Survey Target Design for Correlating Radar and Optical Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noninvasive scanning methods, such as synthetic aperture radar, face limitations in achieving high-resolution imaging of subsurface structures without direct contact, particularly in accurately correlating radar and photographic data for three-dimensional mapping.
Innovation Solution
A target system incorporating a radar reflector and optical signaling mechanism, allowing for simultaneous radar and photographic data acquisition, with a support structure that can be positioned to provide a known positional relationship for correlating the data and creating a three-dimensional image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radar scanning is used for subsurface imaging, then noninvasive scanning is achieved, but measurement precision and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar scanning and photographic imaging into a single integrated system. The radar antenna and camera are mounted together on a common platform, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both radar reflections from subsurface structures and photographic images of surface features. This merging enables precise correlation between subsurface radar data and surface visual data, significantly improving measurement precision without requiring separate scanning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correlation target with visual markers that serves as an intermediary between radar and photographic data. The target includes high-contrast visual features that are easily identifiable in photographs and have known positions relative to the radar antenna. This intermediary enables automatic correlation algorithms to match radar reflections with surface features, resolving the precision limitation of conventional radar scanning.
2Measurement precision
If radar and photographic data are acquired separately, then device complexity is reduced, but data correlation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The radar antenna and camera are mounted together on a common platform with a known spatial relationship between them. This physical merging ensures that both sensors view the same target area from identical positions and angles, eliminating registration errors that would occur with separate acquisitions. The integrated design maintains simple operation while achieving high correlation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The correlation target with visually distinctive markers is pre-positioned at known locations in the survey area before scanning begins. This preliminary placement of reference objects with known coordinates enables the correlation algorithm to automatically align radar and photographic data without requiring complex real-time coordination, thus improving correlation accuracy without significantly increasing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If a rigid platform is used to support the antenna head, then movement reliability is improved, but device complexity and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid telescoping tower with a dynamic, collapsible support structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The support structure includes adjustable components that can be configured to provide stable positioning during scanning operations, then collapsed for convenient transport and storage. This dynamic design maintains positioning reliability during use while dramatically improving portability and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple segmented, modular components that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the structure to provide rigid, reliable positioning when assembled for scanning, while enabling easy disassembly and transport when not in use. The modular design reduces the complexity of handling and storage compared to a single large rigid structure.
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 precise three-dimensional imaging by correlating radar and photographic data, enhancing the accuracy and resolution of subsurface mapping without direct contact, facilitating improved surveying and mapping applications.
Implementation Method 1
a radar reflector mounted on the support in a predetermined position with respect to the generally symmetrical structure whereby the target can be correlated between radar and photographic images
Implementation Method 2
The target includes an optical signaling mechanism and a radar reflector. The method also includes acquiring photographic data from the zone while the optical signaling mechanism is activated
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods useful in surveying to provide information rich models. In particular, information not readily or possibly provided by conventional survey techniques can be provided. In some versions targets provide reference for baseline positioning or improving position information otherwise acquired. Scanning may be carried out in multiple locations and merged to form a single image. Machine mounted and hand mounted scanning apparatus is disclosed.