Improved SAR target detection via extended fractal features

The utility of the extended fractal (EF) feature is evaluated for the enhancement of the focus of attention (FOA) stage of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) automatic target recognition (ATR) system. Unlike more traditional SAR detection features that distinguish target pixels from the background only on the basis of contrast, the EF feature is sensitive to both the contrast and size of objects. Furthermore, the structure for the EF feature computational algorithm lends itself to very fast implementation, and it can be shown that the new feature has a CFAR-like (constant false alarm rate) property. We demonstrate the improved performance using the new feature by testing a number of different detection approaches over two databases of SAR imagery     

A Generalized Approach to Multiresolution Complex SAR Signal Processing

Multiresolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation has been proven to be beneficial in a variety of applications such as improved imaging and target detection as well as speckle reduction. SAR signal processing traditionally carried out in the Fourier domain has inherent limitations in the context of image formation at hierarchical scales. We present a generalized approach to the formation of multiresolution SAR images using biorthogonal shift-invariant discrete wavelet transform (SIDWT) in both range and azimuth directions. Particularly in azimuth, the inherent subband decomposition property of wavelet packet transform is introduced to produce multiscale complex matched filtering without involving any approximations. This generalized approach also includes the formulation of multilook processing within the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) paradigm. The efficiency of the algorithm in parallel form of execution to generate hierarchical scale SAR images is shown. Analytical results and sample imagery of diffuse backscatter are presented to validate the method.     

基于复Shearlet域高斯混合模型的SAR图像去噪

 结合双树复小波的平移不变性、多分辨率性和剪切波变换的灵活可选的多方向性,提出一种新的图像表达方法——复Shearlet变换。针对合成孔径雷达(Synthetic Aperture Radar,SAR)图像的相干噪声特点,建立了复Shearlet系数域的高斯混合模型(Gaussian Mixture Model,GSM),在此基础上应用贝叶斯最小二乘法进行系数估计,最后进行复Shearlet反变换得到去噪以后的SAR图像。仿真结果和分析表明:本文提出的算法相比其他变换域去噪算法,不仅去噪后的图像的峰值信噪比(Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, PSNR)有所提高,而且去噪后的图像更平滑,且与Shearlet域高斯混合模型相比,本文算法速度快了两倍多。     

A new fourth-order processing algorithm for spaceborne SAR

A new fourth-order signal aperture radar (SAR) processing algorithm has been developed for a general satellite-Earth relative motion. The two-dimensional exact transfer function (ETF) is calculated and range-variant phase corrections have been calculated in order to process many azimuth lines per block. The ETF together with the phase corrections has been called the fourth-order EETF (extended ETF). It is also shown that a fourth-order EETF is necessary to process high quality images from spaceborne SAR with long integration times with spatial resolution around 1 m. The algorithm is fast and is anticipated to have good phase preservation properties     

一种新颖的超高分辨率SAR频率域反投影成像算法

超高分辨率条件下,机载合成孔径雷达（SAR）发射信号带宽大,合成孔径时间比较长,对成像处理算法的精度和效率要求较高。现有近似频率域处理和时间域滤波反投影（FBP）算法聚焦SAR数据时均存在诸多问题。基于微局部分析方法,提出了一种新颖的频率域滤波反投影（FD-FBP）成像处理方案。首先,利用Keystone变换简化了数据距离多普勒（RD）域徙动表达式。然后,在RD域进行反投影操作,对参考位置处反投影数据进行移位、相位补偿和FFT等操作即可以得到图像,从而在保证算法精确性的前提下有效降低了运算效率,实现了频率域方法的高效率和时间域方法的精确性特点的结合。最后,点目标仿真和实测数据处理以及与FBP等算法的对比验证了该方法的有效性。     

Super resolution SAR imaging via parametric spectral estimationmethods

Super resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation via sophisticated parametric spectral estimation algorithms is considered. Parametric spectral estimation methods are devised based on parametric data models and are used to estimate the model parameters. Since SAR images rather than model parameters are often used in SAR applications, we use the parameter estimates obtained with the parametric methods to simulate data matrices of large dimensions and then use the fast Fourier transform (FFT) methods on them to generate SAR images with super resolution. Experimental examples using the MSTAR and Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) data illustrate that robust spectral estimation algorithms can generate SAR images of higher resolution than the conventional FFT methods and enhance the dominant target features     

A Raw Signal Simulator for Bistatic SAR

This article proposes a new efficient raw signal simulator for the bistatic synthetic aperture radar (SAR) based on 2D fast Fourier transform (FFT) to deal with cases of both ideal trajectory and trajectory deviation. It begins with analyzing the geometric configuration and the range history of the bistatic SAR in side-looking and squint modes of ideal trajectory as well as trajectory deviation. Then a detailed and mathematical study is conducted on the equivalence relation of bistatic-to-monostatic applications (BTMA) in the case of ideal trajectory and trajectory deviation. Also a set of formulas are derived for the equivalence relation between bistatic SAR and monostatic SAR on some reasonable assumptions. Therefore, the application of the simulation method based on the 2D FFT for the monostatic SAR can be extended to the case of bistatic SAR. Finally, the simulation results prove the validity of this method. By comparing the efficiency of the proposed method with that of the time domain method, it is shown that the former is a few orders of magnitude higher.     

