UAV Ground Penetrating Radar Array Modified Multistatic Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPR systems used in land-based vehicles are limited by size, weight, and power requirements, making them unsuitable for deployment on smaller, cheaper UAVs, and they may not detect buried landmines in time or navigate rough terrain effectively.
Innovation Solution
The modified multistatic array (MMA) system operates in a modified multistatic mode, eliminating the need for precise timing electronics by transmitting signals sequentially and collecting return signals from all transceivers except the transmitting one, reducing size, weight, and power requirements, and allowing deployment on smaller UAVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multistatic mode GPR systems are used, then object detection accuracy is maintained, but size, weight, and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the precise timing electronics from the system by using a modified multistatic mode where transceivers transmit sequentially and receive returns from all other transceivers except themselves. This removes the need for complex timing synchronization hardware while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the multistatic operation into sequential transmit phases where each transceiver transmits one at a time, allowing the receiving transceivers to capture returns without requiring simultaneous transmit-receive switching. This segmentation eliminates the need for precise timing electronics.
2Measurement precision
If traditional multistatic mode GPR systems are used, then object detection accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex precise timing electronics by implementing a simplified control scheme where transceivers operate in sequential transmit modes. The controller simply manages the sequence of transmission without requiring precise timing synchronization, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having transceivers switch between transmit and receive modes rapidly requiring precise timing, the system inverts the approach by having transceivers transmit sequentially and receive from all others simultaneously. This inversion eliminates the timing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If traditional multistatic mode GPR systems are used, then object detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the operation into sequential transmit phases where only one transceiver transmits at a time, reducing the total power consumption compared to simultaneous transmission. The receiving transceivers remain in lower-power receive mode during each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic sequential transmission where each transceiver transmits in turn according to a controlled sequence. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain detection accuracy while reducing average power consumption compared to continuous or simultaneous transmission modes.
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
The MMA system achieves equivalent object detection accuracy to traditional multistatic mode GPR systems while significantly reducing the size, weight, and power requirements, enabling its use on smaller, cheaper UAVs and improving operational efficiency in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
GPR systems can be used to detect not only metallic objects but also non-metallic objects whose dielectric properties are sufficiently different from those of the soil. When a radar signal strikes a subsurface object, it is reflected back as a return signal to a receiver.
Implementation Method 2
When a radar signal strikes a subsurface object, it is reflected back as a return signal to a receiver.
Implementation Method 3
GPR systems can be used to detect not only metallic objects but also non-metallic objects whose dielectric properties are sufficiently different from those of the soil.
Data Source
AI summary
A GPR system the implements a modified multistatic mode of operation is provided. The GPR is suitable for mounting on an unmanned aerial vehicle. The GPR system has radar transceivers. The GPR system transmits transmit signal serially via the transceivers. For each transceiver that transmits a transmit signal, the GPR system receives a return signal acquired by each transceiver except for a return signal for the transceiver that transmits the transmit signal. The GPR system outputs of matrix of return signals that includes a null value for the return signals of the transceivers that transmit.