Targetless Radar Tracking via Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radar systems are limited in tracking resolution to the size of the object being tracked, requiring a responder to be placed on the object for improved tracking, which is impractical and inefficient due to the need for advance prediction and potential compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A targetless radar or lidar tracking device that uses a processor to calculate positional relationships based on scattered radiation, creating and comparing images over time to determine object position without the need for a responder, utilizing technologies like FMCW radar and lidar for enhanced accuracy and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a responder is placed on the tracked object to improve tracking resolution, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational overhead increase due to the need for advance prediction and compatibility management
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tracking target identification function from the physical responder object and relocates it to the radar system itself through image processing. Instead of requiring a responder on the tracked object, the system captures radar images, processes them to identify the object's position and characteristics, and uses this information for tracking. This eliminates the need for separate responder devices while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the tracked object through radar imaging. By processing radar images to extract position and characteristic information, the system effectively creates a virtual model of the object that can be tracked without requiring a physical responder. This digital copy serves the same function as a physical responder would.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a responder is fitted to every vessel that might be tracked, then tracking coverage is improved, but loss of time and resources increase due to unnecessary fitting and compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system performs self-service by automatically identifying and tracking objects using processed radar images. The system does not require external responders to be attached to objects; instead, it uses its own imaging and processing capabilities to detect and track targets. This eliminates the need for pre-fitting responders on vessels, saving time and resources.
3Reliability
If radar systems operate in adverse weather conditions, then tracking reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to weather interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image processing and analysis on radar images before final tracking decisions are made. By pre-processing the images to enhance quality and extract key features, the system compensates for degradation caused by adverse weather conditions. This preliminary action maintains measurement precision even when weather interference is present.
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 high-resolution tracking of objects without responders, improving tracking accuracy and range, especially in adverse weather conditions, and reducing the need for pre-fitting responders on vessels, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to receive scattered radiation indicative of the presence of an object
Data Source
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AI summary
A targetless radar or lidar tracking device has a detector configured to receive scattered radiation indicative of the presence of an object. The device also has a processor which is configured to calculate a positional relationship between the device and the object based on the scattered radiation, receive an indication of a desired positional relationship to the object, and output an error signal indicative of the positional relationship versus the desired positional relationship so that the device position is able to be controlled to reduce the error signal. The processor creates first and second images at first and second points in time, respectively, and compares the first and second images in order to calculate the positional relationship. The scattered radiation is either from a radar and the first and second images are radar images; or the scattered radiation is from a lidar and the first and second images are lidar images