Space Object Tracking via Incoherent and Coherent Radar Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radar systems face challenges in efficiently identifying and tracking moving space objects, particularly unknown objects, due to high computational costs and lower signal-to-noise ratios in incoherent systems, and the complexity of processing coherent and correlator data for precise angular measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines incoherent processing to quickly sweep through range and velocity spaces, dynamic detection to filter out false positives, and coherent/correlator processing to achieve accurate range, velocity, and angular measurements, using a processor to identify radar signal peaks and refine models for improved object tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If incoherent radar processing is used to quickly sweep through range and velocity spaces, then processing speed is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radar processing into two distinct stages: incoherent processing for rapid initial detection and coherent processing for refined measurement. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function - speed in the first stage and accuracy in the second - resolving the contradiction between processing speed and signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The incoherent processing stage performs preliminary detection to identify potential targets before committing to more computationally intensive coherent processing. This preliminary action filters out false positives early, allowing the system to maintain high processing speed while preserving signal quality for genuine targets through subsequent coherent processing.
2Reliability
If coherent processing is used to maintain phase information for better signal-to-noise ratio, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workflow so that coherent processing is applied only to detections that have already been identified by the faster incoherent stage. This prevents the system from performing time-consuming coherent processing on all detected signals, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio for genuine targets.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying coherent processing universally to all radar returns, the patent applies it partially - only to detections that exceed certain thresholds or show characteristics of genuine targets. This partial application maintains the benefits of phase information for relevant signals while avoiding the time penalty for processing all signals.
3Measurement precision
If correlator processing is used to achieve precise angular measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection and measurement functions, using incoherent processing for initial detection and correlator processing only for refining measurements of confirmed targets. This segmentation reduces computational complexity by avoiding the application of complex correlator algorithms to all detected signals, while still achieving precise angular measurements for genuine targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The incoherent processing stage performs preliminary detection to identify potential targets before correlator processing is applied. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden on the correlator by limiting its operation to a smaller set of candidate targets, thereby reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire spectrum of ranges, velocities and accelerations is searched for unidentified objects, then detection coverage is improved, but computational expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search space handling by using incoherent processing to rapidly evaluate the entire spectrum of ranges, velocities, and accelerations for initial detection. This allows comprehensive detection coverage to be achieved at low computational cost in the first stage, with more expensive coherent processing applied only to promising candidates.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying expensive coherent processing across the entire parameter space, the patent applies it partially - only to detections that show characteristics of genuine targets. This partial application maintains broad detection coverage through the incoherent stage while reducing computational expense by limiting intensive processing to relevant candidates.
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 computational expense while enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of identifying and tracking space objects, particularly unknown ones, by leveraging the strengths of incoherent, dynamic, and coherent/correlator processing techniques to improve signal-to-noise ratios and angular resolution.
Implementation Method 1
Pulse radar systems can be broadly categorized as coherent systems or incoherent systems
Implementation Method 2
Doppler shift refers to the change in the frequency of radio waves when the radio waves reflect off a moving object
Implementation Method 3
correlator processing uses separate (more than one) receivers and correlates the signals across these receivers to achieve precise angular measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Various radar systems and methods may be capable of identifying and thereafter tracking objects, particularly objects not previously identified, moving in space through various combinations of incoherent processing of radar data, dynamic detection and modeling, and coherent and/or correlator processing. These radar systems and methods may do this without or while minimizing at least some computational expense that may be required by conventional radar systems and methods.