, thus adapting to different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces the influence of scattering from the medium, enabling accurate target detection even in cases of continuous wave transmission by isolating the target signal from the scattered noise within the medium.

Implementation Method 1

a reception means for receiving a reflected wave that the wave is reflected in the medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an intensity level of a scattered wave from the medium in the detection distance range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3260880B1Signal-processing device and processing method, recording medium, and target detection device and detection method
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 NEC CORP

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the effects of scattering from a medium, during continuous transmission of waves and detection of a target. The invention is provided with: a transmitter for continuous transmission of waves for propagation through a medium; a receiver for receiving reflected waves produced when the waves are reflected within the medium; a signal processing device for estimating a lower limit distance of a detection distance range in which the intensity level of scattered waves from the medium in the detection distance range is at or below a permissible level, and outputting a signal obtained by eliminating from the reflected wave signal received by the receiver a scattered wave signal from the medium in a masking area from the receiver to the lower limit distance; and a detector for detecting a target within the medium, on the basis of the output from the signal processing device.