Modeling and a Correlation Algorithm for Spaceborne SAR Signals

A mathematical model of a spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) response is presented. The associated SAR system performance, in terms of the resolution capability, is also discussed. The analysis of spaceborne SAR target response indicates that the SAR correlation problem is a two-dimensional one with a linear shift-variant response function. A new digital processing algorithm is proposed here in order to realize an economical digital SAR correlation system. The proposed algorithm treats the two-dimensional correlation by a combination of frequency domain fast correlation in the azimuth dimension and a time-domain convolver type of operation in the range dimension. Finally, digitally correlated SEASAT satellite SAR imagery is used in an exemplary sense to validate the SAR response model and the new digital processing technique developed.     

SAR image formation via semiparametric spectral estimation

A new algorithm, referred to as the SPAR (Semiparametric) algorithm, is presented herein for target feature extraction and complex image formation via synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The algorithm is based on a flexible data model that models each target scatterer as a two-dimensional (2-D) complex sinusoid with arbitrary unknown amplitude and constant phase in cross-range and with constant amplitude and phase in range. By attempting to deal with one corner reflector, such as one dihedral or trihedral, at a time, the algorithm can be used to effectively mitigate the artifacts in the SAR images due to the flexible data model. Another advantage of SPAR is that it can be used to obtain initial conditions needed by other parametric target feature extraction methods to reduce the total amount of computations needed. Both numerical and experimental examples are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm     

An extended chirp scaling algorithm for spaceborne sliding spotlight synthetic aperture radar imaging

A system impulse response with low sidelobes is critical in synthetic aperture radar（SAR） images because sidelobes contribute to noise and interfere with nearby scatterers. However,the conventional tricks of sidelobe suppression are unable to be exactly applied to the case of spaceborne sliding spotlight SAR due to great azimuth shifts in both time and frequency domains. In this paper, an extended chirp scaling algorithm is presented for spaceborne sliding spotlight SAR data imaging. The proposed algorithm firstly uses the spectral analysis（SPECAN） technique to avoid the azimuth spectrum folding effect and then employs the chirp scaling（CS） algorithm to achieve data focusing, i.e., the so-called two-step approach. To suppress the sidelobe level, an efficient strategy for the azimuth spectral weighting which only involves matrix multiplications and short fast Fourier transformations（FFTs） is proposed, which is a post-process executed on the focused SAR image and particularly simple to be implemented. The SAR image processed by the proposed extended CS algorithm is very precise and perfectly phase-preserving. In the end, computer simulation results verify the analysis and confirm the validity of the proposed algorithm.     

New SAR Processor Based on Matched Subspace Detectors

This paper deals with a new synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Processor based on a subspace detector designed for man-made target (MMT) detection. As MMTs are more accurately decribed by a set of canonical elements than with isotropic points, we develop a new algorithm which aims at using new models, instead of the isotropic point model commonly used in SAR processors. A subspace detector matched to canonical elements is included in the SAR processing. The implementation and the optimization of subspace detector SAR (SDSAR) algorithm is described. Simple examples of MMT detection in simulations and real data with a target hidden in a forest show the power of our approach. The SDSAR algorithm is shown to be the first robust and tractable algorithm relying on realistic scattering assumptions about the target.     

基于SVD的R-T-S最优平滑在机载SAR运动补偿POS系统中的应用

 机载合成孔径雷达（SAR）运动补偿用位置姿态系统（POS）的导航精度直接影响SAR成像的效果。为进一步提高POS的导航精度和数值稳定性,提出将基于奇异值分解（SVD）的Rauch-Tung-Striebel（R-T-S）最优固定区间平滑应用于POS后处理中。在基于SVD的前向卡尔曼滤波（KF）的基础上,进行了基于SVD的后向R-T-S最优固定区间平滑,获得位置、速度和姿态的最优估计。该方法将原算法中均方误差阵进行奇异值分解,不仅具有很好的数值稳定性和鲁棒性,而且避免了矩阵的求逆。半物理仿真结果表明,该方法在导航精度和数据平滑度上明显优于目前工程中应用的KF,是一种有效的事后处理方法。     

High-resolution SAR imaging with angular diversity

We propose to use the APES (amplitude and phase estimation) approach for the spectral estimation of gapped data and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging with angular diversity. A relaxation-based algorithm, referred to as GAPES (Gapped-data APES), is proposed, which includes estimating the spectrum via APES and filling in the gaps via a least squares (LS) fitting. For SAR imaging with angular diversity data fusion, we perform one-dimensional (1-D) windowed fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) in range, use the GAPES algorithm to interpolate the gaps in the aperture for each range, apply 1-D inverse FFTs (IFFTs) and dewindow in range, and finally apply the two-dimensional (2-D) APES algorithm to the interpolated matrix to obtain the 2-D SAR image. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm     

An efficient SAR parallel processor

A parallel architecture especially designed for a synthetic-aperture-radar (SAR) processing algorithm based on an appropriate two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT) code is presented. The algorithm is briefly summarized, and the FFT code is given for the one-dimensional case, although all results can be immediately generalized to the double FFT. The computer architecture, which consists of a toroidal net with transputers on each node, is described. Parametric expressions for the computational time of the net versus the number of nodes are derived. The architecture allows drastic reduction of the processing time, preserving elaboration accuracy and flexibility     

Nonlinear apodization for sidelobe control in SAR imagery

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery often requires sidelobe control, or apodization, via weighting of the frequency domain aperture. This is of particular importance when imaging scenes containing objects such as ships or buildings having very large radar cross sections. Sidelobe improvement using spectral weighting is invariably at the expense of mainlobe resolution presented here is a class of nonlinear operators which significantly reduce sidelobe levels without degrading mainlobe resolution implementation is via sequential nonlinear operations applied to complex-valued (undetected) SAR imagery. SAR imaging is used to motivate the concepts developed in this work. However, these nonlinear apodization techniques have potentially broad and far-ranging applications in antenna design, sonar, digital filtering etc., i.e., whenever data can be represented as the Fourier transform of a finite-aperture signal     

合成孔径雷达系统建模、仿真与信号处理初探

作为雷达技术发展历史中的里程碑,合成孔径雷达(SAR)通过使用空中合成天线阵列技术及先进的目标回波信号处理技术能够提供清晰的地球表面图像。由于它的这一突出特点,SAR已经成为许多飞行器的重要任务载荷并被广泛应用于军事及民用领域。从航空电子系统总体需求角度出发,为了深刻理解SAR系统的工作原理并得到更好的SAR图像产品,有必要对系统数学模型的建立、SAR回波信号的仿真以及信号处理算法进行深入的研究。本文试图从这三方面讨论SAR系统设计中的关键问题。     

FrFT-CSWSF:Estimating cross-range velocities of ground moving targets using multistatic synthetic aperture radar

Estimating cross-range velocity is a challenging task for space-borne synthetic aperture radar（SAR）, which is important for ground moving target indication（GMTI）. Because the velocity of a target is very small compared with that of the satellite, it is difficult to correctly estimate it using a conventional monostatic platform algorithm. To overcome this problem, a novel method employing multistatic SAR is presented in this letter. The proposed hybrid method, which is based on an extended space-time model（ESTIM） of the azimuth signal, has two steps： first, a set of finite impulse response（FIR） filter banks based on a fractional Fourier transform（FrFT） is used to separate multiple targets within a range gate; second, a cross-correlation spectrum weighted subspace fitting（CSWSF） algorithm is applied to each of the separated signals in order to estimate their respective parameters. As verified through computer simulation with the constellations of Cartwheel, Pendulum and Helix, this proposed time-frequency-subspace method effectively improves the estimation precision of the cross-range velocities of multiple targets.     

利用分数阶Fourier域滤波的机载SAR多运动目标检测

 强度相差较大的多运动目标检测是机载合成孔径雷达 ( SAR)技术的一个重点和难点,传统的频域滤波和现代的时频分布方法都无法解决这个问题。首先分析了机载 SAR运动目标回波本质上为线性调频信号,据此提出一种基于分数阶 Fourier域滤波的运动目标检测新方法,并且应用逐次消去的思想有效地解决了强度相差较大的多目标检测问题。仿真的结果验证了算法的有效性。     

Modified Frequency Scaling Algorithm for FMCW SAR Data Processing

This paper presents a modified frequency scaling algorithm for frequency modulated continuous wave synthetic aperture radar （FMCW SAR） data processing. The relative motion between radar and target in FMCW SAR during reception and between transmission and reception will introduce serious dilation in the received signal. The dilation can cause serious distortions in the reconstructed images using conventional signal processing methods. The received signal is derived and the received signal in range-Doppler domain is given. The relation between the phase resulting from antenna motion and the azimuth frequency is analyzed. The modified frequency scaling algorithm is proposed to process the received signal with serious dilation. The algorithm can effectively eliminate the impact of the dilation. The algorithm performances are shown by the simulation results.     

调频连续波SAR改进的频率尺度变换算法(英文)

本文提出了一种调频连续波SAR改进的频率尺度变换算法。调频连续波SAR在运动过程中持续不断地发射和接收信号,这种运动导致了回波信号的伸缩,对波前重建产生了严重的影响。推导了回波信号模型,给出了信号的距离-多普勒域表达式,分析了由于天线不断运动而导致的相位变化与方位向频率之间的关系。改进的频率尺度变换算法补偿了这种相位变化,实现了目标的精确成像,仿真结果表明了分析的正确性和算法的有效性。